Andy is not only big and strong, he is also a happy little guy and a sharp cookie. His smiles come easily and often. He also likes to chatter on, and he can demand full attention for his conversations. (Someone isn't going to be shy about competing with big brother in that department!) He continues to explore his hands and legs, and he still gets excited when he can cause something to happen when he moves them or when he can feel different textures, like the difference between a blanket and the grass or between my skin and my shirt. He really wants to have full control over his movements and is working hard at that. His eyesight is improving; today we noticed how well he followed Jon as he walked across the room. And he seems to make connections very well for someone who hasn't been around very long. He had figured out that my nursing pillow meant food by the end of his first week, and he continues to pick up on things like that. He has figured out he has a captive audience for one on one attention during diaper changes and at bedtime, for example.
Andy is not unlike Matt as a baby, but he is clearly his own person and does things his own way. Andy's favorite position is on his back with his feet straight up in the air. It's not uncommon for me to glance over at him as he is stirring from his sleep to see his legs kicking and pushing his blanket or sleep sack up above his tummy. (Probably because of that action he has managed to roll himself from flat on his back to his side once - so far.) He also still likes to "stand" with assistance. Needless to say he is developing quite a lot of muscle underneath the chub in his legs. Andy loves to be held and carried but also doesn't mind being put down for a little while. (In fact, he almost demands it after a long car ride or stint in my carrier.) He can entertain himself pretty well for a few minutes at a time.
Andy has been eating and sleeping quite well. Towards the end of this past week he began sleeping consistently for a 7-8 hour stretch at night. He then usually wakes up right after 7, around the time that Matt starts stirring. They both have been going to bed around the same time, and they will share a bath, too (although Andy is in his infant tub inside the big bathtub).
Today we took advantage of the beautiful early fall weather and went for a family "hike" at a nearby state park. We stumbled upon a storybook walk (with the pages of a book placed at intervals along a trail). Andy slept almost the whole time while Matt wore his legs out stepping over the roots. Unfortunately my hands were too full to take photos, but I do have some other photos of the two month old from today:
