As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Happy *belated* Thanksgiving to you all! I'm only a week-ish late, c'mon meow.  I've been meaning to update for over a week, but can't seem to find the time.  Still trying to get our Christmas tree up and decorated, ha!  Anyway, Thanksgiving was at our house this year.  It was super convenient to have Sofia in her own element, even if it was "pass the baby around", much like hot potato, hehe.  We did a potluck and had so much food and goodies; it was amazing.  So glad we got to spend it with such great people.  I just love this time of the year, and want to make a better effort of being more thankful in other months besides November.  We have had such a blessed year, and I am so grateful!  Here are a few pics of out little butterball on Turkey Day:

I just love the sweet look she is giving daddy.  He seems to be the one that can invoke such great expressions from her.  She has been smiling a lot more these last few weeks, and making adorable cooing noises.  It sounds like she is saying "Goo". Man, I can't believe she is 7 weeks old. SO nuts!

The night before thanksgiving was hellish for the both of us, up almost every hour and hardly any sleep.  I had been laying her down on her tummy during her daytime naps for at least 3 weeks now and noticed she sleeps more soundly.  Her neck is really strong and she has amazing head movement.  Going against the grain (what is the grain these days anyway?!), we decided to let her sleep on her belly at night time.  Of course, I watched her like a hawk those first few hours.  Waking up at every little sound.  She slept 6 hours and 15 minutes!  Compared to sleeping an average 2-3 hours at a time, it was huge!  Next night: 6 hours and 45 minutes.  Tuesday night, she slept through the night for the first time (8 and 1/2 hours) from 10pm-6:30am. Hallelujah!  Mommy & Daddy instincts rule.

It will be nice to fall into a routine now.  I'm still trying to gauge what type of daily naps she will have. I know it's not gonna happen overnight, but it is getting easier over all.  I just gotta remember to take care of mommy too!  I'm really looking forward to exercising again.  I've already noticed I have more energy and my back doesn't hurt as bad.  I swear, the damn anesthesiologist stabbed me one too many times because I've noticed a dull ache in my back.  No bueno.  I hope it goes away over time :/

Postpartum recovery is going much better.  I don't really notice my incision as often, but was told it can take up to a year to fully heal. Yikes! This mama wants to be beach body ready sooner than that ;)  Yes, I know.  It took 9 months to put on, so don't rush it.  I'm not trying to have a 6 pack by next week; it's more about feeling good.  I feel better when I eat healthier and work out on a regular basis.  I'm pumped! I think Rob thought I was a little crazy when I was excited to do Insanity with him.  It feels good to have a good sweat sesh :D Maybe, just maybe I will document getting back into shape on this blog too.  So far, I've lost about 30 lbs just from breastfeeding. It really did melt off in the first few weeks. Now I *only* hafta lose 25 more, which has been done before. I'm more focused on how my clothes fit, so we shall see.

Mmk, back to baby.  With all the hustle and bustle, I asked Bre to do an impromptu Holiday Pic photoshoot. Here are a few of my faves:

I just love that last one, it was in between wardrobe changes and she was hammin' it up.  She is just starting to show more and more personality as each day passes and i absolutely love it!

 

Le sigh, I love our little monkey. Anyway, there's not much else to report until her 2 month well checkup in about a week. I leave you all with one more pic.  It's her faux hawk look:

 

Until next time, 

La la lex!

 

One month old!

Wowie Maui, I can't believe it has already been one whole month since our little love made her debut.  You know what they say, time flies when you're having fun. It has truly been amazing watching her grow up right before our eyes. Though motherhood has been rather exhausting so far, it is the best job in the world.  I'm forever thankful that Rob is providing for us, so that I can be home with her.

It has been a learning experience.  Eat. Sleep. Repeat.  I knew Copeland was trying to prepare me for something! I always thought my type A personality would get the best of me, and I would try and plan perfectly how to take care of this baby. Get her on a clear routine of sleeping and eating at the same time. But, now that I'm on the nitty gritty, it's refreshing to just relax and go with the flow. Within reason, of course.  Just when I think I've got it down, little Sofie throws me a curve ball.  For example: on friday night she fed hourly from 6pm until 2pm Saturday.  Literally.  Nothing else would really soothe her.  Oh em gee, I was exhausted.  Not the best timing, since my BFF from out of state, Monica, and her son were visiting.  Oy vey.  Talk about a major growth spurt. It was worth it though, because she has been going longer in between feedings.

Here is a recap of what I've learned as a new mom in the 1st month of:
-It's true when the proverbial *they* say to sleep when the baby sleeps.  Seriously.  Even if it's only a 30 minute nap.
-We are creatures of habit, listen to your baby and look for cues of what works for him/her.  Every baby is different. Sounds simple enough, right?
-Breastfeeding is amazing, once you get the gist of it.  Don't give up, both you & baby are learning together and it doesn't happen overnight.
-A bottle of pumped milk is more valuable to you when your hubby offers to take a feeding shift.  I thought enjoying a margarita would be more fun. Haha, ok so I'm totally joking.  But really, if hubby offers to take a feeding or entire night: pump those boobies and get some sleep!
-On the same note, accept help when offered.  This isn't the time to be accommodating to guests or polite.  Yes, you can wash my dishes. Of course I would love for you to bring us dinner. Don't forget your *Please & Thank You's*

This came across one of my daily bits of info on my Baby Center App:

So true! I seriously don't know how my body can function after 5 weeks of intermittent sleep, but I'm thankful that it can. Photo bomb time!

Sofia turned 3 weeks old exactly on Halloween.  Here are a few awesome pics:

 It worked perfectly when we found out Karlie dressed up as Cinderella.  Too cute!

 Look at our little Snow White.  A special thanks to our cousins Megan & Emma for sending such an adorable costume!

I had a great weekend with Monica and Jace visiting, and I can't wait til they move back to AZ.  Here is a pic of Auntie Mo and Sofia.

And of course silly Jace, being a total boy and getting into everything. He managed to fit inside Rico's tiny kennel! Haha

 Jace watching his mommy hold baby Sof and unsure of how to react, hehe. Oh, and Mr. Rico.

 Trying to soothe Sofia, it was a rough weekend for the children. Ha!

 Jace & Uncle Rob playing in Sofia's room.

Sofia turned 1 month old on Saturday and we took our first of many "progression" pictures.  Very similar to my belly shots. Look how cute our little monkey is!

 Here is a collage of her many faces.  I am a typical obsessed mom and take a gazillion pics and think that every single one is the cutest. Gosh, I just love her!

The board reads she weighs 11 lbs, because we weighed her at home (rob weighed himself and then held her and weighed himself again.  we is smart)
Per the pediatrician, here are the stats:
*10 lbs 12 oz and is in the 87th percentile
*23 inches long and is in the 94th percentile (whoa!)
*Head circumference is in 80th percentile (didn't catch the #)

I had a feeling she had a major growth spurt, lengthwise.  She has officially grown out of newborn onesies already.  *tear* The 0-3 or 3 month onesies fit perfectly in length, still a little baggy in the chest area. The tech had to come in to re-measure her to make sure she did it correctly. Looks like she may have inherited the Hegarty torso & legs.  She will probably be in the Olympics too, boom!

A quick look of progression.  Top left to right: Day of birth, 1 week old, 2 weeks old.  Bottom left to right: 3 weeks old, 4 weeks old.

 Last picture to share today: Daddy & Daughter time is super special for Rob after a hard day's work.  I love seeing his face light up when he gets to love on his little princess.  It melts my heart.

One significant thing I've noticed is that she is starting to smile a lot more, it's adorable.  I can't wait to see what she does next.

On another note, we have had a crazzzzyyyy week. On tuesday night, the dogs were running around, as usual, and Riley accidentally stepped on Rico.  This time, he got him good (as there have been many close calls.)  We thought it was his left leg, since he was dragging it more.  Turns out it was his spine, and *Thank God* it isn't fractured.  I'm so thankful to Caring Hearts Clinic for always being so honest with us and with their services.  He was discharged last night with steroids, and this will hopefully help him heal quicker.  I can already see a difference in him today, he is walking a little better.  Tile proves to be a little more challenging, poor little dude.  Once he is healed up, my parents have agreed to take him.  I'm gonna miss seeing his big, bug eyes and radar-like ears every day, but am so happy I can visit him when I want.  These 2 dogs love each other, but it's too hard for them to co-exist.  Especially with a newborn.  He will have a lot more fun with Sushi (my parent's havanese mix), and can finally play with someone his own size.

I guess I lied when I said no more pics.  I've been snuggling him more, hoping mama bear's love will help heal him quicker.  He loves to be on my belly, and it was funny to watch him try to get comfy on a flatter surface when he is used to my big ol preggers belly.

Ok, so I realized I should probably update more often since I just love posting pictures. I told you, I'm obsessed.

Before I sign off, I just wanted to express how unbelievably happy I am to hear that one of my childhood friends is expecting her first baby.  It has been a challenging journey for her, and I have been praying to hear such wonderful news.  I continue to pray for a healthy pregnancy for her little miracle.  Go Team Baby W!

Baby girl's morning nap will be ending soon, so I better go eat some food and get some shtuff done around the house.

Until next time,

Lex