Ayla loves bath time with daddy

You learn quick as a new mom with a newborn that the best thing you can do for your baby is to simulate the womb. Ayla loves swaddling, sucking, shh shhh ing, and swinging or swaying. As a teacher I was constantly up in front of my class swaying back and forth, something I began doing very early in my pregnancy and was very unaware of it, until now when I stand in the grocery line swaying back and forth for no reason at all. Also, coaching basketball and softball I was constantly on my feet running, passing, throwing, hitting, etc. So Ayla is a baby on the move. Movement is the ultra soothing method for her. So bath time is no different. She was "at home" in the warm water from the beginning. First it was in the bathroom sink, but now at 23 inches and almost 12 lbs she has moved into her baby bath tub (thanks Janet!). This will be one of those posts where 13 years from now, Ayla will be like "MOM, you put naked baby pictures of me on the internet!"

Burp baby burp

Basically there are two classic burping methods: over the shoulder or sitting up on our laps. Having her sitting up straight while she leans over our hand was always our favorite and most effective method, however she is a little big and squirmy now for the on the lap method, so we are starting to get creative. I like to take her by the armpits and just move her up and down, stretch out the tummy a little, but this is something new Brett tried today. It works! Brett is always very creative and has lots of suggestions when it comes to solving "baby issues", this one cracks me up :) Him too apparently. I think we will call this one the flying baby method...

Everbody loves a naked baby

Every time we lay Ayla down on her changing table, we turn the mobile on above her and out comes a huge smile. She can be screaming, wimpering, hungry, cold, tired or in any other uncomfortable state and a smile still manages to arise. Does she know she is about to get a clean diaper or is she excited about the music and floating flowers and butterflies above her head. Who knows, all I know is Brett and I can't resist squeezing and kissing her chubby little face, arms, tummy and legs.