Hurdles and Changes

I am still a terrible blogger but honestly when I remember to pull out the computer I am usually interrupted by needing to feed my child, take out the dog or honestly, I am just too tired. I am seizing this opportunity while Harper is napping to put out a quick update.

We continue to learn about our little lady each day. We have had various struggles with milk production, nursing, formula, etc. and I hope I am not premature in saying that I THINK we have a system starting that will work for us. I am pumping all the time with little result but I am able to at least provide some breast milk with each feed and I am learning to be happy with that. Harper never latched well so I was using a shield and she quickly lost interest with nursing as soon as we introduced a bottle when we supplemented with formula. This resulted in alot of mom tears but I had to increase my pumping in order to return to work anyway, we just did it quicker that I would have liked.

MJ and I have had a great circle of friends step in to give us a couple nights out. We managed dinner out on my actual birthday thanks to my childhood friend Chad. I even had a yummy Guinness (hey, its good for milk production!) and we also had a fancy dinner out the following weekend at Nana's. We had a gift certificate and we did the tasting menu. Michael told me I had been watching to much Top Chef when I turned and looked at him and commented on the excellent blend of sweet and bitter flavors in our steak dish :)

Harper is growing like a weed and is almost out of newborn clothes mostly due to length issues. She had her one month appointment and her stats are:

Weight: 9.4 (47th percentile)

Length: 21.75 (68th percentile)

Head circumference:14.8 (55th percentile)

Harper managed to rock two Halloween costumes this year. First she was Hedwig to Michael's Harry Potter. And yes, so begins the costume making :)

She was fortunate to receive lots of Halloween gear...I guess people think I like that day or something!

Her second costume was a kitty cat...complete with puppy friend. I am thinking that will not be the last time she gets licked in the face by Luna!

She is sleeping well most nights and we are hoping as we transition to week 7 that a schedule will appear as I will soon be returning to work (can't even talk about it without tearing up) and having a routine will be important. She is smiling and reaching for objects. She holds her head well and even manages to lock her legs and "stand" when Michael is holding her. She is a total joy and we are so intrigued to see if her blond curls are permanent. Most people are in agreement that she looks like Michael although the Range nose made its way into her genes.

Overall, we are doing well. We are enjoying the sunny Fall days and try to take Luna for a walk each day...okay, maybe every other :)