2 Weeks Later

I'm working on documenting the story of how Cade entered the world. In the meantime, I thought I'd let you know how we've been doing the last couple of weeks. As of today, we will have had Cade at home for 2 full weeks and, for the most part, the transition has been going well. The first week was pretty rough for me physically, but I'll get more into that when I talk about the birth story. I figured I would group all the sordid details in one spot so those who didn't care to read about more of the nitty gritty wouldn't have to.

Just Home From the Hospital
Cade Already Getting Some Loving From His Big Brother

Fair warning here. I'm functioning on not much sleep nor do I have much time to type on a computer (this baby wants to be held all the time) so this post will be fairly disjointed. Just join me for the ride. I'll try to be more focused once I start getting regular sleep again.

We were definitely worried about how Dylan would react to us bringing this little baby home and changing his life as he's known it...as an only child. He's been truly amazing and absolutely adores his "baby Cade." Dylan loves to help burp him, pat his little bum to help calm him, hold him and giving him hugs and kisses. Dylan also doesn't seem to be bothered by the frequent crying which we were also concerned about since Dylan isn't known to be the heaviest sleeper. He's really shown us in the last few months how great he is with change and he's really blown us away with how well he's accepted the new family member. Great kid!

We've had lots of visitors coming by to meet our new family member. While still in the hospital, Cade met his Nana and Bumpa (Mike's parents), his Auntie Maureen and Uncle Joe as well as our good friend Liza. Once home, he met our friend Kari's family, his Mimaw and Pipaw (my parents) and, just today, his Auntie Kristina and cousins Corwin and Jacob. Of course, Cade also met the critters at our house. Being the 2nd infant we brought home, the cats seem pretty unimpressed and life has continued as usual for them.

Oliver's First Run in with Cade - Completely Ignored

Making Oliver Take a Look at Our New Family Member

Mimaw and Nana with Cade

Pipaw and Cade

Mimaw and Pipaw with the Boys
(Dylan wasn't too into having his photo taken that morning.)

Dylan Playing with Cousins Jacob and Corwin 

Corwin, Kristina, Cade, Jacob, Me and Dylan

While my parents were here, we didn't really do all that much. There was a lot of hanging out and baby holding. They helped Mike keep up with chores around the house and helped us keep our sanity in making the transition. The one big outing that was done during their week long visit was Music Together class for Mike, Dylan and my Mom. Another highlight was when my Mom, walking with a fussy Cade, spotted a buck just outside of our dining room window. Mike was quick to grab the camera and got a couple of shots of it before it moved on. Also, since we weren't able to see each other at Christmas, we had a little Christmas gift exchange.

Christmas in February

Since coming home, I've mostly been stuck in sweats purgatory. There have been a few days when we've had visitors that I've looked a little more presentable, but for the most part, it's casual attire for me. It makes it easier to do my favorite thing - cuddle with my boys!

The weather here's been really mild so we've taken a couple of family walks this week. We didn't stray far from home, but it did show me that I think I'm ready to get active again. Tomorrow, I'm starting with some walking goals I've set for myself. As with just after I had Dylan, I have a long way to go to get my old body back. The work has begun! Though, it will still be another 4 weeks before I get doctor approval to start the more intensive work.

Cade has gotten a couple of baths at home now. The first one, done on the kitchen counter wasn't too enjoyable for him. Today, we gave him a tubby in the family size shower this morning and it went much better. The warm steamy air surrounding is apparently more comfortable for him than the cold air of the house.

Cade had his first doctor's appointment a few days after we got home from the hospital. The whole family went for the event. Other than that, we've had two other family outings. One was out to lunch with a friend of ours a few days ago and the other was on Saturday. This time it was a doctor's appointment for Dylan. The poor little guy has conjunctivitis! We got some drops, cancelled the visit from Mike's sister that was supposed to happen yesterday, washed a lot of bedding, washed our hands a lot and tried to keep Dylan away from his brother. His eyes look much better today and he's no longer supposed to be contagious. So far, no one else in the house is showing signs of eye yuck so hopefully we all escaped getting that fun sickness passed on to us.

Other big news on the Dylan front is potty training progress. I thought all we'd been doing lately would cease when Cade was brought home but it has kept on. Dylan's been trying to pee pee on the potty every night before bed. Tonight, a big new development. He went poop as well! I know, I know, not everyone will be excited about that but I think it's huge news! What a big boy he's becoming. One (small) step closer to big boy undies....and one step closer to us only having 1 kid in the house in diapers.

Onto talking about Cade. He's a pretty great little baby. Most of the time, he's pretty mellow. Like his brother, he likes to look around and take it all in. He gets pretty fussy when he has gas but who wouldn't. During those times, he just needs to be walked around and bounced. Outside of those times, he's a big snuggler. Cade's one of those babies (like many) who wants to be held all the time. So, a lot of my day is spent feeding him then snuggling with him while he snoozes. Due to my limited mobility the first week of his life, I broke one of my personal baby rules - no co sleeping. While this is a great tool for many families, it's not something I was comfortable with for many reasons. Never say never though because now I'm doing it and loving it. I'll want to move him to his bassinet eventually but for now, I'm really enjoying the night time snuggles I get with the little guy! (As I type this now, Cade is sleeping on my chest.)

In fact, if it weren't for the baby Bjorn, I'd never have free hands to get anything done. While "wearing" Cade this week I was able to finish up a big project - his room! I still have some photos to order and hang on the wall but the big room reveal will be coming soon. I love how his room turned out and I'm excited to show it off! Soon folks, soon.