I love that little Critter!

Wow, the first 3 weeks of Sara's life have been great! I feel really bonded to her. I thank God that I read up even as little as I did on babies and raising kids, because were it not for that, I'm sure I would not be able to handle the crying very well. If you think about it logically, you can conclude that anyone's weeping is very tolerable and pitiful. Belligerent wailing, on the other hand, and incessant outbursts of frustration generate sympathy only a day or two, as you think, "it must be something I'm (Lauren's) doing wrong." But as you seek every possible way to commiserate her, you find even your most thoughtful efforts, and most empathetic words to still be met with dissatisfaction! Gradually you realize, "My best wasn't good enough!" That thought is undoubtedly the root of all parents' emotional breakdowns and frustration.

However, the books came in handy!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In reading, I learned that, contrary to what I've always thought, the most important time of a human's life is their first few years! Who'd have ever imagined it?! I've always been disenchanted with babies because they can't interact, they don't care anything about YOU or your effort, so why bother with them? Little did I know (until I read... I CAN READ!!!!) that babies who aren't held after birth often become emotionally damaged - and babies that are snapped at or neglected. I also didn't know that by age 5, most little humans have pretty much settled into their idea of who God is or isn't, and how they think of Him! Wow! All that shows it's critical to overcome the natural frustration toward your baby, and critical to continue holding them and loving them, and pressing through with a proper perspective that comes from knowing you ARE making a positive difference, and that it IS worth enduring her outbursts.

Just knowing that has made all the difference for me. Though it was frustrating for a couple days during week 2, I'm realizing again, "She's just so tired she can't sleep," or, "her diaper's just dirty," or "she's hungry," or "she's overstimulated." She just can't help it.

I also find that Lauren is great at diagnosing her different shrieks. That's helped me remember sometimes that, "ah, yes, there is a REASON she's crying, and it's a reasonable one."

Though I don't day dream about Sara while at work, I do look forward to seeing her when I'm driving home! I like to call her "little crttr."

I haven't dreaded changing a diaper yet.

You ought to see the innocent-looking face she gets on her when she gets the hiccups! Little eyeballs peaking all around, to the left and right, while making that cute little squeak.

I'm very happy that we've gone haywire overload on the pictures. We've got a ton.

I'm looking forward to getting some professional portraits done of her - maybe with the money dad sent for Christmas. Dad hasn't seen her yet, nor Katie, but I know they're eagerly anticipating the first meeting.

Lauren's dad decided that since I'm the dad, I should be "Crawdad," which would make him "Crawpappy." That has provided some quality entertainment so far.

I've tried to spot her fingerprints, but I guess they're so small, I can't see them. Plus she won't leave her hands open very long.

Her favorite sleeping spot, other than Lauren, is snugged right into the couch cushions - pictures will reveal this.

I've been making sure Lauren gets her gourmet supplement pills every day, so that she and the baby get all their stuff. I also throw some odd-ball pills in there, like ginger, so that Sara will develop a taste, like her daddy, for things a little more adventuresome than her more conservative mother intakes.

So how do I feel about babies all in all? I feel great! I think it's the best! Lauren's the one who has done ALL the suffering to this point - I feel sorry for her, yet impressed at what a good job she's doing! She's the one who wakes up all the time at night, and has to be around the volatility during the day as well. Even though she's almost beat to a frazzle sometimes, she's still surprisingly positive. She even still manages to do some things around the house and cook dinner and things too.