7 Weeks

McKenna, like all 7 week olds, is in that awkward baby stage where her hair is kind of falling out, and she just kind of flails her arms and legs all day.

She sleeps between 5 and 7 hours at night, which is wonderful, and these long stretches of sleep are always the beginning of the night. LOVE IT!

She is not a huge fan of her passey. She only takes it if she is really upset and probably a little hungry. But the minute she is calm, she spits it out.

I have tried a few times to have her sleep on her tummy or side because her startle reflex on her back is really intense and she wakes herself up even when she is swaddled. It has not worked. I am worried she might be a light sleeper. Dear me. But she sleeps a ton, so I should not complain.

A few times during our time in Arizona, McKenna got all crazy at night and wanted to eat like every hour and never seemed to get settled. Not sure what was going on, but one night I ended up staying up with her way late. So that night she got to spent a lot of extra time with her Grandma and Grandpa who were probably delighted that she was not in bed yet. Maybe she knew they needed that time and just wanted to oblidge them. What a doll, right?

Sad to say I am pretty sure that she hair is receeding, or in th words of a Californian, "Her tide is going out!" I used to sweep her hair to the side, and now I brush it forward so she wont look like a Neaderthal. Someone on this trip suggested: Headbands!

She seems to have a passion for ceiling fans just like Quinn did at about 3 months and still. Quinn heard me telling McKenna, "Here, baby. I'll put you on floor so you can see your fan." Quinn started flipping out and then I realized she wanted me to come she her fan, which was on the ceiling in the room where she sleeps at Grandmas. She has a lot to say about it. I bet McKenna will too some day.

Yesterday, Aunt Katie was holding McKenna and she found a generous amout of toe jam. She did the honors and cleaned in between each nasty toe. What a great Aunt! Right?

And then also yesterday, Katie and I put McKenna in her first bathing suit. It is a blue one that Grandma bought her. I was worried about taking McKenna out into the 118 degre weather, but Grandma went for it and seemed to have a great time with McKenna in the pool. Then, like always, it was time for a nap.

We are still in Arizona until tonight, and I only have about 2 diapers left. It will be an interesting flight. I am also out of wipes!

Party Pooper

In case it was unclear to anyone: If your baby is sleeping in her car seat, and her poop still manages to make a puddle on the floor -- you are in big trouble!

If it is your first baby, you'll freak out!

But if is your second, you'll just laugh and a mom who also has a toddler and a new baby will help you clean up the mess.

Cleaning will go quickly with too experts at work on it, but it will be more difficult if your 2 year old suddenly becomes scared of the birthday party she's is at and holds on to your leg while you are walking said leaking baby to the ladies' room.

Changing will go smoothly, but unless you brought an extra party dress in your diaper bag, you'll have to take a deep breath of surrender and just put said baby in an old (but clean) Onesie.

Oh, and while you are changing baby and comforting toddler, make Grandpa clean the floor!

About 6 Weeks

McKenna is almost 6 weeks old. I am crazy in love with her. She is alert a lot more now. I love when she finishes nursing and then just stares up at me. LOVE IT! And as always, I love dressing her up in fun clothes. Susan Westover gave her this cute onesie outfit with ruffles on the butt and tummy. I freaked out that it already fits. (Babies R US brand 3 to 6 months) I was so excited. She is going to wear it to Calli's birthday party on Sunday. A little embarrassed to say that I spent at least an hour picking out McKenna's clothes for our trip to California and Arizona. That's right. McKenna is about to take her first flight! I'm considering saving $45 by not checking bags. It is going to be a wild ride!!

She hates bottles right now, so we have to work on that. Formula is not cutting it, so it is back to breast milk.

Her hair seems to all be in tack, but I think she is thinning a little on the left side where her part is.

It is fun to see her in cute summer clothes with her little leggies hanging out. Quinn was always in winter clothes and pants at this age. Even in our cold house and all swaddled, McKenna always wakes up sweating like a pig.

July 12 through July 17

So, McKenna, here is what we did this week of your life.

July 12 -- We hit all three hours of church today. You wore that cute dress with apples on it. People were goo-goo for you. Ammie held you during Relief Society. You got a little fussy, so I took you back and wrapped you up. You love a swaddle. I get text in the morning that Aunt Annie's water broke and that she was in labor with Vince. Vince joined the family ranks just before midnight! Welcome Vince.

July 13 -- I took you to the Dino museum at Thanksgiving Point with Ammie and friends. You were an angel and slept most of the time. I fed you at the end of the museum, and we headed to lunch. Quinn got all covered in bubble gum ice cream. Later you came with me to the dentist to find out I needed a root canal. Then you and I went to Melissa's so I could feed you. You were so fun. You ate and then stayed awake for awhile. You layed next to me kicking my thigh. And when you fussed, I wrapped you up and you fell asleep. I was proud to show my friend what a good baby you are. But I think I spoke to soon because you didn't do that routine again for several days!! oops!

July 14 -- Root Canal Day!! You stayed at Lizza's while I went to get my root canal. You didn't want to sleep there. But then you finally fell asleep, it was time to eat. Lizza let you sleep longer beofre waking you up to give you a bottle. You were not interested, ate an oz. and went back to sleep. I nursed you when I got back.

July 15 -- You came with me to my 6 week check up with the midwives. I nursed you in the waiting room AND during my exam. That was kind of funny, but you do what you have to do. Right?

July 16 -- You and I woke up early and had some nice time together. I think it helps your daily schedule if you wake up around 7 a.m. I can do that ... I guess! While you were up and everyone else was asleep. I played doll with you and dressed you up, trying different outfits on for size as i packed for California. In the evening after we all went to the Dino Museum with Daddy, I tried to give you a formula bottle. You were not having it. No thanks, you said. I guess I'll have to try a few more breast milk bottles before me cruise into formula. Aunt Sue and I laughed because the more I tried to give you the bottle, the more milk seemed to be in that darn bottle. You barely took any, and what you did take, you spit out.

July 17 -- Another early morning together. I could get used to this. You smiled at me big time today. I can't wait for you to hold your head up ... at least just a little. :)

New Counsin

McKenna has a new cousin. I would have loved to have a cool boy cousin my age when I was growing up. The closest one was two years younger than me, and I only saw him one day a year. All the others were much older. (However, I do have one second cousin that I had a huge crush on growing up, but we never hung out.)

So, lucky McKenna! Last night McKenna's cousin, Vincent John MacAllister, was born. Now, of course, she will have Drake and Dax, who are pretty close to her age, but Vinnie is the real deal same age. Only 5 weeks apart. So fun. I hope they are great friends.

I am so excited for my brother and his wife. So cool to have their first little angel. Congratulations!!

New Deal

Tim and I made a new deal today.

He was acting all funny when McKenna was being a little fussy. He wanted me to take her, but I saw no reason for that. Anyway, we had a chat, and it turns out, Tim is not so comfortable with babies until they are about 3 months. He's willing to be in charge of Quinn and do whatever else if I take care of the McKenna details for the next few weeks.

Deal.

We've been doing it this way anyway, but it is nice to have it said out loud because I was feeling guilty every now and then that the work load was not even. Don't tell, but sitting in a rocking chair and nursing a baby in actually quite relaxing (if a 2 year old is not climbing on you.) And a little fuzzing...no sweat.

Days Go By: July 4 through July 11

July 4 -- You are feeling better after being a crazy lady who cries with acid reflux all the time. We headed to Lindsays for a few minutes. All I had time to do there was feed you. Then it was over Mike and Sue's house for a fourth of July. Your wore no special red, white and blue dress because the two I had were too big for you. Instead you spent most of the event bundled and asleep on Rachel's bed. It was cool and dark in there, and you loved it.

July 5 -- Blessing Day. You were the star of the show ... but still very sleepy. I couldn't find the baby blessing blanket. Better find it for #3 ... someday.

July 6 -- I left you at Melissa's for a few hours so I could go to the dentist. Then later we headed back to Sue and Mike's for more family fun.

July 7 -- It was a day to stay home and watch TV. We went on a short walk. You cried a little. And then you cried off and on during the Michael Jackson memorial. You much have been sad ... and off schedule. Every now and then you need to eat every two hours during the day. No big deal. I just need to remember that is part of the plan.

July 8 -- You were a rock star for me when I took you and Quinn to meet Bridget at the Bean Museum at BYU. I fed you in the toy room there. You stayed awake for a little awhile and then feel asleep on the walk to the MOA for lunch. By the time we were getting in the car, you were scream. But you LOVE THE CAR. The minute we started moving, you were out like a light.

July 9 -- The Westovers fell in love with you when I took you to the SLC house for Clinton's 23rd birthday. Susan gave you the cutest outfits. We love some ruffles on the bum. Can't wait until you are a little bigger. I forgot your reflux medicine ... oops. So we sort of had to leave in a hurry.

July 10 -- You were SOOOO sleepy today. I could barely wake you up to feed you. I told a few people that, and they said, "So it will be a long night?" Nope. You were a rock star at night too. Before that we spent the evening at Lindsay's, and we switched babies for a little bit. She was in love with you. You had a hair clip in, and she never minded redueing your hair ... cause she has all boys.

July 11 -- Lazy day at home. You and I hung out in my bed for a bit this morning. You are a doll. I have started passing toys over your head to watch you follow them. It is so cool. I think you are a big smiler. When I look at you now, I seem so familar. You fit right in. You didn't have to cry for any naps today. I just put you in your bed, and to sleep you went. Nice work, angel baby!

1 Month Old

Yesterday you turned 1 month old. Daddy was the one to point it out and later I heard him singing "Happy Birthday" to you while rocking you in your room. You were all smiles for him yesterday, and he was so excited. He kept calling me in to see your grins. Quinn thought it was cool too. We went on a family outing in the evening, and since we forgot a stroller, I just got to hold you the whole time. We were outside at the Children's Discovery Gardens. You seemed to enjoy being outside. You didn't fuss or sleep; you just soaked it all in.

You spit up ... for real ... for the first time yesterday. I had to finally get out a burp cloth from the cupboard. I hope it is not a habit because so far I have really liked how clean you are!

We give you medicine for your acid reflux 2 times a day, just a quarter of a pill. It helps a ton.

You eat about 7 times a day. Every 3 hours with a longer stretch at night. It is great.

You mostly wear Quinn's old clothes, but I have a weakness for buying you stuff that is all your own. Shhh!

You loved to be wrapped up. And the minute you get an arm free, you start to cry. I just rewrap you, and put you back in your bed.

We love having you around!

McKenna's Baby Blessing

McKenna with her Grandma Jan. We are so happy she could be there for the special day.

McKenna all beautiful, dressed and ready to head to church for her first Sunday in the Alpine 7th ward. We snuck her to church two weeks ago for Baby Benny's blessing. We couldn't miss that!

We decided to bless McKenna in church last Sunday because Tim's mom could be there. She had to miss Quinn's blessing, and we didn't want to do that again. So, even though our nugget is really young, we went for it.

A baby blessing is an LDS tradition where a man, usually the father, takes the infant in front of the congregation and uses the laying on of hands to give the baby blessing (usually its first blessing) and to declare what name the child will be known by in life and on the records of the church. We don't baptise children until they are 8 years old, which is considered the age of accountability, so a blessing is a way to make the child a part of the congregation without a baptism.

It's a simple but beautiful event. It is a really neat bonding experience for the daddy's, I suppose. At least I know it is for my husband. I get all the credit and the gifts and the praise about our new babies, but the blessing day is sort of about the father's role in the child's life. It is also a time to gather togther all the men in the baby's life that will be examples in the church for them. All the men stand in a circle with their hands holding the baby, and together they use the priesthood power to give the blessing. Very cool.

Our circle got smaller this time around, but the love was just as strong as we have grown to love those special men in our life even more since 2 years ago.

McKenna wore a very old dress. It has been worn at least 3 times now and maybe 4. I wore it when I was baptised as a catholic as a baby, and now both my girls have worn it for their baby blessing. My sister may have worn it too for her baptism, but I am not sure about that. It is getting old and yellow, but it means a lot to me. I just accent the outfit with off white accesories, and I don't even notice the fading white.

At church with us on Sunday morning we had our best friends Lindsay and Brandon Purdie representing all our friends (lots were out of town because of the holiday), and we had Aunt Sue, Uncle Mike and their kids plus Audrey and Eddy with Nico representing all our family. It was really special. Then at 5 p.m. we had a BBQ with lots of other friends and family. Tim served up hamburgers and hotdogs on his new grill, and we had a big ice cream cake to celebrate Tim's birthday, which was also on Sunday.

I took the special occation as an excuse to finally put up a picture of my two girls together. Congratulations to me! That could have taken months.

McKenna started to fuss a little right before Tim put her to the front for the blessing. I think we both got scared, but he must of turned on the magic because I did not hear a word from her.

I don't remember a ton from the blessing, but I do remember Tim blessing McKenna with the ability to quickly in her life feel the love of the people around her and then return that love to others so that through her they can come to know the love of Christ. I thought that was especially beautiful and exactly what I wish for my children.

Welcome to our family and our Church, angel baby McKenna!

A Few more pics of Averykens on her special day. More to come later.

Project Linus

The first thing I saw when I walked into McKenna's hospital room was a blanket wrapped and ready for McKenna. It was a handmade gift from Project Linus, a national organization of quilters who make blankets for sick children. I'm really grateful for this organization. Here is a note I just sent to the Utah chapter heads. It explains who I feel:

I just wanted to thank you for your work with Project Linus. I wrote a quick note to the national Web site, but i wanted to thank you, the locals here in Utah. Last week my 3 week old baby had a high fever and was admitted into American Fork hospital for a few nights. We had just endured several very painful tests with our little one when we walked into our room and saw the Project Linus blanket sitting there waiting for our McKenna to be all wrapped up in it. I was instantly touched because this was not our first experience with that kind of community love and support. Our first baby was in a NICU and was also given a handmade blanket from someone in the community. Both times these gifts have really touched my heart and made me feel loved and supported during times that were almost unbareable. It means so much to me to have the support of loving women in my community, and these blankets have reminded me of that. What peace has filled my heart because of your love.

I just wanted you to know that your service has really made a difference to me. Looks like the comfort of this project can extend passed the child and into so many people's lives.

Thank you very much,

Jill Fellow and her little angels Kristie Quinn Fellow and Avery McKenna Fellow

Crying

For the record: It has taken several days to get my Averykens back on schedule. Dear me. She has done a lot of crying. Her naps have been shorter.... oh there she goes a cryin' hold on....

Ok, I'm back. She just got all messed up at the hospital, and then Tim's parents came. So, we are working on it. I've had to let her really cry it out for a few naps. Sometimes she does more crying than napping, but after that she does great for the next several hours. That reassures me that learning to sleep is the best thing for her. If I rock her to sleep, she sleeps at most 50% of what she does if she falls asleep on her own. That is really telling.

Anyway, I just didn't want to remember it wrong, and say that she never cried. Cause.... she cries plenty. She mostly cries if she is off schedule and if she has acid reflux. I have started spliting her prevecid dosage in morning and night instead of just morning, and what helps a lot too. Man, when she has back reflux, she is really pissed. yikes.

The First 4 Weeks in Pictures

Leaving the Hospital. Time to take our angel home!

Home, sweet home!

A happy sister and daddy, and a very tired baby girl. 

Kisses for Kenna

What in the world how did I get TWO kids in my car!? Life is moving fast. This was our first trip as a family of 4. We went to the hospital to have McKenna tested for something the day after she came home. 

Oh Dear, Grammy got a war wound from all her helping. 6 stitches and a trip to insta-care. She was most worried able not being about to help with dishes.... what a woman!

Smiles!

McKenna in Bridget's arms. Paige looks on. 

McKenna with Cousin Rachel 

Grammy and Quinn pose as they say good bye!! We can't wait to see Grammy in a few weeks. She was such an AMAZING help and so fun when she stayed with us. 

Ready or not. Here I come! Peyton Jane meets Avery McKenna.

More smiles in one of my favorite outfits from the Quinn days. 1 week old. 

Loving this outfit from my friend Elizabeth. I happen to have these matching pants. 1 and half Weeks old. 

Look who loves a poodle!

No Really. She loves it! And Quinn loves to share!

At one week and 6 days, Quinn finally really gets on board with loving our new little nugget. This was the first time she asked to hold my Averykins.

More lovin'

Hanging out at the 2 week check up. 9 lbs 1 oz.

Cutest new outfit. A gift from the pediatrician's family who lives in our neighborhood. We love the Spencers!!

Ouch!! Drama at the hospital. But our baby was a trouper!

It's about time!! Grandma and Grandpa finally make it to Utah to meet McKenna. 

3 Weeks and 3 days old

So cute!

More time with Grandma!

Had to document this. I believe in giving my babies a FULL feeding, which means you have to wake them up a lot. The best method for McKenna is to just nicely lay her on the floor right by my rocking chair. She moves around, takes a poop, and wakes up in no time at all. However, as she gets older, she is on to me. Here she is fighting the system. Dead asleep. 

Hanging out in the high chair while mom and grandma make dinner. 

Finally a shot of mom! I've lovin' my girl.