Malcolm at 1 month

Malcolm is one month old already. He sure does grow fast. Two weeks ago he was 9.5 lbs and 21 inches long so he must be over 10 lbs now and longer still. He is a much quieter child than his sister and definitely enjoys alone time in his crib. He doesn't require me to nurse him to sleep. In fact, he prefers to fall asleep with a pacifier either being held or just alone in his crib. It is quite strange for me because Inga would only fall asleep nursing. He is already really good at holding his head up as well and likes tummy time. He enjoys challenges.

Malcolm with the size comparison bunny

I had to do a size comparison stuffed animal for Malcolm just like I did with Inga. The bunny was a gift from a co-worker and has his name and birth date embroidered on the bunny's ears. It is very cute.

His usual look

Occasionally he chews his fist

Smiling for Mama

Picture taken by big sister

Inga helped with the photo shoot. She even took a few good pictures. She really loves to use my camera. Digital cameras mean even toddlers get to take pictures. Lucky girl. (I'm already doing the "When I was your age…").

Hocking Hills Hiking

A mère six days after Malcolm was born, we went hiking in Hocking Hills. My parents and brother were all visiting to the new baby and wanted something to do outside the house. Hocking Hills is only about one hour from our house and the best state park in Ohio. My parents actually met while attending Ohio University, in Athens, for graduate school, but had never visited Hocking Hills because they didn't own cars. We took the opportunity to show them a great part of Ohio forest. 

I was also feeling really great at this point, which was so different from Inga's birth. We had barely gotten home from the hospital at this point with Inga. I am so glad I did a VBAC in Columbus.

We drove down to Ash Cave and had a picnic lunch then walked the flat trail to the cave. Even though it has been a wet summer, Ash Cave was quite dry and there really wasn't a waterfall. It is still an impressive cave, but not as interesting without the waterfall.

Daddy carrying Malcolm because it was still too much for Mommy to wear the baby carrier.

Inga with her Uncle Morgan

The family at a very dry Ash Cave

After walking at Ash Cave, Inga wanted to do more hiking. We drove over to the Rock House, which I'd never been to before. My parents didn't walk down into the gorge, but the younger folk walked down to the Rock House although not all the way to the bottom of the gorge. It was a very interesting rock formation. I took Inga inside the cave and she was talking about how birds might live in the cave. At that point, a couple pigeons flew in and right over our heads. This totally freaked Inga out and we had to leave the cave immediately. It was pretty funny.

Our good little hiker charmed all the grandmas on the trail

At the Rock House after a nursing break

We don't think much of taking a newborn out on weekend excursions so close to home. However, we met a couple people who were surprised we were taking our newborn on vacation so soon. When we asked where they were from, they said Cincinnati. Umm…Hocking Hills is way too close to count as vacation for us.