The girls had gotten a free smoothie coupon that expired today, so we took off and got one for them.  It was nice to be with just them again.  I think they love Zada, but are still adjusting to the difference in how my time is spent now.

Because this little peanut requires a lot of attention that we are happy to give!

We thought we'd celebrate today, because she's one whole month old!  We even got a cake, because really, ANY excuse for cake is to be used to get and eat cake!

Later this evening, it started snowing, and we wrapped her up in the scarf and hat knitted by Jon's aunt and took her outside in the snow!  She was very calm, I'm sure curious about the cold wet bits hitting her in the face.

When she came in just a minute later, she was sprinkled with droplets and calm as can be!

This was the scene in our living room this evening.  A cozy snowy Friday night huddled up reading.  It does not get better than this!!

We woke to this lovely sunrise this morning, courtesy of Mimi pointing it out for us.  Zada's eyesight doesn't really allow for her seeing it, but how could I not try and show her??

Mimi made up a game for us to play this evening, and play we did!  Her creativity and go for it attitude will take her far in this life!

This little girl has stolen every one of our hearts.  She is so funny, and doing so well.

Gravenstreter Thanksgiving

Woke up to this winter wonderland this morning!

We have invited Jon's family to our place for the Gravenstreter Thanksgiving shindig.  I'm not sure why because I am exhausted, but no other plans seemed forthcoming and some extra exhaustion is worth it for family!

Faith was so excited to come and hold Little Miss.

Jon did us the honor of carving the bird for presentation.

I made homemade from scratch stuffing, and unfortunately enjoyed my dinner after everyone else had already eaten!  Nevertheless, spirits were high, and now it is Christmastime!

Garage Fridge

Ahhhh!!  So excited!  We have talked about getting a refrigerator for the garage pretty much since we got married, and we finally did it!  We found this good deal at a used appliance shop and had it delivered.  I think I've convinced Jon to let it be my Christmas gift!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Zada's first Thanksgiving!!  Here she is with the bird that weighs more than she does!

She did so well at Grandmere's house, napping on the couch near the warm fireplace while we ate dinner.

The girls were with their dad, so it was just us for Zada's first.  We have so much to be grateful for.  Happy Thanksgiving!

So so strong, alert, and curious.  She likes to look around from the safety of one of our chests.

Another of Mimi's awesome creations today!  It was a cute little description of Zada and some of her qualities written in a round on a paper plate!  Mimi is especially cute about all this...I think because it's a new experience for her as well.

Bathtime goes best with a binky!

And dang if it doesn't look so cute and huge on her face!

Primary Program

Primary Program today!  This meant I braved church at 3 weeks postpartum and sat on the stand as President.  Jon stood in the back, wearing Miss Zada to keep her safe from ward members who might want to touch her!

Mac and Mimi did great with their talks, and singing the songs.

Faith and Clayton came over this afternoon to meet Little Miss.  They were out of town when she was born and then came down sick.  This was the first time everything aligned for them to meet her.  Faith particularly was just smitten.  She hasn't really been around babies and loves this new sensation of being an aunt!

Clayton was also pretty impressed with her.  Daddy was there to proudly show her off.  I love being a part of this new "first" experience with a baby in Jon's family.

Gosh this baby is so sweet. She has brought such a sweet spirit of wonder to our home!

Her toes are really long and she curls them inward most of the time.  Sometimes even around things!

Bath!!

It's first bath time!!!  We waited a long time to bathe her because the vernix is really good for her skin and helps protect it.  But tonight we decided to do it!

She didn't quite know what to think!  She started out calm enough.

And then got really really upset.  I think babies just don't like their first baths!

Once we got her out and snuggled her warm again she calmed.

Fresh and clean and warm!

The girls seem to be adjusting fairly well to the changes.  It's very clear I simply don't have the same amount of time to give them.  Baby requires so much, so things like doing their hair in the mornings and other 'normal' things are kind of on hold.  Mimi has been a little more emotional than normal, I assume in response to the subtle changes.  But she's still as inventive as ever.  She went outside today and made a nest for birds.  Mud, leaves, and who knows what else!

Even though Jon is home most days, Grandmere comes out often to visit sweet pea.  Today she got some great expressions!

Such a strong baby.  I'm not sure how, but all four girls have had extremely strong necks from birth.  And I am completely in love with that dark little head.  What is it about baby heads from the back??

Babe's 2 week check up today.  She is gaining weight, although not quite as much as Jon and I had estimated.  She's at 7lb 14oz and healthy as can be!  Nursing is going better as she gets used to that method again.  She's doing really well, and doesn't seem to have night and day mixed up.  She just likes to sleep all the time!  Luckily when she wakes at night, she nurses and goes right back to sleep.  Yay for healthy babies!

I have never been a fan or practitioner of bedsharing...it scares me and I want my own space...but if I lay down by her to help her nap she will fall asleep SO much faster, and burrow herself into me.  It's cozy as can be.

She is so very cute.

Grandmere got her a couple mermaid tie sleepers and they crack me up.

Daddy likes to wear Zada...its easier on his back and she's super cozy.

She is so very cute, and we are so very tired.

Leiden was the recipient of this surprise cone from one of the other young women.  I don't know if the leaders started it, or if another young woman came up with the idea, but Leiden got a plate of treats and got to choose who she would doorbell ditch next with the cone!

Yhe binky is enormous on her face!  We determined these binkies are better for her mouth development, and luckily she likes them.  I had visions of Mimi who wouldn't take a binky and didn't find her thumb for 5 months!

We now have a house of illness.  Mac is sick , so is only allowed to hold Zada after washing her hands, changing her shirt, and wearing a mask.  We so badly want to keep Zada well during these initial scary months.

Most of our pictures are of Zada these days.  It is a haze, though.  Interrupted nights are no joke!

Especially as we can't just go to sleep every time she does!

But the sleep smiles are the best!!  Can't wait until we see the real ones.

She does such funny things as she's trying to figure out this physical body thing.  She was laying on my chest and Jon noticed she had put her hand way behind her head.  So sweet.

Such a strong little girl.  Looking up and around while on our chests.  She is a thief of hearts!

Turns out Mac ALSO drew a picture from Michigan!  She chose to render Frankfort Beach.  The breakwater, the lighthouse, and most awesomely, the EZ up!!  I am so glad Michigan made such a positive impression on them.

She kind of sleeps anywhere, but best when near Jon and I.