1 month check-up

Molly had her one month check up today and Dr. Lamonte is impressed with her head control, eye focus, heart sounds, and not to mention eating ability! Molly weighed 8 lbs 8 oz at birth, 8 lbs 5 oz at 1 week and now 10 lbs 5 oz at one month. You go girl!

Daddy and Molly have been spending evenings together. In addition to a feeding, Daddy also gets Molly into her jammies. As you can see, they make a great team!

Glimpse into Adolescence

When I found out I was pregnant, I eagerly anticipated the break from adolescents that my maternity leave would give me. However, little did I realize that Molly would go through some adolescent-like stages as we noticed the following similarities today:

• sleeping late into the morning (no complaints from Mommy!)
• acne covered cheeks
• bad hair days - enough to cause tears

No matter what the stage, how she looks, or how much (or little) she sleeps; we'll still love her unconditionally!

Sibling Love

Alec and Molly find each other fascinating. Alec is quite smitten with his little sister and is very protective of her. While Molly loves sleeping in her big brother's arms. Now we aren't naive that these feelings will last throughout their lives; we know that they will have their ups and downs. But, for now, its priceless!

1

Some say its the loneliest number but for parents of a newborn it is a joyous, wondrous, fantastic number. What is so special about the number one you ask? The number one is so fabulous when it describes the number of times Molly got up last night to eat! That means, we had 2 bouts of 4 hours of uninterrupted sleep. God bless this child even if this was a fluke, we'll take it, we'll rejoice in it, and we'll be eternally grateful for it!

Below, you will see the shirt that Daddy bought for Molly. If you can't see it clearly, it says "Tax Deduction". Although Molly made it with 11 1/2 hours to spare, we would've been thankful even if she was 11 seconds too late.

Enjoying our Visitors

The snow didn't keep the visitors away as we were graced with lots of family this weekend! On Saturday, Grandma Pat, Grandpa Bob, and cousin Dakota came for Alec's game and then for lunch. Oh, and we can't forget the endless snuggles with Molly. And then on Sunday, Grandma Rita, Aunt Sandy, cousins Jenna, Jessi, & Jason braved the northwest roads to spend the day. Here you can see Molly all dolled up for her company.

Molly & her boys

To say the boys in the Wendel house are smitten with Molly would be an understatement. Right now, Molly thinks this is the best deal as they all jostle to snuggle with her and what girl wouldn't want 3 boys vying for her attention. My guess is, though, that in couple years Molly won't be so excited about all these boys in her business. But, for now, we'll take it!

8.13

No I don't have my seasons confused, nor am I quoting a Bible verse but instead letting you know that Molly Katherine weighed 8 lbs 13 oz at her 2 week check up.

Here are some pictures to enjoy of our ever growing little girl.

Catching one of those random, no reason smiles!Snuggled up after bath time. Mommy and Daddy are still trying to perfect this routine so it takes the both us to get it done!
Molly modeling her handmade booties from one of Mike's co-workers. Can you believe that long, solid baby was stuffed inside my belly just 2 weeks ago?

O - H

I - O!

Molly watched her first Buckeye game with Daddy last night. We did make sure she was far enough away so when Daddy jumped up, fists shaking, or arms flailing, she was in the clear!

Home

If someone asks where your home is, many of us would tell our address or describe the town in which we currently reside. Since Mike and I are 'transplants' to Columbus, we always feel the need to make a disclaimer about home; where we currently live and where we came from.

Since being blessed with Molly and seeing the infinite love that surrounds her, I realized that there is another home that I didn't think of before becoming a mother. That home is in the comfort we feel with those that truly, unconditionally love us. It doesn't matter if we're with them in a physical residence, on the phone, or via the Internet, just having those people who love and care so deeply provides more protection and security than any house you could build.

I must say that Molly, Mike, Alec, and I have one amazing home, and I'm not referring to our house. In the pictures below, you will see Molly with those people who give her the greatest home but don't necessarily live in our house at all times.

Kisses from Grandpa Jack

Mommy's hero; Grandma Rita

Grandma Pat making the trip even though she was sick!

Snuggles from Grandpa Bob

Proud big brother Alec

Good Golly Miss Molly!!!

Molly Katherine Wendel was born 12.31.08 at 12:24pm. She weighed 8lbs, 8 oz and she was 21" long. Both Mom and baby are doing well, resting comfortably as I type this at 11:58pm. We are scheduled to come home Friday, the 2nd around Noon. More details to follow along with more pics! Mike