One Month with Liesl!

Oh, Liesl Gale... you are so very loved.

From your darling cuddles, 

 To your tight fists or open palms, with long, slender fingers waving around your face.

 From the beautiful strawberry hair that curls when wet on the top of your head...

 ... to the sweet little toes we can't stop studying...

 ... to the little rolls developing on your arms and legs...

 Oh, sweet girl.

 You are absolutely loved and adored by each one of us.

 We cannot get enough of you.

 You are so alert and your big blue eyes are taking in the world around you. We marvel at how new and interesting everything must be as you bring them into focus. I long to know what you're thinking when you are intent on a shadow or following the sounds of our voices.

 One day you'll be articulate just like your brothers and we'll learn more, but for now we LOVE studying you.

 And I'm sure you're studying us, too.

 Your sweet cheeks are so kissable and strong. You are a mighty nurser and are growing so fast. You were 10.4 lbs at your one month check-up. Your doctor has absolutely not a care in the world about how you're growing and thriving.

 We are so grateful.

 You have your moments of fussiness, as any human does, but you're lulled by movement, song, and time spent on mama's chest.

 You are un-phased by the shenanigans of your brothers and Papa as they wrestle and tumble and shriek around you. You've heard it all before,within my womb, we suppose :)

You sleep pretty well! I'm grateful to say! We had one six hour stretch very early on and you typically do a 4-5 hour stretch each night, then two shorter sleep periods (2 or 3 hours apart) before waking up for the day. So, usually two or three wakings each night. Dare I say that you are a better sleeper than either of your brothers at this age? Knock on wood ;)

 Darling girl, we couldn't be happier to have you in our family. We feel complete and whole and it's as if you've always been here. Your brothers dote on you constantly, desire to be the first to hold you, sing to you, chat with you, and comment on how beautiful and cute you are. Recently Ian was singing you a song and you fussed through it, desiring a feeding. I jokingly spoke for you and said, "I like your singing, but it just won't fill my belly!" and Ian thought it was hilarious and giggled on and on. Since then I've heard him say it for you :)

Owen sings "Don't Worry Baby" to you most often and Ian sings "Cradlevice" (Edelweiss) :)

Rarely do you like to be put on the floor or in your seat, since you prefer to be held. But you let me snap a few photos of you before protesting here. Thanks, sweet little one!

 You are a delight, sweet girl. We are savoring each moment we get with you and still time marches on. Month one was lovely and I can't wait to spent tomorrow and the day after that, and all the months to come learning more about who you are.

Happy 1 Month, Liesl Gale!!

You love: being held, singing, nursing, looking at lights and shadows, your hands near your face, following our voices with your eyes, being swaddled for sleeping, stretching out your legs, being worn in the sling, being on mama's chest, baths, bouncing on the yoga ball, all movement, and being talked to by one of the many doting fans in our home and by visitors.

You despise: the carseat & being put down (most of the time).