Josie is 4 weeks old tonight. What has changed? Lots since she first arrived on the scene! She’s been putting on weight, getting some pudgy baby legs and arms. She has gotten good enough vision to LOVE her mobile above her changing table. Sometimes we put her there with the mobile on just to get her to stop crying. She sleeps less now and is awake more of the day. She nurses much more efficiently and now gets a meal in under half an hour. Here are lots of pictures, including some from the visit with uncle Javi from this weekend so you can see the changes for yourself!

We’re starting to gain some new baby handling skills. For instance, today I cut Jordi’s hair (which I do normally) while carrying Josie in a ring sling. She is sleeping happilly while I have the use of my two hands! Earlier this week I went to the Boston Babywearers group meeting and got some pointers for the sling which has helped make her happier and the sling more effective.

Today we also went to the doctor and Josie is up to 8 lbs 10 oz, she’s gaining about 1 oz a day which the doctor said is fantastic and right in the range she wants to see.

Last weekend Jordi’s parents came to town for a visit which was great. Yesterday Josie got to meet her uncle Javi and his girlfriend and we’ll be having fun hanging out with them more this weekend. We went out to dinner for the first time with Josie last night and she mercifully slept through the entire thing!

Just some cute photos that I like of Josie. She’s showing off her long arms and big power on top of the changing table! (note the diapers on the righthand side referenced in the previous post) Wednesday she went to the doc again, and this time weighed in at 8 lbs 1oz! She’s gaining like a heavy weight champ!

One of the most frequent questions we’re asked is “how are the cats handling it?”. Quite well actually, although each has their own strategy. The previous photo shows Fred’s approach to the baby which amounts to “can’t we all just take a nap?”. He appreciates all the time spent in bed and on the couch. Kaya has taken a different strategy which amounts to trying to claim all new things that come into the house. She sleeps on the changing table, uses the diapers we leave conveniently on top for a pillow. She has also learned how to sit in the bouncy seat. Below, she claims my parent’s stroller which they brought over to try out (with the baby).

Somehow the pictures we post seem to give the impression that Josie is big kid, and while she is long, she’s nothing compared to some of the six month old 20 lb’ers we see. She weighed in on Friday at 7 lbs 4 oz, so she’s probably back to her birth weight by now (Sunday) and gaining weight steadily. Here she is compared to Fred (16.5 lbs). Maybe it’s the cloth diapers that make the rear look so big?

…that I should probably be sleeping rather than posting here. But I couldn’t resist showing off our little girl some more. The last few days have been difficult as we work on learning each others’ signals and putting some weight on little Josie. The weather has turned gorgeous again though and we’ve managed to get some nice sun. That livened everyone up. Enjoy some more photos.

Yesterday we came home from the hospital around 2pm! It was a long night but we all managed a nap today in the afternoon that made us feel much better. Josie had her first doctor’s visit this morning and everything looks fine. She seems to like the people at the doctor’s office so far. Of course, they haven’t tried to give her any shots yet. And now…more cute pictures…