The Walstra's: August 2013

Dear Madalin:

I am trying to keep up with you as you are growing but I am struggling finding time to write in your blog. I spend a lot of my time snuggling with you and I can't seem to get myself to set you down.

From the day we brought you home you have been a great sleeper at night. You sleep so peacefully for five straight hours a night. We have a fairly strict bedtime routine and I think that may help with your schedule. We sing a song, usually Jesus Loves Me, but mom is trying to learn some new ones so we can have switch it up. We read a little bible story. Sometimes we get through the story but sometimes it is cut short because you are hungry. I try to finish it while you are eating but that doesn't always happen. We just start off where we left off the next night. After our bible story, you are ready to eat. In between feedings we change your diaper and swaddle you. You are not always excited about being swaddled but once all wrapped up you fall asleep quickly. You were going to bed around 11:00pm the first two weeks but then one day you decided that 10:00pm was a better time. Momma and Daddy are very thankful that you dictated that time change and we didn't have to. You typically sleep from 10:00pm to anywhere between 3:30am & 5:30am.   Just because you sleep five hour stretches momma is lucky if she got two hours of sleep at a time. I am scaring awake to make sure you are breathing or just in case you need me. When you wake up though, I better be ready because you are one hungry little girl. Your little head moves around so fast because you are so excited to eat! Daddy typically sleeps through it all because he says he doesn't have the "tools" :) All in all, you are truly our little sleeping beauty!

At three weeks, you are fairly predictable with your schedule. You sleep in anywhere between 7:00-8:30am. You eat roughly every 2-2 1/2 hours during the day. You are a good eater unless you are woken up to eat, which I try not to do very often. You take shorter naps in the morning and a longer nap in the afternoon. Depending on how you sleep during the day, you sometimes take a early evening nap that lasts up to an hour but usually only 30-45minutes. Your Daddy and I have figured out that the better you sleep during the day the better you sleep at night. Tummy time happens twice a day if we have time. We try to do tummy time mid morning and late afternoon. You like tummy time as long as you have been held for a significant time prior to tummy time. We also try to get some fresh air everyday mid morning or later afternoon. Some of the days have been way to hot and humid that we don't get outside except for getting the mail.

The first four weeks of your life was busy. You had lots of visitors and met a lot of people. Everyone comments on your crazy hair and how pretty you are. Most people also comment on how they see your daddy in you. We took out my baby picture and your Nana's (momma's mom) baby picture and you are almost identical to Nana's baby picture. Needless to say, Nana is pretty proud of that. Your Nana and momma both had lots of crazy dark hair like you. Your hair is getting lighter by the day. You have received a lot of cute little outfits, blankets, and hair accessories. Momma and Daddy have a lot of "thank-yous" to write. You have a lot of wonderful people who love and adore you!

One person in particular, besides your momma and daddy, adores you completely and has helped Momma get through the last four weeks. This amazing person is your Nana (Momma's mom). She spent the first two weeks with us every day helping me get the hang of this new momma thing. Our house got cleaned, wash got done, momma got some extra sleep, and dinner's were made. Nana took care of you in the afternoon while I got some much needed sleep. She spoiled you with lots of kisses, and she also bought your your first snuggle blanket. You really like the satin edging. The blanket is so warm and comfy that you sleep very well with it around you during nap time.  Needless to say, Nana's time at our house kept your momma sain. She was a life savor. I really don't know how I am going to be able to get everything done once she can't come every afternoon. I have been told that I will need to put you down, but that doesn't sound like a good solution. I love my cuddle time with you!

This past month has gone by so fast but you have been a blessing to your daddy and I. Your daddy is a pro at bouncing you so keep you calm in the evening. Some of the things I hear you being called by your daddy is the following: " 'Your such a little peanunt', 'Your a little poonum', 'sweet little doll'" You have your daddy wrapped around your little finger. He is a hands on Dad and has changed his fair share of diapers the past four weeks.  He has also had the opportunity to feed you. We introduced the bottle to you at week three to make sure you get more comfortable with it. We continue to tell Daddy that you want to stay home with Momma all day everyday...he isn't convinced yet! We will continue to work on that :)

We thank God every night for you and pray that God blesses you every day of your life. You are growing so well and spend a lot of your time sleeping and smiling. Our lives have changed completely and we are loving every minute of it! We love you always and forever...Madalin Ann!