We've Come a Long Way, Baby

I'm savoring my last few days with Savannah before I go back to work on Monday. Looking back over the last 10 weeks, I've come a long way and learned a lot:

• Taking care of Savannah has been more challenging and exhausting than I ever expected.
  
• The first few weeks were especially challenging, but it DOES get easier.
• Savannah's grandmas are wonderful. They have the amazing ability to take care of their adult children AND dote on their granddaughter.
• It really does take 6 weeks to recover from childbirth.
  
• Somehow the lack of sleep and trying moments all seem worthwhile when Savannah smiles, laughs, or turns her head to the sound of my voice.
• Some days are better than others.
• Who knew I'd be so excited about Savannah's "burps" and "toots?"
  
• All babies cry.
• Thankfully, Savannah is a good baby who doesn't cry much.
  
• Sometimes Savannah cries for no apparent reason.
• Listening to Savannah cry can be heart-wrenching and make me feel helpless sometimes.
  
• Sometimes I have to use everything in my "bag of tricks" in an effort to soothe Savannah. (I try feeding Savannah, burping her, changing her diaper, changing her position, rocking, shushing, talking, singing, swinging, swaddling, riding in the car, taking a ride in the stroller, etc.)
• Savannah will stop crying--eventually.
• Taking care of Savannah is a 24/7 job.
• Savannah controls the amount of sleep I get each night. :-)
  
• It's exciting to share in Savannah's developments and discoveries, such as when she "found" her hands, thumbs, and ears.
• I had no idea that babies changed and learned so quickly!
  
• Tal and I make a great team.
  
• It's not about me anymore. Savannah's needs come before mine. Taking care of Savannah comes before eating, sleeping, and doing household chores.
  
• Who knew I'd become adept at checking my email, eating, doing laundry, etc. with Savannah in my arms?
• I can take a shower and get ready in half the time that it used to take me before Savannah was born.
  
• Who knew it would take us over two hours to get ready to go somewhere?!
  
• It really does take 2+ hours for me to take a shower, get ready, feed Savannah, get Savannah dressed, pump, make bottles, and stock the diaper bag.
• Savannah brings joy to us and so many others!
  

On the Go

The three of us spent last weekend in Salter Path. Tal played in a Relay for Life golf tournament, which raised money for the American Cancer Society. Savannah and I hung out at Grandma Barbara's house.


Tal's mom set up Savannah's Pack 'n' Play in her bedroom and volunteered to feed Savannah during the night. For the first time in over two months, I was able to sleep uninterrupted for 7-10 hours each night. It was a rare and wonderful luxury!


On our way home, Savannah met her Great Granddaddy and Grandma Anderson for the first time.


The more Tal and I travel with Savannah, the easier it gets overall. For instance, we've learned that Savannah does better if we stop along the way to change her diaper, cuddle her for a few minutes, and let her roll around. Also, it helps if I sit in the back seat with Savannah, so I can feed and talk to her as needed. Tal and I were so proud of Savannah on our way home--she didn't cry at all during the three hour trip!

Wonder Girl

Savannah never ceases to amaze me. Yesterday Barbara and I put down Savannah for a nap on her back.


A few minutes later, we discovered Savannah on her side.

She proceeded to turn onto her stomach...


...and prop herself up on her elbows!

Blog Book

We turned our blog into a book! Shared Book printed the first year of "carolina on my mind" (all 102 pages!) in hardcover and color--all for $55 (much cheaper than scrapbooking supplies!). It only took me 30 minutes to choose the cover and graphics and write the dedication.

People blog for various reasons. Tal and I blog to (1) stay in touch with family and friends (especially Savannah's grandmas!) and (2) to record some of our special occasions throughout the year.

Our blog book is a permanent record of some of our most memorable events from March 2008-April 2009. It includes our trips, home improvements, and holidays. Most memorably, our blog book chronicles how we prepared for and welcomed Savannah. The past year has been a dream come true!

Growing Pains

Today was Savannah's 8-week well visit at the pediatrician.

Our poor little girl had her first round of shots today, but she came through like a champ. (In case you're wondering, I only sniffled a few times during the whole ordeal. Tal was the brave one who held Savannah and consoled her the entire time.)

During the last two weeks, Savannah has gained 1 lb. 10 oz. She currently weighs 10 lbs. 14 oz--which puts her in the 50th percentile.

Most surprisingly, Savannah has grown 1 1/2 inches in two weeks! She is 24 1/4 inches long--which explains why she's already outgrown her 0-3 month sleepers with footies. :-)

Tal and I are thankful for our healthy, growing baby girl!

Random Cuteness

Time for Bed

Over the last couple weeks, Tal and I have been establishing a bedtime routine with Savannah. Each night around 7:00, we give Savannah a bath, put her in a clean diaper and jammies, and feed her.



Savannah seems to have figured out the difference between night and day. Overall, she understands that daytime is filled with light, playing, and naps, while nighttime is made for darkness, quiet, and sleeping.


Tal and I try to put Savannah in her crib when she's drowsy, so she's learning to fall asleep on her own.


Savannah sticks to the routine better some nights than others. However, our persistence seems to be paying off. From 8 P.M.-6 A.M., Savannah sleeps in 4-6 hours stretches, and I get up 2-3 times to feed her.


Even though Savannah is only two months old, Tal and I find it gratifying that she is already learning some things that we're teaching her.

Savannah's Two Months Old!

Not only is today Easter Sunday, but it's also Savannah's two month birthday! Tal and I love sharing in our baby girl's developments and discoveries:

• Not only has Savannah "discovered" her hands, but she's also figured out how to put her hands in her mouth and suck her fingers.
  
• Over the last couple days, Savannah has been playing with her ears and hair.
  
• Today Savannah "found" her thumb, but she hasn't figured out how to get her thumb in her mouth every time.
  
• Savannah is doing a good job of turning over onto her side.
  
• Her neck is becoming more steady, and Savannah's head bobs less and less every day.
  
• Savannah's red eyebrows are becoming more noticeable.
  
• Our baby girl continues to become more vocal. For instance, Savannah started gurgling today.
  
• Savannah has started mimicking us. We say, "ahhh." She says, "ahhh." It's so cute!
  

Before having Savannah, I didn't realize that babies changed and learned so quickly. It's such a blessing to be Savannah's mom and to watch her grow. Savannah's such a happy girl who brings us so much joy!

Rub-a-Dub-Dub

Until recently, Savannah hasn't been too fond of taking baths.

Lately, however, she has a grand ol' time in the bathtub!

Savannah loves splashing and kicking her legs.

Of course, "hands in my mouth" taste yummy with every bath. :-)

All clean!

Time to dry off!

Savannah loves it when Daddy blow dries her hair after her bath. Savannah leans back, closes her eyes, and basks in the warmth--just like she's sunbathing on the beach. :-)

Easter Sunday

Jesus said to her [Martha], "I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die."
John 11:17-27

Doesn't Savannah resemble a little prairie girl with her bonnet? :-)

Pretty in Pink

Of course, Tal won't be too happy when he finds out that I called him "pretty" in his pink blazer, but here are my two sweeties--both dressed in pink yesterday--for Savannah's first church service.


Tal and I were really proud of how well-behaved Savannah was during the service. She hardly fussed and even napped through most of the praise and worship.

Hopefully, Savannah will always be this excited about going to church! :-)

Flower Power

Two months ago, Tal used landscape blocks to create a flower bed under the big oak tree in our front yard.


Today Tal transformed the flower bed by adding pink, purple, and white impatiens.



Take a look at Savannah swinging and napping in our front yard while her daddy did all of the work. :-)

Spring Has Sprung!