One Week Down

The Cox family has survived a whole week of having 2 kids!!! I'm all for positive reinforcement, so I'm just going to go ahead and pat myself on the back for anything and everything possible. Just so you know the gameplan...

Our week was relatively uneventful as we oriented Baby Nolan to our household. My mom was here most of the week and I can't thank her enough for the meals, the Bailey distractions, the middle-of-the-night tag team efforts and, most importantly, the moral support. I'm a bit sad that she's gone now, but also looking forward to the new challenge of getting into a daily rhythm with the 2 children. I only wish Jason could be here more with us, but such is life. I wish paternity leave was more common although, I guess since Jason owns his own business he could grant himself that benefit.....we'd just go broke. So, I gleefully send him off to work in the morning with a big hug. Maybe that hug just lasts a little longer than it used to. :-)

Nolan is a great baby (knock on wood). We had a more challenging night last night, but he's really pretty content as long as he's had enough to eat and he's not cold. He really hates getting undressed and his little teeth chatter when I'm changing him. He was down to 7 lbs. 3.5 ozs. when we left the hospital so I had to go get a weight check on him Wednesday. I was nervous because we went through this same routine with Bailey, which led to an admission to Mercy Hospital to see a lactation consultant. It was kind of scary because our pediatrician acted like Bailey was going to starve and the Mercy stay was key to her survival. Then, the lactation consultant basically said we were doing great, more milk would come and until then to supplement with some formula at each feeding. I REALLY didn't want to go through that all again with Nolan. Fortunately, his weight was up to 7 lbs. 4 ozs. so they weren't concerned and think he'll be back up to his birth weight by his 2 week appointment. On the unfortunate side, the only reason I believe that he hasn't lost any more weight is because I anticipated all of this and already began supplementing. As much as they say there's no reason why anyone should have inadequate milk supply, I beg to differ. Obviously I'm only 7 days into this process, but it's not looking great so far. Anyone have any suggestions? I'm staying hydrated, nursing frequently, pumping, and taking Fenugreek. Sigh....

Bailey has been such a helper. Sometimes she's a bit too much help. She tells us she thinks he has a wet diaper about once every 20 minutes. For some reason, she gets really excited about doing diaper duty. If only she could do it on her own, right?! We've had a couple of battles for attention and several temper tantrums and bad behavior episodes, but overall she's adjusting fairly well.

Okay, now for the pictures. I am taking the cue of a friend of mine who has a super cute blog for her baby, who just turned one. She has taken a picture every week with a little sign to indicate his age....I think it's so cute and will be a great way to look back and compare. We have a family member who's a photographer and took a picture of his first son EVERY DAY FOR A YEAR. Since that's a little exhausting for me to think about, I'll settle for the once-a-week option!

Of course, we had to get one with little Bailey in it!

How cute is this? Probably the only time they'll ever be sleeping at the same time again!

I think his shirt says it all!

Feeding Nolan takes more than one person (or so Bailey thinks!!)

My mom, Bailey and Nolan cuddling

Post first bath...man, I look tired!

Until next time....peace.