Chloe's First Week

Chloe is now one week old. A lot has happened this week. First, on Monday my mom and I took the kids to the pediatrician for their appointments (Elliot's 15-month and Chloe's 5-day). Elliot is in the 50-75th percentile for his weight (25 lbs, 14 oz) and height (32-1/4") and 75-90th percentile for his head circumference (45.4cm). Dr. Hargrave said he is doing great and will likely start talking in words or small phrases in the next 3-5 months. Chloe also checked out just fine at now 7 lbs 14 oz, having lost only about 5 ounces since her birthday, so now she is on the upswing to gaining weight.

Nana & Grandpa left on Tuesday night. They drove away in their big truck back to Colorado with teary eyes and heavy hearts, and we were all sad to see them go. But they will come back soon for another visit.

Elliot is doing great. We have been getting plenty of rain here in Austin, so Elliot has been walking around in it (see lawnmower picture taken this morning). He loves to be outside and knows his way to and from the mailbox now, and is getting very good at walking in his Crocs (see picture, I think they are just too much... so adorable.) He will hold our hands to cross the street and knows that he can only go to the end of the driveway. Drew said he most certainly said "dog" today three times when our neighbor's weiner dog ventured over to bark at Abby. He likes to wave at Chloe and poke her in the head (his way of pointing to her), so we are trying to help him understand the word "gentle" when it comes to his sister.

Chloe is also doing great. It is early, but she is already an even easier baby than Elliot was. The first few nights before my milk came in she cluster-fed all night so I was pretty tired. But when my milk came in fully she started sleeping in 2-3 hour chunks in the night. She doesn't have her days and nights confused and seems to be a good sleeper. She even falls asleep in her bassinet which Elliot never did until he was a few months older. The only times she makes a peep is if she is hungry or has a gas bubble in her tummy. She likes to look around and seems to focus on us and objects. She also likes to sleep with her arms out of the swaddle and up by her head, just like her brother did. Her little noises are so sweet, that is something I had forgotten about newborns.

It seems we would have far less time and be busier and more tired with two little kids, but the opposite has been true. It's much easier this time around. Maybe because we feel confident in knowing what we are doing. I remember sitting around staring at Elliot in his little swing just waiting for him to wake up and need me. I'm definitely not on my toes that way with Chloe. It is just easier in so many ways this time around. Granted, we are in week #1 and things can always change. But we hope not, this is pretty great right now.

Thanks to all who have emailed, called or sent little things for Chloe.