It's Not Easy Being a Teen

Josh pointed out an interesting fact this morning: we have a teenager in our house. He's definitely growing fast, he sleeps long hours, and he knows how to make a real mess -- all teen trademarks. But the miraculous parts? He never talks back, he's sweet-tempered, and all his food is free. Ok, so he doesn't talk at all and he eats whatever Mommy eats. But that's not too surprising when you're counting his birthdays in days rather than years... 17 days today, to be exact.

And in those 17 days, he's already started to learn new things. Here are just a few:

1. His eyes have started to move in the direction of voices -- as if he's intentionally looking in one direction rather than randomly staring at a doorknob or blank wall (his previous favorites).

2. He prefers to sleep at least 5 hours between night feedings, which is just fine with his mom and dad (who rather prefer 8 hours but are absolutely NOT complaining).

3. He's already a prayer warrior. When Mommy prays over him while he eats, he inevitably closes his eyes. She just knows he's thinking "Amen" between gulps.

4. He's a fast eater -- only needing about 10minutes for a full meal. Mom and Dad thought that meant he wasn't getting enough until they discovered #5...

5. He's growing like a weed! (but much much handsomer) At his 10-day visit to the doctor, he'd not only maintained his birthweight (7lbs 2.6oz) but had gained almost a pound! Wouldn't it be ironic if he grew up to be a football player? Mom and Dad would be cheering from the sidelines -- the only place they've ever stood for organized athletics. ;)

6. His grasp is strong enough to support his upper body weight. Grandma Stewart taught him how to hold her fingers with both hands and do a sort of pull-up. Maybe he's taking after Grandpa Denny? Just no dead-lifts quite yet.

7. He knows how to smile. Not when, but how. And even though it's in his sleep or during a bowl movement, it still lights up Mommy and Daddy's day. Just think what it'll be like when it's intentional.

8. He likes straight-jackets (though in babyland they call them "swaddlers"). There's even a site dedicated to his favorite swaddling blanket: miracleblanket.com. And we have to agree that it works like a charm at bedtime.


9. He could sleep through a circus. Last weekend, we had 8 adults, 3 babies, 2 three-year-olds, a 7 and a 9-year-old all in one room for hours at a time, and he slept through it. I'm not even sure he knows they were ever here. At first, we thought he must have been really tired. Now, we've realized that he just couldn't take it all, so he checked out. Mom's just glad he used sleep to block out the chaos rather than the alternative (screaming).

10. The method of last resort. If Mom and Dad are ever desperate for a way to get the little man to sleep (which thankfully hasn't happened yet), the car seat -- particularly in a moving car -- appears foolproof. Granted, it requires an alert adult as well, but it's comforting nonetheless to know that there's a backup plan available.