Outgrowing Everything

Kris and Shaun found the perfect Halloween costume for Saraphina. But then we realized that by October, she will be too large for it so she is wearing it now in anticipation of Halloween.

You can tell she really likes it. During happy colic-free moments, she makes baby gurgling sounds and focuses on near and distant objects. Her favorite focal point is anything with lights.

She recognizes Mom and Dad and has given Grandpa Dave a couple of really big smiles.

Kris and Shaun are getting longer periods of sleep at night. That means Grandma Nan gets a little more awake time with Saraphina during the day.

Team Seraphine

Oldest cousin visits youngest cousin. What a lucky girl Saraphina is to have her two cousins closeby.

I have 12 cousins and a sister on my mom's side and every one of them is a special friend because we spent a lot of time together as kids. We played together and got into trouble together. Sixty years later, we still laugh about how clever we were.

I see some really fun family celebrations ahead.

Buddha Baby

I don't think this one needs any explanation.

Saraphina's Song

Shaun has already written a children's story for Saraphina and has composed a couple of songs. Here he is sharing his latest song with his musical inspiration.

While Shaun's dedication awesome, it's providing fodder for a lot of teasing from his friends... some of who are awesome fathers themselves.

Picture of the Week

This was the week of the bath. Saraphina handled it well, as did her parents.

A visit to the pediatrician confirmed that Saraphina is progressing nicely with a healthy weight gain of one pound. He also noted that in addition to being lovely, she was very tolerant while he examined her.

She has had many visits from friends and family, during which she coo'd adorably. Each day her awareness of her environment is growing. She likes light, especially if it blinks like the rubber ducky Grandma Rose got for her bathtub.

She giggles in her sleep and she has a big dimple in her left cheek.

She is sleeping a bit longer at night and entertains us with longer wakeful periods during the day. Right now she is pretty much the center of our Universe.

Saraphina Sleeps

Yesterday was Saraphina's 1 week birthday. She spent the week sleeping and getting to know the Oster household. Shaun has taken her out to smell the mint and given her jazz appreciation sessions.

Kris has spent the week feeding her, holding her, and sleeping whenever possible.

The dogs think she is interesting and smells nice.

She met her cousin this week and had visits with her aunts and more grandparents.

She has been trying on some of her new clothes but mostly she's happy in her onesies and sleepers. She, of course, looks beautiful in everything because she is the most beautiful baby in the world.

Settling In

Saraphina watches patiently as Mom looks for fingers in the sleeve of her going home outfit.

Everything checked out fine with both Mom and baby so they were released from the hospital yesterday afternoon.

It didn't take too long to get settled at home. Dogs Amber and Ladybug got quick introductions to Saraphina. Amber is especially interested. Dave thinks it's because she hopes that Saraphina will spill things when she eats so that Amber can lick them up.

Shaun says no good kitchen would be complete without the Amber 2000 to clean up splatters and spills.

Speaking of Amber. Shaun invited her out into the living room for a closer look. After sniffing Saraphina, she sat down to watch Saraphina's new learning toy.

We figure by the end of the day she will be able to recognize several different animals... well maybe not the actual animal, but cartoon versions anyhow.

Shaun has put a sign on the front gate requesting that you call our cell phones before ringing the bell since Amber and Ladybug love to greet visitors in their own special way... lots of barking. This way we can put the dogs in the hall before they realize you are there. Thanks!