one month

I can't believe how much can happen in one month!  Quinn has grown so much already, and it's really fun to watch!

 So, what has Quinn been up to her first month of life?
 

1. GROWING!  She weighed in at 9 lbs. 7 oz. and 21 inches at her doctor's appointment, and is beginning to wear some of her 0-3 month clothes. She also had her first growth spurt which lasted about 4 days.  She was eating often and couldn't fall asleep without being held.  It was a tiring week for both baby and mama.  Luckily she has snapped back into a more regular routine again.

 

2.  WAKING UP!  For the first couple of weeks, Quinn was constantly falling asleep while nursing.  It was cute but hard to keep her awake for a full feeding.  We tried a lot to keep her going...changing her diaper, blowing on her, using a cold wash cloth on her face, stripping her down to her diaper...everything!  Anyhow, it was quite the process.  But, in the last week or so she has become way more efficient while nursing!  It takes her about 10-15 minutes and she is done!  She has also started to enjoy laying on her play mat where she can wiggle around and coo.  It is really fun to watch and interact with her when she is awake.

3. SMILING!  It doesn't happen often but we have seen a couple of her sweet smiles in the past couple of weeks!  I can't wait for more!!

4. CRYING IN THE CARSEAT!  Quinn is not a big fan of her carseat.  I have been avoiding going places with her because her cry can be so painful to listen to!  She turns bright red and starts to sweat!  I can't believe I am actually getting used to it...but I have figured out that usually she will only go 10 minutes max with crying.  So, if I time her I can remind myself that it will stop soon even though it seems to last forever.  I also have been singing to her while she cries.  I think it helps keep me calm more than her though haha.

5. NUZZLING!  Quinn loves to dig her face right into your neck so that she is cheek to cheek with you.  I just love cuddling with her!!

6. READING! Okay, so she isn't quite that advanced yet...but, we have started a bit of a bedtime routine lately.  I am even hesitant to call it a "routine" because babies' routines change so often as they grow.  But for now, we have been giving her a bath each night and Matt has enjoyed reading to her afterward.  I think we are all enjoying it :)

7. DRINKING FROM A BOTTLE!  Last week, we tried giving Quinn her first bottle.  She took it like a champ!  This was VERY exciting for me because it meant that I could get out of the house to do errands on my own and let Matt watch Quinn.  For my first trip I went to Target, and I couldn't believe how much I missed Quinn.  I felt very weird without her by my side!  But, it felt good to get my errands done.  We also went out on our "first date" as parents when Matt's family was here.  We went all out...not the usual Chili's or Chipotle...J.A. Alexander's..YUM.  Date nights have taken on a new meaning since the next one probably won't be for a few weeks until my family comes to visit. 

Quinn's infection is almost gone. We started her on a new medication and I can tell that it is already helping! We were told that she might have developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), so she is scheduled to have an ultrasound to check it out. She would have to wear a brace for a little while if they decide that she has it. We are trying to keep it all in perspective but it's not easy to hear that something might be wrong with your baby. Luckily, Quinn is as happy as clam and we might even find out that there is nothing wrong at all. It's hard to accept that you have no control over these things, but I know that Quinn will be just fine and it's all in God's hands!

Matt's family was in town this past week, and his Dad finally met his first grandchild!

:)