Nathan- weeks 1 & 2

I can't believe that Nathan has been in the world for two whole weeks now. It has flown by...which actually makes me a little sad since I know I will never get these moments back.

We are so fortunate that Nathan has a very laid back, sweet, easy going personality. He very rarely has bad fussy times, or even bad days. (I hope I'm not jinxing myself ) He eats every 3- 4 hours, and sleeps like a champ at night. We feed him twice a night, and he goes right back to sleep. I really can't complain about my average 5 hours of sleep per night...if I'm lucky, maybe 6. He loves to be snuggled, especially laying on daddy's chest. He loves to be warm, and swaddled, and he loves it when mommy sings to him. When he is fussy, I sing "Jesus Loves Me" and it calms him right down. He also really loves his paci. He does NOT like being cold, naked, or being changed. Other than that, he is a happy camper. He still sleeps quite a bit during the day, but I have noticed his wakeful times are increasing. I love to see his big baby blue eyes.

Nathan was born at 7lb 14oz. At his first doctor visit, he was down to 7lb 5oz. At his second week visit, he was back up to 7lb 12oz. He seems to be growing and gaining right on track.

 As for me, I am still recovering from surgery. My body still hurts like crazy at the end of the day. I am trying to figure out how to manage two kids, and I am still learning. However, I know that I am my own worst enemy sometimes. I stress over things that need to get done, and my type A personality can get a bit out of control sometimes. Letting things go is just hard for me. So, I do my best to manage the housework, and everything that comes into play with a newborn and four year old. Most days haven't been bad, but evenings can be hectic and sometimes down right insane. I have certainly had many moments of tears- but what mom doesn't? I honestly do great in the morning and until about 5 in the afternoon. Late afternoon and evening my tiredness takes over and I start to slowly loose my mind. :) Right now, that is not the best time of day for me.

To sum it all up, I feel like the last two weeks have been mostly good, with a lot of learning and adapting. Ethan is also adapting to his new role of being a big brother, and I know it is hard for him sometimes too.

Next week is my first week completely alone with both kids. Ethan also is on spring break from preschool next week...pray for me. :)

Enjoy these photos of our first two weeks home!

First moments home

First bottle at home

First doctor visit

Sweet baby blues!

Big brother snuggles

Today at two weeks old

Nathan James- Birth Story

Last Thursday, March 10th at 8:17am, we welcomed Nathan James to the world. Weighing in at a  whopping 7lb 14oz, and 21.5 inches long- he was a perfect bundle of perfection.

Most of you know that I had a planned C- section (with my favorite doctor) since my delivery with Ethan was very scary, and quite traumatic. I was really nervous about the surgery itself, since I remembered my last C-section being awful...throwing up, major drops in blood pressure, a lot of discomfort, and then of course the major blood hemorrhage. Overall, Ethan's birth experience was terrible, even though I still loved him just the same.

This C- section was totally different. The surgery went perfectly. I never felt nauseated, never threw up, didn't have any drops in blood pressure, and was able to actually enjoy the birth of my child. I will never forget the sound of Nathan crying when she pulled him out. I cannot explain to you how I felt during that moment. It was the most beautiful sound I think I've ever heard. I did not get to hear that with Ethan either, so it was a real treat. Then, they brought him around to show me my sweet baby. I could not believe how big he was, and how long! They took him back to a little room where they weighed him, and cleaned him up. When they came back in to the OR, they laid him on my chest for a few snuggles before they made their way to recovery.

Since my surgery was the first of the day, recovery was nice and quiet, with lots of attention. Nathan and I enjoyed skin to skin time (which was my favorite part) while they monitored me for a while.

Once we were in a room, things seemed to be smooth sailing from there. I could not wait for Ethan to come that afternoon to meet his brother. Once he got there, he was so excited, and did really well. I was really proud of him!

We settled into a routine quickly with feedings, and cuddles. I was up walking around the next day as much as I could tolerate. By day 2 and 3, I was walking around much more. I have healed much faster with this delivery, and feel like I had less pain overall.

Nathan has brought me so much joy. He is such a good baby, so sweet, and so laid back. We have bonded so well, and my heart just overflows with happiness.

I am so thankful for a healthy baby- I don't think I can thank God enough for this blessing he has given me. I could not have asked for a more smooth and perfect delivery, recovery, and transition.

Welcome to the world sweet boy.

The Nursery

Well, the time has narrowed down to days. Nathan will be here no later than Thursday morning when I have my scheduled C-section...or sooner would be fine too. :)

We have checked everything off the to-do list, packed bags, and of course finished the nursery. I am so thrilled with the way it turned out. It looks great. I find myself wandering in there several times a week, checking and re-checking just to make sure everything is "just right".

So here is the finished product-

We used the bedding from Pottery Barn called Madras. Big thanks to my mother in law Lynn, and my mom for buying this for us!

Of course the nursery wouldn't be complete with out something made from my dads workshop. I am disappointed the picture is dark, but he made that beautiful, adorable wooden rocking horse.

I have nested, nested some more, and then nested when I didn't even think there was anything left to nest. We have been busy, and Evan has been gracious to follow suit in my home "projects".  :)

This has been a long process, and a long journey, especially following a miscarriage. It doesn't seem like this day is really coming. My emotions are running high. I feel so blessed, but yet so scared and anxious at the same time. A lot will be happening in the next week, and I am trying my best to stay grounded and mindful that everything will fall into place. So, if you don't mind, say a little prayer for me, and my family as we take this journey of adding another beautiful addition to our family.

We are ready for you, Nathan James!