Two Months Old

Today  (7/24/09) Madeline turns 2 months old! There are times I look at her and still can't believe I am a mom, her mommy! I love every minute of it!

Two months finds Maddy doing the following things (some may be repeated from 1st month):

• smiles (now in response to people, especially in the morning when she wakes up)
• coos more and louder (there is one that sounds like she is saying "Hi", my mom and sister even heard it and said so)
• can hold her head up for a long time (she held it up for an entire 30 minute walk last night)
• prefers to ride in a carrier rather than in her car seat or stroller (my favorite carriers so far are a borrowed ring sling, Baby Hawk mei tai, and a Ergo Sport for long walks)
• can go up to 4 hours maximum between feedings, but averages about 2 hours
• feeds about 2 times in the middle of the night
• feedings are a little quicker now
• bats at things with her hands (on purpose now)
• kicks feet more
• her movements are more controlled
• when on a flat surface on her tummy, she will push herself forward with her legs, or when propped up on her tummy time pillow (u-shaped), will push herself over it
• doesn't like to have her feet covered with a sheet or blanket (unless swaddled)
• can bring her hands together and interlock her fingers
• grabs/holds small items and fingers (mostly needs to be placed in her hand)
• her sleep schedule is getting  little more regular, I can't wait for normal naps
• still sleeps in bed with us (she is getting the boot as soon as she is big enough to not need to eat as much in the middle of the night!)
• will nap in her crib for a couple hours (not always, she needs to be very tired)
• looks around more, she loves lights (especially neon beer signs at restaurants)
• can track with her eyes
• can turn her head toward a sound
• we found out she has a milk allergy
• stays awake longer between naps 
• LOVES baths still
• she is not one of those babies that falls asleep during a car ride, it has happened, but not often, mostly she cries
• wears 0-3 month clothes , size 1 diapers
• likes toys that play music (her Elmo that plays the tune to "You Are My Sunshine" seems to be a favorite)
• welcomed a new cousin to the family (Bella!)

We have mastered the art of going out anywhere with her now, if it is somewhere we will be walking around, like shopping, we wear her in a carrier, if it is a restaurant we bring the car seat. For quick meals out I wear her in a sling, so she can be a little off to the side and I can still eat. I haven't left her with anyone yet (even Mike), she was eating so frequently that I couldn't pump, but hopefully that is changing now. I go back to work part time on September 9th, so I need to get myself used to being away from her, I know she'll do fine with Grandma Jane when I am at work. 

We love you more and more everyday Madeline Mae!

(Picture Finally Added!)