Visitors Galore!

A visit from Taylor's cousins!

We captured a smile during her nap!

Staring at Dad

Taylor's first snowfall - she slept right through it!

Aunt Kim stayed with us this week, and was a huge help!

Second trip to the doctor

Taylor has enjoyed visits from many friends and family members these past couple of weeks. She's met so many people, and has been awake for about half of those visits! Thank you to everyone who has been by to see her - we have enjoyed your company!!

She had her 2 week checkup last Thursday 12-10-09, and we checked her weight - she is already 8 lb 1/2 oz, almost a pound more than her birthweight! I can't believe how fast she is growing! She does have 2 blocked tear ducts, which we have to give her medicine for 3 times per day. The doctor said that this is very common. Hopefully it will clear up soon. She also has some reflux, which has made her a little bit more fussy than usual, especially at night. We've elevated her mattress, which seems to help a bit. Hopefully this is just a phase, and it will get better over time!

Her sleep schedule has been very erratic lately. She sleeps about 3 hours at a time at night, but when she is up, she usually is up for 1-2 hours at a time. We think that this is because of her reflux, and possibly some gas issues. Again, we hope that this is just a phase!

She is getting much stronger, especially with her neck; she can hold her head up for a few seconds at a time now. She also seems to focus on faces and lights around the room. I swear that there have been a few times when I've made her smile, but I know that all of the books say that it's just a natural reflex. I can pretend that she's smiling at me though!

We are looking forward to Taylor's first Christmas, and hope that everyone stays warm and enjoys the upcoming holiday season!

One Week Old!

Proud Mom

Happy Family

Visit from Uncle Eric

A kiss from Aunt Kim

The "coming home" outfit!

Ready to come home!


Home at last!

Cuddling with Daddy

First bath - not her favorite part of the day!

At the doctor's office... thinking hard!
Lounging on the boppy pillow!Napping with daddy!

Thank you to everyone for your visits, messages, cards, and phone calls! We are so lucky to have such supportive friends and family during this exciting time!

We got home from the hospital on Thanksgiving night at around 9:30pm. Her first night was such an experience. Nothing can prepare you for that first 24 hours at home - we felt so unprepared! But Taylor has adjusted to life at home very well! She has not quite figured out her nights and days yet, and spends more time sleeping during the day than at night. Luckily, Sam and I have started to adjust to Taylor's schedule and have been taking frequent naps during the day as well! The doctor said that she should start adjusting to accommodate nights and days within a couple of weeks.

We had our first doctor's appointment on Monday, which went very well. We are very happy with the pediatric practice that we've chosen for her - all of the doctors and nurses have been wonderful. She has gained 2 ounces since being discharged from the hospital, which is great! She is now 6 pounds 15 ounces. Our doctor said she is right on track as far as weight gain goes. She certainly has been eating enough!

We've only had her for a week, but she has already changed so much! Her face is fuller and her pink color has stabilized. Her facial features have become more defined - we can't wait to see who she looks like! We have gotten to know a few things about her personality already! So far this is what we've learned about our little girl:
Taylor likes... eating, sleeping, peeing on the changing table, getting burped, looking at light coming through the window, her pacifier (only at night), car rides, being held by anyone, her soft yellow and green blanket, looking at people's faces, shivering, grunting, sleeping in her fleece sleep sack, and lounging on the papasan bouncer.
Taylor dislikes... when mom and dad go to sleep, sleeping at night, being naked, getting her diaper changed, having the hiccups, taking baths, tummy time, being hungry for more than 2 seconds, and being cold.

We are looking forward to learning more about her and watching her grow even more!