Dear Evalyn - One Week Old

**Eva's birth story will hopefully be completed tomorrow but for today ... I wanted to write a quick one week update.**

Dear Baby Evalyn,

You are one week old today! I cannot believe it. It is so strange that it has only been a week since you came in to the world because it feels as though you've been here forever.

We have spent a lot of time cuddling, kissing, and getting to know you. We are so in love with you.

On your first full day in this world, we went for a short little walk around the farm to show you where you live. You didn't see much, though, because you fell right asleep tucked up close to Mama.

You have been able to meet lots and lots of friends and family. You especially loved Auntie Crystal!

You like your swing and that's usually where you chill out while we eat dinner. I am thankful to the person who invented a baby swing that plugs in! We will be able to send you to college with the money we'd have to spend on batteries.

You love having an herbal bath with mommy every night. You love when Dad pours water over your belly to keep you nice and warm. You get so calm and peaceful in the tub! It's one of my favorite times of the day.

On Saturday, when you were 3 days old, Carrie came over to check us out. She weighed you and were down to 7 lbs 3 oz, but everything was looking good. We are not worried at all because when the midwife came back yesterday, on day six, we discovered that you are now weighing in at a whopping 7 lbs 11 oz! Baby girl, you are packing on the pounds (or ounces). You have now surpassed your birth weight and are on the up and up! At this rate, you'll be 9 lbs by next week! Please don't grow up too fast.

On Sunday night, you had your first bath in your own tub. You liked it alright, but secretly I think you prefer to be in the big tub with Mumma.

On Sunday, you went to church for the first time wearing this precious dress that Nana bought for you. You were such a good girl!

In the afternoon, you got to meet your Auntie Kristin, Uncle David, and cousin's Little H and Baby A. They both looked like giants in comparison to you. At just four months apart, I have a feeling you and Baby A will be the best of friends. Before long, you're going to catch up with her and won't look like such a little Peanut when you're side by side.

You love to be carried in the ring sling. You like the others, too ... but this one seems to be your favorite so far. Mommy loves holding you so close to me!

Daddy is teaching you all sorts of important things - like how to dress in camo for the approaching hunting season.

Most of the time you spend with him looks something like this....

You know your Daddy's voice and he has a special way of calming you down when you are a being a fuss pot.

You are learning the difference between day time and night time. The other night you gave us a stretch of almost 4 hours of sleep! The problem is that so far, you have only been able to sleep if you are propped up on Mommy or Daddy's chest. You are fairly badly congested and it gets worse throughout the day so by night time, you do not want to lay down on your back.

Last night, we propped you up on your side and you were able to sleep all night by yourself in your bassinet! Yay, Eva! You didn't give us very long of stretches, but we are proud of you just the same. We're hopeful for another great night tonight. You will sleep everywhere and anywhere during the day so Mommy has been able to rest when you are resting.

You are eating like a champ (which is obvious since you are already past your birth weight). You eat about every 2-3 hours during the day and anywhere from every 2 hours to every 4 hours at night. Mommy has had some trouble feeding you on the left side. My let down is rather fast and so I seem to drown you when you try to eat on that side, which results in you having to latch, unlatch and relatch 6-7 times per feed. This has made for one sore nipple. Last night we had a bit of a scare when you spit up blood all over Nana after eating. Mommy paged the midwife and talked to her about it, but it looks as though the blood was likely just from my nipple and you are A-okay. I am so glad! I was very nervous to put you back on that side through the night, so we gave it a little break and it's feeling much better this morning. You've already nursed well twice on that side!

You went to the mall with Nana and Mommy for the first time yesterday. You didn't love it. That will have to change. You will learn to love shopping. The end. We got you some cute outfits, and particularly, picked out something special for you to wear to cousin Carrie's wedding in a few weeks.

You have been given so many cute clothes that you are going to be one well-dressed little lady!!

Here you are at one week old, sweet girl.

I love you with all of my heart and I am blessed to have you.

Love, Mommy