One Last Time

I had to get a picture of Claire in her going home outfit one last time before I couldn't get it on her anymore. The hospital photos turned out much better, but I haven't had a chance (or the money) to order them yet. This adorable premie outfit is headed for a shadow box as soon as I can get one from Hobby Lobby.

Our First Stroll

Yesterday Claire and I went for our first stroll around the block. This is the only form of exercise I am allowed until my 6 week check up, and after the walk I can see why. I haven't needed pain meds since my surgery, but I do get occasional strong twinges - something that was more pronounced after the walk. Claire was very quiet but alert throughout the stroll. The dogs reacted as I thought they would to the stroller - making me glad I didn't try to bring them along.

MILESTONES TO DATE
Claire is now coordinated enough to push me away when I do something she doesn't like - such as suctioning her nose or putting ointment on her eyes.
Claire has officially outgrown her premie clothes and diapers. Many newborn clothing pieces are too big, but premies are all too small.

The MC's Meet at Last

At long last these two MC girls got a chance to meet. While MCW's mom and I were due 10 weeks apart, her little girl held out a little longer and Claire came a little earlier, making these girls only 6 weeks apart in age. Claire has some catching up to do on her growth to keep up with her friend who is double her current weight - but I've no doubt by our planned beach trip next year these two will be able to keep up with each other pretty well.

Two Weeks Today

For Nani, here is a two-week picture of Clairebear. We haven't weighed her since early last week, but with how much she eats and the way her clothes appear to be shrinking, I am assuming she is gaining like crazy. We have now only a few preemie items that fit, though newborn clothing mostly swallows her. (And by the way, though she is fairly dark skinned, she came out looking super dark on this photo, not sure why).
She is still a very good and easy baby (knock on wood) and is starting to understand the difference between days and nights, which means no more two hour wakeful period at 3:00 AM and a couple of fun alert times during the day. She is eating, sleeping and pooping a lot, which is what babies are supposed to do, and she has earned a nickname from her daddy, "the squeaker." She rarely cries at all, and if she does it's only for a second. Instead, her main form of communication is these tiny little squeaky noises which she makes both awake and in her sleep. So sweet!

A Busy Week

We have had a busy second week of life! Claire has started to have some really good alert periods during the daytime and I pulled out my favorite pregnant purchase - my bumpil pillow ( you can look these up online). It zips shut to create a great preggie pillow and then unzips to create a floortime play space once your little one arrives.
Daddy loves to take pictures of Claire when she sleeps. She does the funniest things with her arms - usually at least one of them is sticking straight up in the air. Sometimes she looks like she is doing some sort of choreography.
I noted the other day while Claire was sleeping that her big sister Soozie was napping in much the same fashion, so had to show a cute picture of one of our four-legged children. We have had a lot of folks asking how the dogs/cat are doing with Claire and I can happily say that everything appears to be going really well. The dogs are a little frustrated with being second-class citizens, but they are behaving well around the baby and so far I'm feeling good about their adjustment.Irving, the cat, is having a harder time. He has always been a big momma's boy and is used to being a nearly permanent fixture on my lap. He has trouble noticing whether or not Claire is there - or maybe he's just ignoring that she's there even if he knows it. We have to be careful or he'll climb right on top of her when trying to get into my lap. He figured out the other day that sometimes there is room for two...

Claire at One Week

She's eating well and growing quickly, already weighing in right at 5lbs and starting to accumulate little fat rolls in all the right places. She's going to catch up to the bigger babies in no time flat! So far we find her to be pleasant and easy. We're tired, of course, but couldn't be happier so far. We have really benefited from the help of family and friends, which has allowed us to enjoy just figuring out caring for each other as a family.
My mom returned home for this week, and Geoff has this whole week off where it will be just the three of us for a bit. We're looking forward to it, especially knowing that mom stocked our freezer full of good food to eat, giving us one less thing to worry about while we're figuring out how to keep up with everything else.
Videos to come soon from her first bath...