Smiles and then some

Each day is getting more enlightening, fun, and inspiring being a mom to Eva Joyce.  At 7 weeks old she is growing, FAST!  Today, I found myself being able to make her laugh.  I was making music noises like boom chicka boom boom.  She loved it!  I decided I couldn't pass up getting this on camera, her smiles were just adorable.  Well, I pulled the camera out and suddenly she was wide eyed and in awe. She was now enthralled with the camera, you could tell she was trying to figure out what it was.  So, instead of big smile pictures, this is what I got...

Later, I was able to get her to smile again...

Watching Eva Grow

(look...we took the same picture! must be her favorite pose!)

This past week has been a time of thinking and reflection.  I am so happy to have the opportunity to be home with Eva.  It is amazing watching her learn and grow.  I even love watching her sleep (it just puts a smile on my face).  As her six week birthday came and went I struggled with the realization that many moms have to return to work at this stage in their little one's life.  With everyday bringing something new I count my blessings that I am able to be with Eva.  Some highlights...

Eva is now...

• smiling
• making eye contact
• following you (or other objects) with her eyes
• cooing and making new noises everyday
• (has) rolled from her belly to her back during tummy time twice
• sleeping for longer chunks of time at night
• holding her head up for longer periods
• pushing with her legs

Some things she loves...

• baths
• being held
• getting her diaper changed
• country music
• riding in the car
• being naked
• sticking out her tongue/licking things
• starring at the ceiling fan

Some things she isn't too fond of...

• story time with mommy (she starts to cry)
• dirty diapers
• constricting clothes
• loosing her pacifier

Father's Day

June 15, 2014 marked Chris's first Father's Day celebration!  We celebrated by going to my dad's for a bar-b-que.  The weather was gorgeous, the food was delicious, and the company was great.  Eva was very thoughtful this first Father's Day.  She got her Daddy a beautiful card, a nice t-shirt, and a new belt.  Okay, she didn't actually pick any of it out, but we can pretend.  We also had my sister take some family photos (we hadn't taken any of the three of us since the hospital)!

  

one month

Today marks the one month birthday for little Eva Joyce.  She has been part of the real world now for an entire month.  She has learned so much and grown a ton!   It is hard to look back on life without her, it seems she has been part of our family forever.

Eva's one month milestones:

• She can follow you with her eyes
• She has started to react to us
• She has begun making new and different sounds (other than her normal cries and grunts)
• She loves her stuffed Zebra (picture to come soon)
• Her smile is just precious (no longer just a twitch of her facial muscles)

Marlena and Chris's one month milestones:

• We have survived the first month of parenthood
• Marlena has ventured out on her own twice
• Chris has spent some alone time with Eva
• Nighttime feedings and diaper changes are done like pros!