Growing Big and Strong

Mia had her one month doctor's visit today and everything is looking great. She is now 20.5 inches long and weighs 8lbs 5oz. She has grown so much since she was born when she was 18.5 inches and 7lbs 2oz. The doctor said she is one of the most alert and responsive babies she has ever seen at this age. She really does love smiling and talking...even to the point that she won't sleep if she knows there are people around to play with. We have loved watching our little girl grow over the last month.

Over the last month I have had to learn how to trust God to protect and take care of Mia. I worry that she isn't getting enough to eat, I worry that I'm feeding her too much, I worry that she will choke in her sleep, I worry that I'm not holding her enough, I worry that I'm holding her too much, I worry about her schedule...and so on. But it all comes down to that God is in control of her life anyway and there is only so much I can do. So far, He has given us a healthy, happy baby that has given us so much joy...and right now that is all I could ask for.

Mia misses her Aunt Jayme

Maleigha missed her aunt Jayme yesterday so she wanted to surround herself with things that she had gotten her. She wore the cute outfit with the butterflies on it and the pretty white tennis shoes with flowers and lace and she insisted on putting the "I Love My Aunt" bib on while laying on the special blanket that Aunt Jayme made just for her. Mia can't wait to see her on Saturday.

Cousins

Mia had a great time with her cousin, Bryce, when he and Nana and Aunt Jayme came to visit on Thursday and Friday. The first time he met her he wasn't so sure about what to think about her. The hospital was scary, he was worried about his Aunt Kiki and everyone was talking to him all at once. But when he got to come back after having some to think about how much he loved her he was able to feel really comfortable around her.

Bryce spent the two days watching, kissing and playing with Mia. When she was gone from his sight for a little while he started asking, "Where did baby Mia go?" and when she would cry he wanted to make sure she was okay. And Mia loved watching Bryce and she especially loved when he held her. They are such a cute pair...it will be fun to see them grow up together.

Smile!

Today we captured one of Mia's first responsive smiles. I was setting up a picture...she had on the really cute tennis dress that Nana got her and I was using some pink tennis balls as props. I was trying my best to get her to just look at me but when her dad came home she didn't just look at him, she grinned from ear to ear. She was so excited to see him after he had been away all day at class. The first smile we thought might have been just a coincidence but when she did it over and over as David talked and played with her we knew she was really just happy to have her dad home.

Attempt at a fashion show

Don't I look cute in the outfit my Aunt Jayme got me and the cute little shoes that Nana got me? I'm finally starting to grow into some of my cute clothes so my mommy wanted to dress me up just for fun. I didn't want to cooperate for a complete fashion show but I was good while I got my picture taken in this outfit.

Finally asleep

I really can't complain about how our little one is sleeping at night. She only wakes up once, I feed her and she usually goes right back to sleep. But she seems to be a different girl in the day. I guess she doesn't want to miss out on any of the day's activities but she really hates to sleep. It is a real effort to get her to quiet down and then when we put her in her bed she is awake again within 5 minutes. She sleeps best when she is snuggled up with her mommy. I'm sure she was awake and crying about 5 minutes after this picture was taken...but she is so cute in this picture anyway and I, of course, don't mind snuggling with her.

Things I Love...by Mia

This is my favorite book--Nana bought it for me when she was here visiting. I love to play with my doll. Its name (Ookie) even makes me laugh.

I love for my daddy to hold me.

I also really love wearing hats!

And I really loved getting dressed up for my first Sunday at church.

Mia and Daddy

Mia really loves spending time with her daddy! David picked out this shirt for her as soon as we found out she was a girl. He was so excited to have a little "Daddy's girl"...and now he's got her (or rather she's got him because she already has daddy wrapped around her finger). Here are some pictures of her in her "I Love Daddy" shirt and her gianormous pants. She'll grow into (and out of) her clothes someday.

Daddy worries about his little girl so much. With every noise she makes in the night he is jumping out of bed and every sound in the day makes him ask, "Is she okay?" But he has become an expert at getting her to burp. I think she feels more comfortable doing it around her dad because she has seen him do it too. David has been so helpful to change diapers and sit up with her so I can sleep. I couldn't do it without him!