Tender Mercies

Dear Adelai, This morning I put away all of your 0-3 month clothes and organized your 3-6 month outfits. These onesies that looked so large just one month ago are now fitting you marvelously. In a way it seems like an eternity that you were born, while at the same time these past 13 weeks have flown by. I guess that means I am soaking it up and enjoying the moment. You're not so little anymore, though you're not so big either. The cuddle bug you were just a few weeks ago has evolved into a girl who loves to see the world. You're most happy when you are standing with just the assistance of a couple of handholds, when you are on the changing table watching your mobile, or when someone is talking to you.  Oh, and your smile! One of my favorite memories from this month was when we were at the store and you talked to both of the cash register ladies. You stood up on the checkout counter and told the sweet elderly ladies all about your life and wooed them wit...

Happy 1 month birthday to our sweet Adelai Rose! I never knew I could get so little sleep and still be so happy. That was an impossibility before she was born, and proof that we are given the strength to do what is needful.  Over the course of these past 31 days, Adelai has grown ever so fast, surpassing the average 6 oz-per-week growth rate that the books report. She regained her birth weight plus some within the first week, and is now over 9 pounds.  I may be just a touch sad to see my teeny baby grow up, but then I look at the comparison between her non-expressive newborn pictures and the emerging smiles just 4 short weeks later. It's a miracle to watch babies grow! A few of my favorite things about Adelai--Month 1: 1. Snuggling skin-to-skin. These times are so special and often get her to relax and sleep when she is being fussy. 2. Wearing her in my wrap to go grocery shopping and walks. If nothing else gets her to calm down, a walk i...