Days like these

September 28, sunny and 72 degrees out, not a could in the sky - a beautiful day. Baby and I went to the dog park for a walk with my mom and her dogs. She slept in the wrap for most of the two hours we circled the park taking in the warm summer air, green leaves still shimmering in the breeze, crunch of gravel, occasional whiff of the last of the blackberries trying to ripen in uneven weather, talking, laughing, listening, watching.

Days like these - a moment of summer in the fall.

This Moment

Friday - 9/18 - 5:18 pm - a nap on her sheepy under cashmere

Wild Coast

In the second week of September we went to the ocean with her for the first time, to the much loved, tamest section of our wild coast. On the drive out we stopped at Lake Crescent and did the Walk in Time trail through the woods by the lake. It had been raining on the drive, leaving the rainforest in vibrant green. I love this picture of her taking it all in.

We stayed at the Quileute motel on First beach this time, but hope to brave camping next spring (maybe even backpacking again!). Her first sight of the beach was First Beach (although, of course she can't focus nearly that far yet). Then we bundled her up in wool and drove to Rialto just in time for sunset. I grew up coming out here, visiting Rialto, 1st, 2nd and 3rd beaches every summer since I was 4 and it was perfect to take her to Rialto as her first beach.

She did really well with the trip and slept the whole drive out except for our planned stops. Her moods and cycles stayed the same as at home: mostly happy as long as she is in someone's arms, mostly quick to settle as long as she is bouncing. We offered her the pacifier the first night and she accepted with great enthusiasm. We had offered it before a few times, but she showed no interest.

My diaper bag, this one from Lilly Jade, was a present from my mom. She bought it for me long before I was even pregnant and surprised me with it in the second trimester. I never would have bought such a nice bag for myself, but I absolutely love it. Carrying something beautiful makes me feel put together when I'm not, and I love that it can be used as a purse long after the diapers are done. It joins the wedding blanket now for this and many more adventures.

One Month Update

Growth: 75^th percentile

Weight: Just under 10 lbs

Height: 21.75”

Clothes: BabyGap newborn, Boden newborn, H&M 2-4m, Carters 3m (we just retired the last of her Carters newborn clothes – sad to see the tiniest outfits go, but thrilled to see her growing so well).

Diapers: Target Up&Up size 1 (just transitioned from newborn at 3 weeks old)

Likes: Being held, being worn, bouncing, being walked, her swing

Dislikes: Being set down, being swaddled, lying flat, hiccoughs

What’s new: Sleeping! Baby girl slept 8 whole hours between 10pm and 7am on her one month birthday with only an hour up for a nurse and change. The next night she had a solid 7 hour stretch – such a treat! Since then she has slept through most nights and woken up only once most others. I’m not counting on this lasting, but it sure is nice!

She is so much more awake now at one moth old and is starting to focus more on faces and toys. She is also starting to smile sweet little half smiles in her sleep – I cannot wait until she smiles at us for real when awake.

This Moment

Thursday 9/3 - 6:28pm - a nap.
 

Month One

It is hard to believe it has almost been a month with our girl already! We savor every moment, but the time passes so quickly. Every day has been a little different from the last, but a few of our favorites (and her favorites) have been consistent.

1. Solly Baby Wrap - Wearing her in a wrap is one of the best ways to settle her and get things done and this one is my favorite. It is so soft and lightweight - perfect for a summer baby - but also feels very strong and secure. It holds in place so well you can't adjust it once it is on - but it only took a few tries to learn how tight to tie it to get the perfect fit. This goes everywhere with us.

2. Snugabunny Swing - She won't take the swing over being held very often, but when she does this is so useful to have some time to get something done. This gets about 20 minutes to two hours (if she takes a nap in it) of use a day. We have it in the living room so we can keep an eye on her while she's in it.

3. Zip Up Sleepers - Sleepers with a zipper are great for the beginning when you are sleep deprived and recovering, and for at night when you try to stealth-change diapers to keep the baby sleepy after feeing before going back to bed.

4. Wide Straws - Having extra wide straws actually helps me drink more water, and they are perfect for smoothies too. These ones from Ikea are my favorite.

5. Easy Snacks - Fast easy food is so helpful - I keep Luna bars, nuts and fruit on hand for times when a meal isn't feasible (which is most of the time).

6. Aden + Anais Muslin Blankets - The bamboo rayon version of these is so soft and luxurious. This set has had so much use already and is holding up great. I love the simple prints that aren't too babyish.

7. Halo Bassinest - I don't know what we would do without this. Having her right next to me in bed where I can see her and reach her but she is safely in her own area has helped us all get more sleep. The Bassinest swivels to the side and out of the way so easily it doesn't wake her up to move it.

8.  Gaiam Yoga Ball - This is a must have, and our baby's favorite thing in the world besides people. Holding her and bouncing on the ball will settle her when nothing else will. We use this for hours a day. Also great for pregnancy, early labor and can be used for workouts post pregnancy too.