Week Five - Finding Our Stride

This week has been the first full week that we have been on our own as our own little trio and has been full of many ups, downs and of course a continued learning curve, but we are feeling like we're finally settling into a nice even stride.

Paci, Please!
Karis came out with a strong tendency to want to suck on something and unfortunately for us, the hospital broke the "no paci before 4 weeks" rule and gave her one the second night we were at the hospital. She definitely took to it well and it was all we could do these first 4 weeks to keep from giving in and supplying her with the pacifier once more (they say to refrain because of nipple confusion if you are breastfeeding). Well, this week we decided to give it a go and while she likes it, surprisingly she often rejects it and would rather be soothed with some nice deep knee squats and a shush! I love how the paci takes up half her face!

Taking After the Grandparents
My parent's favorite place to go ever is Costco. No matter what state or city we are in they always find the nearest Costco and frequent it at least 2-3 times a week. While they were here for just 2 weeks I'm pretty sure they went at least 4 times! Karis definitely has Wong blood and joined us for her first of MANY visits to our favorite shopping hub.

Food From Friends
We have been so blessed by so many friends who have faithfully brought us meals since our parents have been gone. What a great encouragement and help this outpouring of love has been. And the meals have been awesomely yummy!

Tummy Time
Now that Karis has reached her 4 week mark we started in earnest at some tummy time. I had anticipated she would hate it after a couple early tries, but she did really well kicking her strong legs and working out her neck muscles. It was great urging her on as her personal workout trainer. Up next, Zumba!

Our Growing Girl
Monday was our one month Pediatricians visit and I was super eager to see how much weight she had gained and how she was faring. They weighed her, took measurements and checked her out deeming her very healthy. She had gained a whopping 2 pounds (I had anticipated maybe 1 pound at best!) since her birth weight and she jumped percentiles in length at 55% (perhaps the only time she will ever be above 50% for anything the rest of her life).

They also gave the poor baby her second dosage of Hep-B. I had to turn away at the initial prick, but it was a long shot and when I looked over she was frozen in a silent cry and then let out a wail in an entirely new octave that I have ever heard. Poor Karis!

Ups and Downs
This past week held probably one of the worst nights of sleep since the very beginning (when we were still newbs!) Karis was wailing and inconsolable from 7:30pm-9:30pm. Then after feeding her she was fussy every 10-15 minutes until 1 in the morning. Between Greg and I, I think we got 30 minutes of sleep for the first half of the night. But God was incredibly gracious and knew exactly what we needed. The very next night was probably one of the best nights she has pulled thus far. She slept from 11-3 and then 4-7 solidly. It was amazing and we were so thankful. It was a great reminder of our dependency upon God and His grace and not our tactics or parenting skills (or lack thereof!) and the fact that, "My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Phil 4:19) and that God knows exactly what we need and how much we can handle. And while we don't know why Karis does what she does, God knows every particle and molecule in her body and is in control for our good and His glory. This is truly a sanctifying journey and we're only 5 weeks in! 
Mommy Time
This weekend was marked with two momentous occasions as a new mom. The first was on Saturday when I dared to try on a pair of looser per-pregnancy shorts and to my great joy they fit! Now I have whole new wardrobe options although a good pair of stretchy yoga capris are still my current favorite. The second was the gracious time that my wonderful husband gave me to go out to Panera for some personal alone time. It was wonderful to be able to enjoy a good drink (no caffine though, boo!) and reflect and journal.

The Reflux Monster
Me being the over-worried first-time mom have suspected that Karis has reflux and the pediatrician agreed that she has a mild form at the very least due to the amounts of spit up, the fact she likes a sitting position better than laying and her cries of pain after feedings. We are currently tracking her spit up and pain to see if we should take further action but for now we've propped up her mattress and changing table in hopes to give her relief.

Karis-isms
-Blow Outs- Karis has started to have her first real blow outs which means more laundry for us! Her first was actually while she was hanging out on her daddy's lap so needless to say he also needed a change of clothes.
-Bubbles- She has also started to blow mini bubbles with her spit and spit when upset.
-The Pediatrician totally buttered me up and told me "she knows the sound of your voice!" and it's true. When I talk to her she tries to look and see where I am. 

-Fast Feeding- We noticed at the beginning of this week that Karis had really started to eat much faster. Instead of feeding and burping taking a whole 45 minutes she was able to do everything in 25-30 minutes eating a full feeding in only 6-7 minutes per side (versus the 15 before). She is also less apt to fall asleep while feeding and is pulling consistent wake time after eating. This is allowed us to enjoy a good 30-45 minutes before her nap just hanging out with her including reading books to her, tummy time, quick walks around the cul-du-sac, singing, making faces and dancing!

Until next week!