Little Man's First Week

To begin with, I want to personally thank everyone who has reached out to congratulate my little family on our newest arrival, Graham. I have missed the little blogging community and have been thankful for some wonderful ladies to help guest post while I take the time to be away and get back to "normal," whatever normal might be. We did just enter a whole new world of firsts after all.

I also wanted to give an update as to what to expect the next couple of weeks on the blog. Lots of scheduled posts to come. A large January giveaway next week. Birth stories part I, II, and III {I know, you are saying "Are you serious".... I didn't want to miss out on any detail}, starting on Monday.

Tomorrow I have my son's first letter scheduled that I had written a couple weeks before his arrival but was not scheduled for later. And although he is already here, I would like to have it posted.

Friday, I have the "In My hospital Bag" post as promised. Again, this was also scheduled, and I am thankful I was able to put this post together before the arrival of our little blessing.

Posts on; life with two. 2012 in review. 2013 goals, Christmas re-cap, the difference between the two deliveries, and more to come!

But for now, I would like to update this little space of mine on our first week as a family of four. All of Graham's happenings. How everyone is doing. And every little detail that I want to always remember.

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Baby Graham,

This week has been quite the week for us all. We welcomed you into this world last Wednesday, and today we celebrate your first week of life. We survived! Or really, you survived us, the crazy little family that you are now a part of. Sorry bud, no going back now. 

On your first day of life, we discovered and confirmed per x-ray that you had a broken clavicle from birth. My child broke a bone before he was even born! Or rather, when you were born. They say that it happens often with babies coming through the birth canal, even though my delivery was uncomplicated and you came out with 3 pushes. Needless to say, our hearts broke. The first 24 hours were not noticeable, as you were a champ about it, but it was soon evident that you were in pain and it was our duty to be as gentle as possible, wrap that arm tight to your side, and give you the utmost amount of love that we possibly could. "It's okay buddy, it will be okay!" The doctor said that you shouldn't feel pain after a few days and that it will heal on its own within 1-2 weeks. After about 4 days, we definitely saw an improvement. I think I finally learned how to breath again.

In your first week of life, we started to discover how different life with a baby boy is compared to a baby girl. Quite different. How so exactly? Well well well. Your papa and I were changing your shirt every time we would change your diaper. This continued on for about 10 outfit changes until your papa finally wised up and turned to google, our doctor of choice. Google said that we weren't putting on your diaper right. That we were supposed to fold it inside. And what do you know? It worked. 

Moving along, this reminds me of the amount of times that we have already been peed on. Our furniture been peed on. The amount of blankets that have been peed on. The faces that have been peed on. I never realized such a small little thing could shoot so far. And for this I apologize my son. For talking about your pee-pee ways. :)

In your first week, you have established many little nick-names around here. Things like; "Baby Graham," "Mr," "Little guy," "Little man," "Baby boy," "Sweet Cheeks," And many more. Of course anytime we say them, your big sister chimes in to repeat after is. Not going to lie, it's much sweeter coming out of her mouth than it is ours.

Speaking of big sister. How is she doing? Absolutely amazing. Little guy, I choke up every time I talk about her, as I am now. But I have to say... you are quite blessed little man to have such a wonderful big sister. I knew all along during my pregnancy that she would be wonderful, but she has far exceeded any of my dreams and desires for when we came home with you. She is so gentle. So loving. So caring. She touches you softly. She gives you ten million kisses a day. When you cry? She says "Don't cwy baby gam.. don't cwy." I get teary eyed just seeing it. I know that she will continue to take care of you as you two grow. I know that you will light up at the sight of her as you become more and more alert. I just know that you two will share a very special bond. 

And now let's talk about your papa. I have to say that I am so surprised how different he is this time around. He has always been amazing with your baby sister, but there's just something extra special with you. Perhaps its the fact that it's been two years. Perhaps it's the fact that it's the second time around. Regardless, he is so enamored with you, so in love, so in love with you already. I asked your papa about this the other day... how it was different this time around? His response? "I love him so much already because I know what he will grow up into. I know what's ahead. And I'm excited." And for that, I am reminded of how wonderful this man is that I chose to spend the rest of my life with. For this, I am reminded of how much my love grows for him each and every day. And for this, I know that you will be an amazing man when you grow up one day, because he is your father.

Am I getting too emotional on you son?

Let's switch gears. Let's talk about your feeding. 

We are breastfeeding, and you have been a champ since day one. Knock on wood that we have a smooth journey as your sister and I did. You eat about every 2-3 hours, but can go 4 hours if I let you. This is all new territory for me, as your sister would never go longer than 2 hours in between feedings. You must be doing lots of growing there bud.

Speaking of growing, we had your weight check on Monday and you were 7 lbs 8 oz. Just 3 ounces away from your birth weight! Great job!

Sleeping. Bless you son, you have been an angel from above. Again, unlike your sister, you actually like to sleep for longer than 1 hour at a time. It's absolutely amazing and I am soaking it all in, as I know that this is bound to change at some point.

Before I forget, little details like;  God bless the swing inventor. You love that thing. As does mama and papa. You have the loudest shriek of a cry... and you don't stop until you are satisfied.

Who do you look like? I'm not sure. Most everyone says Andrew. I agree. But I also think you may look like your big sister when she was a baby. It's going to be so interesting to watch and see as you grow. I think you will be a little version of your papa.

Your color eyes? Blue right now. But we all know that may change up to 9 months.

I cannot wait to share your birth story and all the other milestones as you grow. I know that you won't be interested in all this little details when you grow up, but I know one day my words will have meaning to you and I will sit you down and tell you about all the wonderful memories that you have blessed us with your little precious life. I also know that your wife will one day appreciate this as well. Did I just say wife?! Let's not go there yet. I don't think I'll ever be ready for that day.

Thank you little man for being absolutely amazing, calm, and the perfect addition to our family. We have enjoyed this past week and looking forward to watching you grow and your personality unfold.