things Caleb likes

Caleb is about 2 1/2 months old now and has such a little personality! He is social, loves to smile, and finally has some sort of routine (eat, play, sleep). I'm noticing that he really likes some things and really doesn't like others. So here's our list of stuff that he (and we) like.

1. His swing: who knew?! He hated it at first and would startle every time he went back and forth. But now he loves it. We actually were able to borrow it from a family my mom works for. So all this bliss is free! He is content to just be awake and watch the bears dangle above him. Or it's great for helping him drift off to sleep. I've found that if I can pick up on his tired cues early and put him in there, he's happy enough to just swing until he falls asleep.

2. His playmat: My brother Nicholas gave us a different playmat than we registered for and boy am I glad! Caleb loves his ocean themed baby einstein playmat. He bats at the toys and watches the removeable box that lights up and plays music. It really keeps his attention well and he usually can play after he eats until he gets tired and is ready for a nap.

3. His bouncer: We got him the snuggabunny bouncer. He's liked this from the very beginning. My one dislike is that it seems to eat up the betteries and doesn't have an option to plug in. He likes the vibration and the music it plays, so it would be nice for us if it could plu in. He doesn't do as well in there anymore unless he's sleepy/sleeping or just kind of content. If he wants to play, he would much rather be on his mat or in his activity center.

4. This lead us to his activity center. We got a step and play piano one that grows with him. He can already sit in the seat, swat at the rattle, and tries to press the buttons (but can't push down hard enough yet). He dances and wiggles to the music. He can sit in it without blankets supporting him, but if I wasn't right there, I would put some in just in case.

5. His changing pad: I know, weird right? Well, he loves laying there. If he's all worked up, I just bring him in, lay him down, and he flashes a huge smile! Not sure what it is about it (it is a serta). I'm glad he likes diaper changes too and that we don't have to deal with a screaming baby every time.

6. The mobile in his room: We got the Toy Box mobile from FAO schwarz. It plays such a soothing lullaby. I only wish it played a little longer (so when I leave him in his crib with it playing, that I could actually go to the bathroom and be back before it is done :)

7. His pacifier (oh and we call it a pacifier, not a paci, not a binky etc....) YAY! I worked so hard with him, I think around 1 month old, to get him to use a pacifier. We got the Nuk brand as I've heard their good for teeth. I can't imagine if he didn't take one. But he also has started to ADORE his hands-- they are ALWAYS in his mouth if the pacifier isn't. The only bad thing is I'm constantly having to wash his hands. They get sooooo icky!

8. His bathtub: So the tub we got had mixed reviews... but Caleb loves it! It has a removeable part that makes a little whirlpool in the tub. He kicks his legs and seems to love the water rushing around. It also has a shower attatchment so you can spray clean water on him to rinse him off. I'm so glad we have the little ducky that tells you if it's too hot. That's really helped us with his bath time. He does like to have a washcloth on his belly while taking a bath, but so did I when I was little :)

9. the co-sleeper: Ok, so this one might be more of one that I like, but I think he would not like it if we didn't have one. It's so great to be right there while he's sleeping. I can wake up, look over, and see his tummy go up and down ever so slightly. Or I can just grab him and feed him without my feet hitting the floor. It's really a great idea! We both sleep so well knowing the other one is right there (and I sleep good knowing I won't roll onto him or suffocate him....) Thanks Arm's Reach!

10. his mamma: Ok, so I guess this isn't a thing, but we have a mamma's boy. I know he loves his daddy, but there's just something about the fact that I feed him, I carried him, I birthed him... we just have a bond! I love seeing him smile when he see's me and that sometimes I'm the only one who can make it better. I love that he needs me! I love that he wants me! I love being the mamma!!!