Today is k’s 4 week birthday. I guess she’s not technically one month old until Sunday. Here she is on her changing pad, looking kind of scared.
D’s Deep Thoughts
Being a new parent it is easy to look ahead. I have heard that after the first three months it gets easier since they cry less. And also it is nice when they turn one since they are much stronger by then. And according to my mother-in-law at 16 months because they are really cute then.
However, God has taught me something important this week. In BSF we are looking at Ch 8 of Romans. According to BSF it is arguably the best chapter in the Bible. Romans 8:28 says that “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good, for those who love God; for those who are called according to His purpose.”
At times I find myself looking ahead as well mainly because I like to have control over my life. And when you have a newborn it changes things. I can’t always run at a certain time, or even if I did I might not have gotten the sleep I wanted. In addition, there are more concerns and responsibilities (usually not what a guy wants). However, studying this verse gives me comfort that in all situations God will cause me to grow more in the likeness of His Son. Parenting can add some wrinkles in one’s life, but this will allow one opportunities to grow and produce spiritual fruit e.g. patience. I have learned to enjoy the time I get to spend with k now despite her cries. I love it when she is peaceful and she looks at me. But also I enjoy it when she cries and I get to use my fake Italian accent to try to calm her down.
k’s 24 Hour Fitness
This is where k does her “Tummy Time” workout. She lifts her head and rolls to her side. She looks small, but looks can be deceiving. She tips the scales at 8.5 lbs! She has been sleeping OK. Well, at least that is what L says. I sleep through the night quite well.
While we are on the topic of working out. I have been continuing my workouts. I consistently run 4 miles in 38 minutes and swim 1,000M free style & 500M breast-stroke in 34 minutes. I am planning on running the Seal Beach 10k at the end of March to help me gauge where I am at in preparing for the 2007 Disneyland Half-Marathon in September.
Bath Time
Here is the obligatory picture of k during bathtime. This is the picture we’ll all get a good laugh at during her wedding slideshow–hehe. Giving her a bath is definitely a two person task. Babies can get very slippery! Thanks to Miss O for her stylish, ergonomic tub!
It’s Been 3 Weeks?
It is hard to believe that little k is over three weeks old. Just in the past couple of days, she’s been able to sleep a little longer at a time (3 hours last night). She also has started to vocalize by making little peeps, instead of just crying. k also has the cutest smile when she is about to doze off to sleep, but I have yet to be able to capture it on camera. We can’t wait for her “real” smiles!
It Gets Easier, Right?
Today we went to k’s 2 week check up with the pediatrician. (He was on vacation last week). She now weighs 7 lbs. 11 oz., (which is good, since she initially lost too much of her birth weight). D can’t wait for her to hit the big 8.0 (lbs., that is). k was surprisingly very calm when the doctor examined her. I’m not really looking forward to her next visit, since she will be getting her immunizations.
The sleepless nights are starting to take their toll on us. I’ve been told the first month is the hardest, and I’m really hoping that is true. D and I were used to getting 8+ hours of sleep a night…that now seems like a distant memory.
Every Kiss Begins With k
Getting Ready for Bedtime
Two Weeks Old
Today is k’s two week birthday. Everyone says that babies grow up so fast, so I will try my best to document her development.
Look at her chubby cheeks!
Look at her flare those nostrils!
Announcements
I made these announcements for D to pass out at work. They are tubes of mini M & Ms covered in wrapping paper. I’m still working on the announcements to send out to family and friends.
Happy New Year
k’s First New Year’s Day
For the past couple of days, k has decided that she prefers to sleep during the day and cry at night, making two very tired parents. She has also started to snort when she is hungry–not very lady-like. Tonight, her umbilical cord fell off. She has an innie!
We thought it would be too gross to post a picture of her stump. 🙂
First Week
So, we made it through the first week. On Thurs. I had to return to the hospital to sign the paperwork for k’s birth certificate. It was weird to walk through the hospital hallways again, this time as a mom. (Before I went into labor, the doctor had me walk up and down those hallways for two hours to see if I could jumpstart the contractions. I ended up with blisters on my feet!)
Here is k in front of our penguin themed Christmas tree. Christmas was kind of a blur for us since we were so exahusted that day. k was able to meet her great grandma though, so that was special.
It seems that when k is not feeding, she is napping. The times in between when she has her eyes open are pretty rare. Here is one of those times.
Nap Time
On Wed., Uncle Kevin came over and brought us lunch, made fried rice, and showed D how to install GFCI outlets. For the past couple of days, k has also been able to spend some time with her Uncle Simon and Aunt Jackie who flew down from Sacramento. I think k is enjoying all of the attention!