One Month, Already

 

  One Month - 1 by Jay Scott on 500px

Saturday Fiona turned one month old... Already! So many have said how little she is, but that is a big bear and chair. Today was her one month checkup and she's 11lbs 13 oz. She is quickly outgrowing her current clothes and is easily kicking the end of her bassinette.

 

  One Month - 2 by Jay Scott on 500px

"They" say responsive smiles and interaction takes longer than this to occur. There are coincidences then there are the regular things we see from her much more than half of the time.

 

  One Month - 3 by Jay Scott on 500px

She has her evening fussiness, and there have been a few poor nights lately, but she really is a good baby.

 

  One Month - 4 by Jay Scott on 500px

I believe today was the day that Kiwi went from uncertain to excited about her. Until now Kiwi has been cautious but not sure what this little noisy thing was. Twice today she excitedly went running around the house looking for Fiona and when we arrived home from appointments Kiwi was quite interested in Fiona in her car seat.

 

  One Month - 5 by Jay Scott on 500px

As time between feedings increases, and everyone figures things out a little more each day, I imagine we'll feel freer to resume a few more normal activities. That said, we did enjoy supper out with friends Saturday evening, even if we didn't have the energy to join them for birthday cake after. It was still great to be sociable, again.

 

  One Month - 6 by Jay Scott on 500px

She's Sure Growing

 

  Kiwi with My Baby Shoes by Jay Scott on 500px

It seemed like only a short while ago that we made the above photo to announce the upcoming arrival of our baby. We weren't certain how exactly Kiwi would respond but her submissive and gentle personality has shone through and she is very good with her new owner. She still seeks as much attention as possible but has no reason to feel neglected because I have been making an extra effort to make certain she is cared for and not denied the affection she was accustomed to in the past.

Every time there is a cry of glee or a cry of discontentment Kiwi comes running. We know from experience that when Angie or I have not been feeling well we cannot count on Kiwi to gently comfort us but to come running in full speed and lick furiously. She's not the most in tune with how we are feeling but she only ever means well. Thankfully, even when she's excited, she seems to err on the side of caution with Fiona.

I have no doubt that as Fiona grows, especially as food begins hitting the floor, that Kiwi will be sticking right by her side.

 

  Kiwi and Fiona by Jay Scott on 500px

Finally, are a few photos from a series that we did in her new bouncy chair, a gift from three of my wonderful caregivers from Home Care. The chair has been a lifesaver when we've been eating and it gives her an opportunity to be near us, active with her ever kicking legs, and give her the opportunity to sit up a bit straighter, independently and soothe herself by her own movements.

More than that, it felt good to pull out almost all of my flashes to really construct an elaborate photo from seven light sources. Candid snapshots are great but I was itching to get back to a thoroughly constructed photo with much complexity, for the practice to make sure I could still do it, but also for the unique look that you can only get from such a mixture.

Just for clarity in the chronology of the photos, the second photo with both Kiwi and Fiona is the most recent as of this post. The three below here were from approximately one week earlier.

 

  Day 16 - Explorative by Jay Scott on 500px

 

  Day 16 - Thoughtful by Jay Scott on 500px

 

  Day 16 - Bubbly by Jay Scott on 500px

Fiona's First Bath

At home, anyway. Of course she had one shortly after being born, but this one was in the comfort of our home.

Really hoping for something resembling sleep tonight. These might help ease the drain of sleeplessness.

 

  First Bath - 1 by Jay Scott on 500px

 

  First Bath - 2 by Jay Scott on 500px

 

  First Bath - 3 by Jay Scott on 500px

 

  First Bath - 4 by Jay Scott on 500px

 

  First Bath by Jay Scott on 500px

Day 2

Fiona's Birthday

We are ecstatic to announce the arrival of our daughter, Fiona Lily, born August 20, 2014, weighing 9lbs 6oz and 20 inches long, having a voice that commands respect.

Much, much, more to come...