Daily's first two weeks!

Daily is awesome. She's also healthy and juicy -- two things we wished and hoped for since before we found out we were pregnant.

Daily is one tough baby. Honestly. During her 13 days she's had an IV, at least 15 heel sticks (like a fingerprick for someone with diabetes but from her heel and often for a baby-sized vial of blood) and had to lay on a bright blue light-up blanket. If you had to do a heel stick today she'd hardly cry she's such a pro at them.

But now the low blood sugars and the high bilirubin have worked themselves out and we are home with a fat, happy baby. It's heavenly.

Luckily Daily's summery birthday allows us to leave the house a lot. Daily's been to beer gardens, Amy's Candy Bar, the Gethsemane Flower & Garden Shop, a walk with dad through the cemetery to meet mom at Target, several walks through Winnemac Park and to Binny's Beverage Depot, among other places. Old ladies go after her asking how old she is & exclaiming about how cute she is.

A lot of people say the newborn stage is challenging. And definitely waking up to a hungry baby is rough. And remembering every tiny thing we might need every single time we leave the house is near-impossible. But after worrying and thinking we'd never get here, it's pretty amazing.

Among the amazing support we've received, it's worth mentioning a few awesome things for babies and new parents, should you be wondering about such things...

• All the fuss about Aden & Anias muslin blankets is legit. These blankets are soft, lightweight, truly do get softer when you wash them and are beautiful. We got three 4-packs and have become obsessed in these last two weeks. They work for swaddling D, covering up during breastfeeding and all other things. I also think I could make one into a lovely scarf with some smart folding. For a summer baby who needs to be covered up but not sweaty, these are the bees knees.
• We got some treats from friends from Oak Park Bakery that are divine! Cinnamon raisin bread with a cinnamon-sugar-y coating? Yes please. It's so good that noted raisin-hater B has been scarfing down slices for breakfast. He says the raisins are "not like normal raisins" (?). 
• Mariano's grocery in our neighborhood has also provided us with delicious eats like sandwiches, salads, and other pre-made yumminess. Thanks new groc and friends who stop there!
• Our incredible stroller has let us take D on walks almost every single day. It's easy to open, holds her in place safely and lets her look out at the world as we truck around. We got a stuff-holder for the stroller so we're even more mobile now. We love our techno-buggy.
• Most importantly, we have amazing friends & family who have showered us with visits, food, help, entertainment and love since our lives were turned upside down by this little chunker. We are blessed.

Look! We found a baby in a basket!