Home with Baby
These first few days at home with Baby have been a sleepless trial by fire. There’s a learning curve and getting into a rhythm again. Baby didn’t sleep or eat well the first couple of days. The feeding tube we fill with bags of milk every 3-4 hrs is the biggest change. He threw everything up at first so we slowed down his feeds. There’s usually only 30-60 minutes until the next feeding, with medications to administer in between. I don’t think I can keep up the breast pumping on top of it all, so I’m giving up on that. Honestly I’m sad about it because breastfeeding with Baby is my favorite bonding experience.
Jer and I were on our 2nd sleep deprived night and wondered, “What have we done?” 😆 This kid has pulled his NG tube out needing to be re-taped at least once a day. I’m getting lots of practice using Tegaderm, flushing the tubes, mixing the milk without breaking it down, and changing diapers with one hand. I forgot how much mess comes with Baby, and need to make a load of his linens at least every other day.
Kids with Baby
L took Tuesday off from school to help me ❤️ while Jer is back at work.
The kids have each put their own special touch to spending time with their new brother. They are all taking turns daily with holding him. Good thing, too, since he really does want to be held and cuddled 24/7. I can’t even put him down in his bed to sleep anymore, he wakes up upset instantly. Baby Henry has the best siblings to shower him with affection and attention, play with him, talk with him, sing him songs, and read him books. I hear them whisper to him how much they love him. F has even asked if he can learn how to change Baby’s diaper.
All the Gear
We’ve had a chance to open and try out all of the baby gear just from living life. Henry went on his first neighborhood walk in the new stroller. I love that stroller!! The ride is so smooth even over craggles and split sidewalks.
We got the Owlet pulse oximeter working when a nurse came on a home visit to walk us through the feeding pump equipment again. He used it for one night and learned how to angle his foot so that the monitor would not read properly and slip off.
I got the baby monitor working, although baby is never quite left alone anywhere. We tried it out while the kids held the baby and I went downstairs to eat.
On Wednesday, Baby had his first visit to the doctor. Now that Henry is home and I’m not commuting to the hospital daily, I’m driving the van again! It was my first time loading Baby in the van, and using the feeding tube travel bag. I installed his winter car seat cover right there.
Reinforcements
Thank you to my sister Adelyn who came to help me ❤️ She really lifted my spirits with a big hug, chicken noodle soup and a fridge full of food, surprised me with caramel hot cocoa and butter cookies, walked the dog, played with the kids when they got home from school, and held Baby so I could shower. We set up the bouncer, and he napped well in it while we had lunch next to him.
Changes Around the House
Jer installed curtains I ordered for our room, and I love the touch of green that also lets in filtered light. We also put up the Big calendar which makes it easy to put in Baby’s many appointments coming up.
The family got festive and finally put lights and ornaments on the tree! That was tricky since the tree actually toppled over and water spilled on many of the wrapped gifts. No breakable ornaments this year, and presents are on the other side of the room.
It’s so exciting that many neighbors have been delivering gifts at our door. One night we got the doorbell and giant wrapped presents arrived “to Henry from Santa”!
We are super happy to have him here for Christmas ❤️❤️❤️
