The first picture I have of Mary smiling came at week 8, and it appears that Lucy is following the same trajectory as her sister. Smiles are infrequent, but seem to be picking up speed. I can’t quite produce them on-demand just yet, so I was fortunate to snap this shot as Lucy was being held by my cousin, Kathy.
Simon (left) and Mary (right) at Week 8.
The sleeper she’s wearing here could have been a Christmas outfit, but she was too little for it. It’s hard to believe that at 7 weeks, she’s probably only about as big as Simon was a week or two after he was born. And she is steadfastly against sleeping at night for longer than 2 hours at a stretch. I know that’s totally normal, but it is also totally normal for me to be eager for that stage to end!
Simon (left) and Mary (right) at Week 6.
I had every intention of bringing my camera along for my brother’s birthday celebration yesterday and taking lots of pictures, particularly of Lucy with family members, in the hopes of getting a good shot for the weekly picture. Kate asked me if I remembered the camera about 3/4ths of the way to their house. Yeah, I completely forgot it. So this week’s shot was hastily assembled during a few minutes of good awake time she had before “bedtime.” I use the term very loosely, at this point.
Simon (left) and Mary (right) at Week 6.
Several weeks ago, I heard the following conversation happening over our kitchen table between Simon and Mary. I’ll throw it out there with minimal commentary.
Mary: . . . and grandma and grandpa and great-grandma and great-grandpa
Simon: Great-Grandpa died.
Mary: I know.
Mary: When will he be alive again?
Simon: Never.
Mary: Oh. Why?
Simon: That’s just the way it is.Mary: When will we die?
Simon: Not for a long time.Mary: Maybe in 7 days?
Simon: No, much longer than that.
Mary: Oh.
And then their eating resumed with barely a pause.
We were hanging out watching the Giants/Falcons playoff game when it came time to take picture of the week. The light from the windows gives Lucy some interesting catch-lights in her eyes.
Simon (left) and Mary (right) at Week 5.
Kate’s parents came down to help out for a couple of weeks, and we SO appreciate their assistance. Her mom is actually going to be here until the 7th. A few days ago, she requested that she be in picture of the week, and really, how can I NOT put her there after all the assistance they’ve provided! So major props to my in-laws, my parents, and all the other family and friends who have lent a hand in various ways (hospital visits, entertaining kids, meals, laundry, cleaning – the list goes on and on) over the past three weeks. We really appreciate all the help and caring that everybody has provided!
Lucy’s hair looks a bit red in this picture, but I think that has more to do with the white balance of the photo than any actual real read hair.
Simon (left) and Mary (right) at Week 4.