Ok, first things first. Zelly weighs in at 5# 14oz today, is 19" long
with a head 35 cm around. She's growing and sleeping longer at night.
In fact her whole feeding schedule is changing so that she eats less
at night and more during the middle of the day. She's slowed down her
growth rate, only averaging 1/2 oz per day for the past three weeks,
down from the previous rate of 3/4 oz. 'Normal' newborns grow at an
average of 1 oz per day.
She continues to grow more beautiful every day. She's more alert
during the day, picking up her head and looking around, showing more
interest in visual things.
Zelly is learning how to suck her thumb. She's lying on her back,
babbling to herself, her arms zooming around in random motion.
Suddenly one of her hands brushes by her mouth. She opens her mouth,
but too late, the hand has zoomed off again and is now waving in the
air by her ear. Her mouth is open now, ready for another chance at
the elusive digits. Vrroooom, the hand comes by but too fast, but the
other one is close behind. Ah Ha! She captures a knuckle, suck, suck,
suck, zoom, and it's gone again. This goes on for several moments
until at some magical point the reflex to open the mouth coincides
with the arrival of the hand, and, fortuitously, the thumb is
extended. The mouth closes around the thumb and sucks loudly. Her
eye brows are drawn together in concentration. Her other fingers are
open and holding her cheek. Then, just as suddenly as it arrived, the
hand pulls away again, leaving an empty, smacking mouth.
I know this isn't a news flash to other moms, but I can be
entertained for a long time just watching her do this.
Zelly and I are taking walks around the neighborhood on nice days.
And yes, we do actually have a few in March, you just have to
move quickly between spring showers. I pack her up into a snuggli
carrier, wrapping her in a blankie and wedging her into it. She
usually falls asleep instantly.
Ok, that's it for now. Be sure to check the website for new pictures
and just to tide you over, I've attatched a picture of Zelly smiling.
Ok, so maybe it's just a reflexive smile, but it's nice anyway. I had
her propped up on the couch and waited with the polaroid trying to
catch her with her eyes open. Everytime I got ready she started to
nod off. Then she cracked this smile and even with her eyes closed I
knew I had to take the picture. Enjoy.
cam