week one

Wow. So much has happened in the last week--a whirlwind of joy and exhaustion. We came home from the hospital on Thursday afternoon. The time together as a little family during our hospital stay was sweet and special, but we were excited to go home and settle into a routine, our new "normal".

My milk came in on Wednesday night, and since then we have been working hard trying to get the whole feeding thing down. Silas' current personality can be summed up in three words: content, sweet, and sleepy. He rarely cries; we even gave him a sponge bath today with barely any fussing. He is a real cuddler and would just snuggle up on your shoulder for hours or lie there gazing up at you forever and ever (well, until he falls asleep). He sleeps ALL the time; we have to wake him up for every single feeding. For a while I was getting very frustrated; it was next to impossible to get him to wake up and eat. We would strip him naked, tickle his feet, change his diaper, put a cold washcloth on his forehead, and he would just be dead to the world. However, things have gotten much much better in the last few days. It only take about 5 or 10 minutes to wake him for a feeding, and he doesn't fall asleep at the breast anymore. I am so thankful that little Silas is getting the nourishment he needs!!! We are also thankful for his good sleeping; besides having to feed him every three hours I have been able to sleep well at night.

I have been recovering very well. Other than occasional exhaustion, I have felt great. Pain is minimal; I even went off the Percoset the doctor gave me in hopes of getting Silas to be less drowsy. I have been encouraged to see that I am losing more baby fat every day...Hopefully soon I'll be able to fit in my regular clothes again!

Silas has many admirers. My parents, two sisters, brother, sister-in-law, and three grandparents all came to DC to meet him. They are staying in a house nearby of our friends from church, the Dunlops. We have gone over there to see them every day since coming home from the hospital. We wondered whether Silas would live up to all the hype, but so far it seems that he has met and exceeded every expectation.

Okay, I know these pictures are probably overkill, but I couldn't choose which ones to eliminate! Please excuse the enthusiasm of a new mommy...I just think Silas is so handsome in every picture!

All snuggled up.

The whole crew came to visit in the hospital. Here is Silas with Great-Grandma Neva.

Papa

Aunt Cassie

Aunt Lyssy

Mimi

Silas in his "going home" outift.

Mommy & Silas ready to go home from the hospital.

First ride in the car seat.

First nap in the Pack 'n Play. We had to put booties on his hands so he wouldn't scratch himself.

Proud Uncle Justin

The Changs

Kim holding Silas. We are already planning future playdates!

Brandon holding Silas and Geoff holding...Jack?

Silas with his new best friends, Cullen & Jack.

Uncle Justin & Aunt Sara

Peaceful. He looooves being swaddled.

Great-Grandpa John

Silas' first buckeye from Great-Grandpa John.

Wide awake and content in Mimi's lap.

All "dressed up" for Easter Sunday.

Great-Grandma Joanne

Getting lots of love and attention from the ladies.

A classic Silas expression.

Check out those luscious locks!

Nathan taking a break from work for a little Silas time today.

Yawn.

Love the little hand holding the blanket.

Pastor Mark meets little Silas.