Home sweet home

Friends and family, it is time for an update on my long and busy life! I am 9 days old today and growing like a weed! Mommy and daddy can hardly believe it. They don't even treat me like a newborn anymore, but I am still their little princess. I don't think that will stop any time soon. This past week has been very exciting! I have loved being home and getting to know my mommy and daddy. I got to spend more time getting to know all of my grandparents, especially Mawmaw. I have a feeling I'll be seeing a lot of her, especially when daddy goes back to work this week. Mommy says I sleep and eat wonderfully! She keeps calling me perfect and wondering how on earth she deserves such a wonderful baby as me. I sleep through the night, waking only a couple of times to eat. The first couple of nights I didn't get up at all! Mommy had to wake me up to feed me, and then she let me go back to bed. Then I started to realize I don't have to wait for mommy. She will get me out of bed and feed me whenever I say so! This cry of mine is a pretty powerful thing! Mommy doesn't mind though. Mommy keeps bragging about how well I eat too. Apparently some mommys have problems feeding their babies, but my mom and I are a match made in heaven. Feeding time is almost always easy and wonderful for both of us!

I've been home for one week now, and I've gotten to leave the house twice. Tuesday mommy, daddy, and I went back to that big building we just left. There they weighed me and took my temperature and checked on mommy too. Mommy was nervous I wasn't digesting my food well enough, but I quickly proved her wrong. When leaving the hospital I weighed 7 pounds 13 ouces, and at this visit I was up to 8 pounds 1 ounce. Then Friday mommy and daddy took me to the pediatrician for the first time. I didn't like it at first, because they took my temperature just like at the hospital. I hate having my temperature taken! The doctor was really nice though, and the office has lots of fun things to see and do. I think I like it there! Mommy and daddy were very happy, because the doctor said I am healthy and growing well. At this appointment I weighed 8 pounds 4 ounces and measured 21 inches long (a whole inch longer than when I was born)! The doctor also complemented my muscle tone. Mommy and daddy had already noticed how strong I am, because I already hold my head up a little, and I'm working really hard on rolling over! I'm a very fast learner!

At home, I've been more awake and alert with each passing day. When I'm awake, mommy and daddy like to do lots of fun things with me. Mommy reads me Dr. Seuss books and sings songs too. Daddy's favorite book to read to me is Winnie the Pooh. Mommy and I both love to listen to him read to us! We listen to lots of good music too! My favorite thing to do is just gaze in mommy and daddy's eyes. Sometimes they make faces at me, and I make the same face back at them! I don't know why, but mommy and daddy get a big kick out of this! I already stick my tongue out thanks to daddy, and mommy is working on teaching me how to give kisses. She gives me lots and lots of kisses!

Yesterday Fr. Tom and Mat. Tonya came to our house to meet me. Mawmaw and Nina both came too. Father said prayers for mommy and me, and then at the end he used my name for the very first time! Mommy and Daddy spent a long time picking out a patron saint for me. They finally decided on Passion-bearer Tsarina Alexandra. Mommy and daddy pray with me every day, and I really like it! I'm learning this one called the Lord's prayer. Whenever we say it at home, I get quiet and pay close attention. Mommy thinks this is a very good sign!

Here are a few pictures of my week:

Mommy dressed me up and took lots and lots of photos of me. She is ordering announcements with this photo on them to send to people to let them know I am here.


This picture wasn't chosen for the announcement, but it is mommy's absolute favorite. I am a girl of many expressions, and this is my favorite one to make! Mommy especially loves how I crossed my legs as I made it!
And one of mommy and me together.

I went on my first walk this week too! It was a lovely day outside, so mommy and daddy took me up and down the block. We even got to meet one of our neighors while we were out.


Wednesday was grandpa's brithday, and he came to visit me and hold me for the first time!

Another feeding has come and gone. It is time for mommy and I to get some sleep before the sun rises. Good night.