Do You Hear What I Hear?

I love this kid.

After almost 8 weeks with our family, Jacob's still totally digging his third-child status, and the other two seem to love having him in the mix. Abby's turned into a very protective big sister, looking out for the little guy and making sure he has blankets to keep him warm and toys to keep him company when he's not being held. Caleb, big brother that he is, wants to tickle him, push him too hard in his swing, and poke his belly. Thankfully, Abby is really good about nagging Caleb to "be gentle with baby Jacob!"

He's a very strong kid, pushing up and looking around and kicking himself in circles during the oh-so-miserable tummy time we subject him to for a few minutes each day. And he's smart, too. He figured out pretty quickly that being number three of three would place some limitations on his cuddle time, so he developed a nasty projectile spit-up habit that the doctor attributes to a mild case of reflux, and that requires us to hold him upright as much as possible. I really don't mind holding him. But I do mind the puddle of milk that lands behind me every time he finishes eating.

Jacob is still one of the most smiley newborns I've ever met. And following in the footsteps of his big brother and sister, he's getting kind of chatty. If he's in the right mood, he'll fill in the awkward silence between fussy times with some pretty adorable coos, grunts, and even a little noise that sounds kind of like the beginnings of a giggle.

And he's got plenty to laugh at around here.