Zoe's First Month

Zoe turned one month old, so I think it's fair to say we are finally starting to get to know one another around here. And she is already showcasing a lot of characteristics that her sister shares.

First, the stats from her 1-month check-up today:
- Weight: 9 lbs 9 oz, which means over a pound gained since Thanksgiving 10 days ago(!), and which puts her just over the 50th percentile;
- Height: 22 inches, which brings her up to the 75th percentile;
- Head circumference: 37 cm (50th percentile);
- Vaccinations: 2nd Hep B (not enjoyed...);
- Dr. Piel's observations: "She's a very alert and active baby," so need to always watch her - on changing tables, in strollers, etc., because although she can't roll over yet (4-5 mos. is typical for that), she could potentially push herself off something with her strength.

So, like her sister, Zoe is quite strong and (as already noted) has been lifting her own head practically from day one. Of course, she's still a bit floppy and all, but when she wants something or is feeling uncomfortable, she pushes herself up hard with her strong legs. Which also makes it hard to get her out of those onesie pajamas with the zipper down one leg since she extends and refuses to bend her non-zipper-sided leg..!

Zoe loves staring at the Wee Gallery wall decals which we put up for Hannah 3 years ago!

Zoe is also quite noisy - lots of squeaking, grunting, and when necessary, the requisite crying. Which is loud and unrelenting, at least until she gets what she wants. Sometimes that is simply to be fed, sometimes a diaper change, but often it is because she's just bored and wants to "walk around." So there's been a lot of carrying around with one arm (which will hopefully bring more tone and less flab to my arms!), and also walking around with her in the Bjorn (which has been a good way to get her to fall sleep). When she's tired, she fights the Bjorn at first, but after a few minutes, she usually gives in to the sleep.

As for eating and sleeping - the two main things that babies do best (or at least we hope they do!) - I've been reading this "Babywise" book which was recommended by one of Jon's colleague's wives who claimed to have both her kids sleeping through the night at like 2-3 months. So I asked our pediatrician, Dr. Piel, what she thought: she said that while at first she thought the book's methods seemed a bit draconian, her cousin (who is quoted in the foreword) claims she too followed it with her 8 kids and had all of them feeding on a schedule and sleeping peacefully within the first month or two. Unsurprisingly, I have not been able to get Zoe on any kind of feeding/sleeping schedule, despite best efforts to follow the book's advice. But again, I am chalking it up to being very early in her development. And I pledge to try harder in future weeks. The primary advice/pattern encouraged -- feed (every 2.5-3 hours), awaketime/activity, sleep -- has been difficult to put in place since Zoe likes to eat a lot of smaller meals, and when she does get a full feeding, it invariably ends up down her front. And flashbacks to Hannah's projectile vomiting sessions has me skittish about overfeeding Zoe, but perhaps her stomach will expand soon and she will be less of a puker than Hannah was (and still is in her most trying moments).

Which brings us to big sister Hannah. Honestly, we had no idea how she would respond, and there certainly have been plenty of tough moments where I simply can't be in two places at the same time. Fortunately, she seems to be getting more and more used to that fact. But as for being a completely adoring, loving older sister, she has risen to the challenge beyond our expectations. She must give Zoe about 50 kisses and bear hugs a day, always comes into our bedroom in the morning asking " where's my baby?", helps pat her back when she needs to be burped, excitedly introduces "my baby sister named Zoe" to new people, and loves to hold her when given the opportunity. She has even said things like "Can I share?" when wanting to show her sister her toys, a new dress, or something she drew or painted. Needless to say we are thrilled she has so warmly accepted Zoe into her world, and taken her under her wing, so to speak. And we look forward to watching them grow up together!

Day 13