Elliot has done a few things that I thought I’d point out, because they are key in his early development.

• Halfway through September, he slept from 4 AM until 9 AM
• Early in October, he rolled from his front to his back on his own
• Two days ago, he turned his head in the direction of a rattle
• Last night, he smiled when I came into the nursery

That last one was a big moment for me because I had just read that half of all 6 week old babies recognize and smile at their parents. I was feeling kind of sad that Elliot had so far only looked at us with that wide-eyed shock-and-awe face. Ash took him in to be changed and when I walked in and stood over the changing table, Elliot turned to see me and a huge smile grew across his tiny mouth. I damn near cried.

Today, he has been very very calm, even when fussing for food he hasn’t belted out the “I’m being stabbed by hunger” cry. I left the house for an hour to run errands (for which I now feel guilty about spending money) and he slept peacefully in his little rocker while Ash read in the tub. I hope this is a sign that he’s getting a little better. He’s changing every day and it’s too bad there isn’t a “Save” command so I could freeze him like this forever; my little monkey, my little Elly.