Made me cry...

http://theleakyboob.com/2011/08/baby-explains-normal-newborn-behavior

Feeling cooped up

Not quite 4 weeks postpartum but starting to feel the walls closing in... I'm definitely ready for some outside activity and interaction. Needing clearance from Lyssa's pediatrician but as soon as that happens I'm going to proactively start making plans to get out at least twice a week. In the meantime, trying to not go stir crazy!

A happy anniversary

Last year, our little Alyssa was a dream, a happy thought, an aspiring idea. This year, on the anniversary of our wedding day six years ago, she is very real and wonderful. Her sweet self is the perfect gift for another beautiful commemoration of our love.

Firsts and favorites...

Lyssa loves the flowers above her changing table- it must be the bright pink of their color.
She also loves going for walks so we took her on her first trip to the beach- and walked the boardwalk at Spring Lake. She slept the whole way.
For playtime, she likes laying on her tummy or back with her wrist rattles while listening to Bach. The light is intriguing to her growing sense of surroundings.
A special moment was meeting Nana and Papa for the first time. Of course, they are in love...
Her first bath was quite an experience. We told her she would love them in about 20 years. Hopefully she will like them before then too. :)

3 weeks old

It seems like just yesterday that she was born; yet it also feels like she's always been with us. Lyssa has become such a part of our lives already. Her precious little noises, her sweet little faces, her complete trust- all have captured our hearts. Never were two people more in love...
We are, of course, exhausted. She is a night owl, much like her parents. Except her parents are worn out now and ready for some nightly rest while Lyssa is still trying to figure out that darkness = sleepy time. Hopefully we can train her quickly... Until then, I am treasuring every second of holding her and looking down at that sweet face, knowing she is going to change and grow much too quickly. Sleep can come later.
I am grateful every second for Matthew. He has been an incredible source of strength and support, getting up with me every feeding and taking charge of diaper changings. And when I just can't go any longer, he quietly takes over. And for that I am extremely grateful.

2 weeks old

My baby girl is two weeks old today- and as sweet as the day she was born. We are both crazy in love with this little angel. Of course we are prejudiced but she is the prettiest baby and so even tempered. She has started cooing and 'talking' in the cutest newborn way and her little faces are absolutely precious!! She studies our faces so intently when we talk to her, giving us her signature little stink-eye stare every once in awhile.
Nightly feedings are customarily between 11 & 1 and then not again until 6 or 7. She is such a good sleeper at night. Of course this means more feedings during the day but mommy and daddy are ok with that if it means they get less interrupted sleep in the wee hours of the morning.
Lyssa's little lungs are working very well- but she rarely uses them unless she's really hungry or tired. We are amazed at her patience with us as we figure out what her needs are. We couldn't be luckier with such a sweet girl in our arms.

a miracle

Last week on Sunday, August 5, our little angel was born at 12:13pm. She weighed 8lbs 11oz and measured 21 in. Alyssa Madeleine has stolen our hearts and our lives will never be the same.

One week past due...

...and she still hesitates to make her entrance. Our little one is a bit shy and it's hard to be patient. However Matthew and I have shared an incredible week together so we can't regret her slowness. It's been so special to have this time with each other, knowing its the twilight of our journey as just the two of us. Soon we will introduce a new little life to the world who will turn our lives upside down. We can't wait to share our world and lives with her.

August

She made it to August- our original plan. She can come any time she wants...
Patience is wearing thin; we are so anxious to meet her and the waiting to be over. Matthew is working a few hours a day then returning home to be with me as I'm mainly house-ridden due to the heat. We have had some very special days over the past few weeks and will hold them dear after it is no longer just the two of us. So while we are impatient, we are also grateful for the blessing of time with each other.