One Month!

It's hard to believe, but Kate has been here a month already... and what a month it's been! We've had visits from lots of family and friends and are working on adjusting to our new reality as a family of four. Kate continues to be an extremely predictable baby and a very good eater and sleeper. I actually get better sleep now with a newborn than I did when I was pregnant. Kate tends to eat around 11 pm and then sleeps through until 4 am or so, which I can definitely handle!

We went to her one-month well visit today and have the following stats on Kate's growth:

• Weight is 9 lbs 14 oz (4.5 kg) -- 68th percentile
• Height is 22.25 inches (56.5 cm) -- 85th percentile
• Head circumference is 14.7 inches -- 57th percentile

As you can see from these pictures, she really is getting a lot bigger... and a lot more alert! She coos a lot, has started showing interest in some toys, and smiles in response to us (especially Jack). In fact, just this evening as she drifted off to sleep, she actually started to laugh. It was such a sweet sound!

Admiring herself in the mirror during bath time

Intrigued by her activity mat

Sticking out her tongue and being silly

Granddad and Aunt Sarah Jane were able to visit for a week which was wonderful for all of us, though Jack was particularly thrilled with all of the extra attention. They were a wonderful help and it was sad to see them go; my heart always aches when Jack has to say goodbye to his family from across the pond. I cannot imagine how hard it is for them to see him so infrequently and then to get so attached during visits, knowing they won't see him (and now Kate) for another few months. I try my best to keep them involved in the kids' lives by sending pictures, videos, and keeping this blog updated, but I know it's no replacement for actually being with Jack and Kate. Here are a few pics from their visit:

Enjoying some (short-lived) warmer weather

Snuggling with Aunt Sarah Jane