1 month old

Little Critter Girl, you are 1 month old today. It seems like forever ago that you were born, forever that I've known you. But I remember it like it was yesterday too.

You have grown so much in a month - you weigh 10 lbs now! And you've added 2 inches to your length - that's a lot of growth in a month. It must be because you are such a good eater, you love you some boob juice. You get what we call "boob drunk" after each feeding, where you sort of nod off and look stoned for about 5 minutes, then sober up and are yourself again. I smile every time.

You are beginning to look at me and Daddy, really seeing us. I am still waiting for a non-gassy smile, which I know will come soon. But you show us love by seeking out our hands to hold, and you love nothing more than a good snuggle. You love to sleep on Daddy's chest, or with your head wedged under my chin. And we both love to snuggle with you too.

You do make the most bizarre noises, especially in your sleep. You squawk, gurgle, gasp, groan, squeal, burp, coo, fart (Oh the farts! Ear-shatteringly loud!) and sound possessed most of the time. But I've gotten to know these sounds, and know nothing is wrong with you when you make them, so now I can laugh at them. How you sleep with all those noises and moving around as much as you do, I'll never know. But it is what you do, and I love that I've gotten to know these little things about you. And when you wake, you love nothing more than a good, long, full-body stretch. So cute.

You also love your tummy time. You've had a strong neck since birth, and now you can do a full cobra pose without complaint. You can move your head side to side on your tummy, and are starting to do push-ups. You love your playmat, and spending time on your back, looking at and swatting the toys that dangle in front of you. It is your favorite awake activity, I think.

Mommy loves you very much, Critter Girl. I look forward to many many many more months and years, learning more about you every day. Happy 1 month birthday!