There's a sucker born every minute

It is hard to be a baby.

This is a truth not universally acknowledged, but one that you daily affirm. At the six-and-one-half weeks mark, you are sometimes quiet and alert, often asleep, and occasionally VERY dissatisfied with your life, your parents, and our complete mishandling of your needs. This latter state seems lately to be prompted by some errant digits. You see, Sebastian, you seem to really want to suck your thumb. This is amusing, since at my 21-week sonogram, the technician remarked that you seemed to be trying to suck your thumb but had not managed to accomplish the feat during our session. I now see that this was mere foreshadowing. You are determined to suck your thumb, but your immature nervous system and poor muscle coordination thwart you at every turn. It starts with some stirring and the happy discovery that your hands are near your mouth. I'll hear eager slurping and see you trying to get your fingers or thumb to extend... but the harder you try, the more impatient you become, the less control you have over your arms and hands. Soon you are flailing uncontrollably and you often punch yourself in the face in frustration. This leads to crying and screaming that can only be relieved... well, that depends...

You love to bounce on the blue ball (as noted before), unless you don't.
You can be satisfied with one of your parents' pinkies to suck, except when it enrages you.
You have sometimes allowed us to insert a pacifier, though usually that just infuriates you.
You like to be worn, unless it is hot... or you are just not in the mood.

But something always works to make you happy.

And when you are happy, all is well with the world.

Lately, you've been doing fun things with imitation. Beginning ten days ago (July 4th, to be exact), you and I have had a little game. When you are happy, quiet, alert, and focused on my face, I can stick out my tongue or open my mouth and watch you respond. You seem to concentrate very hard... then move your face all around trying to figure out the exact muscles you need to coordinate... then out pops your tongue or your mouth opens right up and you get the most triumphant little look on your face. Until, that is, your mommy, who is thrilling with pride, lets out an enthusiastic exclamation, "That's it, you did it!!!" This generally startles you and your normal seriously-concerned-old-man expression settles back over your features. It is a fun game.

Yesterday, your granddad Sam (who is visiting) and I took you for some professional photos. As you can see, you are actually quite sweet at this age. Once you get the hang of sucking your thumb, your life will be golden. So, as hard as it is to be a baby, just remember, you're growing up fast and there are many wonderful things to look forward to, little guy.