miss olive at one month old!

Just over one month ago, on March 12th, 2012, Olivia Iris came into this world and changed mine forever.  Becoming a mother has turned my life upside down, and yet it has felt like the most natural transition at the same time…  For one month, I have relished every moment with this sweet, inquisitive, adorable baby girl.  Caring for her around the clock is a true joy; not once have I felt overwhelmed or burdened by this responsibility.  In God’s kindness, Olive has been a very ‘manageable’ baby so far.  She isn’t fussy or whiny — when she cries, I feel like I know exactly how to soothe her.  When she looks at me, it arrests me and I sense a deep unspoken bond.  I have told many friends that I honestly feel like I was born to be Olive’s mother.  I thank God everyday for this humbling blessing… for this precious stewardship.  I feel so grateful that I get to raise up this young lady, but I know it is a high calling.  I want to pour all of my energy and love into mothering her with grace, purpose, and intention.

With aunts Anna and Meggie, and “aunt” Michelle 🙂

with hapa aunties trista & kristin

As I’ve been cherishing motherhood, I have simultaneously been treasuring my role as wife.  Part of that has been sweetened as I observe Erik, my college sweetheart and love for nearly 9 years, grow as a father.  I could watch him with Olive all day long.  He has such a tenderness and silliness with her…  It melts me.  Thank you, Lord, for my beautiful little family.  I cannot adequately put into words how blissful this past month has been.

I thought I’d begin the habit of monthly “Olive Updates” to keep track of her growing and changing.  🙂  While I’m writing in a daily mommy journal and putting together a baby book, it is still fun to document and share her life here on the blog, where family + friends can more easily keep up with her.  Here is a glimpse of Olive’s first month of life…

• She was 7lbs 3oz at birth — she weighs over 9lbs now at 5 weeks!  🙂  That’s my healthy girl!
• She has a full head of the most silky soft hair.  It was dark brown at birth, but is lightening up to a soft sable color…
• Her eyes are still mysterious gray — we are excited to see what color she ends up with!  (Erik and I have two different kinds of hazel eyes: his are amber, mine are green.)
• She LOVES bath time and it helps lull her to sleep each evening.
• She sleeps 4 hour stretches at night — praise the Lord!!  We typically put her to sleep at 9/10p, and she’ll wake up around 1/2a, and then again around 6/7a.  It’s marvelous.
• She has long, dainty fingers… and toes!  People comment on how long both sets of digits are… LOL.
• I can quickly buy 20 minutes of time (to do dishes, eat breakfast, etc.) by putting her on her playmat.  She loves it already, and I tell Erik she’s a genius (just kidding!) because she already swats at the toys and coos in delight at them.  He says she hits them on accident while wildly flailing about.  Obviously I’m right.  haha
• She also lets mommy get a shower each day… the sound of the shower puts her right to sleep!
• She enjoys the sound of the ocean and classical music.
• She is not a big fan of the bottle, but has had 4 or 5 during outings this month.
• She hates pacifiers.  I’ve only tried them 2x, but she spits them out in anger within seconds.  I’m not-so-secretly pleased… I am hoping we can skip the pacifiers altogether.
• We have been going on walks regularly…  at least 2x a week.  This week I broke our 3 mile threshold with two five-mile strolls.  She sleeps most of the time, or sits in quiet wonder.  It’s one of my favorite ‘escapes’ and getting outside with her has been a true gift.  It’s also helping mommy get back in shape!

Some snaps via Instagram — @loveandsplendor

I clearly can’t get enough of this little lovebug!!

Olive — I love you so very much!  Being your mommy is my favorite role.  Every bit of you delights me, and I can’t get enough of your tiny hands, your beautiful eyes, your downy hair, your sweet scent!  Thank you for indulging Mommy as I cover you with kisses (which you don’t really understand, yet).  Thank you for bringing me and Daddy so much joy in just your first month of life.  And thank you for those long silent gazes that you send my way — the ones that completely stop me in my tracks, bring tears to my eyes, and make me feel like the luckiest lady in the world.  Love you, baby girl.  <3  We can’t wait for what’s ahead.  xoxo

Enjoy your Monday!  xoxo, Angel