Week-3-In-Review: Getting to know you

Week 3: 09/02 - 09/08/12

Now that all the hustle and bustle has calmed down, the frequency of visitors has decreased, and you've now been in our lives for 3 full weeks, we've finally settled into a routine.

And I say "routine" very loosely.

Because newborns can be unpredictable.

Last week for example, a quick errand turned into 2 outfit changes for you, one outfit change for me, 3 dirty diapers, two complete meltdowns (you AND me), and then us never even making it out the door.

But for the most part, we are on a schedule. Mama's pretty strict about this. We *try* to consistently follow the sleep-wake-feed schedule. And you do very well. Although sometimes, you really, really don't want to sleep. What can I say - you're a fighter. Luckily, this is usually during the day and you tend to be happy, not fussy.

Grams said I was the same way when I was your age - I never, ever slept. But I was happy.

Like mother, like daughter.

You have been sleeping like an angel this week. Last night you actually slept 4 1/2 hours straight. And you've gotten really good at going right back to sleep after night time feedings. Things are by no means perfect, however. You are still learning so much and have only been part of this world for 3 short weeks. I can't expect too much. At first you had your days and nights confused. But, I make sure to really make day time DAY - we play, sing, have tummy time, listen to music, make the house bright, and I never let you sleep longer than two and a half hours. (Mean mommy). And nighttime is NIGHT - no lights, no talking, you are tightly swaddled, and I turn on your sleep sheep. And *so far*, you are doing great.

But we've also discovered your "fussy time". Don't worry, most newborns have them. Yours is usually late afternoon or early evening. During this time, there is no consoling you. You just cry and cry. And cry some more. Sometimes, you just want to be held. Other times, you just want to scream. The worst is when your little lips curl down. Talk about breaking mommy and daddy's hearts.

It's a constant learning process. But, we're all in this together.


You are reeeally cuddly. After you eat, you really like to be around mommy and daddy or just look at everything in the new world around you. You are especially fond of walls and doors. And you really like to cuddle. The cuddly moments are my very favorite. I promise I'm savoring every second when we cuddle. But I'm not the only one who is really loving the cuddles...

You had your second doctor's appointment. You now weigh 8 pounds and are 21 inches long. You grew 2 inches in just one week. Holy Schmoly! And the doctor says your coloring is "perfect", as most babies typically have a touch of jaundice and you have none. (This is because you are my little piglet and eat so well). And she was incredibly impressed with your He-Man strength. She couldn't believe how long you could hold your little head up. I told her that you are a determined baby. She said you'll be rolling over by month 1. Let's hope not...

It really has been so fun getting to know you better this week.

You really love your Vitamin D drops. We give them to you every night before bed. You LOVE them. They are cherry flavored, and you quiet right down after we give them to you.

You're starting to really love bath time too. You hated it at first, but now you look forward to it. It's so cute how much the warm water soothes you. But you especially love the warm cuddles that come afterward.

You are quite the social butterfly. Not sure who you get it from. ;)

• But this week, you went on a playdate with three other babes: Cal, Maddie, and Henry. So fun! 
• And, you went to your very first birthday part - it was for Cousin Autumn. I was so proud of myself. All the little kids wanted to hold you...and I let them. (While only having minor heart attacks.) 
• AND we had our first girls' night with Grams. We all cuddled on the couch and watched Steele Magnolias. Tear.Jerker.

Since you've come into the world, you've made Mommy and Daddy super emotional. Yes, I said Daddy too. Let's be honest, Mommy cries at everything now. Everything. And we started watching this *amazing* show on Netflix called Parenthood. I cry in every single episode. The other day, I looked over and even Daddy was tearing up. You've made him a big ol' softie, Chunkin.

It's been so fun getting to know you better, Baby Ly. We love you so much.