1 Month

Finley's first month went by in a flash...but then at times it also went extremely slow (middle of the night feedings!)  Here are some highlights of the last month and what she's doing now:

*She still has all of her hair and I'm hopeful she won't lose too much in the coming months.  We are diligent about tummy time to protect the back of her head and strengthen her neck - and she doesn't hate it!!  Finley is now more able to hold her head up when we put her in a sitting position or when we are carrying her.

*Her eyes are still "steel" blue...we'll see how long that lasts.

*She has developed a nice case of baby acne, but really, as my daughter, this isn't too surprising!

*Finley feels heavier to carry and some outfits are getting snug, but I haven't yet weighed her (maybe this weekend?) and she doesn't have an MD appointment until 2 months.

*Car/stroller rides usually start a little something like this - screaming and crocodile tears.  About 5 mins into the ride, however, she's sound asleep.  We travel 3 miles to class on Mondays and Thursdays and this series of crying and falling asleep is accomplished with routine efficiency. 

*We have taken a few outings more recently - the mall to get some exercise and a few birthday gifts (once with me = disaster, once with Pat and I = much better if one of us kept the stroller moving), to lunch with Dad on a few Wednesdays, to North Oaks for mom's suprise birthday dinner (she spit up and had a blow out on the way there, but we were just in time for the surprise), and a couple of walks around our subdivision.

*On the subject of sleeping, Finley's half-hearted routine is becoming more routine!  For every 2 good nights, it seems we have 1 poor one.  Dad gives her a bottle when he gets home from work and one in the middle of the night, leaving mom just 1 feeding at night!  We usually are both awake during these feedings and have been watching the olympic re-runs at 3am this week.  During the day, she settled into at least 2 naps between 10am and 2 pm, usually in the swing.  It's nice for mom and Finley when the sun shines in and we can both drift off with it on our faces.

*The most exciting developments have happened just this week.  Finley is smiling!  It taks an obnoxious high-pitched voice from me saying "give momma a smiley" and tickling her tummy, but it is so worth it.  Pat is also working on his voice and has gotten a few good smiles as well.

*She has 1-2 periods during the day where she is very alert and loves to play on her floor gym.  The mirror is her favorite part and I'm actually able to leave her there for 20 mins or so to entertain herself.  As I'm loading the dishwasher or folding laundry I can hear her "talking" to the girl in the mirror and flailing her arms and legs about with excitement.  It has been so much fun to watch.

We are obsessed with little miss Finley and can't wait to see what she does next.