Happy One Month!

Well, I am a day late in posting, but yesterday was Emery's 1-month birthday! Wow...time sure has flown (though it should seem like it's been a lot longer since I have been awake for most of the past month!). The last four weeks have been the hardest of my life, and I say that with 100% honesty. However, they have also been the neatest, being able to watch our little girl grow, learn about her personality and her needs, and thinking about her future with us.

Adam and I are convinced that we have seen her smile several times now. I know people say "it's just gas" but NO...I don't believe it. She's responding to us in small ways, focusing on our faces and following us with her gaze. It's so touching to see her turn her head when she hears her Daddy's voice. She loves to look at the skylights in the kitchen and the spinning ceiling fan (she can't see them clearly but she can see the contrasting colors and the movement). I am so excited to see how she continues to take in the world over the next few months, and hopefully start sharing more of those smiles with us.

Her reflux is still a work in progress. As I posted earlier, the pain seems to be better under control (though it does flare up at times) but her spitting up has gotten a lot worse over the last week or so. I have to change her outfit at least three or four times a day, even though I try so hard to keep her from getting it all over herself (and me!). I've had to clean the couch a couple of times and her bouncy chair is probably due for a washing as well. I was really getting concerned because she was spitting up SO MUCH - I was unsure of how much milk she was actually keeping down. We went to the doctor this morning for a weight check and my fears are alleviated. She has gained almost another entire pound - she is 9lbs 8oz! The doctor thinks that perhaps the amount of vomit is due to the fact that she is overeating, which I really can't do anything about...I let her eat until she appears to be finished. I tried limiting how much she ate a few weeks ago and that only resulted in a very VERY fussy baby, so if she eats too much and then spits it up, so be it. I'd rather deal with the laundry than the screaming.

We still have good days and bad days. Some days she is just very unhappy and she cries most of the day - other days she can be content and quiet. I had lots of family in town this past weekend for my uncle's 50th birthday party, and my house was full of people...I thought for sure Emery would have a meltdown. However, she handled it great and only got fussy when she was hungry (which is often). We even left her with her Aunt Mandy Saturday night so we could go to my uncle's party for a few hours, and she did great! Oh, and Mandy is also convinced she got a smile out of her!

All in all, I think the best way to describe the past month is CRAZY. It's been good and bad, frustrating and wonderful. I think that might just be what parenting is all about...right?

Below is a picture of Emery after Mandy stayed with her Saturday night. She was worn out and fell asleep on Adam's chest. She's gotten big!

Happy One Month, baby girl!!