crying or nor, she's BEAUTIFUL. When she cries, take yesterday's beautiful picture and tape it over the crib....then you'll know why you're spending sleepless nights and might cry a little less yourself. Sleep isn't everything.

again, she's beautiful!

Looks like her lungs are working fine ...

Congrats on your beautiful little girl! It may be like this for a little bit because she's so new but it get's easier. I know your post wasn't a "how do I make it easier" but I'll post something that helped me during the early days (stop me if you've heard this one before) - place her on your chest right over your heart so she can hear that comforting sound she's been so accustomed to in the womb and hopefully she'll fall asleep to it. Here's to easier nights!

lungs work just fine, and I am sure her "singing" is music to your ears.
here is to sleeping tight :)

She's a beauty! Congratulations!
At present, you are likely open to parenting advice.... but the time will come when you won't want it. When that time comes simply say, "Thank you. My husband and I will take that into consideraton." It quiets them quicker than a nipple can quiet a nursing infant. Which by the way is my best advice for the present. Just nurse her. She won't be little forever.
LOL, Carol

oh how I remember those nights!! Accept any and all help that those close to you offer!! Hoping night two is better!!

Well, here's hoping that she is sleeping when you are trying to during the day! I miss the sleepless nights....well sort of. I can long nogestically at them, my baby is 10!

Ugh, I am a dork, I meant to nostalgically. Really I am educated and can spell.

Good to see you're maintaining a sense of humor! Hang in there. It is so tough sometimes, but it does get easier. Then they become teenagers.:)

She looks like she's saying, "Haaaaaaaay!"

Just a little party girl, lookin' to make a party wherever she is. I'm imagining her idea of a party is some milk. Good times. And good luck.

try and play some of this music from my firstborn to her - it seems to calm all sorts of beasts (and I mean ALL SORTS!)http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=7635130&MyToken=7b710cf9-8954-4af7-bee2-79b878c852c5

I love how her little hands are thrown up in the air, like "oh lawdy, I just don't know what to do!!!!".

Aw! So adorable. I love her pretty little fingernails in the other picture. So happy for you!!!!

Ugh, welcome to Mommyhood! I agree with the previous poster, nurse her, boobs fix everything! ;) I promise, it gets easier!!!

She is adorable. It is times like those that I imagine Andrew's little voice in his head sounding like Stewie's from the Family Guy. ("Damn it mother, why don't you know what I want" for example.) Welcome to the mommy club! Hope you all get some sleep!

Heck, she looks ready for Knit Night - here is the plus to taking her... lots of arms to hold her, maybe you can start scheduling it at your house and take a catnap while they are there ;-)

She is truly gorgeous!

Enjoy!

Looks like she's got some good lungs!
Make sure you sneek in some sleep at every opportunity!
She's adorable!

I'm 32 and I still look like that some nights (and days!). I hope you get a nap sometime between now and 2040! HA! ;)

We're at 8 months and some times we still get that face (it's quite amazing how much wind up she can go for sometimes). We did a lot of walking when Z was in her "fourth trimester". And the other posters are right... nursing is almost always the answer.

The older Ms. Z gets, the more I remind myself, hold her while you can, even if she is unhappy. We're still nursing, and though sometimes it makes me crazy, I know I'll miss it a little bit when I don't get to hold her as close like that anymore.

Your sweet Meli is beautiful even when she's expressing herself. I hope it goes better tonight!

She's SO CUTE. I can't stand it. Martin & I were just reminiscing about those nights, which Sebastian mostly spent in his car seat on top of the dishwasher (it put him to sleep).

Enjoy! She's a lovely girl.

I've always warned my friends, if you can survive the first six weeks, you can survive ANYTHING! =P~ Best of luck! And CONGRATS on beautiful baby Meli!

I remember our first night home from the hospital, pretty intense! I hope things get better for you! (if you think you're tired now.....)

I'll tell you what,,,, if by chance your having a bad day,, and dont want to hear crying,,, I will trade you for my 15 yo son any day. Trust me, no matter what,,, crying is a good thing!

Just get sleep/naps when you can and make use of everyone that is willing to help you out. And of course enjoy your daughter!

I see it's already been said, but it's worth repeating: You think you're tired now...
It's bizarre how quickly you'll adapt to adapt to it though. And then once they DO sleep longer, you're already used to waking up all the time.

I have to say though, you're little darling in that photo? It might be crying, but it's a pretty happy looking picture!

Oh what a sweet darling. So little. Mine turned 5 months on Friday. I can't believe how fast it went. Those sleepless nights will so soon be over, and she will be bigger and you will miss your tiny girl. In the mean time, you know what to do.

Hi! She is so adorable - it just makes me want another one - I can say that safely because I am too old for more (I have four, ages 17 to 8). You can always sleep later!

Take care of yourself too!

Here they say, it is only a phase. Or, everything will become better ;)

Hang on there you got a cute baby. And if an advice, yes the boops do most of the time the trick. If that did not work I was dancing to loud music with my daughter (Moby did it)

All my best wishes, take every help you can get, sleep as often as you can, especially when she is.

Sibylle

Is that a handknit baby-blanket in the photo? If so, what pattern/yarn?

I remember those nights. Yes they eventually get better and someday you will sleep again...

She is beautiful, congrats again!

Awww, that just makes me wanna pick her up and give her a snuggle. I hope all of you can get more rest.

When babies are so young, they really feel more secure when they are bundled up the hospital way (arms inside the security blanket)when they feel fussy and unsettled.Try it every little trick helps!
It worked with both my babies.

Aww!! That poor little girl wants to be back in mama's belly, where it's warm and snuggly, and she doesn't have to do anything but roll around every once in a while. Life's too hard on the outside!! Give her lots of snuggles, hand her off when you need to, and cherish it the best you can!

Welcome to the world of zombies ;-) Even crying, she's adorable.

She doesn't even look new born. Thank goodness for your nieces and nephews...you've had lots of practice! Sleep when you can!! XOXO

aww, what a picture! those little, plaintive newborn cries always tug at my heart strings...no matter whose baby it is. looks like she's keeping you busy -- in a good way :)

She is beautiful, congratulations!

Somebody here said it's going to get easier, well my daughter is 17 now and it's not getting easier :).

She's gorgeous! It'll get easier...or so I'm told! My daughter will be 21 this year!
You'll now be known as "Zombie-Mommie"!!

I'm loving these little updates! Thanks for keeping us all in the loop. I would presume that most new mommies are shocked by the tiredness. But don't worry! You'll eventually get more sleep. And enjoy this time with your new one. My sister-in-law calls it the baby-moon time (she should know, she's got 5!), when although they might keep you up and make you wonder what you've gotten yourself into, it's really a magical time.

Welcome to parenthood!! Sometimes walking or rocking helps...when they are in the "overload" zone nothing helps! Good luck and keep telling yourself it is all worth it!!!

Way to go, baby Meli! You let your mommy and daddy know who is the boss around here. And you get to exercise your lungs.

She's so cute.

When she sleeps, you nap.

i was hoping we would get a crying picture!
good luck.

Oh, congratulations to all of you and best of luck. I remember those days, hazily. If you haven't already, get a copy of Happiest Baby on the Block and Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child. Swaddling is amazing, despite what Dr. Sears says about babies wanting their arms free. And Dr. Karp's five S's (the first being swaddling) were a lifesaver for this mommy and my colicky baby girl. As you seem to know already, they're totally worth it :)

Hoping she takes to sleeping thru part of the night very quickly.

Oh, hee. Yes, welcome to the seven levels of exhaustion. But like those credit card commercials: it's priceless. Enjoy every minute.

SO cute even when she's MAD!

At first glance at the picture, she looks like she exclaiming her happiness in a big way! I HIGHLY recommend Dr Harvey Karp's "The Happiest Baby on the Block". It is awesome, totally opposite of crap like Babywise and Ferber; it's based on anthropology. There's 5 techniques in the book; they are simple and logical and WORK wonders! :) She's beautiful!

baby toes... baby toes... want to see... baby toes;)

Zombie Mom, been there.... survived it.... sleep when you can. she's just beautiful....

Feed her.

Wrap her up.

Feed her.

Cuddle her.

Feed her.

There's few other options that work in the early days. Though I did find a recording of my vacumn cleaner quite effective!

Welcome to the other side..........the sisterhood of mothers!!

Meli is wonderful!!!! Congratulations on the birth of your daughter.

Try swaddling. Tighter than you think is best. Seriously. Best of luck and congratulations!

What a beautiful baby. I remember one particularly trying day/night when my baby was just NOT settling down for love nor money. I was CONVINCED that I would have a screaming/crying/unhappy baby for.the.rest.of.my.life!!! That was about 27 years ago. She's now graduated from college, married, working at a fulfilling job, and planning a baby of her own!

She is adorable!! I remember those days (and nights) quite well. Nursing will help. Walking will help. Going into the bathroom alone will help. My husband used to ask me why the baby was screaming like that. And my answer was that I had been a mother as long as he had been a father...how the hell should I know?! Meanwhile, the "baby" is turning 15 and many days I wish I could go back to the ones you are living now. It's all good!

Sounds like you guys are going great! If there is one bit of wisdom to offer, it's this. The more relaxed you can be, the more relaxed she will be. And believe, I know that can be VERY hard to do. Also, the Baby Whisperer book, in addition to several others mentioned, had some excellent advice on "scheduling" for infants. Not trying to impose a schedule on them, but responding to their natural rhythms and cycles. Best of luck to you, Meli and Georgie!

Nice healthy lungs, huh? Even when screaming, she's a beauty.

I remember those days and it does get easier. I remember going through the checklist trying to think of what would make my son or daughter cry:
1. is she hungry?
2. is she too full?
3. Diaper problems?
4. Too hot or too cold?
5. Just need to be held and walked?

Lots of times it was #5.

Now my daughter is 16 years old and the list is different:

1. Is she overtired ?
2. Is she upset because I won't spend $3700 to send her to Italy & Greece with her Latin class?
3. Is her brother picking on her?
4. Does she have the flu?
5. Did she act this way 28 days ago?
Now it is mostly #1.

Sleep when she sleeps. Remember her beauty is to distract you from the fact that you are exhausted. This goes on for many years - though when she's a teen you're not sleeping because you're worried about her!

Soon she'll learn to smile and charm you!

She is beautiful! My youngest just turned 40 but I do remember one thing. When the baby sleeps, you sleep too. Everything else can wait.

Sleep when you can and let everything else go. It's rough and exhilarating at the same time.

Meli is beautiful, even screaming.

Hi Cara, just wondering if this will help with the screamings - let her hear the sounds of a running tap water, it apparently soothes the baby =)

Screw housekeeping, etc. Just sleep when Meli sleeps and eat right after she does. It will all work out.

Good luck!

She kinda looks like she's singing - can someone give me a Hallelujah?

Pretty baby, tired mom. Perfect! Everything is going according to the Big Plan.

The first couple of months are tough(no sleep wise) but enjoy every second of Meli's babyhood; it goes by so fast.

At least she still has her newborn cry(it always reminded me of a little bird); wait until the volume kicks in ;)

Hugs (and maybe a couple of hours of uninterrupted sleep) to all of you :)

food is key, wrap her like a burritto and get all her burps out. I cant wait for mine! and my nephew. major infant envy going on over here. i keep looking at your pictures and showing them to my husband. thanks for taking the time to share. we all love it.

Oh, she's darling! I know from whence you speak about that kind of tired. I used to describe it as getting hit in the back of the head with a brick several times a day. The good news is that this phase will likely not last too long.

There's an old saying in Yiddish that my dad is fond of quoting: The little ones don't let you sleep, but the big ones don't let you live."

Congrats on getting your daughter home. She's spectacular.

I don't happen to agree with that sentiment (at least not yet), but it always makes me chuckle when my dad pulls it out.

My god, she's even cute when she's upset.

Good luck with the nights, and don't hesitate to let us know if you want suggestions!

Heh heh heh. THIS is why God made me a grandmother, that I may sit back and smile while others suffer, having done my time in spades. Mwahahahahaa!

With all the other great pats on the back, all's I can say is good luck, take catnaps whenever you can, swaddle her nice and tight and keep her close. What works for one mother, is what works for her. What works for you, you will find out. For some it is swaddling, for others it is running water, for others a car seat on the dryer with wet towels. There is always a plethora of advise, but you will find what works for you. Good luck, and may sleep come eventually.

Awe. I hope you are doing good!!

Congratulations Cara!
I wish you all the best!

She's cute even when she's crying!! :) After three kids, I can tell you it will get better. Usually it takes 4-6 wks for you all to get used to each other and for baby to figure out day vs night and sleep for longer stretches at night. Sleep when you can and good luck!!

Hey, that was my night too! Possibly with less crying, but no sleep nonetheless. Upset tummies will do that to a two month old. It's good to know we're not alone in our ventures. Hopefully you'll be able to rest some during the day. Good luck!

The last several months of getting up at night to pee were just break in for this part. But, this too shall pass. And, the first night it does, you will panic in the morning.

By the way, tea bags and bag balm are your friend. Use them well.

That pretty much sums up the first months with baby: There's tired and then there's tired. No one can prepare you for it, you can only understand if you've done it. There will be better and worse days, and eventually, it will get better better.

It does get better. The first night is the worst! I remember the first night home with my daughter and she was crying and I was crying (you know, the hormones!) and my husband was sitting there in the dark at 3am and all of a sudden her turned to me and said "I can't get anyone to stop crying!"

You will learn all new shades of tired--but it is loads of fun.

Oh, yes. We still talk about that first night. It'll get better.

Hang in there. You really do get used to the tired.

If you need someone to call at 4 AM, we're probably awake too!!! Much love!

Yep, that's pretty much par for the course there. It won't last too long once you both figure each other out (I promise.) :)

Word of warning: when I was a first time Mommy about 3 kids and 13 years ago, I made the mistake of drinking REAL lemonade (not the powdered crap) while I was nursing my oldest son. Talk about a harrowing night! He cried and nursed me dry, then cried some more. We knew he was in pain, because of the type of cry. I was in tears and DH didn't know what to do except pat his back. Then the baby passed gas and DH said, "I smell lemons." Yep, the lemonade made my milk too acidic and was tearing the little guy up! Needless to say we all slept better once I went cold turkey on the lemonade. :)

Mostly your comment that you're having a blast just warmed my heart. She's a beautiful girl and her mommy loves her that much! Oh, life is good.

at least you aren't vomiting.

Is it terrible that I think that's an adorable picture? It's pretty obvious I don't have kids...but I hear it only gets better:) Imagine the day when she picks up your knitting needles and dances around the house with them!

Oh too funny - but soon it won't be funny when you're exhausted. She is so worth it!

Congratulations! She's beautiful.

This photo made me laugh (with you) because I remember those days. Those tired days. They pass by all too quickly, which is both a good thing and a bad thing depending on the way you look at it...

Again, congrats!

OMG! She's the prettiest! Even wailing.

My baby is 9 months old now, and even though it's nice to get a lot more sleep now, I miss that tiny little nugget he was when he was so new and teeny tiny. He's still super cuddly though, and I still get high off his milk breath several times a day. And though I know it must happen, I don't know how I'll cope when his milk breath is gone.

What a great picture! Brought back nice memories, glad you have a sense of humor, it really helps! Warm wishes and thoughts heading your way. Congratulations!

She's all like, "Well, I never!" I love a baby's total abandon to the feeling of the moment.

Best baby picture ever. I want you to have the best of baby everything...I'm so glad you're a momma!!!!

She's just very smart - she's setting the bar now for the time and attention she expects from you guys. Because really, you're rookies, she has to train you. (PS - Meli, now that you have set the tone, you might want to give them a little break.)

Mel makes a great point....sometimes it helps to keep a food diary for awhile and keep notes on what foods end up causing distress.....my daughter hated when I had brocolli!

yeah, you'll have plenty of those nights. definitely swaddle. we use the miracle blanket www.miracleblanket.com and were able to get better prices on ebay. do it snugly, make a baby burrito out of her. She'll LOVE it.

best of luck!

Oh, Girl. Hang in there! Call me, email me if you need to! Thinking sleepy thoughts to you! xoxoxo

awww!! LOL. SO CUTE! good luck, Momma!

Congratulations! She is beautiful!!!! I haven't been on to read blogs in months and thought I'd better check in to see how you were doing and there she was. How sweet she is. Enjoy.
Sheri in GA

OMG - after stalking your blog for weeks to make sure I didn't miss the big event! I DID miss the big event.

Congratulations to both you and Georgie. And what an absolutely gorgeous name. xx

This sweet new baby looks so much like her mommy!

Lucky girls, the both of you! Even with crying, you are in this magical place together that will pass so quickly, so just nap every chance you get...Congrats!!

Oh my God! She is incredible! I LOVE her!

Look at that face! So cute, even screaming! Oh the screaming...it gets better, I swear! Even at 8 months, it's easier for our munchkin to communicate with us.

This photo cracks me up (and scares the hell out of me!), especially in comparison to the previous, angelic one!

Congratulations to you and your lovely family!!!!!

Please don't make me look at that unhappy face any longer. I'm hoping Night 2, Night 3 etc is going a little better. Please say it is so.

Aaaaah.....still TOO CUTE! A belated congradulations.
Jenny in Jersey

Sleep deprivation is the absolute hardest part of becoming a parent (at least in the first few months). Sleep when she sleeps - it's the only way to survive.

I also support the swaddling/wrap-em-like-a-burrito theory. Swore by it - Jackson spent the first few weeks of life outside of me literally wrapped like he was in a straight jacket. Anything less and things got loud and ugly REALLY fast.

Crying or not - she's gorgeous. Congrats to you all and enjoy!!

I just gave birth to my first baby, a boy, on March 1. I have never known such exhaustion! I too had a c-section and I think it makes it that much harder when you're trying to recover from surgery. It helps when you have a really great husband to help you out, which I do and sounds like you do to. I wouldn't trade my little guy for all the sleep in the world, bet you feel the same about your precious baby girl. Congrats and good luck!

Congratualtions! she is beautiful and it is all worth it!!

I make a policy of never giving my opinion on the Birth .... I had a scheduled C- Section and it saved out lives.I would never want to scare a mom to be! I heard all those stories too! I'll give you details if you want LOL Long story short ... it was /is Worth it! I have a healthy 10 year old daughter that keeps me frustrated and laughing every day!

Take care !! lesley

Awesome picture! Blow it up to poster size and save it for her high school graduation party, which is going to happen so soon you won't believe it. Priceless!

My goodness! Your computer dies for a while and people up and have lovely little babies! Congratulations on your beautiful daughter.

doing better? I keep stopping by, hope so. The docs won't tell you this, but it's okay for the babies to sleep in their carseats at night. Mine preferred it, at least until they learned to roll over and needed to try it out at night. Swaddling like a burrito and plunking them into the carseat could get us 4-5 hours after the first week or so -- a miracle.
ps. both are old enough to walk, talk, and give me their firm opinions about what sheets are on their beds and neither have hunched backs, so no damage so far.

BIG CONGRATS!!
She's a little Beauty!
HAPPY DAZE ;)

My sister had her boy on the 18th. She keeps him in their very noisy living room and he just sleeps through all the hubbub. He is bottle fed and they seem to stay fuller and sleep a little longer than nursed babies.
I hope that Meli's acclimation to life on the outside is going well.
There are always bumps in the road. I read on parent dish once that all you have to do with babies is love them, feed them and keep them warm. everything else is just sprinkles. (or jimmies if you're from MA)