Kinley, You're One Month Old!

It would sound so cliche to say "where has the past month gone"? But honestly, that's all I can think about today. One month already. How can it possibly be true. And yet, even though I can't believe our littlest princess is now a month old, it is also hard to remember a time without her.

Kinley at one month old is just over 8lbs 6oz. She is a wonderful eater - taking just about 4 ounces every feeding. And so far she is keeping it down! That's a first in this house. I'm still waiting for her to start spitting up. I hope it doesn't happen but let's just say it won't take me by complete surprise. She is sleeping better and better every night, usually eating around 11:30pm and then around 3:3oam or 4:30am. Our biggest obtacle has been getting her to go back to sleep after eating in the middle of the night. She seems to sleep best when she's tightly swaddled even though sometimes it makes her mad at first!

We've made a couple of quick outings this past week and everywhere we go people comment on her hair. Most of all it seems to confuse people. They think she must be older than she looks with all that dark hair. We are going to be investing a lot of money in hair clips rather soon

We've also started giving her tub baths at night. This is the first night we subjected her to the tub. She wasn't exactly thrilled. But I'm happy to report that since then she has learned to embrace the tub and has been known to fall asleep while soaking. What a rough life!

McKenna and Cooper continue to be head over heels about their sister. McKenna is still a great help to me with whatever I need. Cooper's favorite thing is to introduce his friends to his little sister. I wish she could see his big smile as he uncovers the baby carrier and lets his little friends get a glimpse of his sister. He's so proud.

Happy 1 month birthday Kinley Paige!

Week 3 - What I've Learned

We have made it through three weeks as a family of 5. It has been wonderful and this week was full of "firsts" for Kinley and for me too! Great Pappy Richard became very sick this weekend and so Kinley made her first road trip with me to Lewistown to be with our family. She was such a trooper. I bundled her up in the baby wrap to take her into the nursing home and she slept soundly the entire time. A little later in the evening we made a quick stop at Mom-Mom and Pappy Landis' house which marked Kinley's first trip to their house.

First trip to Mom-Mom and Pappy's 9/11/11

Hanging out

The beginning of this week also meant that Earl had to return to work. We were all a little sad about it. Earl was in some ways ready to return but I think that he enjoyed his time at home too. Cooper was not happy that Daddy was working 11am-9pm and wouldn't be here this week to tuck him in as they had developed quite a little routine. I, of course, was a little weary of handling everyone on my own but I was feeling really good and ready for the challenge. It only took me a few days to realize a few things - some I knew, some were rude reminders.
Daddy leaving for work.

1. We will not be going anywhere quickly any time soon. I forgot how much preparation and planning goes into being out and about with a baby. From packing diaper bags and making bottles to making sure feedings are timed just right. Let's just say that to get the kids out the door by 8am means I start my day no later than 5:30am. Rude reminder #1.

2. Starting your day at 5:30am is tough when you're crawling in bed at around 4am. I will just say that being up all night with a baby and taking care of two kids and a house during the day brings with it a level of exhaustion I did not know existed. For a few days I was worried that I was coming down with something because I could not shake this dull ache in my head. Then I realized that the headache was the result of sleep deprevation. I'm just happy that Tuesday morning I found my way into and out of the grocery store and managed to drive home safely too!

3. For me, organizing three kids means that I have to always be thinking at least 10 steps ahead. While I'm unloading and reloading the dishwasher I'm thinking about how many bottles I'll need for the night, what time to start baths, who needs their lunch packed for the next day, etc., etc, etc.

4. I could not be happier. That's right. Even though I'm sleep deprived, stretched to my limits at times, learning to juggle the needs of three kids, late more often than I'd like - I'm not sure I've ever been happier. Having three kids has forced me to slow down, forced me to focus on each of my kids individually so that they all get time and attention from me. I am honestly having the time of my life.

I snapped this picture of Kinley on her 3 week birthday. As you can tell Kinley and Tucker have a rough life. Although I think Tucker's secretly jealous that he doesn't have a Mamaroo!

Week 2 In Pictures

We've had a very busy second week home with Kinley. I thought it would be easiest to chronicle it in pictures. Be warned...There are lots of them!
Kinley had her first trip to the doctor. She was back to her birth weight so that was a positive. She has always been a good eater so I wasn't too worried. She did have a blocked tear duct that we are working on getting cleared up. She's sleeping in this picture but I'll tell you she's not such a huge fan of her car seat. I hope that gets better in the near future. She has no idea, but with an older brother and sister with busy schedules, she's going to be spending a bit of time in that seat.

I don't know why this picture won't stay rotated the right way. Blogger is driving me crazy today. But I thought this was a sweet picture so I left it as is.

Mimi and her newest girl.

We had a special visit from Earl's mom and his Uncle Eddie. So far they get the prize for traveling the farthest to meet Miss Kinley.

Grammy Musial spent the weekend with us. We had a great visit and she says she now feels better since she got to see and hold the baby!

Daddy got to watch Kinley on Tuesday while I went to my two week check up. Of course, she slept the entire time!

And one more picture of the "big kids" because I thought they looked so cute dressed and ready for school on Tuesday. McKenna was just dying to wear this new outfit. Cooper on the other hand had to be coaxed into a pair of jeans.

To celebrate her first two weeks with us, Earl and I took Kinley on a quick outing Tuesday afternoon. We made a stop to get Daddy some new shoes and then had lunch at Longhorn. Kinley slept through the entire trip. We were thrilled to get out of the house for a bit and have a great meal.

Later in the evening we tried to get a good "week 2" picture of Kinley but she wasn't having it. This is right before bed time. It gives you a good sense of what most over nights look like with her. I'd like to say I always have this smile on my face but it might be stretching the truth just a bit. I kind of turn into a pumpkin around 4am. Luckily that's just about the time Kinley gives up and sleeps soundly for the rest of the "night". Hopefully the week three update will proclaim some victories in the sleep department.

My Best Helper

My McKenna has always been responsible. She's always been a people pleaser and the past few weeks have been no exception. Throughout the summer McKenna helped me tremendously with Cooper. She was content to play with him and can often coax him into doing things I can't. I have no doubt that she's going to be the same way with Kinley. She's already proving to be my best helper.

Kinley's first "bath" was a popular event. Everyone (including Cooper) wanted to take a turn combing Kinley's hair. Since then, McKenna has taken on the role of towel girl - gathering towels and the wash basin for me. She even fills it with water warmed just to the right temperature.

She's also always willing to hold the baby if there's something else I need to be do. She's become quite a pro and looks more and more comfortable with Kinley all the time.

Whether I need someone to fetch a diaper or burp cloth, help prepare a bottle, sing to a crying baby or just be around when I need some company - McKenna is definitely my go to girl. There was a time when she was younger and I so wished we had a third baby already. Now that Kinley is here I'm glad to have a big girl around to help me out.

Love you McKenna!