Finally...

After about three weeks of frustration and going back and forth to our pediatrician's office because of their concern with Allie's weight, or lack thereof, we have made a significant breakthrough! When we began this saga on November 7, Allie weighed in at 7 lbs., 6.5 oz. Today, she weighed 8 lbs., 9.3 oz. This just goes to show that babies will grow in their own time, and over-educated people need to learn to throw their books and growth charts (that are outdated and inaccurate anyway) out the window! We will go one more time next week to make sure this week's growth isn't a fluke, and then we'll be home free until her regular four-month well child visit when she'll get her next round of shots--ick!
I am glad that our backward version of The Biggest Loser's weigh-in is almost over; Allie's no worse for the wear, but Mama doesn't enjoy running up the road for constant visits with our lactation consultant (even though we have fallen in love with her and know she is a God-send). Thank goodness for Michele and for the fact that the office is only ten minutes from our house!

2 1/2 Months going on 12...

Allie continues to amaze us every day from her adorable little laugh to her big smile that makes us melt to her first words we swear she said (in case you were wondering, we think she said "OK, Daddy").



Today, she showed the most interest in her "touch and feel" books. While I read to her, she reached out to touch the fur, etc. of the pets and farm animals in her books. And, she even tried to turn the page. She did pretty good, but her best attempt was turning the page backward instead of forward.



Allie is a Daddy's girl and loves snuggling and getting kisses. Her favorite place to nap is her Daddy's chest.



Allie has the cutest mannerisms. Sometimes when she smiles, she does her shy, flirty smile where she turns her head to the side and halfway covers her smile with her hands. How precious!!





We spent Thanksgiving day with some friends from church and school, Nathan and Leah Finn and their one year old daughter, Georgia. Allie enjoyed meeting a little playmate and smiling at her.

Play Time

We ordered Allie a play gym and got to pick it up on Sunday evening. Within 10 minutes of being introduced to it, she already figured out how to kick her feet up, hit the butterfly and make it light up and play music. She has been trying to grab at the ladybug (she's really not to the point where she can grab anything--except her burp cloth and our shirts!), but has only succeeded in swatting it. This evening, she almost grabbed the tag, so it won't be long before she takes a hold of it. Also, Allie started yesterday looking more at the mirror on her gym. At first, she seemed almost disturbed by it. But, tonight, she was really checking herself out. Another cute thing--she turns to the bee (on the pillow next to her) and chews on its antenna.
She is a very dainty, girlie girl in many ways. When she kicks at her butterfly, she crosses her feet at the ankles and lifts her legs and bottom together. Also, while she's nursing, she points her toes and kicks them like a ballerina. She is a very happy baby and loves to laugh and smile.
She continues to grow; and, while the pediatrician still wants to keep an eye on her weight, she has gained quite a bit since last week's appointment. We were up to 7 lbs., 14 oz. today. We love our lactation consultant, Michele, and would be miserable without her.
Enjoy the pictures of Allie playing with her gym. Tony took the other picture this morning while Allie and I were sleeping on the couch after her first early feeding.
We videotaped Allie with her gym the first night we got it. As soon as we can get a cord to hook up the camcorder to our computer, we will post it so you can watch her play!

Two-Month-Old Cutie

Well, Allie is now two months old (as of last Friday). She is growing up so much! She smiles and laughs a lot. She is a very busy baby and loves to read, listen to music, play with her "worm," look at Daddy and Mama, take baths and go to new places. In the last month, she has been to her first party, her first chili cook-off and her first election.
We had a bit of a difficult doctor's appointment today. She got her first round of shots. She did great with those and only cried for a few seconds. She has been fussy and tired, though; which is to be expected. The problem was our pediatrician was concerned that Allie has only gained five ounces since her one-month appointment. So, now we're doing a whole bunch of things that make Mama's life more miserable in order to appease her; but the truth is, Allie is really growing. She is eating great and couldn't be better. These doctors just can't seem to get it through their heads that Allie is just little. One look at her parents should tell them she will be.
Other than that, we are great. Allie met her Grammy and Pappy a couple of weeks ago. This weekend, she will see her Nonna and meet her great-aunt.
Enjoy the pictures! As you can see, she is really growing and is quite a cutie!