Changing So Fast

I cannot believe how fast Elsa is growing. Not necessarily growth in size, because let's face it, she is tiny and growing slower in that department. She is growing in her actions, mannerisms and recognition.  I love seeing her smile. Especially when I know it's not gas. She is focusing on things like the hinge on the swing,  I have no idea what is so fascinating about a hinge, or the white wall, but she is so intent about it. She has even started trying to reach for things.  She hasn't quite figured out how to actually grasp. I give it another week though. She knows her momma and daddy, and is happy when we are around. And who wouldn't love that?! Her vocalizations increase every day. She has a cute little "aaa" sound, and squeals. Watching her change day-by-day is such a gift. I am so lucky.

Deep Sleep?

I have been known to be a notoriously light sleeper.  Any little noise, ray of light, or slight movement in bed normally wakes me up.  Since Elsa has arrived my sleep pattern has completely changed.  Steve can get up and out of bed, make noise getting ready for work, etc and I don't hear a thing.  But if Elsa makes even the slightest whimper I am wide awake.  I guess my sleep evolution has adjusted for survival. Survival of my sanity that is.

The Conversation

I have discovered an amazing new show on Lifetime, The Conversation, with Amanda de Cadenet.  She found that there was not a show out there that was "real" in their conversations about or with women.  She interviews (or more accurately converses) with all types of women, young, old, famous, politicians, authors, you name it.
One question she asks each person is what would you tell your 14 year old self? One of her on the street interviewees said "if you ever go into a date always ask yourself 'will I like them?' not 'will they like me?'"

Wow! That says something powerful about being ok with who you are.  I really hope I can teach Elsa to be a strong independent woman who is ok with who she is.

http://www.theconversation.tv/

Big Dreams

I wonder what this little girl dreams about.....

My Brilliant Child

I know that every parent thinks their child is the most brilliant child ever to be born, a sheer genius! I can understand why they believe this.  When a baby is born they don't do anything.  They eat, sleep, potty, repeat. So as they start to do "stuff" as a parent you think it's aaaammmmaaaazing! No other child has ever done those things with the skill and speed that your child has.

Ok so now it's my turn.  My child is brilliant!  Here are the first month milestones:

• Can lift head momentarily
• Turns head from side to side when lying on back
• Hands stay clenched
• Strong grasp reflex present
• Looks and follows object moving in front of them in range of 45 degrees
• Sees black and white patterns
• Quiets when a voice is heard
• Cries to express displeasure
• Makes throaty sounds
• Looks intently at parents when they talk to him/her

Elsa has done everything on this list (as far as I know, we haven't done a lot of black white patterns, so we wouldn't know if she sees them).
She was able to lift her head while still in the hospital. She has very strong neck muscles.
She follows her cookie monster (see video, to save m from embarrassment please mute).

She's even started on her second month milestones.  We have done the following:

• Lifts head almost 45 degrees when lying on stomach
• Head bobs forward when held in sitting position
• Follows dangling objects with eyes
• Makes noises other than crying

Like I said...Brilliant!!

On Our Own

The day that I was dreading came. On Monday Steve went back to work.  We had a wonderful 3 weeks home together with Elsa.  I know he is sad to go back and leave us, and I am too.

On Tuesday I had to overcome a minor fear I had, leave the house with Elsa by ourselves. It seems like a very silly fear. She is just a baby and I am an adult, a very independent adult, who is used to doing things on my own.  But for some reason getting her ready, making sure she was fed, changed, and her diaper bag was packed was a real stress.  Then add the fact that I had to carry her carrier, and be able to get her very heavy stroller in and out of the car and figure out all it's bells and whistles, and I was a nervous wreck. I think the biggest issue is making sure she is fed. She is on a pretty strict schedule, and I was afraid of messing that up. I also had to overcome the uncomfortableness of breast feeding her in public.

Well, we succeeded. We went to the new mom lunch at North Florida Regional Medical Center.  I made it through all the things I mentioned above, and fed her while I was there.  Success!! I am still recovering from our outing, and we get to do it again tomorrow when I take her to a doctor's appointment.  Baby steps.  At some point these excursions will be old hand. Right?