Two Months Old

Sunday marked Natalie's two month birthday, and she had her two month check-up at the pediatrician today.  It's amazing how much she has changed in the last month.  She's much more aware of the world, focusing on people, able to track objects with her eyes, and smiling!  I just love her squinty, gummy grin.  One of the reasons I love it so much is that in the last few weeks, when Natalie's been awake, if she's not eating she is CRABBY!  We have heard lots and lots of crying during the last few weeks.  Natalie's lungs are definitely healthy.  It has been frustrating for all four of us.  Natalie is clearly frustrated and unhappy, because she's crying even when all the normal baby stuff (not sleepy, not hungry, dry diaper, not too hot/cold) has been addressed and seems to be overwhelmed by the world.  I'm frustrated because all she wants to do is nurse, and when she's just comfort nursing rather than eating, it's not comfortable for me.  Plus it makes it hard for me to pay attention to and take care of Nathan.  Todd is frustrated because Natalie only wants Mommy, and he can't soothe her.  Nathan is frustrated because he is constantly waiting for our attention while we address Natalie's needs.

Luckily I got some wise advice from Hillary, who dealt with a very fussy stage when Graham was a newborn, and she introduced us to the rocking and shushing method of soothing Natalie to sleep.  She also told me that the Eat, Activity, Sleep routine had worked well for Graham.  I've started paying attention to this rhythm with Natalie too.  We also moved her from being swaddled in a blanket, which she's now strong enough to bust out of to a swaddle sack, which has resulted in a more happily swaddled girl.  So all of these tips and tricks seem to be working a lot of the time, which has made everyone a lot happier!  Thank goodness for friends who are willing to share their wisdom!

Just in the last few days Natalie is staying awake and happy for some longer stretches of time, and really loves to wave her arms, kick her legs, coo and smile.  She loves to be held sitting up so that she can see what her big brother is doing.  I have faith that as she continues to be more comfortable managing all of the new things she's noticing in the world, as we continue to get to know her and her different cues, and as we figure out a routine, that sweet, smiley, cooing girl will make longer and longer appearances!

She got a clean bill of health at her appointment today, and recovered quickly from the drama of her first vaccinations (thank goodness for breastfeeding!).  Here are her latest stats:

Head Circumference: 15 1/4" (45th percentile)
Length: 22" (35th percentile)
Weight: 10lb 14oz (50th percentile)

She has grown so much!  She's now in mostly 3 month clothes, with some 0-3 still.  She still has tons of hair, but has reached the stage where it's starting to fall out where she rests her head against the mattress.  Here are some pictures of our baby girl!  I have yet to get an in-focus photo of a full-on grin, but there are some half-smiles in this series.

This is an expression we see a lot. :)

This is an expression I hope to see more of!