Happy 2 Week Birthday Sarah Beth!

Our little girl is 2 weeks old already! It's gone by so fast, but it other ways it seems like she's been with us forever. We're doing well - all 3, make that 5 of us are still alive and healthy. The dogs are getting more used to baby, and she doesn't seem to mind the barking too much. She must've gotten used to it when she was still in the womb, because she doesn't flinch when they go bananas barking at the mail lady, but she'll react to dishes clinking in the kitchen. Apparently we didn't do a lot of cooking when I was pregnant with her. ; )

We've learned a lot over the past 2 weeks, such as: (1) yes, you do want the most expensive baby monitor that monitors her movement and breathing, (2) do not bathe baby right after she eats, (3) as soon as you take off the diaper she will poop, (4) if you want to wake the baby, put her down in her crib, (5) baby sounds are the cutest sounds ever.

We also learned that we're pretty good at this so far. Granted, we have the best baby ever, but we've managed to figure out breastfeeding and bathtime and bedtime without too many breakdowns or tears shed (our tears and hers.) Something I never expected was how much closer it would bring Kurt and me together. It feels like our relationship is on an entirely new level. He's been so great with Sarah Beth and has been taking good care of me as well. He held her for 3 straight hours Saturday morning so I could have a desparately needed nap. We are very lucky girls.

Other notable happenings this past week - Sarah Beth's birth was announced in church last Sunday and mentioned in the bulletin. We are so happy our new church family is so welcoming and are looking forward to her baptism in a few months. We had a modified dinner date on Saturday - take out from Fiamma - oh how we've missed it!

We had a Daddy-Daughter photo session today. She wore a cute Irish onesie that Aunt Alice and Uncle Fred sent her. Here are a few more pictures:

Tomorrow is my first day alone with baby while Daddy goes to work. I think mommy and daughter are going to have a fun day of eating and napping planned. Grandma comes back on Tuesday for a few days to help with laundry and cooking. Hopefully I'll get out of the house for a quick field trip this week, just to remind myself what it's like to be a part of society. Being in this this little family cocoon has been wonderful, but one can get a little stir crazy after being holed up for over 2 weeks!

Last but not least -- thanks to everyone who has sent gifts and cards and congratulatory emails. We love that our friends and family share our excitement and look forward to introducing her to everyone!