Learning the Ropes

We are learning that life with a new baby is unpredictable. But at the same time, I pretty much know what I'll be doing every day. It's a strange dichotomy.

I know that each night I'll be sleeping as much as I can between feedings. I know that each day I will be hanging out with Aria, playing, cuddling, comforting, feeding, changing, walking and sometimes taking an outing. Each day, I will try to find some time to hang out with Aria's daddy as well. And in between, I will try to contribute at least some to getting the bare essentials at home done - laundry, dishes, some kind of food gathering, etc.

What is unpredictable each day is which activities will dominate. Yesterday was a pretty cuddly and playful day, with some comforting and much feeding and changing and a nice afternoon walk. The day before was a day of much comforting, a trip to the doctor, and lots of feeding and changing, with minimal playing. You see what I mean?

And each day Aria grows a bit more. She is now holding her head up like a champ. She stares


and stares


and stares


and I have been successful in getting her to imitate my facial expressions a couple times. She now gives big, huge, adorable smiles if you are lucky enough to please her. Just today she started answering me (sometimes) when I talk to her. It is a very exciting time (when we are rested enough to feel excitement).

Some days we are lucky enough to have visitors. We just enjoyed an extended visit from Aria's grandpa, which was lovely. Here they are, loving each other serenely,

and staring,

and playing,

and practicing her pirate look.


Alas, Grandpa had to return to Chicago. We hope for another visit soon. Uncle Ethan (aka Uncle Beastie) and Aunt Victoria came to visit again. Aria, as usual, did some sleeping,


and some squirming,


and practiced her pirate look,


and took in the world around her.


As you can see, our lovely little Aria is changing amazingly quickly. If you are in the position to visit, you should do so soon. Give us a call, and maybe we can include you in this chronicle. That's the news for now. Love to all.