Rewind: Caleb's Homecoming

(This post is wordy-- hang in there!  There are cute pics below I promise!)

On Sunday, February 19th, somewhere between the hours of one and two o'clock we finally arrived home with  Caleb in tow.  He was greeted by three very excited sisters, my sister's family, and a special sign created by my kiddos and Tess's kids (during their stay on delivery day).

I had spent the greater part of the morning in tears, as the 19th happens to be Madeline's birthday.  She was turning 5 years old and I was missing it.  I wasn't there to wake her up with my rendition of "Happy Birthday To You," put balloons on her chair at the table, draw her a big sign, watch her eat her special breakfast-- the list of sentimental traditions goes on and on, and it was breaking my heart!  I am so glad that I had wonderful nurses (also mommies) who had gotten to know me over the 48 hours we spent together.  I was certain they thought I was crazy-- they assured me that they did not . . . that they understood and wouldn't want to be in a holding pattern in a hospital room while their kiddos were celebrating their birthday either.  I'm still convinced they thought I was crazy.  

Anyhow, Madeline had a super attitude and assured me that her birthday was the best one ever; because, after all, she got a brother for her birthday!  And, that she did.  My sister graciously picked up Madeline's birthday cake from Harris Teeter (my first store bought cake ever--very liberating) and a balloon  to boot.  After we bid my sister's family farewell, we celebrated Madeline's 5th birthday with pizza and cake.  She had her official special day a few days later when Jonathan's mother came to visit.  We took her to the Lego store, book store, and a Mexican restaurant in Raleigh.

Caleb's first month was spent getting acclimated to having four kiddos and figuring out the "new normal," as my friend Tess and I like to call it.  Caleb was visited by both Grandma and Grammy; and, he was held and snuggled a lot!

Here is what the iPhone captured during Caleb's first month of life:

We could not feel more blessed to have Caleb.  He is a gift from God.  Each child is different and Caleb has not disappointed in this regard.  He is delightful, smiley, snugly, and a cutie through and through.  He eats well; but, that has not come without its challenges.  He is very particular about his position and comfort when nursing, and he would prefer I not talk.  Let's just say nursing in public is challenging at best.  That said, he has always slept on cue (and wherever I need him to--good because we are on the go a lot!), and he seems to be thriving and growing.  He has recently extended his night and dropped the 4 am feeding-- so mommy is sleeping a little more. . . hooray!  

We love our sweet boy and I am enjoying getting to know his personality which is emerging a little bit each day.  It is hard to believe that 2 months has come and gone since my precious baby boy came into the world!