Tuesday, 20 September 05 (Week 6)

Considering how much less sleep we're getting you'd think we'd be more productive, not less. Nonetheless its been a pleasure getting to know our little boy better, and watching him get to know his world.

Part of the problem is that we haven't yet figured out that to do as much as we used to takes a lot more effort. In the first three days of his life, Turner had been the airport twice, a potluck, Fred Meyers, and out for a stroll. Within the first two weeks, he had been to three bars, numerous potlucks, the airport several more times, my office, and miles of hikes, and it really hasn't slowed down much since.

The Golden Eagle in Ester, as per usual on Friday nights in summer.

The Pump House, where the 1/2 price special is now 3/4 price.

Pike'a Landing, where the deck was already closed for winter.

Paul's thesis defense party. He passed, but wasn't necessarily the center of attention.

Elsa's already looking for a man...

He's already met more glaciologists than most people have...

Glaciology babies.

Even more glaciologists...

He's already met more pilots than most people have too...

... and bounced down more boardworks and gravel roads.

Eventually Grandpa had to leave, but we checked his luggage first.

Wherever we go, momma's always got a sharp eye on the boy.

Back before dawn -- err I mean sunset.

His physical talents of rolling over, turning his head, and spastic crawling were quite apparent early on. Something a little more subtle was his range of vocabulary. From birth, he preferred to speak his own language rather than scream or cry (which he also does quite well...), especially when he was hungry or happy. Maybe all babies are like that, but he clearly has discovered his vocal cords and how to use them in different ways. At first, he perfected his "I'm hungry" sounds, which sound quite panicky, with hyperventilation mixed in for effect. Then he developed a number of "I'm bored" noises, from groaning and straining, to growling and roaring. As he grows, it seems that his happy sounds are growing more pronounced and varied. He especially likes to talk with his friend the Green MonkeyFrog, perhaps trying to find out how he got such a mixed up anatomy.

I'm bored -- 1.5MB

I'm still bored -- 1.7 MB

I'm bored, poked myself in the nose, and am even more hungry -- 4 MB

OK, now I'm really getting hungry -- 5MB

I can burp really loud once I'm full -- 3 MB

Then I'm ready to eat again -- 1.6 MB

And I get real tired of people tickling me all the time -- 3MB

Here's to all my friends -- 1.8 MB

I'm too sexy for my wunzy -- 1.4 MB

There's his buddy, the flying Green Monkey-Frog.

Turner: "Bye-bye Mr. Green Monkey-Frog! Come back and see me in a few seconds!"

We've started taking pictures of him in the same locations over time, to watch him grow.

Week One.

Two weeks later.

Turner: "If you're not going to finish that breast, can I have it?"

Sleeping is one of his favorite past-times, at least during the day.

Turner: "If my broker calls, tell him I'm in a meeting.".

"A very important meeting, that could last a long time."

He thought about growing wings for a while...

... but his head is always in the clouds already anyway.

His other favorite past-time is eating. At times, it seems he spends the majority of his day (or night) eating, up to several hours at a sitting. He can be quite expressive when he's hungry though, and usually speaks his mind about it too.

The typical nursing corner.

Milk coma.

"What do you mean my credit's no good here?"

Turner: "You think you're funny, huh..."

Turner: "... Let's see how funny you think this diaper is."

Turner: "But that can wait until after the next breast."

Turner: " And it feels like a full one too!"

Turner: "If you can't be with nipple you love, love the one your with."

About the only thing to complain about is the lack of sleep for us. He tends to sleep best during the day, but at night is ready to party. He's not particularly fussy or crying, he just wants to chat about those cute glaciology babies he's met.

Once this happens, it's best to take a nap too.

It doesn't take much prompting.

One down, one to go.

Now would not be a good time to shout Fire!

In the mornings I take him for walks to let momma get some sleep.

During the day, momma carries him around while she gets some work done.

Turner: "Do you think anyone noticed those extra bubbles?"

Turner: "Look at me Mr. Green Monkey-Frog, I'm naked, just like you. Why do you look so funny?"

But no matter what price is paid in terms of sleep or productivity, it's worth it in the end.

Turner: "Yeah, whatever. Just keep pushing the stroller."