Ain't I cute!

It is hard to believe that it has been six weeks since our little girl joined our family! She can hardly believe it either!

She has gone from a sleepy little newborn to a fully animated little baby girl in the last two weeks or so. She actually rolled over from her tummy to her back about a week and a half ago! I could hardly believe it and we have yet to see a repeat performance... but we will be patient! She is cooing more than she is crying and her smiles are much more purposeful then they were before. She watches people as they walk away from her and she stares at her play gym toys or the mobile on her swing. She is amazing.

I am having a hard time thinking that I have to go back to work in just two weeks. I don't want to leave my little girl just as she is coming into her own and changing so much everyday. What if I leave her with my mother-in-law and when I pick her up she is a toddler already? Ok, I must be realistic, but I do worry that time will continue to fly by and I will miss out on so much of her very young life.

Ask any mother. Ask my mother. I am sure she will tell you that although I was born 27 years ago it seems like just yesterday that I was cooing and rolling over for the first time. I know my mom went back to work too...as many mothers do after their babies are born. But I am sure they struggle with it.

I am just getting to know this little girl. How can I leave her for 9+ hours a day?

Norway has it right: Moms get a full year off and dads get up to two months. FMLA sucks.

Pinky and the Brain watch out...

Are you pondering what I'm pondering?

(now you comment with your smart remarks... talk about interactive!)

Family

So nine + months in the making and here we are. A family. Can you believe it? I can't some days. It seems like just yesterday that Kev and I were marching to Blood Sweat and Tears and hanging out at football games.

Who would have thought over 10 years ago that we would be the family you see above? Life is pretty amazing.

And look at our little girl... isn't she just the cutest! She really is "the star" as Grandpa Bruce named her this weekend. She is the center of attention and we couldn't be happier!

Our four week old

Kev and I had a conversation yesterday about how it is hard to believe that we have a four week old daughter. On the one hand it seems like the last four weeks should be more like four months. We can't imagine our lives without Madeline. The lack of sleep, busy schedule and learning how to be parents for the first time makes four weeks drag out.

On the other hand the last four weeks seem to have flown by. The last four weeks seem more like four days. She is constantly changing and we are constantly on the move with her. Even if that is just moving from the bedroom to the changing table! Watching her gain weight, grow in length and seeing all her major changes makes time rush by.

So here is Madeline at four weeks old. She is exploring her world with her eyes, is holding her head up more and more and has even given both Mom and Dad what we consider very purposeful smiles! We have had an exhausting first four weeks and have learned so much about what it means to be parents and spouses. We only hope that we continue to grow as Madeline grows and be the best parents we can be. So far she is a very good teacher. Thanks Maddy.

mg

A new post

I have tried to post on two separate occasions today. It was not technical difficulties that have thwarted my efforts, but first a sleeping baby who decided to wake up and second a post that was way to complicated and made me loose patience.

So instead I am posting one photo and this simple update. Maddy is doing well. She is three weeks and three days old and is changing each and every day. At this point her changes are huge. Anything other than eating and sleeping seems like a major milestone. One thing is for sure. She sure is a cutie, and she has most definitely captured our hearts.

Madeline, deep in thought.

A Bathing Beauty

What an exciting two weeks and two days it has been. Madeline has changed so much in that time. She is getting bigger and stronger every day. At her appointment with Dr. Marty she was a whopping 7 lb. 13 oz! She still isn't giving mom and dad a whole lot of sleep at night, but even a solid two hour stretch is a good thing at this point. (Isn't that sad...)

The photo above is from her first sponge bath. Of course she loved being laid out on the counter... but once the water started she wasn't quite so fond. Once she was warm and snuggly again she was a very happy and baby smelling little angel once again.

Now that her pesky little cord stub has fallen off we are going to have to try a full on bath. I think she might enjoy that a little more than just being wiped down and cold... I know I would.

mg

Happy Mothers Day!

So this post may be a little late, but I am finding that you do what you can when you can. Madeline has her own schedule and I am sure not going to change that if she has anything to say about it! Our first mother's day was a good one. We hung out at home and Auntie Olivia came in to visit. Then Grandma Molly and Grandpa Gene came over with Uncle Elliot and Aunt Kathy to plant some flowers in the garden. (They Rock!) Finally, we headed to Grandma Sue and Grandpa Bruce's for dinner. It was a long day, but a great time to visit with the family. Great Grandma Willette got to spend some quality time with Madeline which is oh so important! Lots of hugs and snuggles this mothers day. We have to get them in while we can. Before we know it she will be a rebellious teen and loose all her cuddliness!