Photo Shoot and the Home Stretch

Shana Berenzweig came over when Aurelia was 8 days old and we did a family photo shoot. For those of you who are not on Facebook, Shana posted a sneak peak of some of the pictures which are posted below. You can view more of Shana's work at http://ideallightphotography.com/idl/enter.html

Reli has a beautiful way of stretching after her naps. Once released from the confines of her swaddle she raises both hands into a V and proceeds to stretch her whole body before waking up (or going back to sleep as is sometimes the case). Aunt Whitney and Koruna came over yesterday and we got it on video. Enjoy.

The Home Stretch

Up close and personal

Aunt Whitney came over for some Reli time yesterday and Aurelia felt inspired to dance. Here, in her debut performance is Aurelia. (Performance assistance and accompaniment credits - Whitney Heald).

Uncle Ian stayed up last night putting together a lovely organic breakfast casserole filled with love. (Um, De-Licious!) Jeri Lynn brought it over to us this morning and got to spend a few minutes loving on Aurelia.

Uncle Ian is fascinated by how teeny-tiny Aurelia's face is. Aren't we all? Here is her face, framed by Ian's adoring hands . . .

Father Daughter Time

The rhythms of fatherhood are setting in and finding their place in our dear Aurelia's heart. Jonathan sings to her night and day and I harmonize when I can. We think she recognizes some of the songs from when Jonathan sang them to me while she was still in utero. Here on the outside, the father daughter duo have developed their own little dances in some of the precious moments when she is awake. Here is one of their first . . .

One of their other favorite ways to spend time together is reading books. While most of the time they read Atlas Shrugged, sometimes they go for something a little lighter - Dr. Seuss. Thanks to Dad and Becky, we can choose from a number of Dr. Seuss stories. Here is an excerpt. . .

Honey left today to go back home and we are all sad to see her go. It was lovely having her here for the weekend and we will miss her dearly. Now, it is just the three of us at home. We will all continue to find our rhythm as a family - our night rhythms, our day rhythms, our rituals, our moments of wonder and of course exhaustion. We are looking forward to every minute.

Reli's First Walk

Yesterday was Aurelia's one week birthday. To celebrate, she took her first social trip out of the house. The destination was Uncle Ian, Aunt Jeri Lynn and Koruna's house. JL and Koruna were in Dallas, but Aurelia got some quality time with Uncle Eepers, Momma and Poppa. It was a blue sky day, so the four of us took a little walk.

A few little morsels

Well, our little cutie just keeps getting cuter! She is eating well and getting plenty of beauty sleep. Jonathan and I are actually getting some sleep as well. Admittedly, Reli sleeps better than we do most of the time. It is so rewarding to see her calm and peaceful face. Man, we love her so.

Crashed out on Daddy's shoulder:

Daddy soothing her to sleep:

She had her second home bath today and it went much more smoothly than the first. It turns out we learned a few things the first time around with both Honey and Grandma Marcia's assistance. After her bath we brushed her luxurious locks. (Aurelia had to borrow a hairbrush from her cousin Koruna. Thanks Runa!) Her hair still appears golden in certain light.

Ah, out little Golden Child:

And, last but not least, it is Reli with Bunny Feet. (Sigh).

The New Family

Here are some pictures of Aurelia with her Momma and Daddy.

Love,

Momma

Snuggling with Daddy and Momma at the hospital

Ready to come home from the hospital, YAY!!!

(Thanks for the blanket and hat Gramma V!)

Aurelia's first bath at home

Hanging out at home with Momma and Daddy

Our Tiny Addition

Aurelia Ayn spent her first night at home with us and she is just doing incredibly well. We think she likes it. Her grandmothers, Honey and Marcia are here helping us all adjust to our new roles as parents. I just wanted to post a few more pictures for everyone to see how amazing she is. These are the pictures of her with her grandparents.

Love to you all, and more to come, I promise.

Love,

Momma

Our first family photo

Aurelia with her Honey

Grumps & Grandma Becky

Aurelia and Grandma Marcia