The Talented Mr. E...

He loves bath day (notice daddy holding a diaper in the firing range; Ethan is a pro at the suprise pee attack)...
He sleeps like an angel (for about 45 minutes at a time)...
He ponders the meaning of life (until he gets a bit gassy; then he just fusses)...


What I really want to share with you, but I can't, due to technical limitations and a serious lack of timing, is our favorite thing that Ethan does. We need a video camera and an entire day to roll film, just in case opportunity presents itself in order to bring this to you--it is the SneezeScream and it makes me laugh so hard I think my incision will bust...

We know it's coming when Ethan starts to get a little squinty-eyed and scrunches up his face--we know it's either the SneezeScream or a big old fuss-fest coming on. We pray for the SneezeScream.

After the initial expression, the cartoon-like inhalations start as he gears up for the sneeze. There are usually two or three good "ah-ah-ah"'s before the "CHOOOOO!!!"

And then it happens. A look of complete confusion and the scream. I don't know whether it's fear, indignance or what, but he lets out this seamless, squealing scream right after the sneeze. He doesn't cry; he doesn't fuss. He just lets out one solitary scream as if to say, "HEY!!! WHAT THE HELL IS THAT??? KNOCK THAT CRAP OFF!" And then he's done. Peace is restored until the next sneeze sneaks up on him and rocks his world. Husband and I fall all over ourselves laughing when he does it--it is the funniest thing I have ever seen and heard.

It is the final straw in our decision to buy a video camera. I have to capture that SneezeScream before he figures out that a sneeze is just a sneeze and ceases to punctuate it with the indignant wail of "what the???!!!" I can't bare to think that I might forget this if I don't have it saved forever.

The other "skill" that my son has exhibited is the ability to hiccup, practically on demand, and for seemingly hours on end. And not little dainty, baby hiccups, either. No--I'm talking loud, juicy, hear-them-downstairs-without-the-monitor hiccups. They come out of nowhere and possess his entire little body until I think he is going to just explode. They don't seem to bother him at all, but they make me writhe in agony--I hate having hiccups. But as far as hiccups go, this little man could win awards--and probably not just in the newborn category, either!

Tomorrow we hope to add a new skill to our bag-o-tricks--breastfeeding. The lactation consultant is coming over to tortu--uh, I mean teach us how to get it right. I am so hoping that it works; life will be easier when I can just whip out lunch for the little man without a moment's notice. Right now, with the pumping and storing and re-heating and bottle, it is like preparing a 4 course meal as opposed to pulling up to the drive-thru window...i love a good drive-thru. Wish us luck...