One Week

Riley's been hanging around the abode for about a week now, but if you didn't look around or listen closely, you might miss him. We never knew a baby could be this easy! He sleeps and sleeps - sometimes for up to five hours at a time. He rarely cries, except during diaper changes or when he's real hungry, and he caught on to breastfeeding without a moment's hesitation.


Mostly, Kevin and I have been spending the week doing all the preparations and organizing we intended to do before little Squirt (a very appropriate nickname, by the way, for reasons I won't gross you out with by explaining) arrived. Holden's been going to daycare and, despite tears every morning, continues to have a good time doing art and swimming and playing with his friends. He's just figured out that he's the only one not at home and wants to be with us. It breaks my heart, but I know it's for his best interests and our sanity that he continues to go, keep his routine and have fun. He seems to like Riley a lot, but we have to keep a close eye on him - Riley's soft litle head is very tempting to touch, and Holden means well, but doesn't know his own strength. He spontaneously tells Riley, "I love you baby," and kisses and hugs him without any prodding from us. He even altered his "Mommy" song to say: "Baby baby I love you, m-o-m-yyyyyyy."


Luckily, we've been able to keep Holden's routine going the best we can since Riley is so chill and not needing a lot of attention. Holden is still 2, though, and the frustrating issues we're having with him I think would be there with or without a new addition to the home - the ordering us around, whining for no reason and bursting into tears over such things as who turns the fan on at night. We're making a huge effort to be patient, even though sleep deprivation makes that challenging, and to give Holden lots of attention and love.


Kevin goes back to work Monday for a few days then will have Lasik surgery - originally scheduled for the day that became Riley's birthday. At the end of the month, the challenge is on: daycare will be closed for a week then Kevin is going to Chicago for a wedding. So, if you have some time to kill and want to spend some time with an energetic and fun 2 year-old, an exhausted mom and a cute baby, I'm looking for takers....

Thanks to everyone for your messages of congratulations and welcome. Our doors are open - please come visit soon!