Just the good stuff, eh? Regardless of the blow to my ego, I realize that people aren't here to read my sometimes-witty commentary. A picture is worth 1,000 words, so here is a 38,000 word essay on Karis' first month.

Gallery - The First Month

As for milestones - I think that we have heard Karis' voice. There aren't many noises that aren't bodily functions or crying, but thankfully, they are increasing. If this is any indication, she has a very beautiful melodic voice (yes, I am biased).

Last night, I was having some "active time" with Karis... I went through a round of faces, and there was NOTHING that filled me with more pride and excitment when Karis made a kiss back at me. I gotta try and get a video of it - she pursed her lips, and even made a slight smacking sound back. Leah and I both gushed out of excitment. Hard work, though - only about 3 or 4 times and she was pooped.

Posted by Josh at 2:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

If you're one of the loyal readers who's allegiance aligns with - *ahem* - that other school, you may have to skip over this post. She has a cheerleading outfit as well, and rest assured we'll see that during football season.

Bonus inclusions: notice the slightly discolored spot on daddy's left shoulder; not sure if I forgot a burp cloth or if it just soaked through, but that is a pretty normal state of affairs around here now. You can also witness the quick change in Karis - content in one to crying in the next. 0 to 60 in one breath - these pictures were taken not even a minute apart. And where'd the hat go? Darn those things... those and socks are impossible to keep on. And don't get me started on mittens.

Posted by Josh at 4:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Wow, I can hardly believe we're already past the 2 week point! Honestly, we couldn't have done it without lots of help... thanks to everyone who called, stopped by, brought us some food, and more! We are actually "just the three of us" now. Leah's mom was the first to pull "Nana" duty, and she tagged out to my sister and mother for a weekend, and my mom then went another week. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You are already sorely missed... we are completely aware of how much you all helped us.

Now, for some catch-up info:

• At her last doctor visit, she weighed in at an impressive 8 lbs, 6 oz!
  
• On top of that, she measures 21 1/2 inches... go growth spurt!
  
• For those of you who follow such things, this puts her in the 90th percentile for height, and 50th percentile for weight.
  
• She finally made it to her first church service this past weekend. We didn't get to stay for the whole time, but hey, baby steps. ;-)
  
• She is starting to get out of the eat-sleep-excrete routine (as the video below will show). Her first "tummy time" try was today, and though it's most obvious result was a healthy dose of spit-up, we remain hopeful.

And while I of course know that she is absolutely gorgeous, I am also impressed with her genius and physical ability. I've already witnessed her roll over twice, and she is grabbing for anything she sees. Of course, I also believe she is a "spirited" child (as the book Leah is reading puts it)... "strong willed," as Leah and I dubbed her by about day 3... but once we sleep more than 2 hours in a row, I'm sure we'll count that as part of her charm.

Without further adieu... her small screen debut!

(5.4 MB Quicktime Movie; you may want to right click and "save")

Posted by Josh at 12:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

(Mom)	+	(Dad)
=
(Karis!)

Posted by Josh at 1:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Just a quick thought... it is funny how our terms of endearment have changed over the past few days. There seems to be an indirect correlation between our cute nick names for our bundle of joy and her... uh... excretory powers. "Daddy's Little Angel" has sometimes become "Daddy's Little Stinker"; the almost sickeningly sweet "Honeybun" to "Toot-sie" (for obvious reasons). As I can't possibly imagine (honestly) her super human powers increasing at all, I think our jovial terms of endearment for her have reached the top (bottom?).

Perhaps it is more related to the collective sigh of relief we have breathed in that she has almost completely recovered from the delivery that allows us to take a few lighter looks at our newest addition. Whatever it may be, if she is from moment to moment our "Precious Baby Girl" or "The Source of this Gaseous Blob Filling the Living Room", we love her even more than we ever dreamed possible. And I'm saying this after the 3rd FILLED poopy diaper already this morning.

Posted by Josh at 9:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

and I have a feeling it will be that way for a very, very long time. So this post will be short. But I just had to take a minute to say that I am the most blessed mother ever. Whoa, I'm a mom...it's still sinking in. Josh and I have a perfect and amazing little girl and I am loving learning to be a mother. It's extremely hard, tiring, frustrating at times, but it's all worth it.

I want also to say thank you to everyone who has called, emailed, sent flowers, offered food, and posted your congratulatory comments on here. We all feel so loved and cared for. And though we are having a hard time finding the time to get back with each of you individually, we want you to know how much we appreciate the thoughts and prayers of our family and friends. We love you all!

Posted by Leah at 1:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I knew she would be wonderful, but she is just so... precious! - Mom

It's so easy just to watch our daughter, no matter what she may be doing. Not that she does much - sleeps, eats, and sleeps some more. But especially when our angel isn't crying hysterically, you'll always find a proud parent beaming down on her. I know it's trite, and I know I'm supposed to say it, but it's the honest truth - I've never seen such a pretty baby. She's just gorgeous.

She probably hates it when it is daddy's turn to hold her... I can't stop holding her hands, poking her a bit to watch her stir. She really is just precious.

As for a status, I want everyone to know she is doing quite well. Her left arm is moving well, her jaundice is clearing up, and everything seems to be coming about wonderfully. Mom is also still recovering; she's been so amazing through all of this. I think if she could actually get some rest, she'd be great. It's so sweet, though... Karis will fall asleep on her, and Leah will just look at her lovingly and say, "I don't want to move. I just want to stay here and watch her." I know exactly how she feels.

And for anyone who has been following along... I did my duty. I did pick up the first (and many since) diaper duty.

Posted by Josh at 7:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)