The Adventures of the Matlocks: March 2009

4 months have passed since Kayden was born. Wow, does time fly or what! She all of a sudden has become a world traveler, been able to grasp things, grab my hair and necklace (fun times), play on the floor by herself for extended periods of time, nap almost regularly, "stand" when being held and smile even more. And in my humble, non biased opinion, she just gets cuter and cuter.

We saw the doctor yesterday, and drumroll please, she has gained 5 pounds in 6 weeks. weighing in at the grand total of 12 lb 4oz. The doctor was really impressed with her growth, saying she looked good. She even rolled over for him. It is crazy to me that we also got the go ahead for rice cereal and beyond. Yipes, it's that time already! Am I mentally prepared for "real" food? We will soon find out!

6 flights. 3 time zones. Numerous visits to friends and family. Amazing.

Kayden and I spent the last 3 weeks treking across the ocean to CT, NY, CA, and ID. We were two busy ladies! I was a bit apprehensive traveling alone with a baby, but Kayden was a rockstar, adapting easily to our new settings and time zones. She has saved her breakdowns for being home in France- please sleep through the night!

Being back in the States was the breath of fresh air that I needed to survive the rest of the winter. At first I was completely overwhelmed with everyone speaking English and actually being friendly! What a treat! The stores had me wide eyed and trying to absorb the sights and smells of the mall and Super Target. Got to love the American need for excess! Oh how I miss it already.

We were lucky to spend time with both sets of grandparents, all enamoured with Kayden. It was so fun to see them interact with her and help out with diaper changes, feedings, along with some babysitting so I could have free time. Yeah! My parents and Shane's both agreed that I could just leave Kayden at their homes and return to France alone. Dont think Shane would have

approved of me showing up without his baby girl! Shane's grandma did not know we were coming, so we surprised her with a knock on the door and just walked into the living room. She was speechless, just staring at us. Later, she said she thought she was imaginging things!

My brother let us spend the night at his bachelor pad. So, it became a remake of "3 Men and a Baby". Kayden is lucky to have such an adoring uncle!

For 2 days, Ber had 4 of us with babies in tow invade her home, creating what felt like a church nursery. It was a blast and madness all at the same time with 5 babies ranging from 3 months to 8 months. Of c

ourse, they all broke down right when the lasagna came out of the oven! I feel so blessed to have incredible friends to share the adventures of mommyhood. On this trip, Kayden and I met 8 new babies and saw 4 baby bumps! Tis the season for babies!

Thanks to everyone who made the time to hang out and let me crash at their homes. I loved seeing each and every one of you. Kayden was so excited to meet all of her mommy's friends as well! I miss you all and look forward to the next time we can be together. God has truly blessed me by putting absolutely amazing friends and family in my life who I can laugh with, share my hopes and fears and just be myself.