Since Kennedy was born when I was technically 35 weeks 6 days, I wasn't able to complete the belly pictures. I didn't get to do the 36 week one, and they started weekly after that (along with the doctor appointments). But it was only natural to take a picture on my actual due date with Baby Girl <3
Mom's Take at Week 40: It's exhausting and I've been pooped on more times than I can count and I shamelessly sleep in spit-up sheets / pajamas. But I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm amazed at how well I'm functioning off such little sleep; although I could fall asleep anywhere and anytime. I've learned how to change Kennedy most effectively (every baby really is different) and she eats so well. I love that she knows my voice and my smell and I can instantly calm her down when she's upset.
Dad's Take at Week 40: Nelson is such a great partner and has really taken his duty as "dad" seriously. He helps with diaper changes in the middle of the night (since he can't feed) and loves to stare at Kennedy. He's constantly talking about how cute she is, calling her "cutie-patootie", and smells her head before he kisses her. He's taking in every little bit about Kennedy before she grows up.
How is it that four weeks have already gone by??? My little baby is growing so quickly, and you're slowly becoming the size of other babies. Your dad and I have definitely been soaking up every little noise, cry, face, etc., you make, and have probably spent hours just staring at you.
I've seen your dad turn into a completely different man. He is obsessed with you and making sure you have and get anything and everything you need. I love that he loves you so much.
I certainly don't want to jinx it, but you've been a pretty easy baby thus far. You only cry when you're hungry or someone is bothering you. If you're sleeping, you like to be left alone, no adjusting, no moving you, nothing. We joke that you don't like to be touched, but that's false because you love snuggling with us. That's how you sleep the best.
Speaking of sleep, you're not letting me get much. The pediatrician told me to not let you go more than three hours without feeding since you need to gain weight, but I have yet to wake you up to eat. You usually eat every 1 1/2 - 2 hours ALL DAY AND NIGHT, and there have been a couple (I can count on one hand) 2 1/2 - 3 hour stretches. But you love to eat and it's helping you grow, which your dad loves, so I'll keep doing it ;)
Only recently have you started to have gas, but it isn't all the time. The pediatrician thinks it could be dairy, so I've cut that out of my diet. I think that shows how much I love you because that means no more ice cream. But I'll do anything to not have you be uncomfortable and fussy - it breaks my heart!
We've enjoyed the past month and can't wait to see how you grow and change each month. You're such a blessing to our lives and we now cannot imagine them without you. We love you SO much!
After two weeks off (almost a week in the hospital and one week at home), Nelson had to return to work. Luckily his mom came to stay with us for two weeks and help out. She made a bunch of meals, helped clean the house, and loved on Kennedy - her favorite part. We had a pretty good system down for the mornings. She wakes up around 5:00 or 5:30am, so any feed after that time, I would pass Kennedy off to be held because she sleeps so much better, thus longer, when someone is holding her.
Our days have been filled with feedings, eating, a little sleep, walks in the neighborhood with friends, and lots of "Parks and Recreation" :) Here's a summary in pictures, keeping in mind most of them result from Nelson texting to ask what we're doing and me sending him a sleeping Kennedy pic.
Ready for Daddy to get home from his first day back at work!
We took a bath that night, which we're not very fond of right now....
A burrito in the swaddle from Beth :)
Good morning <3
We started working on tummy time....
Two swirls.
Passing gas?
As Kennedy has gotten bigger and squirmier, this is how she ends up in your lap while sleeping.
Happy International Women's Day!
The several faces of Kennedy:
Getting some exercise while being pushed around and sleeping.
I sent Nelson the above picture. His response was "thug lyfe" with a picture of Tupac.
Same onesie, same baby. This makes me so sad!
We had dinner at my mom's one night. G would love this picture of Kennedy on the blanket she made <3
Oh, you know, just working on that double chin.
Nelson comes home and I pass her off to do things around the house. This is their typical activity.
After (a very much hated) bath, this is the look I got. Eek.
Naps all around!
Our first big outing was to Buy Buy Baby and Babies R Us to get a few things. It was going so well we decided to be ambitious and have lunch at Schlotzsky's!
Early morning snuggles <3
I LOVE THIS FACE.
Poor Kennedy doesn't have anything green, mostly all pink, so this was her St. Patrick's Day outfit. That itty bitty green grasshopper ensured she didn't get pinched ;) Fun fact - my mom bought this onesie several years ago for my future kid because my favorite outfit as a kid was my Winnie the Pooh shirt :0
We had our first dinner out with Ben and Taylor. Kennedy did so well!
Nelson's mom bought her this onesie from NASA.
And that's a wrap! Nelson's mom went back to Houston this afternoon, so I'll officially be doing this mother thing solo starting Monday... But considering most all of the pictures are of Kennedy sleeping, I think I'll survive ;)
