More Wilbur in Action

A-#1 World Class Day Brightener

Ground Maneuvers

When rolling over was a new and surprising thing.

Rolling over mastery and accompanying battle cries

The next challenge . . .

Post-workout energy drink

February Fun

Our good friend Tim digs the boy.

AFT friend Pamela meets Wilbur in Chicago.

Door County actor Ryan, too!

He was born with it.

I love the hoof the most.

Wanna try?

Are you really still putting me in this?

Not for long!

I can roll over by myself!  Now what?

Check out the boy's new ride.

Our good buddy, Ryan Schabach, and the boy.

Kay Allmand stops by too!

Jumperooooooooo!

The Wilbur Report - To Sleep, Perchance to Drool

The latest development in Wilbur's life is the establishing of a more regular sleep schedule.  Following the guidance of a wonderful book recommended to us by several of our parent friends (Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child) we've started allowing him to return himself to sleep during his naps, without running in when we hear his first fussing at about the hour mark.  It's been an eye-opener how much of his sleep we've been cutting short by intervening when he didn't really need us.  It was very difficult initially to listen to him crying and not go pick him up, especially since, as I mentioned in an earlier post, his crying is now richer with pathos than when he was a newborn.

So, now he wakes up around 7:30, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed (oh yes, forgot to mention he sprouted a tail).  Then he goes down for a nap around 9am.  Today, that nap lasted 3 hours(!), though usually it's only 2.  (Might have been longer due to yesterday's vaccinations)  Then he's up for another 2 hours and down for another nap of about 2 hours.    Then up with maybe another short nap before we try to put him down for the evening.  Since he's started rolling over onto this belly, he usually ends up that way by the time he wakes up for a diaper or a feed, with his face in a puddle of drool.  Since he's getting longer naps during the day, we're hoping those overnight stretches of sleep lengthen, but they are usually 3-5 hours at this point.  As our friend, Laurie, says, "Sleep begets sleep."  It's nice to begin knowing roughly when that sleep will take place, as it makes the day a little easier to plan and other tasks more manageable.  In fact, he's in there sawing twigs right now, allowing me to type this.  Might even be able to fix myself some lunch in this window.  It's all too easy to neglect my own basic needs while focusing on his, but that's no good for anyone.

That's all for now, Wilbur Watchers.  Time to heat up some of Sara's yummy lentil soup!

The Wilbur Report - Four Months Old and Thriving

Wilbur had his 4 month check-up and vaccinations today.  All is very well, he's a few ounces shy of 20 lbs and still 26.5 inches long.  The doctor is very happy with his growth and development and we are continually thankful for his robust health.

The Wilbur Report

Glory be!  Wilbur Guthrie Becker turns 4 months old this Tuesday.  (Dat's a t'ird ofa year, doncha know.)  He is a true blessing to us and, as we see every time he meets new people, a blessing to all of those around him.  We give thanks that he is in robust health, nearly always in good spirits, and hungry for new experience.  He wakes every morning with a delight for living that's infectious.  He also has a sly wit at work, already.  His quiet, eager observance of his world allows him to pick up on some pretty subtle comedy.  Sara's got his timing nailed and it's a joy to watch her get the laughs.  Still waiting for applause after I serenade him with my ukulele.

In other news, this week Wilbur added rolling over onto his belly to his list of skills, effectively giving himself his own tummy time throughout the day.  Crawling can't be far away.  Which is good.  We both could stand to burn some calories.

Not that Wilbur doesn't get around.  In his first 4 months Wilbur can put several pins on his map.  Houston, Milwaukee, Madison, Mounty Horeb, Verona, Spring Green, Door County, Laurel, Baltimore, Memphis, New York City, and Chicago.  Included in there are an even dozen plane rides and a 3-day drive from Wisconsin to Texas.  Lord, he was born a ramblin' man.

Even better than the mileage he's logged are the people he's met and who have met him!  Dozens, approaching hundreds of friends and family have gotten to meet and hold Wilbur.  Very few has he failed to charm.  As I said above, watching how he lights up and what it does for others shows us the divine gift that is in our care and charges us to nurture and protect that joy and that sacred light in him.  

That's today's report.  Thanks for being a valued member of the Wilbrigade.  (Wilburgade?)  

Blog Revamped

Welcome, Wilbur watchers!  I've done some reworking of the blog.  New look, new title, same phenomenal boy.  (In case you've bookmarked the old blog, you'll need to do it again.  The old address won't get you here.)

Wilbur, Up Close

Wilbur was lying on Daddy's tummy and being terribly cute.  Fortunately the camera was within reach.

Some More Pics

Lee's old buddy, Dan, holds the boy in NYC

NYC is a tiring place.

Sara's friend, Liz, can't believe how great Wilbur is.

A mysteriously wonderful connection at work.

Beauty.

Lee's old friend, Mark, is also blown away by Wilbur.