Loving Life

We have been having so much fun, I've forgotten to update my blog! I am loving this and feel so blessed! Last week was a busy week. Even though I'm not working, I had a lot of end-of-the-year things to do. One day Madeline and I went to school to see my students. They LOVED it and she discovered what all that noise was for nine months. Another day she had her one month check up- which didn't go so well because she was hungry and we had to wait a looonnnngg time. Then we had three bbqs to go to (I think it was Madeline that got us invited!). On Friday, Madeline stayed home with Daddy in the morning and I went to work to get signed off on my classroom. I left her for 4 hours and she slept almost the whole time! She was so good for her Daddy!
Sunday we took our first road trip to LA to pick Aaron's mom up from the airport. Madeline did great! She slept the whole time we were in the car! It is so nice to have grandma here. She is spoiling her and Madeline is loving every minute. I am loving the extra help! I am so thankful Madeline has such a great grandma that loves her and will be a Godly influence in her life. Here's how Madeline has changed just in the last week:

• She has gained 3 lbs in 6 weeks now weighing 9lbs, 13oz and is 21 1/2 inches long!
• I got my first smile from her one her 1 month birthday and many many more since. It is my favorite thing! Makes my heart melt!
• She is now more alert when she's awake. She likes play time on her mat and is interested in the lights and music it plays (see picture below).
• She coos now- in fact I think she is saying words! lol!
• When she plays, she is now kicking her legs and moving her arms up and down.
• She is finally sleeping in her own bassinet! Woohoo! Well, up until this week that is... since Grandma has been holding her so much, she wants to be held at night too... a small price to pay. I still hold her to take our afternoon nap. I just love that time!
• She has established a good routine. She takes two long naps- one in the morning and one in the afternoon and then a shorter nap in the evening usually right before bedtime, she eats around 7am, 12noon, 5pm and then for a couple of hours- cluster feeding- then right before bed.
• I only have to get up with her at 3am now to feed her at night! Ahhh... life is good!
• Things are so much easier now. I feel more comfortable doing things outside the house and taking her places. And I feel much more rested. I think my body has adjusted to the lack of sleep. Okay- now to what you really want... pictures:

Playtime on her activity mat- Her favorite thing!

At the doctor's office wait to see the dr.
Right before bed, she is snuggled up in her bouncy seat all swaddled and listening the seahorse lull her to sleep. Don't you love the one hand peeking out- she always manages to get at least one hand out.