Asa’s monthly baby photo (one month old)

Dear Asa,

Before you were born, I wondered how much you’d be like your big brother, Levi. Would you look alike? Share similar personalities?

Well! You set yourself apart from your big brother in the delivery room. Whereas Levi’s birth was relatively calm and pain-free, you entered this world in dramatic fashion. Thankfully, it was a fast delivery — even faster than Levi’s! — and, at 9lb 2oz, you were bigger than your brother. You also had much less hair than Levi did when he was born, and yours was blond! Will you always have blond hair? (I kind of hope that you do.)

The first thing the doctor and nurses noticed were your long eyelashes. That’s a trait you share with your brother, along with beautiful blue eyes. When you were brand new, many people thought you looked like Levi, but your daddy and I only really saw a resemblance when your eyes were closed and you were wearing a hat. One month later, you have similar features as your brother but are definitely not his clone.

However, like Levi, you hate having a dirty diaper and will let out a blood-curdling cry when you need to be changed. Daddy says it sounds like a duck being tortured! We have gone through a lot of diapers this past month! You were wearing newborn-size diapers until just a few days ago, although we could’ve bumped you up to size one sooner.

We probably could’ve started dressing you in size 0-3 month clothing sooner than this week, too. At your two-week doctor’s appointment, you weighed a whopping 9lb 12oz — roughly the size of a 2 month old! The pediatrician called you a champion breastfeeder. (You’re also a very noisy eater!) Daddy and I affectionately call you “Peanut,” which I realize is a common nickname for small babies but somehow seems to suit you anyway.

When we brought you home from the hospital, you had your days and nights very mixed up. You’re a night owl, just like you were in the womb! Barely interested in being awake for longer than an hour during the day, you’re suddenly bright-eyed and bushy-tailed after your 8 or 9pm feeding. It’s time for daddy and me to re-read the baby books we bought when Levi was born and remind ourselves about baby sleep schedules. 

All in all, you’ve been a very easygoing baby. You do a lot of eating, pooping, and sleeping, and only really cry when you need something (like a new diaper). You like to sleep in an aden + anais swaddle and sometimes with your arms overhead in a touchdown position, and we don’t have to do much shushing or swinging when you’re upset; you’re much happier just being held. And you almost always fall asleep in the car (I don’t remember Levi doing that).

My biggest challenge so far has been giving you my undivided attention. I can only ever do one thing at a time, and, unfortunately, Levi also requires a lot of my time and energy right now. I actually spend a great deal of time reminding Levi to be gentle when he gives you hugs and kisses. He can be aggressively affectionate, but he’s oh-so sweet and caring. When you’re crying, he’ll put your pacifier back in your mouth, and he always wants to cuddle with you and hold you on his lap. 

I wish you could stay a small, squishy newborn, but I’m also excited to watch you grow and your personality develop. I love you, my little Peanut.

Love,
Mommy

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Asa turned one month old on March 26, 2014. I’ll be taking a monthly baby photo of him next to his Blabla doll on his birthday to document his growth during the first year.

PS – Levi’s one month old photo!