6 weeks and more

It has been a while, y'all. Norah is 6 weeks old and growing up so quickly! This stage of development is adorable... Just yesterday she "found" her tongue, so now it is an active part of every face that she makes. My favorite now is that she smiles and laughs on a daily basis, and coo's as I sing to her. It melts my heart.

Breastfeeding has been worlds better since my last post. I saw Sherry (lactation consultant and midwife), and it turns out that Norah has a "unique sucking pattern" which is making things difficult. We are working through it, only time will make a difference. I am using nipple shields now and they help a TON... The whole process is more efficient for us when I use them.

Norah has had a lot of exciting "firsts" recently, especially since she came with me and Shasta to the farm in VA (Daddy had to stay at work this week). We are still here at the farm, and will be in WV later in the week. It has been wonderful visiting family, having her meet everyone, and hanging out with my girls here at one of my favorite places on Earth. Little Norah Joyce experienced her first big girl swing ride (with me holding her), first time on a 4wheeler (as we drove from the house to the cottage), first time at a birthday party (Gonny's 80th- born on her bday), and first weenie roast last night. It has been really fun, although there has been some drama here and there... and I do miss Johnny dearly.

I am so thankful that the trip has been safe for all of us thus far. The drive up from Texas went great, Norah has been a trooper. Such a joyful Kid! People always say that Hypnobirth infants have this crazy calm demeanor... I didn't believe it before, but she definitely fits that category. I can't tell you how many comments from EVERYONE we have received about her ability to be chill in certain situations. She's my little HypnoBaby.

Oh, awesome news! Grandma and Grandpa Cluff have officially met their granddaughter! It was fun having them hold her for the first time, and now they are back in CA.

I have a TON of pictures to put up. The first round of vacation pics will need to be in the next post.
Here is 4-6 weeks:

5 days old

The love we have for this kid is insane. Although it has been a rough few days trying to keep everyone alive, we are making it through! :)

Breast is best, yes I know... But that does NOT mean babies come out pros at this thing they've never done before. We are all learning so much every day... It has not been easy. It's just a phase and we are doing what we can to make this process more enjoyable. Our sleep has been ok. I nap with her at night. Johnny naps during the day sometimes and usually sleeps through the night. ;) lucky! He really has been very helpful, though. He's my meal, water, baby and boppy bringer mostly.

Sweet friends and family have signed up to bring us meals at least 3x a week for 3 weeks. What a huge blessing!!!! Love you all so much.

Anna came to check up with us on our 3rd day. I have been recovering really well, so it was mostly a checkup for Norah. She did a newborn exam and will be back at the 2 week mark.

We were able to go to the pediatrician, a family friend Kim Bookout, Monday (yesterday). Norah got another newborn scan as well as the PKU heal prick. We decided to postpone the hearing test until it would actually be beneficial to receive it. Norah is measuring nice and large, she is definitely not a teeny thing (as cute and "small" as she is!)

Her measurements today and percentile for her age:
~Head circumference, 13.7" (50%)
~Weight, 8lb 5oz (75%) - she has lost 8oz since birth, which we are slowly gaining back
~Height, 21" (97%!!!) - such a tall girl!

Because I have gotten a bit behind on posting updates and pictures, I'm going to just put a whole bunch on here for your viewing pleasure. Smiling at her cuteness is mandatory. These were taken from my phone. My dad and other family have much more pics of her and us as a new family.