Brit

Finally, we finalized (maybe) the text of the Brit (Covenant Ceremony), minus the unscripted sections—the introduction and Savta Sandra’s remarks on her father.  Also be sure to see Great Uncle and Aunt Jeff and Diane’s pictures from the Brit, which are on Flickr (Week 2: Brit).  

Week 4 – (White) Plains, Trains and Automobiles

Another week of firsts, for sure. Yet, more so, a week that did not seem to progress as a series of firsts. It is not that Cruv had fewer firsts necessarily, but maybe we transitioned from novices to rookies. Among the firsts:

Cruv rode his first train, the MTA to White Plains (For those keeping track: He has now ridden in a car, subway, and train–a plane next week, and a bus as soon as we cross town).

He had his first poop that landed on Miriam’s arm (For those keeping track: He has pooped on the bed sheets, blanket, and floor).

He watched (read: was in the room for) his first documentary, The Real Dirt on Farmer Joe, during which his paternal grandparents held him or jealously eyed the other holding him (For those keeping track: He has seen an animated comedy, documentary, and gay cowboy love story).

He slept through his first—oh, no, no, third!—museum (For those keeping track: He has seen minimalist wall installations, contemporary collage and sculpture, and violently sexually explicit cutouts that depict the history of American racism).

He also used coat check for the first time.

His legs, arms, and face filled-in more (his weight exceeds the maximum of our kitchen scale). His skin is soft, at times dry, and much less hairy; though his head hair is fuller exactly in the places of male-patterned baldness. At night, he sleeps a bit longer between meals. He holds his head with even greater confidence and serious consistency. He looks us in the eyes and tracks us as we move. Besides for squeaks, sighs, and yawns, he lets-out the occasional coo. He is cute—insanely cute.

Week 3 – Express Train to…

 This week, Cruv road the subway three times. 

 

Despite the rapt attention of his fellow passengers (“So cute” “So little” “Oh, my gosh, not even three weeks”).  He slept through them all.  The first trip was to Dr Halpern, who took care of him before he was him.

He visited his second museum–The New Museum, the second stop of his Bowery tour (restauarant supply store and lamp shop).  There he had his first public (yet still private) feeding. 

He rollsovers often and can balance his large head with greater confidence.  Despite his museums slumbers, he was awake for more of week three than two.  He spends his active time in our arms or playing on the floor. 

 

He has learned that we respond to his calls and thus cries,

 

if he wants to play (like Yaron) or is hungry (like Miriam).  

Through-and-through, he is a joy–to ogle, hold, clean, feed, change, to play, hold, and snuggle with, to rub and kiss, and to love.

Cruv’s Rollover

Even if it does not load, click play and it will.

Belly Time

At many points in the week, we thought, This must go in the week’s post. Alas, we are tired and thus forgetful, so here are a few of those moments.

On Day 10, we spent the morning with Aunt Rachel, before she flew west.

In the afternoon, we ran errands around the neighborhood (including to the post office for another big box of hand-me-downs from Uncle David and Aunt Amy—Thank you) and shared gelato. Cruv slept.

On Day 11, we traveled to Yaron’s Ima and Abba (to Cruv, Abu and Sama), the eve of Yaron’s first class (a Florence Melton Adult Mini-School course on Kabbalah) and of Ima Ruth and Abba Eddie’s departure. We took advantage of the unseasonably warm weather: Yaron and his Abba biked; Miriam, Sama, and Cruv strolled (not strollered). Aunt Talia joined for a dinner. A great night.

On Day 12, we all meandered around our neighborhood, shared ice cream, considered a lamp, and cured arctic char. Cruv slept. And we started Cruv on belly-time, an exciting development. For the most port, everything he does is either instinctual (poop, pee, eat, sleep) or handled (cleaned, diaper changed, fed, swaddled). But belly-time is neither instinctual nor handled—He works hard. In the days since, he has lifted his head more-and-more, turned his head, and rolled-over one-and-half-times. The particular gestures are less awesome than the effort, a real force of will.

In other belly news, Miriam’s belly-button ring is back (“Oh shit” said Savta Sandra)! And in other belly news, Yaron and Miriam made a pool. To explain. Before we met, when Yaron showered, he made little pools of water by pressing his arm or arms tightly against his torso. He’d quickly pull his arm away to let the water fall. The quality of the pool was judged by the clap of the water as it hit the shower floor. A few showers into our relationship, Yaron realized we could make a bigger pool together with linked arms. The clap of the water was much louder. But as Miriam’s pregnant belly grew, the pools became smaller and by the end the pool was so small and her Belly so big that the water would trickle over her belly and make no clap at all. This week, with Miriam’s flat belly, we made a great big pool that made a great big clap (Can you tell we’re reading children’s books?).

On Day 13, we had a wonderful visit from cousins Jonathan and Sarah, who brought provisions from Rafetto’s and Joe’s Dairy, which Yaron prepared.

On Day 14, Cruv rocked in his swing (Thank you Mo and Rachel). So far, he seems satisfied. Yaron was caught in a downpour. Later (before, during, and after dinner), he was held by our friends, Ari and Tamar.

On Day 15, for the first time, Cruv woke himself for a morning feed, which is great (a pattern now). Later, Uncle Noam and Julie accompanied Yaron and Cruv to the Met, his first museum. Cruv slept.

That night, we snuggled in bed and watched our first movie as a family. When he wasn’t staring at Miriam’s breast, Cruv slept. [While he does sleep copiously, he is alert more than last week. (And much more than two weeks ago).]

On Day 16, our friend, Ali, visited and brought Cruv more books (His library grows daily!). And he weighed in at 8 lbs 9 ounces!

So far, so-so-so good

On Day 3 A.C. (After Cruv), New Year’s Eve, we returned home—a relief, as we realized family life did not mean living in a hospital.  A few ticks before midnight, we awoke, held hands, and ogled our beautiful son, asleep between us, as the fireworks boomed and neighbors cheered on their rooftops.  A perfect beginning to 2008.  We slept through the night, as did Cruv.

On Day 4, we realized we should have not slept through the night, nor Cruv.  Our friend/mid-wife/lactation consultant, Sally, initiated a Q2 (bi-hourly) feeding regimen.  The rest of the day, Miriam nursed on the couch.

 

On Days 5, Miriam nursed on the couch.

On Day 6, another lactation consultant paid a house-visit to check’s Cruv’s latch-and-suckle skills and Miriam’s productivity.  Cruv was a little lazy on-nip, so she suggested keep Miriam to the Q2 feedings until he returned to birth weight. 

 

On Day 7, we ventured out into the wild city—Cruv bundled-up (thank you Savta Sandra) and cozy in a Hotsling (thank you Cousin Jodi)—for his first doctor’s visit: high-tech office, Manhattan-sized exam rooms, and super doctor.  All checked-out well. 

That night, family from both sides took-over an Upper East Side Indian restaurant for Shabbat dinner.  Miriam and Yaron made separate appearances (someone needed to stay with the new one).

 

On Day 8, dressed in Petit Bateau, Cruv entered into the Jewish people with a Brit Ceremony, choreographed by us and included the voices, hands, and love of many of Cruv’s uncles, aunts, and great-grandparents, and all his grandparents.  The ceremony was filled with music and goodwill of extended family and friends.  The basic outline of the ceremony can be viewed here.  Pictures as soon as we are sent them.

On Day 9, Yaron tested whether Gdiapers would flush without the use of the included stick.  Results:

 

We weighed Cruv and he surpassed his birth weight already—Good teamwork Miriam and Cruv.

Brit (Covenant Ceremony)

When: Shabbat, Satuday January 5, at two o’clock

Where: Our friend Marie-Helene’s, 50 East 79th Street (corner of Madison), 20th floor

We would love to see you then and there. 

Twenty-Thousand Words

“For he is beautiful and good” (Exodus 2:2)

At 5:24am on December 29, we greeted a sweet, blond-haired and blue-eyed wonder into the world.  There is much to say– My heart is spilling over (with bigger-and-bigger-and-bigger  love of Miriam and new love of my son) and tears flowing hard (a lot of trial and infinite joy)–but for now:

The essential facts, new one: Male; 7 lbs 6 ounces; 19″ long, tender heart.  Pictures soon.

The essential facts, Miriam: Ima; 124 lbs – (7 lbs 6 ounces + amniotic fluid); radiant; exhausted; recovering; otherwordly stength and fortitude; inspiring love and generosity of spirit.  Pictures soon.

The essential facts, Me: Abba, 160 lbs; overjoyed; awed; sleepless; in love; at home, missing his wife and son (who he only just met).

SAVE THE DATE: Brit ceremony on Shabbat, January 5 on the UES.  Details to follow.