Three Weeks...

It feels like 3 months. But in reality, our Lucca is exactly 3 weeks old. Is this an indication we are quickly getting accustomed to each another? It’s difficult to fathom that a few days back he was still inside Mommy. It seems ages ago when I would start bedtime stories to the belly with my best Darth Vader impersonation “Luuuucca, I am your Faaaaaather”.

But, he’s here now. Lucca Ryder Perera. Heather and I can finally touch, smell, cuddle and kiss him. He hasn’t wasted any time becoming the chairman of our house and the center of our universe. A close friend predicted I’ll discover new found mega-love when Lucca looks deep into my eyes for the first time. He was so right. If the eyes are the gateway to one’s soul, that was a life-defining moment I’ll never forget.

• I love touching his soft, perfect skin.
• I love his radiant grey-brown eyes and seeing how fascinatingly attentive they are.
• I love the way he pumps his fists and kicks his chubby little legs in the air.
• I love it when he falls asleep curled up like a ball on my chest, tiny hands draped across the neck.
• I love the gentle coos, sighs and sounds he constantly makes.
• I love the way sunlight illuminates the bronze highlights in his dark hair.
• I love how he sometimes startles himself when he sneezes or at unexpected noises.
• I love the frowns and funny faces he makes when trying to pass gas or poo.
• I love when he uses both his hands to grab my fingers tightly during diaper changes.
• I love observing how strong his grip gets with each passing day.
• I love the smell of his feathery hair right after a bath.
• I love admiring his delicate features like the miniscule finger nails.
• I love his frenzied head-bobbing as he begins to breast feed.
• I love his milk stained lips and the instant sleepy coma that follows a good feeding.
• I love his assorted array of baby clothes, most of which are still quite baggy.
• I love whenever I get to pick him up and hold him close to my heart.
• I love the way he continues to gaze at me even after I’ve handed him to Heather.
• I love giving him a good morning kiss, a good night kiss and dozens in-between.
• I love staring at Lucca and Heather when they are fast asleep.
• I love seeing Heather glow as a proud, blissfully head over heels in love mother.
• I sometimes get all choked up since I know this wonderful newborn phase is but a chapter in a long exciting journey ahead.

-Shan-