The pursuit of normalcy

At some point in Caleb's life, I intend to set some high expectations for my son. Straight A's, clean room, Eagle Scout, grills a juicy steak, 90 mph fastball. That kind of stuff.

At two months old - and for the next few years - there's only one hope: Normalcy.

It's difficult to be an extraordinary burper or have exceptional binky-sucking skills. Waiting for a commercial to use the bathroom doesn't really matter until one can actually use the bathroom.

The two exceptions may be eating and sleeping, and Caleb seems to fit in the normal category. We couldn't be prouder. 

So far we're off to a great start with this low and incredibly satisfying bar. He still has all of the fingers and toes he brought into the world. Eyes open and close. Same for the mouth. Caleb is a little on the light side (10 pounds) and a little on the long side (22 1/2 inches). Weiler genetics are clearly at work here.

We've retired just about all of his "newborn" clothes and upgraded to 0-3 month gear. Same goes for diapers. Newborn size still fits, but won't hold his big-league poops, so rather than play roulette with each diaper we're giving him plenty of room in the seat.

Our man has found a sweet spot on his changing table. Who wouldn't be soothed by spending time exploring the ins and outs of a window well with their eyes? On second thought, he probably just enjoys a good look at all the light coming through the blinds.

Yeah, it's probably a light thing.

Up until a couple weeks ago we saw a lot of straight faces, blank stares and uneasy looks in between the fits of rage.

But recently there's been a lot more personality creeping through this toothless face. 

Moments of calm have become minutes of calm.

Sleep sessions are lasting longer, particularly the ones in the evening (hallelujah). There are cries of laughter and joy to go with the cries for help. And every now and then we get this...

Katie misses cuddly Caleb but is smitten by this stage of life. Me? No doubt it's adorable, but I just want to keep him alive and kicking until he's big enough to move on his own and acknowledge the concept of toys, I'll have done my job. 

Speaking of the mother of the family, Katie has become infatuated with more than just Caleb during her maternity leave ...

The idea was to give Katie something worthwhile to watch during the day, so rather than coming home to hear about a dozen episodes of "Say Yes to the Dress" and "Project Runway" I'd be thrown a few questions about smoke monsters and the Dharma Initiative from the latest Lost episode. And it worked, so well that she knocks out an entire disc in a day and is ready for the next one before I can get it reserved at the library.  

Katie hates you, Ben Linus. I rather enjoy your mysterious nature.