Charlotte Grace - 1 month old

This snuggly and cuddly little baby is already a month old.

It amazes me not only that a month has gone by, but that a month ago we only knew her as the baby growing in my belly.  I can't imagine our lives without her, yet a year ago, she didn't exist in any shape way or form.  I find that astonishing.

To say she likes to dig into your chest and snuggle would be an understatement.  I honestly think she would spend all day like that if we let her.  And if it wasn't for needing to shower, eat and care for 2 others, I could easily do it.

She has a lot more time during the day where she is alert, awake and calm.  Our day has been starting at about 7:30.  I nurse her and lay her back down to get in the shower.  I'm out at 8, Kaitlyn gets dressed and I get Samantha dressed and ready.

By 8:45, we have to be in the car to take Kaitlyn to school.  As soon as we get back, Charlotte wants to eat.  During the day, she eats every 2 hours (from start of one feed to start of the next), she poops before each feeding, and naps between a lot of the feeds.  She does take 1 3-4 hour nap a day, starting about 11.  In between, Samantha eats, gets changed, plays and so on.

We haven't picked up Kaitlyn yet from school.  When Charlotte was born, he took 2 weeks off and then 2 weeks of part time.  During the part time (which ended on Thursday), he could take her to school and pick her up.  On Thursdays and Fridays, she has Talent Show Practice at school until 5.  So, on those days, Dusty can still pick her up.  Tuesday will be our first "back to reality" day where I take her and pick her up.

At about 10:30 or 11, I give up for the day.  I get me and Charlotte ready for bed.  She is amazing at night.  Most nights, she sleeps from 11 until 3:30, has a diaper change, nurses and then goes back into the bassinet next to the bed by 4:00 and stays there until 7:30.  I have absolutely no complaints in her night time sleep patterns.  Of course, she is a really shallow breather, so I spend more time than I should obsessing over whether or not she is breathing, but that's my issue.

Today, Miss Charlotte Grace is 1 month old.  I weigh her at 9 lbs and 10 oz.  She's outgrown all of her newborn clothes.  She hates getting into her car seat but does awesome once it moves.  She loves her paci.  She has incredibly long toes and startles easily.  She sleeps through loud noises and "pets" from Samantha.  She likes to be wrapped from the waist down in a blanket.  She hates being swaddled.  She loves baths.  She laughs in her sleep.  She is super gassy.  She is usually pretty calm, but hates having a wet or dirty diaper.  She's a good nurser and acts like she's always hungry.  Her hair is already falling out.  Her eyes are still blue.  11 more months until her first birthday!