Hali'a 1 Month

Weight: 11 pounds 2 ounces
Length: 22.5 inches

• 3rd (Sunday) Hali'a Marama Smith was given a baby blessing in our Laie 8th Ward.  Priesthood in the prayer circle included: Jason, Jermaine Kaka, Jomaia DeCaires, Kimo DeCaires, David Whippy, Bishop John Elkington and his counselors.  We didn't do a big feed since our church starts at 8 am and everyone attended their wards after coming to ours.

This month, she has definitely made a mark in the Smith home.  Hali'a:
*Has a very distinct cry, more like a scream, which she does when she's basically hungry, has gas and/or needs a change.
*Recognizes mommy, daddy and sister Nanea's voice.
*Is very alert and attentive to things that are around her.
*Is strong and is already picking her head up and turning it to follow objects and follow and noise.
*Is just like the rest of her family in that she loves to take a bath and the water.  Soon, once mommy is cleared, she will be introduced to the water at the beach.
*Eats a lot.  Although we had to introduce baby formula because of Mommy's hospitalization, she didn't  mind as long as she could eat. We're trying to introduce the bottle to her earlier which will make it easier for us to have other people watch her because Nanea would just scream herself hungry to sleep rather than drinking from the bottle.
*Sleeps a lot.  I think we forgot how much infants actually sleep fresh out of the womb. She also sleeps with her eyes open/rolling and like her mommy, with her arms above her head.  She doesn't really do the swaddling thing, but sleeps good when her arms are out.
*Wakes up several times a night 2-3 and sometimes 4 a night.  Mommy is still adjusting to this night thing.
*Wakes up Nanea when she is hungry which is why she sleeps in her bassinet in the kitchen. It's also easier for mommy to feed on the couch versus on the bed.

 

It has been interesting this month, having to adjust to another child to attend to.  It has been difficult adjusting to being a house wife at the same time.  I'm used to going out and about to do things and studying, but now am home with the girls daily.  It is a blessing, yet draining. We have established a somewhat daily routine, which helps us to successfully get through the day productively.  I think once I can run again, things will be better, because I will have a way to release stress and any anxiety. The hardest thing has been having to wake up several times throughout the night to feed because it then makes me tired the rest of the day, but I'm just grateful to be able to breastfeed and for two healthy daughters.  Daddy has been an awesome support financially, emotionally, and spiritually. The beach is an escape for all of us and a way for us to let off some steam and enjoy time together as a family.