Joey's First Two Weeks

Joey's first week seems so far away now - and it has only been six weeks.  Babies grow and change so quickly.  I have learned to appreciate and treasure each stage of infancy.  With our other three I was always waiting for them to reach the next milestone in their development.  Since Joey is our last, I am trying to focus on each day for what it is and not constantly look to the future....although sleeping through the night will be very nice someday.

 

We had a long first night in the hospital.  Joey was really good, but the nurses needed to monitor us very closely for the first 24 hours, so every two hours someone was coming in to check on us, make me get out of bed, and give me medication.  Plus somewhere inbetween the well-checks, Joey was wanting to nurse and snuggle with Mommy. Joey took to nursing very quickly and is a good eater.  My milk came in quicker for him than any of our other babies.  After a long night, it was nice to see the sun come up again and start a new day.  Mommy felt strong enough to take a shower and start walking around.  Puna brought the big kids for another hospital visit.

I just love how each of the siblings - even Tommy - really love Joey and want to help him in any way they can.  They all want to hold Joey and give him kisses.  All their visits to the hospital were wonderful.  

Uncle Brady and Aunt Madison came to see us in the hospital too, but Daddy was gone so no one was there to take pictures for us.  It was nice to share some time with them.

Mommy had originally decided to stay in the hospital for four days, but the hospital bed was really uncomfortable, Joey was doing great, and Mommy was feeling pretty good too; so we came home a day earlier. Sweet little Joey is our first baby to not cry when he was put in the car seat.  He also didn't cry the whole way home.  Both of the girls fussed their first time in the car.  Both of the boys were happy their first time in the car.

Joey's adoring fans were anxiously waiting for his arrival.  All their excitement and chatter were a little much for Mommy, but we're glad they love their new little brother.

 Papa had to work on Joey's delivery day, so he came down a few days after Joey was born. 

 Sweet newborn sleep.

 Annie wants to hold Joey every chance she gets.

We can't blame her; he is totally adorable.

Lily and Tommy always want a turn to snuggle too.  It seems like it is a race to my room every morning so they can be the first one to hold Joey and help with his diaper changes and pacifier.  Lily is great at helping Joey to take a pacifier, settle down, and sleep. 

Joey and Mommy slept for most of the first two weeks.  We did make it out for a few doctor appointments to make sure we were healthy and thriving and have Joey circumcised.  We couldn't ask for a better start.  Lots of rest and lots of love.  Just the way it should be.