Chunky McChunkerson

We're considering changing Alexander's name to something more befitting. The top contenders are Chunky McChunkerson, Pudgeroosky, and The Cheeks.

He has filled out! I love his little rolls, and belly, but his cheeks... oh the cheeks! I now know why uncle John chased the kids around pinching cheeks. The urge, once it hits, is uncontrollable. At least I know he's eating well.

Things I love so far:

Bath time. Alexander enjoys bath time, he chills in the water and looks around while he gets washed. It's one of my favorite times because he's awake and engaged.

Baby noises. Alexander will purr when he's asleep, or snore, or sigh. I love it all, when's he's awake he'll "talk" a little bit. If he's upset before he cries he'll pout or whimper and whine. Ugh, the cuteness is sickening. It's just too much cute!

Baby smell. Not all baby smells are delightful, but "baby" smell is. I waste a lot of time smelling his head.

Smiles! Alex is starting to smile a little more each day, and when he does it's all the way. It doesn't get better than a huge toothless baby grin. He hasn't laughed yet, and I'm getting impatient but he is getting more vocal.

Things I do not love so much.

Poo. Ew. I've been peed on and poo'd on. In fact yesterday he had his first official blow out. In the afternoon all through his clothes, up his back and all over me. He thought it'd be a good idea to do a repeat performance for Kevin that night, and proceeded to blow out all over the bed mid-change. (It was on Kevin's side of the bed.) :)

Feeding. I love being able to provide for my baby, and I love the time bonding, but I do not love the mess. I do not love the amount of time spent feeding, or more specifically being demanded every two hours or less. During the night he lets me off the hook a little, and it's every 3-4 hours.

The increase of laundry!!!!! Bibs, onesies, blankets oh my!

Dog barking and baby waking. This, as expected, has been a challenge. Yuki has been better than expected but when he gets riled up, I result to yelling or swatting the dog and then feel horrible. I don't feel bad for Yuki, I feel bad that I'm a yelling hitting mom and I don't want Alex to think that it's OK to treat dogs or animals that way, or anyone else for that matter. Because we are going to Japan for an extended period of time, we're looking for a new home for Yuki. I'm not mad at him, and I still love him and will miss him, but I feel like we both deserve better. If anyone knows of a home that would be a good fit, let me know.

PS Alexander says he misses Grandma and Grandpa.

I'm staying busy and having fun. It's a challenge to do school and housework, but nothing too overwhelming so long as I don't procrastinate. Alex is a good age for me to be able to finish school. All is well in the Hinman home, hope everyone else is doing well too!