Adjusting ...

These last couple of weeks have been relatively smooth thanks to friends and family. First, Jack is doing great! The kid sleeps pretty well at night which is always good and when he's awake... he's hungry. This boy is already eating us out of house. We've deemed his "cranky" time of day late afternoon/early evening only because he is usually awake the most and ALWAYS wanting food. We've also noticed a few other things about him-Amelia was quite predictable, scheduled and consistent from the start, not Jack. Things are much more of a guessing game with him, but usually, it's food he wants. He also loves to be with people. From the start with Amelia, she had no problem being put down and hanging out by herself ... again, not this kid. He really wants to be held tight and wants to be apart of what's going on.   

 Amelia has been great with him as well. Most of the time she likes to know where he is and what he's doing.  Willingly, she brings pacifers, blankets, bottles, and anything to his aid. I've been impressed with how she has immediately responded to him - like he has been here all along. Her adjustment as been more with us. Although pre-jack I joked Amelia could go most of the day without acknowledging me... she has always been great with self-play. Now she is very aware of the things Jack requires and has been much more needy,  much to our surprise. Now, she hasn't been grumpy or whiney or mopey, she just constantly wants to be involved, constantly wanting to play or read with us. So, thus the balancing act of soaking up the newborn and not making the 3 year old feel left out or forgotten. Slowly but surely, we are all adjusting.

 In attempts to make this time special for Amelia, too, we've been very intentional about what we are doing with her or as a family. Saturday morning we had a little girl time and she also took a trip to the library just her and Dad.

 I have been feeling GREAT! It has been amazing and an answer to prayer how normal I have felt since surgery. I still can't believe that I feel normal just 2 weeks out. My recovery with Amelia took an entire 6 weeks. My mom was able to be around most of the time the first week home while James was at work. She cleaned, cooked, folding laundry, vacuumed, lifted heavy things and occupied Amelia when I was too tired. I am so thankful for her help. James has been home all week this week which has also been wonderful. I still can't to anything (drive, lift) but am feeling great, we've had some wonderful family time and been able to figure this whole family of 4 thing out. We even took a trip to the Zoo!

 The favorite this time: the new bird exhibits where they all fly around you ... Amelia spent the whole time trying to catch them.

 We are enjoying the sweet moments this week and are eager to ease back into the "real" world now as four.

 our Monkey Man after his first bath ...