Moriarty decided to get his first tattoo, a commentary in response to the recent measles epidemic from anti-vax nonsense. He now has red spots all over his face. It's actually baby acne. It came on quickly over the course of about 2 days and really freaked me out. Turns out it's quite normal and should go away in a few weeks. It has to do with hormones he got from me finally wearing off, and his own turning on for the first time. At the moment has a face only a mother (and father) could love.
We added a new reason for crying this week. Last week is was exclusively hungry, gassy, or wet/dirty. This week we added tired. He is now awake enough that he gets sleepy and needs help calming down and going back to sleep. I've been doing a lot of rocking and singing to help him along. In doing so I discovered that I know about half of the words to a LOT of songs (often mixing lines from multiple verses), but all of the words to very few. Conveniently, I can pull up lyrics on my phone to help me while I'm singing. Moriarty doesn't care, but I'm increasing my repertoire. When he's active we sing showtunes and dance. When he's sleepy it's mostly standards. My current favorite to sing to him is That's All, originally recorded by Nat King Cole. I think it could have easily been written about a mother to a child.
I also successfully sang two of Mom's songs to him without choking up and having to stop. It's so important to me that I bring some of her into his life but it's been hard. (Gladwins, for reference, my mother was a nationally award winning children's songwriter and poet who passed away 7 years ago)
Moriarty has nocturnal lagophthalmos. That's the medical term for terrifying exorcist-looking eye movements while he's asleep. He'll open his eyes like he's looking at me, smile, then roll them back in his head. He's completely asleep, but he can sleep with his eyes partly or completely open. So creepy! He's also a very noisy sleeper. He makes squeaky noises, whistling sounds, tiny cries, giggles and grunts.
He's gained weight and some height, but isn't proportioned for baby clothes. They're all a little loose in the chest, a bit too long and WAY too small in the neck. We have to keep the top snap undone on most of the onesies or they dig into his giant neck. His changing table is next to a window smooshed against a tree. He's discovered the stark dark and light patterns the leaves make against the sky and it helps him stay calm and happy during his changes.
To introduce him to other loves of my life, we had our first trip to the coffee shop. We strapped him in the Ergo and walked to Top Pot (no donuts for the baby, or coffee for that matter). I successfully got him into the Moby wrap (a rather complicated stretchy fabric contraption that is great once it's fitted properly). We'd had 2 failed attempts before where he screamed but I got it! We also had our first bath. He pooped in his bath tub (AKA our kitchen sink) making cleaning him somewhat futile, but it was a good first effort. Pip sterilized the sink afterward.
Pictures for the second week are up. Same password.
That's All Lyrics
I can only give you love that lasts forever,
And a promise to be near each time you call.
And the only heart I own
For you and you alone
That´s all,
That´s all.
I can only give you country walks in springtime
And a hand to hold when leaves begin to fall,
And a love whose burning light
Will warm the winter night
That´s all,
That´s all.
There are those I am sure who have told you,
They would give you the world for a toy.
All I have are these arms to enfold you,
And a love time can never destroy.
If you´re wondering what I´m asking in return, dear,
You´ll be glad to know that my demands are small.
Say it´s me that you´ll adore,
For now and evermore
That´s all,
That´s all.