The McElwains: December 2008

It is hard to believe that 4 weeks ago, little Chloe came into our lives. I almost remember what an evening was like for Grant and I, but life is so much more interesting having Chloe around. Even though I am still home on maternity leave, I still find it hard to find time to do the simplest things, like get the mail, return phone calls and shower--to name a few. However, thanks to a recommendation from Diana, I am trying to use the sling more, so I have hands free capabilities, but she still thinks I am holding her (i.e. right now, which is why I am able to update the blog). At 4 weeks, Chloe is able to almost hold her heard up and can move it from side to side. She has started cooing when she is awake and alert or when she is getting her diaper changed. This is a great sign, because she is starting to show happiness.

We have developed a little routine in the mornings. Daddy gets ready for work while we are still sleeping. After Grant leave for work, shortly thereafter, Mommy and Chloe wake up and I get her diaper changed (which she loves) and new outfit because it is either sweaty or her diaper has leaked. By the time she gets a fresh diaper, she is ready to be fed. When I pick her up from the changing table she opens her mouth and begins making noises and pecking at my face. Sometimes she moves her tongue in and out, which is another way she tells me it's time to eat. She's become a pretty good nurser. Once she gets to the breast after making numerous grunting sounds, she opens her mouth wide, much like a shark going out for prey, and grabs onto my boob and nipple. It is pretty amazing that something so small and clueless about the world is so efficient and intent about it's next meal. For me this has been one of the most fascinating things about becoming a mother. After eating, she is usually pretty alert, so we play on the butterfly gym mat. She likes to look at the hanging toys, especially the ones with the mirrors. She hasn't started purposefully grabbing at them yet, but she moves her arms and legs around, which is good physical activity and helps relieve her gas. After we play on the mat, we usually read a story. She seems to be fascinated by voices and it usually calms her down, with a little rocking or bouncing on my knee. At this point she begins to cry and I think it's because she is bored or still tired, so I'll take her down to the den and rock her either in the UVa rocking chair (a gift from my dad for college graduation--I know he envisioned this rocker to be used to rock his grandchild to sleep) or the leather rocking recliner in the TV room. She may then have periods of screaming, which I have to figure out what is wrong with her, so my mom and I came up with the ABCs of a fussy baby.
A--Does she need Attention?
B--Does she need to Burp?
C--Does she need Cuddling?
D--Does she need a diaper change?
E--Is the Environment too hot or cold?
F--Does she need to Fart?
G--Does she have Gas?
H--Is she Hungry?
I--Is there a possibility of an infection or sickness?
J--Should I sing her a Jingle?
K--Does she need Aunt Kimberly (hahah--we put that one in there for fun!)?
L--Is Layla licking her face?
M--Does she want to Look at her Mobile in the crib?
N--Does she need a Nap?
O--is she Over-stimulated?
P--Does she need her Parents (because we are the only ones who know the little idiosyncrasies of what make her happy)?
Q--We have tried everything and we have no idea what is wrong and it is still a Question?
R--Does she need Rest?
S--Does she want to be Swaddled?
T--Does she want to be Tickled?
U--Should we bounce her Up and down?
V--Let's try putting her in the Vibrating chair...
W--Does she want us to hold her and Walk around?
X--Uhhh, I still have no idea?
Y--It's YOU! Pass her off to the spouse!
Z--and hopefully finally she gets some Zzzzzz

So by the time, you go through all these possibilities, she are exhausted, ready to pull your hair out and wondering why the birth control didn't work (Yes you are literally thinking about suing the Pharmaceutical company). Then you look down at this precious little life, and you realize that nothing else matters, except for the love you feel for the precious little life that you hold in your hands.

See what I mean? How Cute is she? This is her facial expression after some of that cooing that she has begun.

Grant is really good at getting Chloe to Burp and to sleep. Aww! Such a natural Dad!

Peak-a-Boo!

I see You! Nursing in public is really hard. Thanks to Kelly who got me this nursing cape, I can nurse just about anywhere in public, without making a scene or making some guy faint at the sight of my enormous boobs. It also makes you realize how most public places and businesses are not mom friendly.