Sleep, Interrupted

Sorry it's been so long! There's just been so much going on and we're finally getting into a routine - now that it's just the three of us and kitty at the house - and.. we're tired.

Chilly's sister Arisa, came out on Feb. 21 - just in time for the best baby shower ever, hosted by Lilly's Great-Grandma Bernie, Great-Aunt Amy and Great-Aunt Laurie. While the women folk showered it up in the house, the guys celebrated in their own way with darts, cards, beer, cigars and homemade wood fired pizza out in Barry's Man Cave. It was great to see everyone, as we had family in from all over. The Dave Erickson family made the trip up from Minneapolis, and Abby helped out by assuming the duty of opening Lilly's gifts. We know Lilly appreciated her efforts. Meanwhile, out in the cave, there were high stakes card games with Nefs and the Goodman Boys, tense moments at the dart board, and eventually some whistling of the "Beer Flute" courtesy of Barry. Lilly had the pleasure of meeting many family members including Great-Grandma Donna! Lilly loved being held and passed around even though she slept through the entire party.

Sunday brought us the sad departure of Chilly's mom but Arisa stayed for the week. Having Arisa here was a good transition because she gave us an opportunity to take care of Lilly ourselves but was also there to lend us a helping hand when we needed it - aka the morning shift and shower time. Now that she's gone it's amazing how much you appreciate the little things in life, like being able to put contacts in and going to the bathroom at will. Arisa fell in love with Lilly and cherished their nap/snuggle time in the afternoon.

Arisa also pushed Chilly to returning to the gym. With three weddings this year, Chilly's in a rush to get back to her pre-pregnancy size. At a going rate of 1 pound a week plus the initial 10 pounds loss at birth, Chilly's making progress - slowly...but steadily. Brian on the other hand is wasting away - not by exercise but by adapting to fatherhood. His method is Chilly's favorite "facebook interest": Miracle Weight Loss.

The week Arisa was in ND went by quickly as did the month that Amphan was here. Their assistance was greatly appreciated but not as much as having their companionship. It gets lonely in North Dakota.

On Feb. 28th Lilly was a month old! It's amazing how infants change in just a few days! No longer considered a "newborn" Lil weighed in around 8lbs and 21 inches long according to Dr. Brian Goodman and our scale in the bathroom. Her hair still sticks straight up - but it's mostly the hair on the crown of her head - none has fallen out - its just getting longer and lighter. There's still debate on her eye color - it's brown but in the "right light" her eyes look steel gray. If her eyelashes stay the way they are now, she'll never need a shu uemura eyelash curler. Basically we're in love with our baby and think she's the most beautiful thing ever. This past Sunday we re-visited Lilly's "going home from the hospital" outfit (which 6 weeks ago was too big) and it fit perfectly! Not only is she getting bigger but stronger too! During tummy time Lilly can hold her head up for a good while. She's starting to "coo" and smiles more frequently flashing her left dimple.

Last week (our first week alone) was trying. Dana stopped by to watch Lilly and Chilly was able to get a shower! It was also the first week we used our baby monitor. It definitely works as Brian can hear the baby at night, its just that he doesn't get up. Instead he shushes the monitor and falls back to sleep. We're still learning and adjusting.

A big thanks to Michael and Sam and Dana and Ron for babysitting Lilly. It's been nice to have some personal time for just the two of us. Besides, Lilly digs her pretty nursery at her grandparents house!

All in all, we're happy to report that Lilly is perfect, beautiful and the greatest baby in the world!