I’ve found that getting a good picture of a newborn is difficult (for some reason, babies never look quite as good on film as they do in real-life), but my mom managed to get a photo that I think really captures Avery’s features (big eyes, chubby cheeks, etc.). This could be my new favorite pic; it makes me want to go give her a big squeeze!

-M

As you can see from the pics below, my mom has spent a good chunk of time with Avery this week – but she’s also made time to help out around the house (thank you!) and have some fun with Zoe. Among their recent activities: making muffins, doing crafts and playing with yarn, and visiting the California Academy of Sciences. The whole fam will surely miss her when she leaves tomorrow morning!

-M

Several posters (you know who you are!) have demanded – er, I mean, asked for – more pictures of the baby, so here are some recent ones. As you can see, the life of a newborn is pretty much all about sleeping and cuddling…

-M

Congrats to….Aunt Sandy, who was our 30,000 visitor! You’ll be receiving your prize in the mail. Send us a picture when you get it and we’ll post it for all to see.

Jon Q

We’ve discussed Zoe’s big-sister status in many posts, but I thought I should elaborate on how she’s handling things. On the plus-side, she’s (almost) always excited to see Avery – or to see her wake up. “Her eyes are opening!” she’ll squeal excitedly when Avery comes to from a nap. She’s intrigued by Avery’s little noises; during the baby’s first few days at home, Zoe would scrunch up her noise and ask, “What’s that noise?” or “What’s she saying?” whenever Avery cooed or moaned. Zoe also loves helping out with the baby, and when it’s time for a change, she’ll run to Avery’s room, climb on one of her chairs (perfectly positioned next to the changing table), and grab a diaper and wipe for us. And when the baby cries (which she occasionally does during a change), Zoe will say, “Shh, shh, shh” or even sing – usually “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” – to her.

Zoe hasn’t exhibited many (any?) signs of jealousy yet, but she has been extra-clingy with her parents. She’s particularly attached to her dad; she’ll often cry for him or demand that he play/be with her. (She also had a hard time being dropped off at Elena’s the first days we were home, though that’s since gotten better.) I don’t attribute Zoe’s behavior to Avery’s arrival, though – but more to the fact that we were away from her for five nights. As much as she loved being with Uncle Dan and Jenny (thank you again, guys!!), I think it was hard on her to not have us around. Luckily, we’re settling into a new routine at home, and her memories of our time at the hospital are beginning to fade!

-M