A Peaceful Entry Into the New Year

It's a snowy day outside today... 

Junior is napping in her crib, lying on her side and wedged nicely between a firm memory-foam pillow and a softer pillow that Ama left behind for us.  We have a queen-sized bed in Junior's room, so Mr. Squire and I have been camping out here the past several weeks... The crib is pulled up right next to the bed, so all Mr. Squire has to do at night is reach between the crib slats and pat her a couple times when she begins to stir, and oftentimes, that's enough to calm her down and convince her to return to sleep.  It's quite a nice arrangement:  she's not co-sleeping with us...we're co-sleeping with her.  :)  

Now that we are past the six-week growth spurt, we're back to a more predictable type of pattern.  The specific hours change, but the pattern is the same:  Junior sleeps for 2-3 hour stretches for about 12 hours per day, then is more awake between feedings (still 3 hours apart) for the remainder of the day.  During those precious few waking periods, we try to get her to do tummy time (which she still resists, despite the fact that her neck is pretty strong now) and I read stories to her and give her snuggles, and Mr. Squire generally dotes on her.  She is a lucky girl.  And we are lucky parents.

I've been on leave for more than two months now, and have just under two months to go.  We're still short on sleep, but it's getting better.  The feeding thing is now fully under control (yay!) and the latest challenges are bottle-feeding (to prepare her for my absence) and sleep inversion.  But mostly, things are feeling more manageable and doable, and we love our little family of three. 

Mr. Squire is working part-time, but from home, so we are always together.  I know that I am incredibly lucky to have him home all the time -- and when he goes away on business for a couple days next week, his parents will come stay with us and help out.  How did I ever end up in this blessed situation?  Wonderful husband with a wonderful family, and a tremendous blessing of a sweet little baby girl.  And we have a nice, cozy, and safe home in which to raise her during these early years. And it is snowing today, so life just feels so extra-perfect.  It is a reminder that our God gives us rich and wonderful gifts in the abundance of His love.  I am so thankful.