7, 8 week catch up

We are very behind in blogging.  That's for several reasons.

7 Weeks
We were preparing for hurricane Irene.  The news was a little frightening for those of us who had never been in a hurricane, so we started making plans on Friday (Malin 7 weeks).  Unfortunately, Tim and Sarah were supposed to come that weekend and had to cancel (well, Delta kindly canceled for them).  Lucas and I were hesitant about our house considering the number of trees that surround it, so we packed up our gear and all four of us (Bentley included) sought shelter at our new friends house, the Lius.  I bet they didn't think that we would take them up on the offer when it was extended! Quite a way to make new friends, right?  Just move in for a night...which turned into two nights because we were out of power for 3 days and I was alone at night and not up for solo diaper changes ala candle light.

Before we left the house, unplugged everything

Towards the end of the storm, needed to take Bentley out

Tree down in the Liu's brand new complex

Bentley was pretty good throughout the storm

Our new small group seeking shelter at the only house with electricity! Pet friendly shelter! 

What was Malin up to in her 7th week of life?  Well, most of the usual - eating, playing, pooping, sleeping (usually in that order).

I'm slightly obsessed with watching the monitor - she stares right at it because of the green light on the camera.

She's started to notice Bentley (who has always noticed her).

Just hanging out with my friend!

8 weeks
I'm behind on 8 week update because we traveled to Cape Cod to see my 2nd cousin Heather marry Greg.  It was quite the wedding!

on the ferry from Port Jefferson to Bridgeport CT

My little diva

First time in my swimming suit from Mor Mor

Pre-water dip

Post water dip - not very happy

Who says only the bride can wear white!?

GORGEOUS LOCATION

Grand entrance

My dad and the mother of the bride (his cousin)

Lobster at the wedding = lobster bib

Hanging out with Mor Mor

Pooped at the end of the wedding

Second wind though when we got back to the hotel

Talking and laughing

Big girl!

Between 7 and 8 weeks, Malin has started smiling! She gives us huge smiles and silent giggles which really just melt your heart! She will even try to mock the sounds she hears now.  She loves flirting with her daddy.  She is such a happy baby (well, maybe with the exception of about 6pm-8pm).

Tomorrow we will update with 2 month stats!

6 weeks old

Malin, you are getting so big! I love seeing all your little rolls and your perfectly plump cheeks emerging.  Some days I don't think you are changing very much, but when I look back at pictures like these, I am shocked by how quickly you are growing.

Sleep has been on and off for us.  One night you'll do great and sleep 4-5 hrs (at least one stretch), but then the next you'll wake up every 2-3 hours.  I'm sure that as you get bigger this will change.

I think we've finally gotten the eating thing down.  You have become very efficient and usually only nurse for about 20-25 minutes now (quite a change from 45min-1hr in the beginning).  That also means more playtime for us before you go down for a nap.  You love your swing and especially love being on your tummy, especially on the bobby so that you can see out better.

Today you were fascinated by Bentley - and of course he is quite obsessed with you.  He becomes a little distressed when you cry, headed right over to your side to make sure you're alright.  Sometimes he sneaks in some face kisses which your momma does not love.  I think you'll two be good friends.

You are spoiled by so many people.  Your Mor Mor sends weekly packages and these fun shoes arrived last week from your cousin Scarlett.  She has a pair too so you two can be twins.

 I'm having so much fun dressing you, but honestly, you seem to prefer to be just in a diaper since it's been pretty hot lately.  When fall comes though, I know you'll appreciate it more.  We had two rainy days this week so we got to bundle you up.

Malin, I wish that you would be able to remember all of these early days and how quickly we fell in love with you.  Most of all I hope I never forget them either!

5 weeks and ambitions

Malin is 5 weeks today! She's doing great during the day, although we've regressed at night - back to waking up every 2-3 hrs to eat rather than 4! UGH! Makes for a rough night and a morning that definitely requires a large cup of coffee.  Throw in that Lucas is still on nights, it makes for two very exhausted parents.

We got all dressed up this morning to greet daddy and did a photo shoot while waiting.  Well unfortunately, nap time came along and daddy still wasn't home!

I can't stop moving I'm so excited to see him

He's really coming home??

I'll just be hanging out waiting!

I love my daddy and can't wait to see him

Thinking that I want to be a doctor when I grow up

I would be a pretty good-looking doctor

All this waiting is making me tired

1 month

My sweet, sweet baby, you are 1 month old!

 You are still very petite

You are starting to smile more and more

I'm seeng your personality develop

You don't like to stay still - always moving!

You are noticing things around you

You enjoy your naps (most of the time)

But most of all you are loved by so many people!

3 weeks

3 weeks!!?? I'm 3 days late writing this.  I can't decide if the days fly by or feel like a whole month.  Being on a "3-hr schedule" is definitely a new experience in life.

I can't believe though how much happens in a week.  Malin is so much more alert, stays more awake after we eat and is sleeping pretty well.  At her 2 week (well 2w3d) appointment, she was up to 6lbs12oz, 21 1/2".  She's in the 50th percentile for height (I don't think that will last long!) and 10-25th percentile for weight (still a little peanut).  I swear everyday she adds a new roll on her body.

Malin is starting to get into a "babywise" schedule of eating every 2 1/2-3hrs during the day - playing and then napping before the next feeding time.  During the night we are getting to almost 4 hr stretches...great for me and for Malin! We are trying to get her to sleep in the pack-n-play at nap time, but it's also just so tempting to let her snuggle and sleep on your chest. We do our best to stick to a routine, but also cherish all those snuggles!

Malin, please please please stop growing up so quickly!!!!!

Due Date

July 26, 2011

I never thought I would be meeting our baby before July 26.  I always imagined being more of a 41-week type of girl.  But, I am so thankful for the fact that Malin has been here for almost 3 weeks now.  Plus, I never got to the point of being incredibly uncomfortable- instead, I will always remember being pregnant as such a great feeling. In fact, when I am out without Malin, I sometimes wish I was still pregnant (although I would never trade being pregnant for having Malin here now!).

Now I wonder if she had arrived now, what would she weigh, how long would she be?  Would she be as alert as she is now?  Malin has already experienced life outside of my body for 3 weeks and it is so apparent that she is soaking up all sorts of new things.  She is starting to smile (probably not quite intentionally, but getting close!), she has found her voice. She knows when I am in the room since her mouth starts searching for food.  And she knows that she prefers sleeping in someone's arms rather than in her swaddle.

God was so at work in bringing Malin into this world at the perfect time, in the perfect way.  We thank Him for this gift!