4 1/2 Weeks Old

Mercedes is at the 4 1/2 week old mark. I realized that I hadn't been as good about taking pictures this time around, so yesterday and today I took a whole bunch. My poor little girl is probably become blind because of my flash. I loved having a little baby boy, but dressing up a little girl is so much fun. My sister, Vanessa, made the cute flower bow for her, and I have since learned how to make some flower clips as well (thanks mom!). I made the cute little anklet she's wearing in one of the pictures, and if it wasn't such an expensive hobby to start up, I think I'd really enjoy making jewelry. Jon Mark doesn't like the "foo foo" outfit, but for a dollar, how can you go wrong??!! Besides, girls can get away with being a little "foo foo" as he puts it.

Well, I'd say that since the birth of Mercedes, I get an average of two to four hours of sleep each night... I SERIOUSLY need more than that to continue being the patient, loving mother that I'd like to think I am! My kind husband, perhaps for selfish reasons(he'd like more sleep as well) purchased a Graco AngelCare Monitor. Basically, it's this pad that you put under the mattress that detects movement--even very slight movement like breathing. If the baby doesn't move for twenty seconds, it sounds an alarm on the parent's monitor. So, tonight Mercedes will no longer be sharing our bedroom with us. This is a huge step for me considering that it took me three months to move Joshua out. But, I think it would be good for her to learn how to soothe herself back to sleep a little better, and I wouldn't be awakened by every little cough, grunt, or hiccup, that she tends to make in her sleep. The monitor will hopefully help me sleep more soundly (regardless of whether or not she's in or out of our room) because I will know that she's okay. I'm excited to try it out.

Joshua still loves his little sister, and has tried hard at being a big helper. She's a little more durable now, so their interactions don't make me quite as nervous, however, I still can't turn my back on them for even a slight second. He thinks he's big enough to pick her up on his own.