Zoë's First Easter

We had a great Easter weekend in Paducah with the Hughes family.  It was Zoë's first visit to her daddy's homeland.  Here are some of my favorite pictures from the trip.  Love the ones of Zoë and cousin Sydney!  They are going to be fast friends one of these days.  Sydney is definitely crazy about "baby Zoë"!

5 Months

Dear Zoë,

This weekend you turned 5 months old.  We've had a very busy month visiting new places, friends and family.  I'm glad I am becoming more comfortable traveling and toting you around so that we can enjoy new things.  And now that it's finally warming up I am ready to get out of hibernation mode.  You really are such a sweet blessing...I'm having a blast sharing you with the ones we love.  

Unfortunately our nights are not as much fun as our days.  While you are such a happy, content and peaceful baby during the day...for some reason you have not yet gotten the hang of what nights are for.  You have been waking up crying every hour and a half to two hours every night for the past three weeks.  This sleep pattern coupled with all our running around has left me feeling a little like a walking zombie.

So since Mama is tired and lacking the words to talk about this month...I'm going to let the pictures speak for themselves.  Next month we'll be rested and back on track, right girl?

You & great-Narnie at the Northlake Ladies Retreat

Your first trip to the park/ride in a swing with the Hawkins kids

Hanging out with Trent

Still lovin' those feet

One of your favorite things to try and fit in your mouth (besides your feet)

The best (ok, only) way to do housework

Wearing your beautiful sweater made by Sarah P.

Spontaneous nap while Mama was getting ready

Working on "paci-training"

And the smile that convinces me that sleep is optional...

Love,
Mama

Perfect

Well, nothing appears to be wrong with the little miss.  In the pediatrician's words "she's perfect."  Good news, right?  Of course.  But, I do wish we had some kind of answer.  She said it *could* be teething...or maybe she really is waking up hungry.  She encouraged us to go ahead and start solids in the hopes of filling her up more during the day.  I was really hoping to delay that for another month.  So now I don't know...

At least she is starting to nap better and in her crib.  And although I'm quickly approaching a meltdown of cosmic proportions...really, it's hard to stay mad at one who looks so precious and happy when she wakes up from her naps.  Let's just translate it to nighttime now, ok Zo-baby?! 

What To Say*

Things You Shouldn't Say To A New Mother Who Isn't Getting Any Sleep...

1) "All my babies slept through the night at 2 weeks."

2) "If you put that baby in your bed she'll still be there when she's 3!"

3) "You're spoiling her by rocking her to sleep."

4) "I only got to sleep in until 9 o'clock this morning."

5) "Just let her cry."

Things You Should Say...

1) "I'm sure this is just a phase.  She'll be sleeping again soon."

2) "Maybe she's teething?"

3) "Call your pediatrician."

4) "This too shall pass."

5) "Would you like for me come over and take care of her while you get a nap?"

*Just for the record, we are entering a full week of disturbed sleep.  Zoë has been waking up every hour and a half on the dot all night since last Thursday.  I feel like I am slowly falling apart and I have no idea what is wrong with her.  She's so happy and playful during the day...I can't imagine that she's sick.  But, I'm taking her to the pediatrician tomorrow...because honestly, we can't continue like this.  Mommy & daddy need some sleep!