Zen Center Lunch and other food related updates

The Zen Center here in Crestone has a large lunch every April at the end of their yearly retreat. Its a wonderful meal with amazing people and its always an honor to be invited. This year we asked if we could bring Piper (I told them she doesn't tend to scream and doesn't eat much).

And she did incredible!

It is quite the crowd, lots of loud and unpredictable noises, but she was mellow and slept in her Dad's arms for most of the afternoon. Later she ate and hung out with Mom in the carrier while greeting her new friends. She doesn't seem overstimulated at the moment, so we'll see as the night progresses how she fairs.

In other news Piper had a check up with our Midwife Alycia and she is now 12lbs. Well, she was 11.14lb and at the rate she's gaining by now she'd be 12lbs. What is considered an average weight gain for a baby her age is 1oz. a day, at this rate Piper's averaging 2oz. a day. For you body conscious out there have no fear and no hang-ups on Piper's behalf, in the baby world this is a very very good and healthy thing. And with her activity level she's doing great. No new rolling over sightings, but she's working on other projects at the moment.

Rolling Over???!?!?!?!

Its true.

I can't believe it either.

I swear I didn't set her up to do this.

At 6 weeks and 3 days old Piper rolled from her tummy on to her back 5 times. I have two videos to show for it (thanks Uncle Don and Aunt Deana for the Flip!). She seemed to not only be a little taken aback by this new trick..but it has also settled her a bit. All that squirming...she was ready to move more than I could have imagined. Well, she must be happy now because she is currently fast asleep in her carrier and I'm not moving. Not swaying. Not Bouncing.

Just sitting...

Speaking of Plastic Crap

I caved.
I always imagined I'd be toting Piper around in a carrier through the day. Here there and everywhere. But she's got a tall order if I want that to happen. I have to move.
Constantly.
No stopping, must move...I don't know if it was all that dancing while pregnant or what. Bouncy seat? Nope not enough movement, maybe later. For now it has to be swift, fierce movement. She sleeps most soundly when I vacuum and clean house while strapped to me or bounce on the yoga ball...but goodness don't stop. Until she's too hot, which usually happens within an hour. So we've been in a quandary because there is only so much intense movement one can do around the house everyday without loosing their mind and hurting their back. I didn't want a lot of plastic in the house, but alas my world has changed by the entry of a not so little device that makes Piper very VERY happy.
The Swing.....
She loves it.
She sleeps soundly and upon waking sits there happy as can be until she humors me for some carrier time. She even laughs in her sleep while swaying back and forth. Hasn't laughed while awake yet, but the swing gets her going pretty good in her dream state.
So who am I to argue.

6 Weeks Old

We've been waiting for this milestone. 6 weeks was the marker when we could introduce a bottle without confusing poor Piper. I've been diligently researching and storing a "bank" of milk so we could give it a go. I'm not a big fan, but Josh really wanted to feed her too so we gave it a shot.

But she ain't buying what we're sellin'

Here I was concerned she'd turn me away after the ease of the bottle. But oh contrarie...she wants Mom. None of this plastic crap, she's not having it.

Tummy Time

I've been told,
I've read,
I know ...
that tummy time is important for development. From day one Piper has lifted her head (with no control which is scary to keep track of) and she found her legs in the tub at only 4 weeks old. So now that she's more alert during the day we're trying (or I should say she's trying) some tummy time to further strengthen those muscles. She's not always convinced this is a good idea. But she's willing to give it a go most days.

Easter

Easter wasn't too terribly exciting around here. Scott and Eileen came by in the morning for a visit. But no big plans. Saving up for future Easters. For now it was all Piper could do to stay awake.

Good Friday = Good Baby

Josh and I braved town today for lunch. Meeting at "Bliss" I held fort until Josh was able to make it. We danced around a bit and she slept and by the time Josh made it the Eaglets (the staff of the local paper) came out for lunch. We watched in amazement as Piper happily played part in a game of "pass the baby." A success indeed. Here's to socializing Piper and her enjoying a loving childhood in the arms of her extended Crestone Family!

Sleep Glorious Sleep

The first question people ask new parents is usually "are you sleeping?"
In all honesty, its not all that bad. But we never know what each night might bring. Which leaves one hesitant to crawl beneath the sheets. Will I get 7 hours uninterrupted? Or will hunger strike every 2 hours. If there is too much excitement in the house prior to bedtime all that goes out the window. But thats just to keep us on our toes I'm sure.

Potter's Guild

All my lovely friends from the potters guild came by today to meet Piper. A quick visit, but so good to see them none the less.

Sunday Grandparent Visit

This Sunday Scott and Eileen (aka Grandpa and Grammy) came by with dinner for a visit.
Although Piper was a bit over tired she found solace in their arms which freed us up to actually eat at the same time. What a concept!

oh the joys of parenting

Some days are just...well...learning experiences. I've found a well of patience I never knew I had. Its a good thing.

Piper meet Shumei, Shumei...meet Piper

I took Piper up to Shumei to meet all our friends and attend a meeting. Not only was she greeted with gifts and Jyorei but she had her first meeting and did stellar!

she's keeping track of us

Out of the blue she's keeping tabs. Piper will now watch us walk across the room moving her head from side to side to keep an eye on us. I didn't realize it until she and I were hanging out in bed as Josh was getting ready for work. As he moved from one side of the room to the other she would keep her gaze fixed on him. Not sure how much of him she can see, but she's trying.

photo shoot

before she lost her fuzzy arms and wrinkled sweetness Josh did a photo shoot

and more photos