Smiles

Gearing up....

for a smile!

Olivia's smiles are VERY rewarding, because she has been much more of a challenge than I ever imagined. I think a part of me thought that babies just sat there and happily sucked their pacifiers and sat in a bouncy chair or rode around in their strollers in between naps and feedings, and dozed to sleep when they got tired no matter what the environment. This was my experience with Charlotte, who was an ideal infant.

But, everything having to do with Olivia has been different from the delivery on. We love her tons but ever since her one month mark she has been a tough one, demanding constant attention, in very specific ways - or we are graced with blood curdling screams. We have better days (like I mentioned in the last post) but most just leave me hoping to survive the next. I've tried diet changes, mylicon, gripe water, you name it... If anyone has had a babe like this and has advice, I welcome it!

My Potato Head

Yesterday Olivia let me take a shower, put on makeup, blow dry my hair and get dressed all without fussing or crying. This is huge, and I don't expect it to become a habit (dare to dream), but I was so happy with her that I busted out a new outfit for her to wear to our postpartum appointment that day. I am glad that I did, since her doctor was so happy to see her that she snatched her up and took her around the office to show off to everyone. Yes, I'm glad she wasn't in her usual nightgown attire...

Yes, she is a bigger girl and is affectionately known around here as Miss Potato Head, mostly because of my inability to get to the folds of her neck (what neck?!) to wash them out!

Here are some pics from our snowstorm a couple weeks ago.
Unfortunately we don't have a ton of gear necessary to spend serious time in the snow. Charlotte lasted about 5 minutes. This picture was taken at the beginning of the storm. By the end, that patio was also covered in a thick layer and the grill even had a foot of snow piled on top of it.

Last time it snowed like this, it turned to ice quickly and we got our taillight busted in a slip-and-slide accident on the road. It still hasn't been fixed, but luckily this time we didn't need to be on the roads until the sun came out and they were clear.

One Month Official

Officially one month old, wearing the first outfit I ever bought for Charlotte, thinking it would be good for her to wear home from the hospital:) Obviously, I had a lot to learn. And still do.

Weight: 10 lb. 11 oz. - 83%
Height: 22.25 inches - 83%
Head: 15 inches - 71%

Playing the fish game together

Olivia's First Month

Olivia's first month has whizzed by! Funny how time speeds up, especially when it is 6 am and you know you only have until 8:30 to get your last minutes of sleep in... she really is a sweetie, though her sleeping habits haven't stabilized as quickly as hoped. My mom is a champ, staying with us during her first week, and graciously taking Charlotte to Houston with her for the second week even though she was sick, and then coming back again to return her safe and sound. Our house sure was quiet that week! We missed Charlotte a lot, but I was glad to have a chance to catch up on some sleep and recovery time. Thank you!!!!

First bath

Proud big sis

Church debut (she wasn't sure about the bow, we'll need to give her head time to grow in that one)

Matching PJs