Violet - 1 Week

Weight - 7 pounds 14 ounces

Length - 21 inches

Head Circumference - 14 inches

Dear Violet, 

In just a week you've already gained 10 ounces from your birth weight. Dad wasn't surprised at all because he's witnessed how much you love breastfeeding. He's also been watching me put my Certified Lactation Educator training to work! You tell us you're hungry by letting out a mid-level cry and searching for food with your tongue. During this week you have been a fan of cluster feedings in the evening but the rest of the day and night you like to eat every 2-3 hours. It's amazing how much my milk is able to fill you up in comparison to just my colostrum. It really cut down on your crying and increased your sleeping. It also allowed us to see your happy-milk-drunk face. Personally one of my favorites. 

The first night in your crib you would only sleep for 20 minute stretches before asking to be held again. But by the second and third night you seemed to settle right in to your bed. Since then you have been our sleeping rock star; except for the one day when we let you sleep too much during the day and thus you were up every hour during the night. So far you usually eat every three hours like clockwork during the night. Your feeds last about an hour from start to finish (feed, diaper change, feed, swaddle) and then you happily sleep for two hours until your next feeding. Your Dad and I are both very grateful that we are able to take advantage of this and get some much needed rest. Your Dad has also been a great help when I'm tired, taking over the diaper change and swaddle parts of the middle of the night feeds. As you'll see we work pretty good together as a team. 

Your eyes are always searching. You really enjoy staring at the brick fireplace when we put you in your bouncy seat to join us for family dinner. Your Dad also really enjoys the way you gaze at him when he carries you around in the Ergo. Speaking of being carried around, it appears that you like riding around in your car seat - especially when we are accelerating onto the freeway or driving down a bumpy road. 

Your Dad and I have also been watching your cheeks fill out. It's amazing how much your little face has changed in the last week. We're still waiting to see your chubby thighs but we know they are coming. And your hair, oh that hair! I'm still amazed everyday at how much hair you have. It has gotten a little lighter in parts but the top is still a dark brown with "frosted" light brown tips. I'm really hopeful it won't fall out but will continue to grow in. 

Happy First Week Violet!

Love,
Your Mom and Dad