Alana - 1 week old

Tomorrow is Alana's one week birthday!  I can not believe that only a week ago I was still pregnant and waiting for the baby - thinking that I had 3 more weeks to go!  We have gone through a lot in this first week.

When Alana was born, she was 5lb. 14 oz.  She lost a little bit of her birth weight because that is normal during the first couple of days.  However, her weight dropped down to 5lb. 3oz.  The doctor started to become concerned when her jaundice levels were getting higher and higher with the passing days.  The doctor was concerned because she was born early and her weight was so low to begin with.  We monitored her closely, and the doctor ordered a special blanket for her to wear that emits blue light which sort of imitates the sun light she needs.  The blanket was not fun and we were constantly worried that she would accidentally kick it off during the night and look at the light (which was actually not good for her or us to look at).  Jeff was the one who figured out how to wrap her up so tight that she couldn't wiggle her way out.

With the passing days, her levels went down.  She has been eating a lot and she has already gained back to her birth weight.  The doctor was very pleased with  this, and she told us that most babies don't gain their birth weight back until 2 weeks old!  Alana has been doing so well with everything so far, and we can't be happier with her progress.  She's got some chub rolls now, and she's filling in her skin.

She has a really good disposition so far.  She only cries when she needs something - mainly to eat or that her diaper is dirty.  Otherwise she has been really good to us.  We feel very lucky to have her.

I know all friends have been anxious to visit.  We are waiting for her to get her shots and we will let everyone know when they can come visit.  In the meantime, here are some pictures to hold you over :)