Well, suddenly it's 2 months later since Marie was introduced. She pretty much just nurses and sleeps and cries and snuggles still at 8 weeks old, with several smiles and some of the sweetest coos thrown in for good measure. Here's what we've been up to since she joined us...
She's here! It's a SHE! (Working on writing up her birth story with more photos... Also, please ignore the IV line - I required antibiotics for GBS during labor, and pitocin after delivery for bleeding. But, all is well!)
1st swaddle with daddy in the delivery room after an hour or so of skin-to-skin and nursing
Mother/baby room, on the smaller side than previous stays we have had. Aunt Kay Kay was able to visit our first (and only) night there.
Marie going with daddy to get a cup of coffee
One of Stuart's colleagues had a baby 2 days before Marie was born, so we had a little rendezvous prior to discharge
Marie heads home! 1st car ride
Marie all set up to meet her brothers
1st trip to the pediatrician, day of life 2 (just a check up, all was well)
1st of many photos of Marie sleeping wherever she darn well pleases (which mostly includes on or very near mama, in her bed, or being held in various ways)
1st park outing
Sam checking out baby sister... :p
Lady Marie meets my sweet friend, Charissa
Maintaining tradition: Saturday morning farmer's market (and donuts), day of life 6 for Marie
Hanging with daddy after church (Marie and I stayed home, Stu and the boys got out to church for the morning)
Another park outing
Headed out for a family walk (Marie is wrapped up inside
that striped thing Stuart is wearing, one of her favorite places... in fact, she is currently wrapped on my chest as I type this right now)
Bedtime reading... trying to keep our good routines going
Another park outing (the best - the boys run and yell and play with little restraint, I can sit and nurse Marie and everyone is happy)
Marie goes to the museum and meets Uncle Matt & family
Both totally over Marie's refusal of naptime (even in the wrap...)
Almost back to birth weight, a bit before 2 weeks old
This bouncer has been rigged up to maximize sleep - mama's shirt to trick Marie into thinking she is laying with me, swaddled, and a rope tied to it to be able to bounce her from our bed. She is still sleeping in this get up at 8 weeks!
Marie goes to church (and sleeps the whole time)
Boys playing in the rain... anything to get outside!
This is my favorite outfit of Marie's so far - so precious, right?
A trip to Lowe's for garden supplies!
Egg hunt with our people (Ezra!)
Palm Sunday, momming so hard.
Sunday afternoon at Ponysaurus Brewery with Kay Kay and Aaron
On Stuart's 1st day back to work (on Marie's 3 week birthday), Casey had the boys come over so Marie and I could have quiet morning. Best gift ever (besides house cleaning services, which Casey also arranged, and Nana also contributed to significantly! Thank you!).
Park outing!
Working in the garden (Marie in another wrap!)
Library picnic lunch
Boss Lady. This is accurate.
ANOTHER park outing, this one to meet Aunt Val and her crew.
She will sleep anywhere... as long as it's on me.
The boys working hard at Mema and P\paw's, getting their garden planted.
Date night with daddy while the boys are at Mema's (thank you, Mema!)
Family photo at Marie's baptism
Baptism occurred during a candlelight Easter vigil service, so the photos are a bit dark...
Easter morning was my 1st time getting everyone to church on my own (Stuart was playing music). We arrived not only in time for service to start, but also in time for the egg hunt BEFORE church.
Easter get up.
Boys with Ezra after church.
Easter Sunday family photo
Backyard water play
Earth day at the Farmer's Market
Playdoh, often requested indoor play
At this particular park outing, a copperhead crawled across the playground. Eek!
Stroller/scooter ride on the trail.
Nana and Pop visit from AR! Of course, we go to the farmer's market :)
Pre-church smile for mama
Typical church service... that's James drawing under a chair during worship.
Bouncy slide and potluck picnic after church
We laid like this for 2 hours. As soon as I moved my arm away from her tiny, little nose, she woke up.
My mom says Marie is "sleep training" me :)
Love this photo with her daddy.
After 4 years, the boys have noticed these giant rocks on our trail, so they often ask to stop and have their snack there.
More gardening, this time: flowers!
Naptime snooze.
Just our bag ready for a typical outing (the magazine was included because we were headed to Mema's house and I knew that I might get a moment of downtime!)
Marie's response every time I offer her a pacifier.
Lunch dates at Whole Foods (lots of lunch dates... Foster's Market if we are feeling like tradition, Whole Foods if we need groceries, or Chick-fil-a if the boys need to get some energy out in the play space!)
She works out. She actually doesn't hate tummy time!
Deck picnics while the weather is tolerable (not hot and humid... which it will be soon enough!)
This was taken just a few days ago... I think she already looks different to me even today! It's incredible how much a person changes in the first few months (or years, really) of their life. We are so happy that Marie is here and I can barely even remember my days before her.
