A Month of Sunshine and Surprises...

Indy has certainly changed our lives! Having a baby is one heck of a game changer. It's funny because Dan and I have always said that bringing a baby into our life together would change us, but one never really knows how true that sentiment is until experiencing it hands-on! Here are some of the eye-openers that we've been surprised, delighted, and quite frankly, terrified of discovering:

1. Projectile poo--Indy has an Olympic sphincter. NO JOKE! She approaches pooping like a javelin thrower. If the soiled diaper is removed too quickly and a new diaper is not readily available, Indy's bottom has the ability to launch poop directly out of her bung-hole, over the rim of the changing table and onto the wall; we're talking 3 feet here, people! It's crazy! She's so sweet; you'd have no idea she could shoot green sludge out of her bum quite so aggressively.

2. Booby Blunders--This is no fault of Indy's; she doesn't know she's causing her mommy such pain, but seriously, I am so glad that babies are born without teeth! She can gum a nipple like it's nobody's business! I have heard of sore, tender, throbbing nipples, but once I experienced it myself, it took that whole "Hallmark" image I have had of nursing to a whole new level. Now, don't get me wrong, nursing is a beautiful time with Indy. I stare at her longingly and think she's the cutest, most precious thing alive, but at the same time, IT HURTS sometimes. Plus, she eats like a 400 pound, fat man!

3. Chunky legs and arms--I love a fat baby! I am thankful that Indy is becoming a little fatty. She's gaining weight; our last doc appointment had her at 8.13! She gained 6 ounces since birth. What I love the most though is that she's developing little marshmallow arms and legs. Give her a few more months and she'll be Jonathan Swift material (don't worry, I won't eat her).

4. Daddy's songs--Dan loves to sing to Indy and he's come up with the best lyrics ever! Some of the lyrics include nicknames for our little one: Buggle-Butt, Little Bean, Miss Piggy, the list goes on. Oh, and while we're on music, we even have dance parties for Indy. We've found that she loves dance jams and we'll rock her around the kitchen until she dozes off--it's awesome! It's actually a technique recommended in the book, Happiest Baby on the Block, a gift we received from Matt and Julie!

5. Family--Indy has met many of her family members. It's so special to us to see Indy wrapped in the arms of her grandparents, uncles and aunts. Thanksgiving brought many of us together and it was really sweet to see all the people that love Indy so much! She celebrated her first holiday with lots of love!

Aunt Jaime and Julie, Uncle Matts and cousin Caitlyn! 

6. Sleep deprivation--We've been lucky in that I can get 5 hours of sleep at night (interrupted by feedings of course). Indy has been a relatively thoughtful baby on that account. I will say though, it's amazing what the hormones do to a mommy. I thought it would be impossible to function with such limited sleep, but I think something kicks in and you just GO. I try to take naps during the day, but my body hasn't let me yet; my mind keeps racing. I am sure that will change though. Once work begins again, I will be wishing for a nap!

That's all for now--here are some pics of our Indy in her first four weeks of life! :) We are so thrilled to have her! She's amazing!

Grandpa Shaffer

First visit to Laguna! She loves Grandma Maddy and Uncle Andy! 

Stylish socks and an ever-growing leg! 

Grandpa Hipp

Happy Fam!