One sweet week.

One week with our big man! And what a fantastic week it has been. Joe has made such a fabulous addition to our family. We've already adjusted to life as a family of 4, almost as if he's been around forever.

Joe is doing so, so well. He is the most mellow little guy. He really only cries if he's cold or if he has an upset tummy (unfortunately, he has the same belly issues his sister had.) Otherwise, he's just so chill. He loves to cuddle and just kind of melts into your arms/chest when you hold him. He doesn't mind hanging out on his own, though - time in the swing has been successful and he seems to love riding in his car seat.

He had his first pediatrician check-up today. He's perfectly healthy! Now, most infants lose a little weight in their first week...not my baby boy. He gained 3 ounces. He is now 10 lbs 5 oz, up from his birth weight of 10 lbs 2 oz...and up from 9 lbs 14 oz which was what they weighed him in at when he was 24 hours old. So, really, he gained 7 oz in 6 days! Holy moley! Looks like I have super-milk once again. Overall, he checked out great - not a single problem to report. The pediatrician was not at all surprised by his size or development...mostly because she's seen Brooke and knows we make giant babies. He will be seen again at 1 month, at which time I'm sure he'll be just as far off the charts as his big sister always was.

Speaking of Joe's big sister, Brooke has adjusted wonderfully to her new role. The novelty of having Baby Joe around all the time has not worn off...yet. When she wakes up in the morning, she can't wait to see him. She will be playing or eating and just randomly remember that he exists: "Where Baby Joe go?" If she sees a pacifier lying around, she instantly thinks he must need it and brings it to him, even if he's eating. (Side note: when Brooke sees me feeding him, she says he's "drinking milk from Mommy's belly". I haven't corrected her, and I'm not going to. It's much cuter this way!) So far she loves Baby Joe and hasn't asked to send him back :)

Mom & Dad are doing pretty good as well. We have each gotten a decent amount of sleep considering we have a newborn & a toddler in the house. The husband is back to work this week, and we miss him at home! He has been such an incredible help this past week. Despite all of his help and that of our family, there's a ton of stuff to get done with 2 kids! My recovery hasn't been as quick as it was with Brooke, mostly because I'm trying to do too much every day. In an attempt to get better faster (i.e. stop taking the pain meds), I'm forcing myself to sit and rest more. We'll see how long it takes.

Our little boy has already brought such an incredible amount of joy & excitement into our lives. He's just so precious, melting Mommy's heart every minute. 

More pictures and stories of life with 2 under 2 to come soon, I promise!