Julia is 2 weeks old!

Julia is 2 weeks old! :)

We've made it through two weeks being new parents and are continuing to love every minute! A quick update on everyone and then a whole lot of pictures to share!

Julia

....is growing! We were at the doctors yesterday (see "Mommy's" update...) and she has gained 5 ounces in one week, bringing her to a "whopping" 7 lbs, 2 oz! She's still the same length, but we're starting to notice that she is outgrowing her "premie" clothes.... which have been the only thing that has fit her so far without swimming on her. She continues to entertain us day in and out with her little personality that is already full on its way to developing. She has the most hilarious facial expressions that I don't quite believe are only involuntary - when we talk to her or sing, she seems to respond with a certain little smile, grimace, pout or eye roll at just the right spots. Could it be possible that this little 2 week old actually understands us!? She has seemed to finally have her days and nights in sync with the rest of us - and has recently been accomplishing some GREAT (but still inconsistent) legs of sleep on her own at night in the crib. Sunday night she slept two 1 hours intervals in her crib and one 2 hour interval all in the middle of the night allowing her Mommy to actually sleep for a total of four hours in her bed during those times as opposed to sitting/sleeping in the rocking chair with her - we're so proud! :)

The Daddy

.... has been spending the last two weeks reviewing and studying the scene from "Bad Boys II" - where Martin Lawrence and Will Smith "welcome" their daughter's/niece's date to the house- in preparation for how to respond with what's to come some 16... maybe 18... or maybe more like 21 years from now! (For those who are unfamiliar with the scene and are in need of some comic relief, here's the clip from the movie: (WARNING - the language and actions are a bit vulgar, so watch at your own risk!): Bad Boys II Clip ). Julia continues to love her Daddy - and the feeling is mutual. Andy started back to work this week and was missed at home, but was kept in the loop by some of the more adorable Julia moments through photos and email.

The Mommy

.... experienced her first (of many, I'm sure) neurotic Mommy Moments when she panicked and called the pediatrician's office first thing Monday morning after noticing Julia's breathing sounded particularly congested over the past few nights. Turns out she is just fine, and the congestion is common in newborns because their air passages are so small and narrow, and at night when they're sleeping, the lack of so much movement can cause some mucus to build up. Eventhough it was a false alarm, this Momma is happy to be safe rather than sorry! Sleeping with Julia resting on her shoulder, all nuzzled up in her neck continues to provide comfort and happiness beyond belief. And, Julia continues to capture her Mommy's heart and cause uncontrollable happy tears when Julia looks in her eyes and listens to her sing her "You Are My Sunshine" song. I am so in heavenly love with my little daughter and already cannot imagine life without her now!

Delaney

.... continues to love her little "sister" more and more. When she walks by the swing, she'll sometimes pause and peek in there to check and see if baby Julia is there. She also has been granted the pleasure of joining us all in many car rides over the weekend, when we all were going somewhat stir crazy and just wanted to get out - even if it was just for a drive. Delaney rides so well in the back seat with Julia! She'll sometimes lay along the seat so that her head and nose are resting right up tight against the base of Julia's carseat. I think she likes to watch over her.

Grandma

.... is still smitten with her first little grandchild. She has become part of our typical nighttime routine where Julia gets handed off to her after a 5 or 6 AM feeding, so that "Mommy" can go get some good solid "bed" sleep for a couple of hours. Grandma has also been a lifesaver with getting us our groceries and making us delicious home cooked meals every night - something that at this point I can't even imagine doing myself! It may be grilled cheese sandwiches and soup for a while after Grandma leaves until I fall back into my cooking routine! Delaney has also been thankful for having Grandma around because it means she continues to get her walks in every day even if Mommy can't go.

And, now, for lots and lots more pictures.........

Julia with the sign announcing her birth. This sign is outside of a little baby shop boutique here.

Happy in the morning with Mommy! :)

"Give me a break with the pictures, Ma'!"

Mommy and Julia playtime

Snoozin' in her crib... there are lots of documentation of this from this week - we were just a little excited each time it happened! :)

All content with a full belly.

Another moment of proof that she sleeps in the crib!

She loves all things fluffy - this blankie included...

"Give me one minute, Ma'...."

Happy in her fuzzy winter suit and her crib.
Chillin' in her crib with her new doggie

Nothing like Daddy's chest to sleep on!

Grandma bought her this little hat this week - I think it looks like a doll's hat.. or it makes Julia seem like a French Artiste :)

More proof...
Video of Julia snoozin'

Julia dressed all cozy for bedtime and Daddy looking like he's about to join her...

Playtime with Grandma and Mommy

How 'bout some closeups?...

Our girls.
Daddy and Julia being goofy

She loves her swing!

"Bring your Daddy to home day!"
Julia's first boo boo :( Mommy quickly filed those finger nails down, and it has since, scabbed over and healed - thank god. :)

Sunbathing.

After a morning feeding and a nighttime spent rocking in the chair.

And, more proof...

Our first walk! (Next is Mommy mastering the art of taking Delaney and Julia for a walk alone....)

Playing with her buddy

Thanks for the blankie with my name on it Aunt Beth and Uncle Mike, cousin Franki, Karen and Mike!! :)
Touchdown!

Sweet, sweet sleep :)

Awake in the morning...

Awake in the evening...

Thanks for stopping by! Check back soon! :)