Clair's first bath

Clair got clearance to have her bath today at the doctor's. So tonight, I put her into her little tub for the first time. She was so peaceful. Her first reaction was to slink down into the water and try to sleep. She really enjoyed it right up until I started to clean her. She wasn't too keen on that, but relaxed after a minute or two. She was pretty good while I washed her hair. We only hung out in there for about five minutes or so, but overall, it was a success.

I love little Clair Bear!

Play time

Tonight all three kids laid together to play with Clair's little toy. It was cute. Clair mostly enjoyed laying close and looking in Ellie's eyes. Ellie loved that! Meanwhile, Max mostly enjoyed making the sounds - jingling the bells and trying to be the one to push the music button.

I have a picture of Ellie doing this with Max when he was Clair's age. It's cute seeing the 3 of them together. I see years of fun ahead for the three of them!

Ellie takes on big sister role like a champ

Ellie has been fantastic since we brought Clair home. She is a fantastic helper and she just loves Clair so much. She's very good at holding Clair. This morning she held her while I dressed Max.

Ellie clearly loves Clair. I'm so excited to watch their relationship grow!

Burping Clair

Last week sometime I was burping Claire, and it was the first time Max had seen that. He looks at me with concern on his face and says, "you hitting her? "

I laughed tried to explain what patting and burping are. He seemed okay with it. But he's got his eyes on me to protect his little sister.

The first week

I'm sitting here nursing Clair. I'm amazed by her. She is so little, fragile, innocent, beautiful, and just looks like sweetness. Her smell is delectable; the best in the world. My favorite thing is kissing her soft little cheeks! She amazes me.

After having two others, I'm still amazed by her being and helplessness. I can't believe she's mine. I can't believe anyone could ever neglect or harm anything half as sweet and lovely. I'm blessed by my family, especially my children.

I love taking photos of the little positions she strikes between nursing and when nursing. Quite often one hand finds itself holding up or resting on the side of her head as she falls asleep nursing. This makes her look a bit older and wiser for her age.

This week has been an amazing roller coaster and I'm do thankful to be where I am. I'm thankful and grateful and amazed!

Mommys boss

Clair is Mommys boss. That was what everyone decided last night. It is rather true these days. When she's ready to eat, I'm all hers. She cries, I get her. She wants to sleep in my bed, okay. Why not

I'm trying to thoroughly enjoy my last go round as mom of an infant. Hopefully I'm not doing this at the expense of Max and Ellie.

I've even bought a sling to keep her close and happy. She loves it! Yesterday we even figured out how for her to nurse and sleep in it. She was a happy girl.

Growing before my eyes

I've spent most of the past week with Clair, night and day. I miss Max and Ellie. And I feel I need this time with Clair. I can't help but be sad as I know it's really the last time in my life I'll hold a newborn, feed a newborn with my body, and provide comfort to a newborn that no other sole on earth besides mom can provide. This sense and ability to mother is the one thing I've dreamed of all my life. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to fulfill this dream. I love all my kids. I think Clair's going to be a little spoiled.

Today Clair is 8 days old. While that is still very young, I'm already seeing her grow. Today she seemed more awake and aware. She was nursing for long periods and then sleeping on her own. She looks more wise to the world too. She looked like her daddy here. This is the first time I've seen a resemblance to others in the family.

As she grows, I want to capture everything. One thing I love is the way she holds one of my fingers while she nurses. It's adorable. Look at those little fingers.