Happy Birthday Henry!

Henry is already one week old today and I can't believe how fast time is going by. I knew once we got home from the hospital everything would begin to happen at a much faster pace...but I really had no idea just how fast that pace would be. G and I are totally in love, we can't stop staring at the tiny little person we have created together.

The hardest part about being a new mom has been figuring out how to breast feed our little bear. He was quickly losing weight the first few days after he was born, dropping from eight pounds even to six pounds, thirteen ounces. I felt completely responsible for his weight loss and was quickly overwhelmed with thoughts like, "I'm not feeding him correctly" and "breast feeding isn't working, we're going to have to give him formula" and "I just can't do this anymore". About three days after delivery, my milk finally decided to come in and since things have been so much easier. Baby H eats like a champ now, quite frequently and for large amounts of time. He had a weight check appointment yesterday and he now weighs seven pounds, four ounces! Since his weight gain I have been much more at ease with everything and actually look forward to feeding him every time.

G is such an amazing daddy and loves just cuddling and singing with H. One of my most favorite things lately is watching the two of them just stare at each other, G looking down and H looking up with his big blue eyes. He recognizes G's voice and finds comfort in sucking on his finger. G has been playing, "Henry the VIII" by Herman's Hermits on guitar for Henry and while he's singing baby just stares and listens.

My mom and sister Karli have been staying with us since Saturday, which has been a real treat. I can't even imagine trying to figure out this new baby thing all by myself during these first few weeks. My mom has been cooking us wonderful meals and watching the baby in between feedings so that I can get some rest. Yesterday we went to Target for comfortable clothes and groceries and okay, maybe a little bit to show off the baby too. It was the first time I have been able to leave the house for something other than doctor appointments and it felt so good (and a bit strange) to be out amongst people and sunlight.

I should be able to start writing again, I'm getting pretty good at cuddling baby and typing at the same time. It's the lack of sleep that mostly keeps me from posting lately though. My schedule is now totally determined by baby H's nap/feeding schedule and when he's sleeping I have to decide whether I want to use my free time to (a) take a shower (b) take a nap or (c) eat something. It has only been recently (like, today) that I've felt like I can afford to add a " (d) activity other than the boring ones listed above" option.

Bunz the cat has got to be relieved that she is no longer the only victim of my picture taking obsession. Here are some photos of little bear, all from his very busy first week of life.

Snoozing with Auntie Karli

Getting ready for his doctor's appointment.

Getting naked at the doctors.

SEVEN pounds, FOUR ounces. YAY!

So glad I stuck with nursing...I'm in love with this little face staring up at me.

My new little family.
Sucking dad's finger.

We nap when ever we can now.

He just naps all the time.