Four weeks old!

My oh my! How the time flies! I can't believe Dominic is four weeks old! Brandon and I got into a discussion about how he is four weeks, not a month because he will be a month old on the 9th (because 2 days makes such a big difference in Brandon's mind!) Anyways, things are going well, I am getting a chance to read a bit, and nap a little less, but Dominic is sleeping better through the night, so I don't mind. The dogs, Bosco and Kona, are adjusting well; although don't like it when Dominic is crying really hard, (like when it takes me too long to change a diaper and he pees on himself! oops). Kona and Bosco have decided Dominic is OK as they have given him kisses on his feet! They are still curious about him, but seem to be adjusting nicely.

Brandon and I have been spending time down in the desert with family for a multitude of reasons: Thanksgiving, for fun, Brandon taking pictures, and I facilitated two classes at My Gym for the Coachella Valley Autism Society. It was a perfect way for me to ease back into work, and believe it or not I wasn't sore, TIRED...yes, sore no.

I apologize for phone calls I have yet to return, between driving back and forth to the desert, appointments to the lactation consultant (who is wonderful!), and trying to keep up somewhat with the laundry I am still pretty busy. Text messages or emails are the best ways to get a hold of me still, and even then it still may take me a bit to get back to you!

Things we have discovered over the last few weeks:
1. Dominic takes after his mommy and is a car baby! Put him in a car for longer than 5 minutes and he falls asleep!
2. Dominic does not like to have a dirty diaper! I think this is good because hopefully it will make toilet training easier down the road.
3. Dominic loves his Rain forest swing that was given to us by Tracy B and Alex! Oh my gosh! I cannot thank you enough for the swing! He LOVES it, and mommy and daddy love that is plugs into the wall! THANK YOU!!!
4. Dominic likes upbeat music.
5. He makes the BEST pouty faces! it is so hard not to laugh or smile when you see them because they are just too darn cute!
6. Dominic can sleep through loud movies, and mommy and daddy playing rock band in the other room! Hooray! I took the advice on not keeping a quiet house and I am SOOOO thankful that I did! He can handle loud noise and I won't have to be one of those parents that needs to put the sign up that says, "shhh, baby sleeping"
7. I can leave for short periods of time and it will not kill me!
8. Brandon LOVES being a daddy...he may never admit it, but he is such a great daddy!
9. Baths are still no fun, but we are working on that!
10. Being a parent is the BEST gift in the world!

Sorry, no pictures yet. I have lots taken but I need to charge my camera and put the pictures on the computer....and at the moment Dominic is crying for me, so I am off! Take care and all my love to everyone!

Love~
Dawnnie

P.S. A few special thank yous need to go out:
1. Miss Penny: Thank you so much for your friendship! You have been such a blessing to my life! I absolutely love the book you bought Dominic, "On the night you were born" it makes me tear up every time we read it. It will always be a special book in our home! Thank you!

2. Seleta: Thank you doesn't even come close to what needs to be said! I don't know what we would have done without you in the delivery room! You were so helpful and wonderful! Thank you for all your advice, and I bought the sleep book you recommended. Thank you!

3. Tracy B and Alex: You email made me cry happy tears! It was so awesome to see you both! I am SOOOO proud of Alex and all his improvement! Did you notice he didn't go over to the electronics once? I couldn't believe it! He has made such huge progress! I just love you guys to pieces! I'm so glad school is going well! I can't wait to come back to work...I'll have to make an excuse to come out to see Alex at school! Thank you for everything! Especially the swing! We use it daily!

4. Last but certainly not least: my family: thank you for your support and help! and for the babysitting and the encouragement! Having children really brings families closer together and I am so glad that Brandon and I have such a wonderful family. We love you all so much!

gotta go, diapers to change and mouths to feed! Love to you all!