Charlotte at One Week

Charlotte is one week old today, and what a week we have had. Niki, Grandma Stringer, and I have really enjoyed watching Charlotte explore her little body. She tests out facial expressions, and swings her arms around. At this point, she does not have the capability to accurately move her arms. All she can do is make her brain say "Arm move," at which point the arm moves in a random direction, and she says "Hmm. That was interesting." She is learning, by test after test, how to make her arms and legs move where she wants them. As a result, she looks like "Elaine" from Seinfeld dancing - or a Busta Rhyme video . . .

We have been bottle-feeding Charlotte breastmilk. This works well for all of us, and we are working on establishing a pattern. She sleeps 4 hours a stretch at night, and we have to wake her up when we need to feed her. We understand that colic does not set in until 2 weeks after birth, so we are keeping our fingers crossed that she remains peaceful throughout her babyhood.

Connie and Duke have taken well to Charlotte, and we are beginning to see signs now that Duke is protective of the baby, and that Connie understands that when the baby cries, Niki and I need to attend to her. Once more days go by, we will be able to tell if these are random acts that the animals have taken, or are patterns of behavior.

Pacey is very wary, and still will not come within 2 feet of the baby.

Niki is feeling very well, and is healing nicely. She has the evening weepies that new mothers get, but it does not last long. Charlotte gets a little fussy in the evening (the witching hour), but settles down quickly.

Every day, Charlotte is spending more and more time with her eyes open, taking in the world. Right now, she can recognize high contrast - she enjoys looking at our green wall in the back of the house that contrasts with the bright windows. She looks back and forth . . .

We had a Cannonwood Champagne Toast on Sunday afternoon. Many of our neighbors stopped by, and we gave Charlotte a very nice introduction to the neighbors, the McMullens, and Jordan Williams.

We have also been enjoying "Skyping" with Grandpa Stringer back in Rochester, and talking to JoAnn and Spike and looking forward to their visit.

We are having a great time.