Kinley is officially one month old. How quickly this month went by. I celebrated Kinley’s official one month birthday by changing diapers, breastfeeding and washing her clothes. What a difference a month makes. The first two weeks were the hardest and it seemed by the third week everything fell into place and we were able to develop a routine of some sorts. I’m loving her growing and learning but at the same time it’s bittersweet because the tiny newborn stage is going by way too quickly.
MONTH ONE:
Weight: At birth 7 lbs, 8 oz. She dropped to 6 lbs. 13 oz.
Length: 21 inches
Diaper Size: Newborn
Clothing size: Newborn
Eye Color: They are a blue for now. We are waiting to see if they will stay light colored or darken.
Favorite Toy: She obviously isn’t big enough for any major toys, but she loves being bounced by daddy.
Sleeping Habits: Initially she slept the majority of the day for the first couple of weeks. Lately, she is staying awake for longer stretches of time, approximately 2-3 hours between feedings. Her most active time is between the early hours of 2a.m.- 5 a.m.
Kinley’s likes/dislikes: She loves sleeping on mommy and daddy’s chest and being swaddled. She dislikes being cold and her greatest dislike is having a wet diaper. It’s instant crying the second she urinates.
What Kinley has learned: Probably the biggest lesson learned by her is that Mommy is a food source. She can recognize mom and dad’s voices and can focus on our faces when in close proximity to hers.
What Mom has learned: I have learned quickly obtaining five hours of sleep during a 24 hour period is currently the “norm”. It’s amazing how a person can function on such a little amount of sleep. Even more surprising to me is how many daily activities now occur one handed while Kinley is in my arms. Another “obvious” lesson learned is when preparing to run errands or travel it takes twice as long to get ready and leave the house. But the greatest lesson for this first time mother is the true meaning of unconditional love. It’s as if she can do nothing wrong. In the middle of the night when I am exhausted, emotional, sleep deprived and she is crying I feel nothing but pure love for her. It’s a whole new type of love, understanding and compassion for another human being.
Mommy notes: The biggest challenge for me has been breastfeeding. After a slow start, I am producing more milk. With the advice from family and friends each day is an improvement in the amount of milk produced. Mission for month two is continuing to work on increasing breast milk supply.
Memorable moments: In her first month Kinley had a lot of first experiences. These include: a car ride, a doctor’s appt., a stroller ride, a bath, a trip to the mall, a photo session, and a spontaneous smile caught on camera.
Misc: She is so alert for being so young. Within the first two weeks she was already lifting her head at a 45 degree angle and turning towards our voices. Besides her newborn cry, she makes a “squeak toy” noise when crying and sounds like a piglet when searching for food. I love watching her sleep and could spend hours watching her. In all honestly, I do stare at her when I should be catching up on my own hours of sleep. She definitely is not a quiet sleeper and snores and grunts while sleeping.
Kinley’s accessory count: Hair bows: 47 Headbands: 45 Flowers/ clips: 13
Looking Forward to: I have so much to look forward to but besides the obvious milestones to look forward to I am excited for Kinley’s Valentine’s photo session, her first holiday and celebrating Valentine’s day with our little love.
~XoXo
Christine
Here are some pictures of Miss Kinley Love Griffin during her first month.