Are you really only one month old? It sort of feels as if you were part of our family forever; when I think back to the last week of my pregnancy, that feels like a very long time ago. Perhaps that’s because in the short time you have been alive we celebrated Christmas and New Year, visited with family, and mostly got cut loose from the frequent pediatrician visits.
Nadia absolutely adores you! When asked by her teacher this week “What makes you happy?” Nadia replied “Baby Trixie.” Nadia loves to help by bringing you diapers or clothes when you need to be changed. Nadia is very curious to watch you get bathed, but she doesn’t understand why you hate it so much! Nadia is looking forward to sharing one bedtime routine and she is very excited for you to sleep in the crib in your shared bedroom instead of the bassinet in our room.
Just this week is seems like you are able to stay awake a little bit longer, and you fight just a little bit harder when I can tell you are ready for a nap. You love to be comforted by being held while Mom or Dad bounces on an exercise ball. You love to look at the ceiling fans and out the window to see the sunlight. Once we get moving, you seem happy riding in the car, going for a walk, or being rocked. Your favorite place to sleep is in someone’s arms and you are just so adorable, it’s hard to mind too much.
Breastfeeding is going well (mostly). We can’t figure out how to get you to accept a bottle or pacifier, so for now we’ve never been separated for more than an hour. It’s funny, after all those months being pregnant, the lack of separation seems fitting. In fact, I remember looking at you in the hospital bassinet thinking “Gosh, you’re so far away,” even though we were maybe eight feet apart.
Similarily, while in the shower the other day I looked down at the “linea nigra” going to my belly button and thought “Where is the rest of me?” Yes, my skin is saggy and there’s stretch marks, but it’s weird to see my body start to get back to “normal.” I certainly don’t feel “normal” yet as we continue to search for our rhythm as a family of four.
I noticed a smile the other day, and you didn’t have gas! I’m excited for more smiles and cooing in this next month ahead! We can’t wait to see all the ways you will grow!