talking to Mercer...

There are a few things I wanted to tell the little guy the past couple of days, but since he doesn't understand my words / won't remember what I say... maybe he'll read this one day?

"Yesterday, we had a nice day. We walked to the square to run errands and have lunch. When we returned - I fed you on the back porch. While there, a butterfly landed on your leg. You were wearing these blue pajamas with yellow ducks on it -- and perhaps the butterfly thought that you were covered in little yellow flowers? The butterfly flitted around and came back to find another "flower" on your arm. He (or she?) had iridescent lower wings and the upper wings were brown with orange dots. There are so many fantastic things for you to explore in the back yard. I was reminded of this yesterday during your feeding and visit from the butterfly."

Today, Mercer had a doctor's appointment. His 2 month visit (actually conducted at 2 1/2 months). He did great... he had a lot of gunk in his ears, so the doctor cleaned them out for us while she was in there looking around. His cradle cap is looking a little better -- nothing that she was concerned with. She commented on his complexion. She thought he looked like he may also be part Italian or part Hispanic. The nurse who saw him before the doc came in -- said that for sure -- Native American. Who knows?! They all think he's extremely handsome. We think he is too!

They commented on how strong he is. How attentive he was throughout the exam. And the nurse was quite surprised at how Mercer did NOT cry when she took his temperature (it went in his bum).

"Mercer, I saw a baby in the waiting room of the doctor's office. He was 7 days old and weighed about 7 1/2 lbs. He was so small. So frail. He was all curled up in a quiet little ball in his dad's arms. It was SO hard to believe that you were once that small -- or actually smaller. The baby's dad asked about you. He was so shocked to learn that you were only about 2 months older than his baby boy. My eyes welled up and I had to look away, for the tiny baby was reminding me at how quickly you have changed! In two months, you have doubled your weight AND grown 6" longer. (12 1/2 lbs / 24" long) It's been amazing to be able to spend these past two months with you and go through this development with you. You were -- no....you ARE -- such a miracle. "

This evening, a neighbor came over and brought her February baby, Luther. He was born 6 weeks early and was about 4 1/2 lbs in weight. When Dorie brought him over, I didn't know he was born early when we talked on the phone so I was shocked at how small he is compared to Mercer. He's pretty long (his fingers are long too), but his head and body are tiny as seen in this picture. We are glad we met her -- for we're sure the boys will be playing together before we know it. She was funny and was really "together" / seems to be handling motherhood like a breeze. She's been working during the day and taking him with her. In fact, she worked a full day today and still managed to bring an appetizer down to our house! I didn't get squat done today it seems. Mercer got a few shots today at the doctor's (we're spacing them out into several sittings) and he was very needy after he woke up from a very long nap. You can see one of his band aids on his leg.

c

ps - Here's a shot of Mercer in a CUTE little consignment-store find.... a "classic" baby boy's outfit. He's asleep in the car seat after the doctor's visit and errands... and I didn't have the heart to wake him / move him... so he ended up napping in the car seat under a shade tree next to the pond.