It's been a week since we welcomed Ethan into our lives. After a tough delivery, we spent 5 nights in the hospital. I can't say enough about the nurses and doctors at Beth Israel. They were amazing and helped us through every part of the process. It felt like we were in a hotel, we were very pampered throughout our stay with unlimited room service (amazing chocolate chip cookies) and lots of freebies! Since I had a c-section, I couldn't do much besides lie down. I always knew Mike would be a great father, but he was a true champ. His diaper-changing and swaddling abilities are top notch! As frustrating as it was to not be able to help out, it was such a great bonding experience for father and son right off the bat.
By the time Monday came around, we were very ready to leave and start our new life at home. The car ride wasn't as stressful as I thought and it seems Ethan loves the motion of the car, just like his mommy did when she was a baby. Once we got home I was nervous I wouldn't know what to do but just like people told me, maternal instincts took over.
On Tuesday, my mom brought the dogs back to the house and boy, was that an adjustment! Chewie was great - he would curiously sniff Ethan on occasion and then go back to napping. Brady was a total wreck. You could tell he was filled with anxiety and I felt bad because Brady was our first baby, but my entire focus was on Ethan. After 24 hours, however, Brady has started to adjust. He likes to sleep on Ethan's dirty clothes and tries to lick his face any chance he gets (don't worry, we aren't letting him!) He's still a bit anxious and confused but we're hopeful he's moving in the right direction!
He had his first pediatrician visit on Tuesday afternoon and according to the doctor, he's perfect (but we already knew that). He regained most of the weight he lost in the hospital (he has already gone from 2 oz. feedings to 4 oz. feedings - he's a hungry fellow!) Funny moment - after the nurse put Ethan on the scale to weigh him, he peed all over it. I guess he wanted to mark his territory! We loved the doctor - he has a very calm and relaxed demeanor, which is the perfect compliment to my anxious personality!
We've started to figure out his eating/sleeping habits. He must know his mommy is a teacher because he's already started to follow a schedule (probably just jinxed myself!). He has been eating every 3-4 hours and then sleeping like a champ. Mike and I each take one nighttime feeding and have been able to sleep pretty soundly in 4 hour stretches. Not sure how long this will last but we'll take it while we can!
We've been so blessed with great friends and family - an enormous thank you to those who have come to visit or sent generous gifts and well-wishes. Vavo and Grandma each got their own day of snuggles. It was so great to see our moms so happy. Ethan is going to be one spoiled grandson.
He had his first bath and his first stroll around the block. We practiced tummy time (just a couple of minutes a day) and started our nighttime routine of reading a story before bed (Mike is practicing his reading fluency). It's been so wonderful having Mike home and strangely enough, it has been so peaceful and calm around the house even with a newborn. No TV, no work, just enjoying each other. It's the family we've been waiting for. Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.
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