Happy One Month on the Planet, Kaitlyn!!!

Age of Lady Kaitlyn:  1 month (and 2 days)

Family,

Possum Kingdom shirt, courtesy of the Wild
Wallaby and the Pool Shark...who's never
shot a game before in his life.  Thanks, guys!

And a great Saturday morning to you from the Queen City, where the elder members of Team Taylor are busy writing thank you notes, washing clothes, and having their coffee amidst perfect weather.  Apologies for this being 2 days late (and really one day, as I wanted her checkup to be complete before writing), but it's time to say Happy One Month Birthday to Kaitlyn Elaine!  That's right, sports fans, Thursday marked her official "one month of breathing oxygen" moment, and yesterday was another big milestone - the one month checkup.  I am happy to report that she's now 8 pounds and 7 ounces, moving her into the 25th percentile for both height and weight (GREAT NEWS, considering that just 3 weeks ago she was in the 5th percentile).  It's a testament to Jenny's commitment to feeding that has brought little K to this point, and coupled with the schedule/routine she's now on, I really feel that she's thriving and growing.  After all, she's now taking 100-150 ml's per feed!

Ok, so I realize this isn't much of an action
shot, but TRUST ME - that gal is DAYS
away from rolling over.  Her days in
the swaddle are most definitely numbered.

Looking back on her first month of life, it's amazing to record all the changes and milestones that have already occurred.  For starters, she's gone from the cutest little sleepyhead on the planet to being very alert during periods of the day.  And whilst she doesn't totally have her nights and days figured out just yet, she is absolutely showing 2 huge wake time periods between the hours of 6 am and 6 pm, and during that time we've managed to go from her just laying on our chest for kanga care to actual Tummy time!  In fact, yesterday (after the all clear from the Peds) was the first real attempt at Tummy Time, and she was AMAZING!  Seriously - this kid is already exhibiting SO MUCH STRENGTH.  Not only can she raise her head - she can also sustain it (and yesterday was even able to lower it slowly!).  I'm not sure at what point head control should occur, but as a proud papa, our wee one feels way ahead of the curve. :-)

Let's be REAL clear - this is NOT the face of happiness.  But
the screams and obvious expressions of discomfort came
about 2 minutes later when Jenny and I were both scrubbing
her from head to toe.  Sorry, sweetheart!

The notable milestones for me - her first bath (occurred on Thursday, her actual 1 month birthday), the start of Tummy Time (yesterday, a Friday), and the move into the 25th percentile for height and weight (for the record, her perfectly shaped little head is in the 10th percentile - too cute).  It should be noted that Kaitlyn did NOT like her first bath, but considering that she's still not submerged into the water, that isn't a big surprise.  After all, warm water only stays warm for so long, and by the time her little bird bath is over, she's quite cold.  But that's when Dilly the Duck (her towel) comes to the rescue!

Another big change that's just occurred - we are moving from feeding on the breast to exclusively the bottle.  Jenny is still pumping and we're still exclusively breast milk at this point, but yesterday (with the Peds' approval) we made the decision to move from the breast to the bottle.  Both Jenny and I feel SO much better about the decision, as it has so many benefits (whilst still giving K the benefits of breast milk).  We now have a lot more flexibility in the schedule, the feedings (and, by extension, pumpings) are quicker, we now (finally!) have time in the 3 hour routine for tummy time, and I can actually help more (I can handle more of the feedings other than just the 3 AM feed and the feedings out and about). Personally, I'm THRILLED about this,

as a) I feel more useful and engaged as a parent, b) Kaitlyn seems to be responding really well to the change (loves the bottle, enjoys the awake time, has slept like a ROCK without crying for the last 24 hours), and c) Jenny definitely seems a lot happier now that she's got some flexibility back into her schedule.  This is the best of all worlds, as we can still provide for our beautiful little girl whilst at the same time maintain some semblance of an "adult" schedule.  Incidentally, that schedule is now manifesting itself in the form of evening cocktails on the screened porch!

All in all, one month in, I can say with 100% confidence and certainly that life could not be and has never been better.  The laughter in this house is rich and real, the love is deep and steady, the challenges are numerous and rewarding, and the joy is constant and immeasurable.  As I always tell people about marriage, "Life is better on the other side."  The same is absolutely true of having kids.  Once again I find myself speechless except to say my cup once again runneth over.

I love my girls.  I love my life.  And now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to go enjoy a little more of both.

Love,

Sam and Jenny