Changing of the guard

Check out the little mommy:

My parents stayed with us for just over two weeks. It was wonderful to have them. They are such a huge help. I can't lift Eve for about 6 weeks after the birth, so they cared for her while I cared for Seamus.

Now Jim's parents are here for a week and a half. They are also a huge help. Especially since yesterday was Eve's last day of summer school. We couldn't do it without them.  Here's a picture of Eve and their dog, Kirby. 

Today Seamus had his first bottle.  The lactation consultant said that the recommended first bottle is no longer given at 6 weeks, but 2-3.  Now we'll wait a few days to see if it messes with breastfeeding.  I need this kid to be able to take a bottle for when I go back to work in September.  He did a great job with the first bottle.

Tummy time

10 day well visit and tooth #2

Seamus had his Dr appointment on Friday. Breastfeeding is going well. He put on over a pound since leaving the hospital. He left the hospital a week earlier weighing 7 12 and now weighs in at 8lbs 14 1/2oz. He also grew a half inch and is now 21inches long. Dr. says he is doing great.

Eve lost her second tooth after dinner on Friday (with some serious wiggle assist from me). I had wiggled it until it was hanging on by a thread and I didn't feel comfortable sending her to bed with it. So a little more effort and voila! This is especially great news because now I can cancel the dentist appointment we had for an extraction (in case the teeth did not come out on their own). I'll take a picture of her bottom teeth soon.

More pictures

Seamus is a week old and we are all doing well. As you can see, Josie is extremely interested in him.

Josie is doing quite well with him, and isn't disturbed by his crying (although concerned). Eve also doesn't seem to be bothered by his crying. She's been a great big sister, and has adjusted supremely well. I have a theory on why this is. Because Eve needs constant one-on-one care (e.g, to eat, change position, to do anything), she is not feeling much of a change. The only change has been who's providing that care (Oma and Pop). I try to help Eve whenever I can, so that she is not missing me too much.

My little girl doesn't seem so little anymore!

Eve and Seamus

Here is a video of the first time Eve met Seamus.  She came to the hospital room and saw me in bed with him in my arms.  Her lower lip immediately stuck out.  I'm not sure if it was because I was holding him, or if because she was nervous about the setting.  She's never been to a hospital for someone else before.  Jim took her out of her wheelchair and held her so she could meet Seamus. 

This video is from the afternoon that Seamus came home from the hospital.  She's still pretty enamored with him. 

Baby Seamus

Baby Seamus joined our family at 8:15am on Tuesday, July 26th.    He weighed 8lbs and 2oz and was 20.5 inches long.  The c-section went well and he and I are both doing well.  He's a champion eater (like his big sister was) and managed to put on 3oz in one day in the hospital (after his initial loss of a few ounces).  He is good tempered (so far) and stinking cute.  Eve is over the moon.  She seems delighted with her baby brother (so far).  We got home from the hospital last night and are tired, but adjusting.  Fortunately, my mom and dad are here for a bit to help with Eve.  Then Jim's parents will come to help.  We are so very lucky. I'll post more and better photos in time. 

The hospital provided a "celebration meal" for Jim and I.  It was so nice.

New SWASH brace

Eve's Swash (sitting, walking, and standing hip orthosis) brace came yesterday.  She loves it and it definitely helps keep her from scissoring her legs.  But, man, it kills our backs to help her walk with it.  We bought a rolling stool, but it doesn't seem to work because the legs of the stool trip up her feet.  We'll have to figure out a better solution.  I think it's important to use though because lately, her hips seem to be bothering her.  When we lay her on her stomach on the ground, her knees sometimes turn in (and touch) and her butt raises up and she whimpers in pain.  She can't seem to maneuver out of it. 

Here's a closeup of the brace.  The rods need to be trimmed, but they keep her legs out.

All else is well.  I'm scheduled for my c-section on Tuesday morning.  I'm doing well, but very ready to not be pregnant anymore.