Don't forget, you can click on any photo to enlarge it.
Miss Kathryn got her braces off while Gram was here. She came home from school that day and wanted Gram to take a picture in our make-shift studio. Violet posed herself (as she did in one of my maternity pics too).
Our sleeping beauty!
Awake and alert, taking it all in! This is how we spend most of our time. She doesn't sleep very much for a newborn. Probably afraid she is going to miss something.
I remember holding Kate like this when she was a baby. They are just the perfect size to fit in this spot.
This is our preferred sleeping position. Whether it is Mommy or Daddy, day or night, this is where she likes to sleep. Pretty exhausting!
Our make-shift studio. My mom brings the back drops and we use natural lighting. The dogs always seem to want to pose for the camera.
I love this face! Kate likes it too. She has started making sound effects to go along with some of Grace's facial expressions. This one is "ohhh", like you've just discovered something interesting.
At about 1 week, Grace developed a horrible rash on her bottom. We took her to the pediatrician and we were put on a diaper changing regime. With each diaper change use baby wash cloths with warm water, rinse the diaper area, pat with wash cloth, no wipping, blow dry area until dry, apply A&D ointment, apply medication with ointment 3 times a day. So we set up shop in our bathroom. Ummm, we are still on this regime and she is almost 5 weeks. Sensitive bottoms = high maintenance. Had this never happened, we would not have discovered how much our little baby loves the blow dryer. In fact, most of the newborn pictures, I was in the background with the blow dryer. That is how we got her to cooperate. We blow dry her off after each bath, her hair included (see next picture).
Our blow dryed, spikey doo! Too cute! My mom said I had spikey hair when I was a babe too. We love it!
To view Grace's newborn photo shoot:
1) Go to www.laughlinphoto.com
2) Click on "View Proofs" in the upper right hand portion of the page
3) Click on "Grace's Newborn Portrait Session"
4) Enter your email address
5) Enter password "ritter", all lower case
Email me if you have trouble viewing: SarahRitter@q.com
And now on to my pictures since my mom left.
My sister Anna, otherwise known as Aunt Boo, came to visit at week 3. It was so nice having her here to help! We spent our days eating, talking, and hanging out in our jammies trading off who held the baby. Kate was in heaven, because she too let Kate sleep with her in the guest room. Kate has been having "visitor withdrawals" this week. Thanks Boo for taking time out of your busy life to come be with your sister!
Kate and Grace, my beautiful daughters! I know most people won't ever experience this, but having two girls, ten years apart is really nice. Kate is such a huge help, not because I ask her to, but because she wants to. She is able to do things that most siblings aren't able to do. "Mom, let me change her diaper." "Mom, let me hold her so you can get a shower." She also loves helping me bath her & being the blow dryer operator. She will be a lot of help to Andrew when I have to go back to work on the weekends.
On another note, I love having sisters and hope that one day Kate & Grace will be close.
This sling is a life saver! Andrew's cousin Lindsey made this for me. Since Grace somehow always knows when we put her down and wakes up immediately, this sling has allowed me to get things done around the house while still "holding" her. In fact, she is in it right now. We took the dogs for a walk this past weekend and she kept warm in my little pouch. Thanks again Linds! Everyone should have one.
Grace in her play gym. Although she doesn't like being put down, we keep trying. As you'll see in the next picture, she is not totally alone.
Nana Laurie & Papa Homer have introduced us to Skype. Kate has really enjoyed reading with her Nana Laurie and showing off her baby sister through Skype. This is a wonderful way to see those who don't live close by. Thanks Nana & Papa for making this possible!
Grace in her swing. She is looking out the window, thinking "hmm, do I like this?"
"Wait a minute, no one is holding me, nope, get me out of here!" And cue the tears.
Grace in her cosleeper. She won't sleep in here at night, but I've gotten an hour and a half naps in here the past 2 days. It's a start! -SR
