Charlotte’s second month has been full of so much growth and so much love.

First, the physical growth has been extraordinary. Our tiny baby has surpassed 10 pounds and is hungry all the time! It turns out it take a lot of fuel to make it through your second month thriving. Charlotte’s latching and feeding has gotten easier and more natural every day.

Together, we’ve graduated from football holds to cross-cradle eating, a couple of discreet car feedings, and even a few times while baby wearing. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to breastfeed my baby, because not only is it a special bonding opportunity, it feels like the first cooperative endeavor I get to enjoy with my daughter. Every new learning experience has felt like something we’ve shared.

On the other hand, she has shared so much time, bonding, and snuggles with her daddy. I’m forever grateful for plenty of parental leave for both of us this year. I keep picturing these first couple of bleary-eyed sleepless months without Keith by my side, and I can’t imagine I’d be doing as well as I am.

My girl is taking in the world more and more each day, delighting us with her curiosity and delight. It feels like watching her slowly wake up as she grows.

And how she has grown! It seems she’s changed constantly from day to day. Almost like I can see it in real time. Her newborn blues darkening, her cheeks growing plump, even her hair falling out but filling out just as quickly again. She’s outgrown her newborn clothes and is firmly in her 0-3 month wardrobe. Of course I couldn’t stand to part with so many of the pieces.

We saw PEAK fussiness at about 6 weeks, right on schedule and very typical of a lot of new little ones. We’re going through a list of trouble shooting changes, and we can’t quite decide if they’re helping, or if being nearly 9 weeks old is just a bit easier than being 3-6 weeks old. But we do know her little body and brain alike are going through so many changes, we might be exhausted and weepy, too.

Because through all that growth, a true, social smile has emerged. A little lightning strike of joy in the midst of some of the most bleary-eyed newborn days.

My sweet baby spends her days grinning more and more. She adores hearing a sing-songy voice, seeing our faces in the morning, and hearing happy tunes. She is looking more at our eyes and our mouths, and it’s so sweet to see true joy across her face.

She continues to be the most beloved center of adoration and fascination for all of us.

I’ve begun to face some anxiety and grief about returning to work and leaving my baby in the hands of women I don’t yet know. I can’t imagine being away from her for longer than a few hours at a time, and I’d prefer to stay by her side for her entire childhood. But I have to remember my work is for her best as well as my own. I’m also telling myself that day isn’t here yet, and that I can enjoy these days in the meantime.

And as she reaches two months old today, it’s impossible already to imagine life without my girl. I for one can’t wait to see what her third month has in store.