One Month

Oh Ellianna!  What a month this has been :)  How do I begin to summarize your first month?

Let's see...your birth weight of 5 lb 14 oz had many of us calling you a little peanut, because well, you were just so so little.  All of your newborn onesies, sleepers and pants fit big.  Some clothes just swallowed you up!  I'm happy to say that you are now topping the scales at 7 lb 13 oz and filling out your clothes very nicely!  You are still wearing newborn size clothes as 0-3 months are still too big.  I'm not sure where you are hiding those 2 pounds but I can see growth in your cheeks, thighs, and belly.  According to the WHO, your weight started in the 10th percentile and now is in the 25th percentile.  Your current length of 22 inches is in the 90th percentile.

Your schedule?...well, little one, you set the pace of things around here.  We are very blessed that you have always been a good sleeper (at night).  You just don't show much interest in naps during the day unless you are being held.  At night you usually sleep 3-4 hours at a time but your daytime nap vary between 10 minutes to 90 minutes.  And yes, you usually only nap once during the day.  I've tried keeping the house quiet and dim, with low stimulus hoping that will coax you to take a nap during the day but haven't had success.  You love to be swaddled nice and tight.  You are beyond cute to watch as you wake up, with all your stretching and facial expressions.

You are still on the 'on-demand' feeding schedule which means you eat as often and for as long as your heart desires.  Some days, it feels like you want to be nursing/feeding all day.  We are very lucky you have a good appetite...something you inherited from your uncles!  While nursing, you place your upper hand on the breast, just to make sure it doesn't go anywhere.  Then once you are finished, you lay your head on my breast, using it as your pillow.  During many of the ultrasounds, you often had your head pressed up against the uterus wall and the technicians had trouble showing us your face because you were always so cozy, all nestled in there.  You and I have battled through 2 rounds of mastitis and random blocked milk ducts that frustrate me so much more than they bother you, but you are a trooper and nurse right through them.

 You continue to prefer to be held.  All. Day. Long.  We have played with the bouncer and the swing, and you do okay for a few minutes.  Playing on the floor is fun watching your eyes try to focus on the toys hanging above you.  Your vision is definitely improving as you love looking around and trying to focus on things.  Your approval of family walks varies.  Sometimes you are happy and content to be pushed in your stroller, other times...well, you insist on being carried as your cry may just wake the whole neighborhood!  You enjoy bath time but dislike feeling cold when we are drying you off.  You don't seem aware of the dogs yet, rarely do you flinch when they bark or drop their bone.  As you get older, I can't wait to watch you interact with the dogs and keep them on their toes!

Your personality remains pretty laid back but you have got the lung power to compete with the best of them!  You really only cry when you are hungry.  Your daddy calls it your billy-goat cry because you get yourself so flustered and worked up, your tongue starts vibrating with your cries.  You wouldn't exactly be considered a patient baby when it comes to your food!  I am often surprised when changing your diaper at either how wet it is or how much poop is in there because you give no indication that your diaper needs changing.  You don't mind your car seat and are typically good during car rides.  Even when we think you are beyond tired, you don't always fall asleep in the car.  Once again, showing us your stubborn personality :)

You have already met several of your extended family members.  Your grandparents have come to visit you.  We've used the iPad to meet your cousins, your aunts and uncles, and some of your great-grandparents.  I can't wait until you are able to meet everyone in person!

You have already taught us so much this first month.  It's unbelievable how fast this month has gone by.  As amazing as those newborn days were, you are beginning to interact more and show some personality.  You have blessed us in so many ways and you are so loved.  We are so lucky you chose us to be your parents.