Splash!

Elena's immersion (pun intended) into the world of full body bathing was... ummm, fun.

Okay, she actually liked it once she got over the shock of disrobing (she pitches quite the fit when the diaper and all clothes come off!). While we had done the sponge baths while she still had a piece of umbilical cord left, this week marked her first full bath... now that her little belly button has healed.

The funniest part of the process was washing her hair. This kid loves to have her hair washed. As Kristi would brush the shampoo through her hair, Elena would grow quiet and get this "ahhhh" look on her face. She also seemed peaceful when my mom would pour warm water over her head.

Welcome World!

This is the first of what Kristi and I hope will be many, many glimpses into Elena's life and times.

Elena is now 15 days old (actually, 16 days if you go by Eastern Standard Time where she was born). It's hard to believe it's been that long.

My mom, who arrived just two days after we got home and is here another week, asked me this morning whether I've gotten used to having Elena with us.

Yes, and no. Yes... in that it's starting to feel very normal to have her around. But no... in that it's still surreal to realize that our home is now one of three instead of two (sorry, Lola). Even with all of the chaos of a newborn baby's schedule, there's real peace in this house. And joy.

And with that, it's time to get ready for her 12:15 a.m. feeding. She's on a "every four hour" schedule, and is now eating as much as three ounces of formula at a time.

More soon.