The Sara Adventure

They said to be spontaneous. Do whatever you feel like before the baby comes, because after she's here you won't be able to. Well, that's true, and we did, and I still wish we could go see a movie now... what did that solve? Also, that had me running all over town when I was huge and pregnant and just wanted to be home. Nonsensical advice really.

I might be almost back to my pre-pregnancy weight, but I don't look like or feel like my pre-pregnancy self. Like most non-pregnant women, I was thrilled the other day when someone asked me when my baby was due. Bastard. (sorry about my language)(but not really).

I want to try the new pumpkin pie pop-tarts. Disgustingly bad for you. Definitely not a breakfast food. Probably delicious.

I want all my friends to have babies. Baby girls. and now.

I can't get enough of Alan and Grace. I love to be with them, and I love to see them together. It is heaven on earth in my own little home.

I decided during pregnancy that going without caffeine wasn't that bad, and that I was going to keep it to a minimum forever. That was before a baby woke me 2-3 times every night. Now the best part of wakin up is foldgers in my cup.

I am starting to realize that every day with a child is special. Today would seem like a regular day to most- cleaning, feeding the baby, taking a shower... but it's also special. Grace made noises she's never made, spent a little time examining those weird things attached to her arms, took her first bath without the newborn sling, and smiled in excitement at the wind in her little baby hairs! It was such an exciting regular day to me : )

It's hard to get any packing done when all I want to do is show her new things. I'm pretty sure I've been wearing her out, because she's been sleeping really well. What a good baby, I love her so much.

Tomorrow you will be 2 months old. We will be headed to Louisville to see Nana and Papaw- they can't wait. It's been a month since they've seen you, which doesn't seem long to me, but you've changed so much! Then we will go to Lexington because your Aunt Alyssa is getting married. You are going to spend Sunday night with Nana and Papaw without us. I am very nervous. I haven't been away from you for more than about 3-4 hours since you came home! I know it will be nice to sleep so long without you waking me up, but I'm so freaked out!

You got your first round of vaccines at the doctor the other day. It made you very upset and we both cried. You are very healthy:

As of November 2nd:
Weight: 11lbs
Length: 23 1/8 inches
Head: 14 7/8 inches

You are getting so strong. You can hold your head up for long periods of time. Even though you don't like being on your belly you can lift your head and shoulders up for a while. You have been talking up a storm. I repeat the noises back to you and you seem to find that funny. I love it when I come to pick you up and you smile at me. It's as though you are saying "I'm so happy to see you!" You are such a delight to be around, Gracie. I love watching you grow- embracing every new moment and cherishing the past- realizing you will never be this way again.

The picture on here is already about a week old. You grow so fast, I need to take a picture every day! I can't wait for you to discover your hands... could be any day : )

I can't make a recipe the way it comes. Pretty much ever. I made Apple Spice cookies- dairy and egg free. Someone in our house church is terribly lactose intolerant and so he can be difficult to bake for. However, here is the delicious recipe before and after it got my makeover:

Most people are aware that babies and children hit "milestones" that give parents and doctors an idea about how development is going. For example, Grace can track objects with her eyes- that is a milestone she achieved. Well, I found these 6 week milestones for mommy, and they made me laugh out loud!

• You managed to get through the first paragraph of a news article before you nodded off. No worries, those first few sentences will give you something other than baby burping to talk about at the next family gathering. (Although you'll probably talk non-stop about burping, anyway.)
• You discovered a new parent truism: It doesn't matter that you're now a swaddling pro—your baby's an even better pro at breaking free from being swaddled!
• You've mastered the midnight baby feeding, changing and re-snapping the pajamas routine.
• You've embraced the fact that some days you don't get out the door until noon... and that there's nothing wrong with that!
• You remembered that the phrase "getting busy" can mean something other than trying to change a diaper, answer the phone and recite "This Little Piggy" at the same time (even if you didn't actually "get busy").

My friend Jillian writes to her son every month so that some day he can read about his wonderful childhood. She writes about his achievements and all the fun times they spend together. I've decided to do the same thing. I may forget some months, but that will just mean we were having too much fun for writing!

Today you are one month old. It may not seem like much, but it's been a life changing month for me- and for you! Life was a little scary for you at first. We had to be away from each other when you spent time in the nursery, and it was hard for me and Daddy. You just had a little trouble adjusting to your new world, and needed some time to rest before coming home. You are so strong though, and you got through it.

Speaking of how strong you are, you have been able to push back against me from the day you were born. You can already lift your head and turn it from side to side. You love to kick your legs and wiggle all around. Sometimes you grab at your hair or your nose. You can now keep my gaze and love to look me right in the eyes while you are nursing. When you hear a voice you can loo towards it, and you can find me or Daddy in a crowd.

This morning, very very early, you were done eating and I thought you were falling asleep on my lap. I was checking some e-mail before putting you back in your bed and you said "ahhooo" or something to that affect (you know, just a sweet little coo noise). I looked down at you in surprise that you were back awake, so I smiled at you, and you gave me a big smile back! I then told you how beautiful you are and you smiled again. Your Daddy and I love you so much. All the books say not to expect a responsive smile this early, but you are a genius : )

At the pediatrician today:
22 3/8 inches long
9lb 5oz weight
14 3/8 head circumference

She said you look very good. I was so proud when you smiled at her. She said it was very early for you to be doing that! You are now enjoying sleeping in your swing on this gorgeous fall day. I'm not sure if that is a bad habit or not, but I do it anyway. You have some reflux, so sitting up while sleeping helps you not spit up so much.

So, happy one month birthday, Gracie. You are a wonderful blessing to us, and we couldn't ask for a better daughter. I can't believe how fast you are growing. What a miraculous display of God's creation!