Kennedy has been changing so much lately, each day that passes seems like it brings out a new little facet of her personality or a fun new talent. She is eating solid food once or twice each day. We started with rice cereal, but have moved onto pureed vegetables. She’s not a big fan of peas yet, but we’ll keep trying! She is also rolling from her back onto her side, then staying in sidelying to play. One little push and she’ll end up all the way on her tummy! She’s not quite rolling from her tummy to her back (she did once, but seems that it was a fluke!), her lats are a little tight, so she can’t quite get her arms enough overhead so that they are out of her way. She does get close though. From her tummy, she will also inchworm up with her legs so that her booty is in the air, which slowly moves her around. Usually, she just rotates in a circle, but sometimes she will move forward a bit! It’s been so fun watching her discover the new things that she is capable of. She also continues to practice her language, which right now is usually “ma ma ma ma mam”…she knows how to get me out of bed at 3 am! She has many other sound combinations too, but I am partial to the “mama” . Also, she is manipulating toys better, can grasp them and choose which part she wants to chew on, then, of course, it goes directly to the mouth. We’re watching for any teeth poking through, because it seems like her signs of teething are getting more intense.

Our sweet little monkey has not been sleeping very well at night the past couple of weeks, but I’d have to say that her best trick lately was when she slept from 11pm to 6:30am last night! Just when I thought I would never get more than 3-4 hours of consecutive sleep again!

We’ll post pics of Kennedy eating solids soon!

Kennedy’s first trip to the snow was for the 10th annual RPBuds snowtrip. She was the first official RPBudlette to make the trip!

Kennedy in her snowsuit.

Hanging out with Matt and Katie!

Getting ready to head home.

In the beginning, survival revolved around getting more than 2 hours of consecutive sleep, eating something other than handfuls of trail mix for breakfast and lunch, showering.  Over time, we’ve established our routines, Kennedy has adjusted to sleeping on her own, to playing while I shower or prepare lunch.

Two weeks ago, I returned to work.  I survived.  It was harder than existing on no sleep, than waking up to change a diaper in the middle of the night, only to have to run a bath and change clothes because there is poop everywhere.  I never thought 5.5 hours could be quite so heart wrenching.  In fact, prior to having a baby, I imagined that my return to work would be a welcome reprieve, an opportunity to interact with adults and exercise my mind.  Turns out, I don’t need those things as much as I thought I did .  Turns out, I am perfectly content with cuddles and made up songs, with cooing and endless bouncing to sleep.  But, I survived the return.  Kennedy, mind you, was fine with the whole scenario.  She has been home with Daddy, today with Gramma and Poppa, she has had great naps and catnaps, eaten heartily and played happily.

I’ve heard parents explain that these aches and pains are only the beginning of many.  It is ache that is borne out of love that is intense and wonderful and I feel so lucky to love someone so much that it hurts to be away from her.  Each day is a little easier to survive, and that first smile when I get home makes any memories of my morning at work just melt away!

There are three things in particular that I’m thankful for in this moment.

1. “Dreamfeeds”. I’ve learned to feed Kennedy while laying down in the middle of the night. This is known by veteran moms as a “dream feed” and involves me sleeping while she eats and then dozes off to sleep on her own. I usually wake up 2 hours later when Kennedy wakes up ready to switch sides. The only downside is the 5 pillows it takes to properly support this position makes cuddling up to Chris a bit difficult . Sorry Chris, but it’s worth the extra hours of sleep right now!

2. Naps. Kennedy will occasionally sleep while not moving. If she falls asleep in the stroller, I can often eek out a mile run on the treadmill (she’s still not big enough for the jogging stroller) and a shower, while she sleeps in the stroller! Right now she is actually sleeping in her little cradle and I have the pleasure of typing with 2 hands!

3. Smiles. It’s been about a week and a half since Kennedy started smiling and it is awesome. The smiles are for real, not the “I have gas” or “I’m about to scream my head off” smiles. Her daddy is the most frequent recipient of the beautiful smiles, that almost seem to be accompanied by a giggle sometimes, but mom gets quite a few too! Usually morning time, right after eating is her favorite time to show off those beautiful gums! I’ve always heard that the smiles make the long nights worth it, and I’m going to have to agree! Hers is the prettiest toothless grin I’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing!