Growth and development

Dear Vinny,

It is interesting to watch you grow and develop. You are developing some habits that resemble your parents. For example, whenever you stretch, you emit an ear-piercing screech, just like Daddy. Now he's trying to use that fact to justify his screeching, but I think that since he's an adult he should be able to suppress that urge. Also, Daddy says that you hate raspberries to the belly, just like your Mommy. I wouldn't know because I would never think to inflict such a cruel punishment upon you.

You love to be held. We almost can't put you down without you vehemently protesting. But I don't think we mind that so much because I for one just can't get enough of you. There is nothing quite like holding and soothing a beautiful little baby. But because you love to be held so much, we have begun sleeping with you in the middle of the bed with us. I know that the "experts" say that co-sleeping is a bad idea, but people have done it for thousands of years. We haven't rolled over and squished you yet, so I think it's probably okay.

One thing I feel sad about is my inability to breastfeed you. I really wanted to be able to do that for you. But, due to a combination of factors, it seems like this is not possible. You have a lot of trouble latching on and sucking properly, and I am having trouble perservering over this. I wanted to give you the best start possible by giving you the best nutrition possible. I pump some breastmilk for you every day, but it is nowhere near enough to supply your needs. Daddy feeds you a bottle, sometimes breastmilk, sometimes formula, so you are getting fed. I just wish that I could feed you the natural way and it makes me sad to think about how that's not possible right now. But I feel good that I am able to provide you with at least some breastmilk, and with love, snuggles, and other forms of psychological nourishment.

Love,
Mommy