Claire - 1 month milestones

1 month milestones - 1/22/11

Height - 20.75"

Weight - 8 lbs. 10 oz.

Sleeping - You have been such a flexible little sleeper. The first few weeks we let you sleep wherever you were. You took lots of naps in Someone's arms. Then we realized you weren't sleeping great at night. So we started swaddling regularly and sleeping got better. You have had a few nights where you'd rather stay awake than sleep. Sometimes that involved crying. On both our parts. I think something mommy ate bothered your tummy. We are working on figuring out what that is.

Eating - you have been eating like a champ! The first week it was every 2 to 2.5 hours during the day. By week 4 it was every 3 to 3.5. At night it varies. Most of the time you will go to sleep around 9 and wake up around 10:30 or 11 to eat. Then back to sleep by 12 then up again around 2 or 3. After that feeding you usually sleep until 7 or 8.

You have been gassy. (I know. Someday you might read this and say, "MOM!!" well this is my baby book for you and if I don't write this down I'll forget. Trust me, you'll know someday.) when you get this way Gripe Water comes to the rescue. I've cut out milk and that seems to help.

New discoveries - everything was new this month. You recognize Mommy and Daddy and right now prefer Mommy. I think it's because I have your food. Big sis Avery loves you and is learning to be kind and gentle to you. Currently though, you can sleep through her loudest screams. Let's hope that lasts.

New accomplishments - let's see. Arriving 2.5 weeks early and weighing more than your sister! She was 1.5 weeks early and weighed 6 lbs 5 oz.

Places you went - really no where. We pretty much stayed put since it was cold and RSV season in full swing. Cousin Layla actually did get RSV and got put into Children's at 3 weeks old. She was there for 2 weeks. Thankfully she made a full recovery and is home now. We have been extra cautious about taking you out until you get a little older and bigger.

Special Memories - your first Christmas at 3 days old. All the family and friends who celebrated your arrival with us. Seeing you for the first time. Watching your big sister and Daddy fall in love with you.

Dear Claire- you surprised us with your arrival and we are so glad. To have you here made Christmas so much more special this year. This second time parent thing seems to be going a little easier too. Hopefully all we learned with Avery will benefit you. You are special and unique. Your own little you. I know you will teach us lots and we will learn patiently. When people say they didn't know they could have enough love for 2, but they did, they are so right. We love you baby girl. More than you know. You have mommy, daddy, Avery and all our family and friends praying for you, loving you, and celebrating you.

~Mommy & Daddy