Hazel is Thriving

Overall, the graduation and graduation party went well (albeit a few minor meltdowns by yours truly). It was so incredibly great to have our wonderful family and friends come from near and far to celebrate in Marshall's amazing accomplishment and Hazel's utter cuteness! While I was so happy to see everyone, it was a bit overwhelming to have them all here at once, so I am hoping for some individual visits in the future!

In the words of our pediatrician, "Hazel is thriving"! Yesterday she weighed in at a whopping 8 pounds 14 ounces, which caused the pediatrician to ask me twice if that was solely on breastmilk with no added formula! As for breastfeeding, I believe we are finally on the path to recovery with my pain. It turns out I had an infection in both my milk ducts and nipples that has been causing the pain along with Hazel having an infection as well. I also found a breastfeeding clinic here in Fresno that has been treating me and helping me get through this, so I am eagerly awaiting pain free days ahead. Also, yesterday at her doctor's appointment, the pediatrician told me that Hazel has an "innocent" heart murmur (peripheral pulmonary stenosis) which I guess is common in newborns. We will continue to monitor it and if it hasn't gone away by six months we will do further testing. Of course it is a bit concerning to me, but after researching it a bit I have confidence that it is pretty "normal" at this age.

We started our cloth diapers this week and it has been going GREAT! They are comfortable, easy to use, super absorbent and I absolutely LOVE not having to buy disposable diapers or contribute to our ever growing landfills. I am actually going to be bummed this weekend to use disposables as we are going out of town and I won't have access to laundry facilities. We are heading to Pismo Beach this weekend to see Matt and Samantha get married!! I am looking forward to it, although I have never had to pack for a baby yet and am nervous I will forget something obvious!



Way to go Dad!!



Cutie Pie



Here is what she thinks about all of the pictures being taken!



Checking out the world



Lounging