48 hours of firsts!!!!

Age of Lady Kaitlyn:  5 weeks and 2 days

Family,

And a good afternoon to you from the Queen City, where the Bull and Striker have been slow to rise today.  Lady Kaitlyn has been a wee bit of a challenge over the last 2-3 days, largely due to the fact that we can't get her wake/sleep schedules coordinated and also due to the fact that, rather than eating her normal 120 ml's in a feeding, she's now taking only 50-60 ml's and then sleeping for less time.  She's currently passed out as I type this, and her first 2 "wake cycles" today have been the absolute ANTITHESIS of that - she's basically slept through tummy time during her first 2 feedings despite our best efforts.  The good news, however, is that she did sleep 4+ hours for only the second time ever last night, which was a HUGE win.  Now the trick is getting her to a) elongate that whilst b) starting the first feed consistently at 6:30 AM every morning.  Oh, and in other news, we had an unannounced hydrant flush last night, meaning everything we'd sterilized was sitting in 150 degree sediment-filled water.  Our cold water is better today, but the hot water still has a bit of a tinge (largely due to the fact that it's in our hot water heater).  I am in the process of flushing the hot water, but I expect we'll have "foggy water" through most of today.

But on to the good news - the last 48 hours have seen some AMAZING first accomplishments from the rug rat.  For starters, on her 5 week birthday, K did what I wasn't expecting for at LEAST another month - she ROLLED OVER!!!!  That's right, sports fans - this little girl started on her tummy and, after about 10 minutes, plopped over onto her back.  AMAZING!  It really was SO COOL to watch, especially the shock on her face once she rolled over and realized that her whole field of vision was looking at something different.  She just couldn't stop staring out the window - too cute.

And then, yesterday we were treated to another big moment - K was on Jenny's chest, and as per usual she was arching her back and raising her head.  To date we've been amazing at how high she can raise her head (looking at the ghosts or angels in the ceiling - we're not sure which), and even more impressed with how she can sustain it and hold it in place.  However, until yesterday her head always plummeted like a stone when she went to lower it.  Yesterday, however, she was able to CONTROL THE LOWERING!!!  It was AWESOME, as she really did lower it, stop her head midway down, and then lower it onto her arm or Jenny's chest.  Again, I have no idea when that's supposed to happen, but it feels 3+ weeks early, which is SPECTACULAR!  Baby Bjorn here we come - look out Crowder Mountain!  Okay, maybe we'll start with the Greenway, but still...it's good stuff.

This child is growing and learning daily.  Her favorite book remains "Look, Look!" - in fact she won't even entertain daddy reading anything else.  That being said, she can now focus on the images from farther away (at least a foot), her eyes are definitely tracking better, and she absolutely recognizes mommy and daddy's voice.  Her favorite image from the book would be that of fish swimming - it mesmerizes her.

She's also filling out her outfits (FINALLY).  In fact, she's growing so fast that I fear she won't be able to try on all the newborn clothes before she hits the 3 month window.  We tried her second "sleep sack" last night - she absolutely HATES those things.  If she can't feel her hands on her face, she goes ballistic.  And since these sleeves were too long for her, well...you can imagine the screaming (picture something out of an 80's horror film - and then triple it).

Last thing from me - I've started teaching her about countries.  Yes, yes, I know that most people of all ages find it exceptionally boring, but if she's going to be part of Team Taylor, travel is in the DNA and she has to jump on-board.  Yesterday I taught her about the US and Canada (she wasn't impressed by either), and today I think we're going to focus on Siberia.  We've got the map in our living room, and it doubles as a nice alternative to books and tummy time when K's getting a bit out of control and the swing just isn't cutting it.  My motivation on this isn't purely for her, however, as I am finding that I want to ensure all the neurons and pistons are firing for myself as well.  In that way I can ensure I keep all my faculties sharp and can be a good teacher, mentor, and parent for Kaitlyn as she gets older and starts to learn about various subjects (not to mention her environment and world around her in general!).  Basically, when she gets to the "why" phase, I want to always (or at least almost always) have an answer. :-)

Okay, that's it from here.  JT's off to visit a consignment shop, and this guy's gonna head back into the nursery for another feeding.  Chat soon!

Love,

Sam and Jenny