Ruthie is One Month Old

Oh, what a sweet month it has been! Ruthie is a delight to all of us, and I can hardly remember what it was like with just two little ones. Before her birth, I was so nervous about the transition, the hormones, and the lack of sleep. God has been so gracious to us, giving us an easy transition and miraculous energy. We are all SO in love with our Ruthie girl!

At one month old, Ruthie...

• eats every three hours, and takes 2-3 ounces at each feeding. I start her day between 6:00 and 6:30am (depending on our schedule for the day) and she remains consistent throughout the day. I often have to wake her to eat, and she'd probably go longer -- but I'm not willing to let go of our schedule.
  
• is learning to fall asleep on her own in her crib, and does a mighty fine job. It usually just takes a few moments of fussing before she settles. (Her pattern is usually fuss for a few minutes - quiet for a stretch - fuss a little more - quiet a little longer - repeat - fall asleep.)
  
• does a great job at night (I think!) for a one month old. Many nights, she will go one stretch of about four hours and, if she doesn't have a dirty diaper, generally goes right back to sleep after she eats.
  
• loves the Miracle Blanket!
• loves to be in the Moby Wrap, both in a cradle-type hold and snuggled up against my chest
• does not like to be "messed with": bath time is tolerated, but clothing changes and lotion are generally not appreciated.
  
• is a content, happy little baby when she is alert and awake (which is happening with more regularity now). She loves to go where we go, and I think she's amused by her sisters' antics. She also doesn't seem to mind when Nora makes repeated attempts to give her a nay-nay.
• is eating the same sensitive-tummy formula as her big sisters did, but seems to have MUCH less tummy trouble than either of them did. She is soothed more easily and, at this juncture, doesn't seem to have the long crying jags in the evenings. (Praise the Lord... this is tremendous gift.)
• wears newborn diapers and newborn clothes, but if we're being real here... she hasn't actually worn real clothes...just sweet cotton daygowns, really. All the time.
  

I've heard that the transition from one child to two is harder than going from two to three. For us, I've found that to be true -- at least, so far. I am so thankful for the way little Ruthie has just fit right in to our family. What a precious gift!