Weight: 8 pounds, 7 ounces (14th percentile)
Length: 21.5 inches (64th percentile)
Head: 15 inches (88th percentile)
Well, little ladybug, we survived the first month together! Definitely a month of ups and downs, as you are battling some pretty nasty reflux now that you are totally bottle-fed. As much as I tried, nursing was just not in the cards for us unfortunately, so after your first 10 days, we gave up on that venture. It's taken quite a few tries to get your formula right, but you seem to be doing well on the Similac Total Comfort and Dr. Brown's bottles. Sadly, we had to start you on Zantac about two weeks ago as well, as you were violently spitting up (usually on your daddy) and in so much pain from your reflux. I'm still not 100% convinced we have you on the right meds since you still twist and seem to hurt with a few feeds here and there, but as of now, that's what we do. I'm hopeful that with a little more time for your tummy/digestive system to develop that this will be nipped in the bud. It's SO sad to watch you hurt, but at this point, I think we're doing the best we can for you.
I normally would talk about your daily routine at this point, but let's be honest, we just don't have one yet! I'm hoping that will develop more as we start trying for the eat, play, sleep cycle this month. I'm definitely not a huge Babywise fan, but I do believe the eat, play, sleep cycle encourages better sleep, so we do plan to start trying for that part now that you are a month old. As far as your day to day goes, you are typically eating anywhere from 2-4 ounces every 2.5-3 hours. If you are super sleepy during a feed and only take 2 ounces, it's a challenge to hold you off even for 2 hours, but the pacifier and going outside helps a lot. You LOVE your soothies and the Wubbanub! (So different from your brother!)
As far as sleep goes, you are a rockstar most nights and sleep about 4-hour stretches. Two nights ago, we got a 5-hour stretch from 9:30-2:30 and it was glorious! If your reflux is really bothering you or you spit up in the middle of the night, it's a battle to get you back down, but most nights you go back very easily now that you seem to have day and night figured out. You also love to sleep swaddled, even though you eventually work your hands out of it. (Yet another major difference from your brother!) Since you do have the reflux, you would definitely prefer to be sleeping on your tummy, which we learned from many tummy time fails, but at this point, I force you to sleep swaddled in the Rock 'n' Play at night. Naps during the day, you just kind of sleep wherever - car seat, bouncy chair, swing, etc. This week, I started trying to get a good afternoon nap going in your crib. Most days it has worked, so I'm hoping the crib transition isn't too brutal. We have no idea when we'll make that transition at night, but I'd like to consistently get good naps in there first so I know you're used to it.
You have the sweetest little temperament and so far are a very laid back little girl. You love spending time on your Boppy or in your bouncy seat, staring at lights/ceiling fans, and being outside in the fresh air. You also love going for walks, your swing, and watching your big brother play. He is SO sweet and loves to come over and talk to you, feed you, "hold" you, etc. He calls you "Sister" most of the time, but he definitely knows your name. He gets VERY upset when you cry...I think it scares him...which just shows how much he cares about you. :)
You've developed a little bit of a fussy period at night before bedtime, but that's totally normal for a newborn and we have just learned to take you outside, put you in your bouncy seat, and let your lungs get some exercise around 8:30 each night. :) You'll outgrow it, so I'm not sweating it at this point. (Sorry neighbors!)
Well, peanut, I guess that's about it! I'm looking forward to the second month and seeing how your little personality develops and watching you interact more and more with your brother. We can't wait to see your sweet smile and watch you grow into a little lady, and we sure do love you!
