September 23, 2012: One month old
Dear Mae,
This month has flown by my little peanut. After leaving the hospital you dropped down to 6 pounds, 9 ounces- almost a pound under your birth weight. Your doctor was concerned so I sought out every person who could help. After having a lactation consultant come to the house, talking to Le Leche League, talking with friends, and many trips to Jersey Shore hospital you finally made it back up to your birth weight! It may have taken you two weeks longer than the doctor hoped, but we got there little girl! Last weigh in you were 7 pounds, 10 ounces with your cute onesie and diaper on. We know how you hate to be naked so I kept your clothes on for the weigh in. Dad and I still like to keep you swaddled at night and some of the day because you hate when your hands can swing all over the place.
Talking about being naked, boy oh boy, do you dislike taking baths! After two sponge baths your umbilical cord fell off and you upgraded to your deluxe, pink bath. Dad and I try to make bath time most enjoyable, filling the tub with warm water and putting a warm wash cloth on your tummy. But, to no avail it just doesn't seem to be your cup of tea. Even with washing your full head if hair with shampoo we have you in and out of the tub in two minutes flat. No one likes a crying baby! Hopefully you will find a love for water in the upcoming months so you can enjoy the pool and beach next summer. Gosh knows mom was a water baby. Time will have to tell if you will be one too.
We have come a long way in the eating department. After falling asleep minutes into each eating sesh you now eat at hour long clips at a time. It took a lot of sleepless nights, but I think we are finally getting the hang of this feeding thing. The last few nights you have slept for 4-5 hours, only to wake up to eat a bit more and sleep another hour or two. At first you slept in your pack n' play bassinet and we used the vibration and white noise on the My Little Lamb to lull you to sleep. Now you have been favoring the Fischer Price Rock n' Sleep at night. Dad is such a help, especially during the wee hours of the night. He lets mom get her beauty rest and rocks you to sleep, even if it takes an hour or more after you have eaten.
Ricky, Nina, and Audrey came over to do your first official photo shoot for your baby announcements. They were finally ordered yesterday so hopefully they will all be sent out by mid October. They took a few family shots on the porch where you got to sport your adorable cherry outfit Randi bought for you. We got to enjoy a few weeks of warmth before the cool, fall weather rolled in this week.
I got to have my first outing alone out since your arrival to get my hair done. Boy was it hard to leave you. Thank goodness it was only a few blocks from the house and I rushed right home mid blow dry when I heard you were hungry. You were very content after eating though and fell asleep in my arms.
Many of nights you fell asleep in my arms in your room after eating. We started your first month home hanging out mostly in your room where I felt comfortable feeding you, but ended the month mainly hanging out on the couch. We watched all of our tivoed shows we missed during the first few weeks of your life. You were quickly schooled in horrible reality shows, including how housewives of New Jersey should not act.
At every chance you love to pose for the camera while you are sleeping. If you hand is not in you mouth letting me know your ready to eat it is by your cheek. It is beyond cute, my little girl!
We tried to put hats on you at night like the doctor recommended but you were just not having it. Many times we have woken up to noises of you moving around and your hat was covering your eyes. If not covering your face you have thrown it off your head. Dad and I decided no more hats during week three or so.
We took many spins around the neighborhood this month. We're learning which blocks have good sidewalks to stroll on. So far it's your friend Hank's street that is the smoothest sailing.
I pulled out your play mat the other week and you have enjoyed lying on your back. You stare at the music box or swing your arms to hit the rattle I hung down. It was cute to see your four month old friend Noelle play in it last week. Before we know it you will be able to grab and chew on the hippopatumus just like she did.
Maybe you get motion sickness like Mom because you only like to be in your swing for a few minutes at a time. Most of the day you spend your time lounging on the couch eating, asleep in my arms, or on your Boppy lounger. Dad and I entertain you with your rattles, maracas, or off the cuff songs in tune with your musical toys. When your not on your play mat your brothers take advantage and keep it warm for you.
- We have had lots of guests come to meet you during your first month! Great Grandma V. came to visit and you slept like the little angel you are in her arms.
Dad and and I are lucky that you almost never cry- only when your not swaddled, are hungry, or want to be changed. We are starting to learn your cries and know when you are gassy. Dad bicycles your legs and Gripewater has been helping for those rare times you can't let it out.
Dad and I love you to the moon and back! I can't imagine not being by your side every day that I am trying to extend my maternity leave until after Christmas. Fingers crossed my little love! Can't wait to see what the next month brings!
Love,
Mom
One Month Stats
- Weight: 7 lbs 11 oz (September 28th check-up)
- Height: 21.5 inches (September 28th check-up)
- Diaper Size: Newborn
- Clothing Size: All newborn
- Favorite toys/activities: Loungin in your boppy pillow on the couch while dad and I entertain you, laying in your play mat, and sleeping while we cruise the neighborhood in your stroller
One Month Milestones
- First stroller ride: August 30, 2012 (Around the block to say hello to Kelly and Henry)
- First illness: September 2, 2012 - Eye infection :(
- First trip to the boardwalk: September 11, 2012
- First time mom took you out alone: September 20, 2012 (To the new moms group)
