Shepherd is 1 month

FIRSTS: You had many "firsts" this month; of course everything is a first!
bouncy seat - you did not like the vibration on
swing - helps you through your fussy times and puts you to sleep
car ride - you really dislike the car seat but fall asleep after about 1 minute of crying
intros - you met tons of family and friends all of whom think you are perfect :) Lolli came to stay and help us some during your second week.
dr appointments - first 2 week one we waited over 2 hours and you slept the whole time, then we switched pediatricians and you had your 2nd heel prick.
babysitters - Nana and Papa, and La'la both kept you for an hour while I took Cape to the doctor for Strep
outing - we took the new stroller for a test run in the mall, and you "sat" in the moby carrier on me.
brother love - Cape started wanting to give you kisses when you were about 10 days old and hasn't stopped
bath - in the bathroom sink; you like the warm water it soothes you
night at home - we stayed 5 nights at La'la and Boss's house because Daddy had the flu; you did pretty well your first night home
tummy time - poor thing you really had a hard time with this the first time and it was only about 3 minutes of laying there
growth spurt - you had a couple of growth spurts, but just wanted to eat a little more and be held which of course was greatly accepted by anyone around especially me! You have grown so much already!

EATING
You are a fairly efficient eater especially considering you are a bit tongue tied and a preemie. You wake two time in the noght usually around 1:30 and 4 to eat. We had gone in for weight checks twice to make sure you were gaining, so I nursed you about 9 times a day for the first 3 weeks. Then we went to 8 times a day about every 2.5 - 3 hours. It must be enough because you weighed 6 lb 5 oz at your two week appointment, so you'd gained over a pound from the time we left the hospital.

SLEEPING
You sleep alot, but the evenings are hard on you. I guess it's the "whiching hour" that last more like 4. I hold and cuddle you as much as I can but you really do better if we let you swing yourself to sleep. We have even had to try this in the middle of the night several times. I propped your bed up with a positioner to help you sleep better and it seems to be working. You seem to really dislike being swaddled so I haven't been, but you sleep better when you are so I think we will try it again soon. We use a snuggle U that Aunt B let us borrow, and I use it to prop you on your sides. You prefer your left side. Often you sleep with your arms above your head just like Cape does.

REVIEW
You were such a welcome surprise to us a month early! I prayed that you would come in your own time, and you certainly did. You are such a sweet baby. You even smile often already, and it melts my heart each time. Cape adores you and wants to be near you all the time. God sent you to be a perfect addition to our family, and you are in every way! The first month has been hard at times between lack of sleep and adjustment as a family, but it is more than worth it when we look at your precious face, and hear your tiny little cry. We love you to pieces Shepherd Finch! Also, Finch is from my mother's side of the family. Your great grandmother Murr's maiden name was Finch. She would've loved to have met you. I know the Lord has big plans for you my Lil' Bean.