It starts so early!

So, I realized that I haven't taken a picture of Callie in almost a week after barely putting the camera down for the last month! Now, before you think "shame on her", I do want to state that I think I'm doing my daughter a favor. You see, this week, she broke out in some serious baby acne! While still adorable, it's definitely not her cutest look, and one that I'm hoping for her sake will not be a constant state of being during her teenage years. (although, maybe that would keep the boys away...hmm, that could be a good thing!)

So, in lieu of a bunch more pictures, I will update you on her accomplishments this week :-).

1. Has made excellent progress in getting on a somewhat consistent schedule

2. Is sleeping 4-5 hours at a time during the night! Yay!

3. Is getting very strong, lifts her neck and looks around when she's up on your shoulder or on her tummy.

4. Loves playing with the baby in the mirror (we have a little mirror that we put on her blanket when she's on the floor).

5. Has decided she's a binki baby

6. Has outgrown most of her newborn clothes and is on to the 0-3 month sizes

7. AND MOST IMPORTANT!!! Is now only taking 1/2 hour to 45 min. for feedings (instead of 1 1/2 hours - 2 hours) Which makes Mommy VERY happy and more rested!

I promise I will have pictures for the next post, baby acne or not!

Life with Baby

Wow, how my life has changed over the last four weeks! Yes, I said 4 weeks! Today, I had my 4-week follow up appt. which I went to by myself. I fed Callie right before I left and put her down for her morning nap. Amazingly, she went down without even fussing and slept the entire time I was gone-2.5 hours (that's how long it takes when you live 1/2 hour from the doctor and then have to wait at the pharmacy for another 1/2 hour). I was so grateful that she did so well, since Dave thinks he's coming down with a cold; I was hoping he wouldn't have to pick her up! My sweet baby also slept in 4.5 hour stints last night AND even more important in my mind, only took 1/2 hour-45 minutes to eat when she did wake up! This is a HUGE improvement from the 2 hour marathon feedings we were doing every 2 hours the first couple weeks! I'm finally starting to feel somewhat sane and enjoy being a mom to my sweet little girl now! It really is amazing how fast they grow, and it IS important to enjoy the time--but just a little side note of advice for anyone who cares--DON'T say that to brand new moms. It's not helpful, because it really doesn't feel like time is going by fast when you're not sleeping, you can't figure out why the baby's crying and you're in constant pain!

It was very strange to be alone for the first time in a month this morning. My hands felt empty as I got out of the car just holding my purse and I almost wasn't sure how to walk without the extra weight of the carseat on one side and the diaper bag on the other! Having over 5 years as a married couple without kids before Callie came, it's been, and continues to be, a huge adjustment for me and Dave, but we are so thankful that God has blessed us with such a sweet (and adorable :-)) baby, and we are enjoying her more each day! We are so aware of people's prayers for our family. Thank you! (and please don't stop!) Now, here are some pictures of our cutie!

She's Here!

Callie Sue Bertolini arrived Tuesday, March 30, 2010 at 5:44am.
She was a healthy 7lbs 10oz and 19 1/4 inches long.
We are praising God for her and enjoying lots of time snuggling our sweet baby!