Week 3 Updates!

Dear Everly,

We can't believe you are already 3 weeks old! You are growing and changing so fast that we want to hit the pause button. Before we know it you will wearing make up and going on dates! In the last week you have really started to become more aware of your surroundings. When you are awake you love to just sit back and observe everything around you. We love it when we catch you looking at us with your giant baby doll eyes. You seem to be studying our faces so carefully and we always wonder what you are thinking. You are also getting really good at holding your head up when you are resting on our shoulders. The other day you even tried to hold your bottle when your Daddy was feeding you. Those little hands of yours are always moving and grabbing at anything that comes within your reach. You are also starting to make more sounds. You make the sweetest coos when you are happy and the funniest grunts when you get excited. We always laugh because you sound like a little baby pig. You are already showing your independence by falling asleep and sleeping soundly in your bassinet and crib when it is time for naps or bed time.

We are still working on establishing a sleep schedule and a daily routine but for the most part every day seems to be getting a little easier. I have been reading any book I can get my hands on in an attempt to learn more about how newborns operate so we can help you adjust to life in this big crazy world (and so your Daddy and I can get more than 3 hours of sleep at night). We have learned that swaddling and white noise are essential to helping you fall asleep and stay asleep. Swaddling has been a little challenging because you are so active. We can't use blankets to swaddle you because your arms and legs bust out of them, so swaddle wraps with Velcro have been a lifesaver. We call it your mummy suit.

Your Daddy and I are mesmerized by every move you make sweet Everly. It is so cool to see the different traits and mannerisms you inherited from us. You stretch just like your Daddy every time you wake up and you make the funniest little face that we call "turtle". You stretch your neck out, close your eyes, push your lips together, and and lift your nose toward the sky. It is our absolute favorite face that you make. We have been trying to catch a photo of it but it is so hard to capture. You also make the same serious face (some might call it a frown) that I make when you are concentrating or deep in thought.

Not one day has passed that we don't look at each other and ask, "Can you believe we made her?". We know that you got the very best of both of us and that you are going to become the most independent, thoughtful, kind, and amazing young lady.

We love you little dolly,
Mama & Daddy