Such a big girl

Gretchen is officially 1 month old. We celebrated by attending our first party at Julie's House. On Monday we had our official 1 month check up, where we learned she is in the 95% for height and weight. Even the doctor commented on how fast she is growing. Yesterday we went back to James Hart to visit the kids. Gretchen was very well behaved and really seemed to recognize all the sounds she was hearing.

Almost 1 month

Everything is going great with Gretchen. She is a very alert little one. She is up for long periods of time, last Tuesday she was up from 7am to 10 pm with only 2 hours worth of cat naps throughout the day! This is our record so far. However, it is not uncommon for her to be up for 5-6hours at a time. My mom said I was never a napper as a kid and I fear Gretchen is taking after me. However, I wish she would take after me now, because I love naps as an adult.

She is gaining head control and she likes tummy time a lot. She is even starting to scoot herself around a little bit. She started to cry yesterday in her crib and when we walked in she had scooted herself up against the side of the crib and banged her head. I wonder if that means she will crawl at an early age.

She is a big eater as well. If she is fussy you can bet she is hungry. I am curious to find out how much she weighs when we go in for our one month doctors appointment on Monday. Last visit she was in the 75% for height and the 50% for weight.

Earth Day

In honor of Earth Day I thought I would spread the word about an eco-friendly diaper, Nature Babycare. Nathan and I were hoping to use a cloth diaper service, but that did not work out. However we found these diapers and they are the next best thing. Use following link to learn more about them:

http://www.diapers.com/Shop/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=5985&From=Brand

As far as a first hand endorsement they work just as well as name brand diapers. They are a little more expensive, however I believe the environmental trade off is worth a few more cents. So if you know of anyone having a baby or your kids need diapers please check out this product.

Cubs vs. Cards and other pics

The battle for Gretchen's baseball soul has begun. Please notice how much more alert she is for her Cubs blanket than for her Red Bird. It may be an early sign of her loyalty.

Oskee Wow Wow

She does love to yawn.

A complaint

Well at least I have labeled this post appropriately so you can skip it if you are not in the mood to here me complain. I have been using Walgreens for years to develop film. In recent years it has been very convenient to upload my pics online and pick them up at the store the next time I ran out. Two weeks ago I decided to try the mail feature, since it is only 12 cent a print rather than 19 cents and it said one to two business days for delivery. However I soon found out that the delivery charge kind of takes away the 12 cent advantage. However I still ordered two sets of prints for the convenience of not running out to the store. I also ordered a second set to be sent to my mother-in-law in St. Louis. I thought it would be a fun surprise in the mail.

I just got my pictures in the mail yesterday, well over the 1-2 days they said and my mother in law still has not gotten her pictures. I am never using this feature again. It would have been much faster for me to just pick them up and then send them in the mail to her myself.

Speaking of pictures, I will post more soon.

Funny Faces

Gretchen makes the best funny faces, here are a few of my favorites.

Kung Fu Baby!

Peek a boo

Desperation!

One eyed Gretchen

Gretchen's take on Auguste Rodin's "The Thinker"

Good Friends

Ever since high school, I have been fortunate to have the common sense to surround myself with good people. Since the birth of Gretchen this has become abundantly clear. We have been overwhelmed, in the best possible way, with calls, cards, and visitors. Everyone has brought food and/or a little gift for Gretchen and it has meant so much to Nathan and I. The food has been very helpful but even more than that it has been wonderful to share our joy with so many who care for us and for Gretchen. Becoming a mom has been such an indescribable experience filled with loving emotions. I am just so thrilled I have been able to share this special time with so many wonderful people.

Being this cute requires lots of sleep

We just had our two week check up and we are already 9lbs 4 oz...she is growing too fast!

Small Victories

Every woman has their fat jeans. You know the ones you wear when you’re bloated or right after the holidays because you ate too many Christmas cookies. Well, today I tried on my fat jeans with no expectations. I mean it has been less than two weeks since I gave birth, and I have not worn pants without elastic in months so I was not expecting much. However, my jeans fit!!! Not the suck your gut in fit but they actually fit comfortably. I am so happy it does not even matter that they are my fat jeans. Now if the swelling in my fingers would go down so I could wear my wedding rings again, I would be all set.

pretty in pink and just one week

I know all babies are beautiful... but I think Gretchen takes the cake.

I do not know if one week counts as a milestone, but we wanted to document it anyways.

Daddy and Super Girl have already been watching Justice League Cartoons. I can not say much though since I have already played the Euphonium for her... she seemed to enjoy both.

Mommy and Gretchen

One of our first family photos.