First Friend

This is a picture of Graham meeting his first friend, JT. You can always identify Graham by the fro, if you were wondering. We had to force the snuggles and high-fives, but I know they'll eventually have a good time playing together on their own. Graham is now 4 weeks old. He's become much more alert, looking around a lot. It's nice to actually be able to make eye contact with him now. We think we've seen a couple smiles, but from what we understand they are probably just "gas smiles" at this point. The past week has been one of the more difficult ones because we found out the little guy was losing weight. Now we have a complicated feeding routine to supplement nursing with formula until he gets back on track. The process takes about an hour and 15 minutes, so once it's over, I have about an hour and 45 minutes before it repeats again (even through the night). I know lots of people go through the same thing, but it sure feels next to impossible. We're crossing our fingers we can drop this routine soon so we won't feel quite as frenzied all the time. The good news is that Graham likes his doctor, and the car rides back and forth put him to sleep. He also goes to sleep during walks around the neighborhood. Currently, I'm trying to master wearing him in a Zolo pouch. The first time I put him in he was not pleased, so I'm going to wait until he's more relaxed to try again.

Range of Baby Moods

These pictures pretty much show how our life is with a 2 1/2 week old. We spend lots of time trying to figure out the crys, which can get pretty loud and long-lasting! Most of the crys happen even when Graham's diaper is clean and he's just eaten, so then we have to use trial and error to hold him different ways....or just let him swing it out. It's a very sad and frustrating thing to witness. Luckily, there are also peaceful times when we relax and just look at Graham's face in amazement that this little person is ours. His cuteness makes it almost impossible for us to keep our hands off of him when he naps. Chaotic diaper changes have made me laugh until I've peed in my pants, his crys have definitely led to my crys, and his wide-eyed looks at us make it impossible not to smile. It's already been a wonderful rollercoaster ride!

Home Sweet Home

We're home! We left the hospital Thursday afternoon, probably wearing out our welcome there because we wanted to take showers, enjoy a last room service lunch, and pack up leisurely. The weather sure has turned nice and springy since I've been in the hospital! It felt so good to come home. The past few days have been overwelming as we try to learn how to meet Graham's needs and ours. We've had lots of laughs over his cute little expressions and things he does. At first, laughing killed my stomach wounds, but that has already improved a lot. Our first night at home was a challenge because we had to get creative with our sleeping arrangements to avoid having a screaming baby next to the wall we share with our townhouse neighbors. So now I sleep in the den recliner, which is actually the easiest way for me to get up and down anyway. Poor Graham had doctor's appointments on his 4th and 5th days of life to check his bilirubin levels because he has a little jaundice. It was not fun, but the levels are lowering now (yay! hopefully no more heel pricks for him!).

Here are some of the things we've learned about Graham so far: He likes swinging (high) and it puts him into a coma-like state...and also brings about a majorly dirty diaper. He likes sleeping on a pillow-throne next to us on the sofa. He likes riding in his car seat, even though it looks awfully uncomfortable the way his little head frumps down. He likes wearing his Carolina booties. Graham does NOT like having his hair washed. He doesn't like being laid down to sleep in his pack 'n play...actually, he just doesn't like any change of position once he's comfortable. He does not like the state of basketball affairs that we brought him into the world during. We'll keep you posted on our continuing education as new parents. I would also like to say that I have a new appreciation for everything new parents go through, and I am amazed that you've all kept your tiredness and confusion so well-hidden from the outside world (or maybe you didn't struggle as much as us!).