Week One Adjustment

We're on Day #6 with precious Noah. Before we had him, I spent countless hours trying to imagine what it would be like once he was here. I couldn't picture what he would look like because at every attempt, the only picture that would come to mind was Lincoln (certainly never pictured a full head of black, spiky hair!). And then I already had the Mylecon bought and ready for the loads of fussiness and stomach clenching in those first few months, because, well, that's what we experienced with baby Lincoln! Now I promise I will stop comparing him to his big brother and this was just because of the "unknown" (though I have already called him "Lincoln" a total of 12 times - Jason's keeping count).
Well, wouldn't you know it - he's nothing like Lincoln. He has his own sweet little personality, patterns and habits, and of course, did I mention jet black hair???
So here's a glimpse into Mr. Noah's little days:
He sleeps.
And sleeps.
And when you think he can't possible sleep anymore...he sleeps.
This was problematic for the first couple of days because he slept so much that he wouldn't wake up to eat. We tried every trick in the book to wake him up to eat, and eventually, he would, but it was an hour and a half ordeal (only to have a 30 minute break before having to do it all over again!). I was certain we were in for a long haul of breastfeeding (again) but was determined to make it work! I kept taking my herbs and prodded the little guy until he would eat so he never skipped a meal...and the work paid off, because now for the past 24 hours, he has been a little more alert (though he still loves his sleep!) and is eating perfectly now. Praise the Lord!
And by the way - the herbs are WORKING. :) I think I'm producing enough for twins...maybe triplets currently.
Noah's personality is precious thus far. HE loves to cuddle - all the time, in any position, as long as he's curled up close to you. He only cries when he gets his diaper changed. Other times, he is usually sleeping, but today he was awake for the whole two hours between feedings on two occasions! And he just lays in his swing or in my arms with his huge eyes wide open, observing everything with the most content look on his face!
I captured this one this afternoon...
So because of his calm, restful, content personality, Jason and I have been able to enjoy the little guy and have a very restful week of recovery, adjustment, and enjoyment. Lincoln comes back this weekend which will spice things up a bit - okay, a ton! But we are so excited and have been anticipating all of our family adjusting together! It's been hard not having him here, but we are 100% certain we made the right decision in letting him go for a week!
Establishing nursing and getting to know Noah's routine before he comes back has been vital, as well as catching up on rest and recovering physically.

And I know I screamed praises of our hospital experience with Lincoln, but it was completely reaffirmed with Noah - Siloam Springs OB is AMAZING. If we have another baby and live in Bentonville, I think we still might use this hospital here. I've talked with some friends who have had kids recently at other hospitals, and none have had an experience like we have had both times. I don't know if it's because the hospital is so small or what factors go into it, but we have been so blessed to have such wonderful experiences!