Week in Review ~ 3/17

We had a pretty good first week as a family of four.  It was especially nice to be feeling good and up among the living again.

After Sam's tough first night at home, Saturday night was better.  We were still tired Sunday morning, so Ned decided that he and Avery would stay home from church.  My parents came before lunch for a quick visit and to bring some food.  I was not feeling the best but finally got some relief with my first Advil in a long time.  After Avery's nap, she and Ned went to get some of the ceiling fans we needed for the house.  Ned said she was a big help in the store.

Ned took Avery to Jennifer's Monday morning, which we'll continue through the move and then part-time after that.  My mom took the day off and came mid-morning to visit and help where she could.  I'm horrible at getting people to do things around the house for me and turning over baby care.  She did help with laundry and also stayed with Sam for me to run errands for the first time in forever.  It felt so good to drive and be out and get done what I needed to on my own.

We didn't get as much sleep overnight, but Sam and I were out of the house early for his doctor's appointment.  I was proud that we left on time and doubt it will happen when I'm getting two out the door.  I had new paperwork to fill out at the pediatrician's, and of course Sam was hungry and let everyone know.  I gave him part of a bottle to calm him down, then he was happy as could be waiting for and then talking to the doctor.  He was up to 7 pounds 7 ounces, which is an ounce more than his birth weight.  I was also relieved to hear that his circumcision was looking good, because caring for that was zero fun.  We discussed the signs of reflux that we're seeing already, but it's too soon to know if he'll need any treatment.  She assured me that he's getting enough to eat even though at times he appears to be starving.  On the way home, I stopped to pick up food for dinner and remember why I love having a child that can walk.  I hate carrying the car seat!  I was pooped when we got home and laid down on the couch only to be woken up by the preacher.  This is the 3rd time she's shown up unannounced and I don't particularly care for it.  Sam took a good nap in his bed but was fussy while we ate dinner.  So far it doesn't seem to bother Avery when he's crying, so we'll see if that lasts.

Wednesday was spent at home doing odds and ends and resting.  Ned got off at noon, and when it was time to get Avery, I decided I would go.  The day before, she thought I was coming for some reason and was disappointed when Daddy showed up.  She was so excited to see me drive up, and I still tear up thinking about it.  She did so good through bed rest and me being in the hospital, but it's obvious she missed our regular routines.  We had a great time on the ride home, she enjoyed the lemonade I brought her, and then stopped at Peebles to pick up some short sleeve shirts for her since she was a sweaty mess.  Warm weather has come too early, and with a new baby and the house, it looks like more Internet shopping is in order.  We also got a few more newborn items for Sam since his legs were getting all tangled up.

On Thursday I had an appointment to have my blood pressure checked and see the doctor.  I was pretty nervous because I know that sometimes they'll put women back in the hospital and my mind just assumes that's what's going to happen.  It was ok though, not great but the doctor was happy.  I'm staying on the medicine and don't have to go back until my 6-week check.  I went to Lowe's when I was done to get more lights for the house, then I stopped to get Avery.  The doctor had said I could pick her up as long as I wasn't carrying her long distances while I recovered, and it was so great to have her arms around my neck.  That meant I could also put her to bed at night without Ned having to lift her into the crib.  She and I have both missed that as well, and it gives us a chance to listen to the book I recorded for her to have while I was in the hospital.  Sadly, it brought big tears while I wasn't at home but she loves it with me.

Thursday night was tough.  Sam would not settle down for any amount of time until 3:30 or 4 a.m.  Ned was not feeling well so I did it on my own.  I was pretty pooped Friday but couldn't take a nap for some reason.  Avery spent the night with my parents', so Ned picked up Applebee's for us.  I'm not sure what else we did, but we have to start going to bed earlier.  It's just tough to know if Sam will be in agreement with that.

We had a really good night Friday night and were able to get a little extra sleep Saturday morning.  Ned met someone who was buying his lawn mower and then brought us breakfast.  I made a grocery list and made my first Walmart trip since bed rest.  Walmart didn't change a bit.  Sam took a nice, long nap in his bed during the afternoon, so I was able to get some pictures loaded on the computer.  When he woke up, we went to see what had been done at the house.  We were approaching Sam's next feeding, and he let us know as we were leaving the house to go to my parents'.  We finally stopped about halfway for him to eat a little.  Avery was happy to see us but tired after a shorter nap.  She was also showing some signs of pain when she used the bathroom and had two accidents.  We still enjoyed the fish my dad fried and a Pinterest dessert.  Sam cried and fussed all the way home.  Avery just kind of watched him like she wished he would hush, then she rested her head on her seat.  He stopped crying and went to sleep in the seat as soon as we took it out of the car.  Avery went right to bed since she was tired and it was past her bedtime.