Tate's First Week

After coming home from the hospital last Saturday, things have been busy and wonderfully exciting and different! When we left the hospital everything was going well and we were ready to take on the world as a family of four. Then life and reality sunk in and things went a little haywire. Sunday was a rough day for us. Gabe had to return to work (less than 24 hours after we came home from the hospital), and it was just going to be the boys and I until Wednesday when Dad, Cheryl and Colin came to town. I was extremely extremely tired, operating on less than 25 hours of sleep in over 5 days, not to mention the postpartum hormones going wild! On top of it all, Tate and I were having some issues nursing. Our little Tot did not want to latch on which made for very long, tiresome, frustrating, unhappy feedings.

All I can say is, THANK GOD FOR GOOD FRIENDS! First, Tate's Godmother Troy heard my desperation and tears on the phone and spent time with us on Sunday afternoon helping us find a niche and try to battle through our nursing woes. While her tips and help were appreciated, the company she provided and the reassurance of the support system in place brought much needed relief. Later that night, Amanda came and kept Connor and I company for a little while and was able to meet Tate. After my teary goodbye to Gabe that night, I definitely needed a friend to "pick me up".

Monday brought a weight check at the Dr's office. Tate was down to 6lbs 2oz.- not too bad. We had to return to the office on Friday and were pleased to find out that he had gained 1oz and was at 6lbs 3oz- let the growing begin. Monday I was also given the most amazing gift. Saint Troy picked Connor up around 9:30a.m. and kept him until after 6p.m. She kept him busy, entertained, and active. He had lunch, dinner and came home and crashed hard. I was also able to get a MUCH needed first nap at home since having Tate. I can't thank her enough for that gift.

We survived the next few days, and I was so very grateful for the help the lactation consultant at the hospital was able to provide! We ended up having a picnic in the yard on Tuesday. Tate had his first bath at home, got lots of cuddles from his big brother and the boys and I enjoyed some time together as a trio while Daddy was working and closing all week long!

Wednesday the reinforcements arrived- and so did more gifts! All day Thursday and Friday, Connor was kept busy, entertained, happy and spoiled. I've been so very worried about boy #1 and his adjusting and him being jealous of boy #2. With trips to the hotel pool, the park, walks around town, Star Wars toys and more there has never been a happier boy! Tate and I were able to continue our feeding successes and spend some time one on one.

Last night we celebrated our first fourth as a family of four. We are so very proud and blessed to be Americans. As per our usual routine we invited Gabe's fellow managers over for food and fun. The neighbors came down too! Just as Gabe was pulling the chicken off the grill the tornado warnings sounded and the torrential downpour came. With festivities altered we came inside, spent time laughing and enjoying one another and after goodbyes we all filed into bed very willingly.

At mass today both boys behaved impeccably well. Tate slept the entire time and Connor was still, quiet and attentive. At communion they sang "On Eagle's Wings" I couldn't help but get teary eyed as I listened to it and thought of my boys.

Gabe has officially begun his vacation. Our plans? NOTHING. We are staying at home, doing nothing and going to love every minute of it! Life is beyond good right now. Beyond great. We are blessed beyond measure.