We Survived! Cole's First Month

As hard as it is to believe, Cole's first month is in the (baby) books, and I'm happy to report we're all still standing. Ok, maybe more like leaning... but definitely not down-and-out.

We've had some rough days/nights, but our first month with Cole was much easier than our first month with Brady. I wish I could say that it's because Cole is an easier baby, but that's not necessarily the case. Maybe it felt easier because we had a lot of help. Or because breastfeeding is going a little better the second time 'round. But overall, I chalk up our "success" to not being first-time parents anymore. No offense to our 3.5 years ago-selves, but we had no idea what to do/expect when Brady was born. Now that we have confidence in our ability to keep our offspring alive, it sure makes the journey a lot less stressful.

Don't take that to mean we are pros now, because we are re-learning so many things. It's been three-and-a-half years since we were at this rodeo! Over time, a person tends to forget (block out?) all the unpleasantries when it comes to taking care of a newborn... like the thousands of diaper changes in a single day (and don't forget the joy of being peed and/or pooped on!) And what's with the unexplainable fussing? The ear-piercing crying? And the grunting at all hours of the night? Oh, the grunting!! Or my personal favorite, choosing between showering, eating or sleeping. Heaven forbid I am clean, full and rested all in the SAME DAY!

Besides floating through each day, without any kind of routine (sheer madness for a Mama with OCD), I honestly think the "hardest" part so far has been trying to fill in the moments when he's not sleeping, crying, fussing, grunting or getting his diaper changed. I forgot how difficult it is to entertain a newborn! It's nice that Cole's able to follow us with his eyes now, and I am overjoyed with every smile he gives me, but this not-old-enough-to-play-with-toys stage is really a tough one. I feel like he looks at me like, "well, do something really entertaining to hold my attention or I'm going to cry/poop/fuss/grunt!!", but nothing comes to mind. So I basically just make high pitched sounds or move him from one apparatus to another, until he gets tired enough to sleep. For 15 minutes.

But he sure is cute, and that alone gets me through each day. My heart could not be any fuller than it is right now! Happy One Month to our little Cole Bear. You are an amazing addition to our family.

I was going to post all his 1 Month stats, but his doctor's appointment isn't until Wed., so I'll just wait to post them then. Matt thinks he's tipping the scales at 11 lbs already. I'm guessing he's closer to 10 lbs. 5 oz. Check back in a couple of days to see who's right!

Cole's First Bath

I know what you're thinking... Cole is almost a month old and you're just giving him his first bath?! No, no, sillies. I just got my first "free" moment to catch up on my posts!

For the record, it took 17 days for Cole's umbilical cord to fall off. We were beginning to think that he was going to go to Prom with that nasty little thing! I honestly cannot believe that I left it alone for that long; I am such a picker and it was screaming "do it! do it!"at me every time I changed him. But I was good, and as soon as that shriveled little raisin fell off, it was straight to the sink!

Unlike his big brother, who screamed and cried through his first (and second, and third...) bath, Cole very much enjoyed his first time in the "tub". Perhaps because his "tub" is the comfiest looking thing ever! In fact, I'd like to take a bath in it myself. It's called a Blooming Bath, and I knew I had to get it the moment I saw someone blog about it months ago.

Doesn't it look dreamy??

"Cover my goods, Dad!"

"Hi Internet peeps!" 

Brady helping out

I look forward to the first time we can put both boys in the bath together, but until then, I think little CJ will be very happy in his private flower :)

Introducing Cole Joseph

I can't believe Cole is almost 2 weeks old and I'm just getting this "announcement" up on the blog. When Brady was born, I had his welcome post up within 24 hours! They must have had better drugs at Northwestern :)

Without further ado... Matt, Brady and I are proud to introduce the newest member of our family!

We have been having a wonderful time these past two weeks getting to know our little man, as well as enjoying the company of many out of town guests. We couldn't have made it through the 4 days in the hospital without the help of my brother and parents watching Brady, and the first days at home were made easier thanks to my mother and father-in-law.

We appreciate all the calls and notes of congratulations! I'm sorry if I haven't gotten back to everyone but we've been very busy... and sleep deprived... I promise to be in touch soon!

It may be awhile before I can post another update, so until I log on again, here are a few photos from the first few days of Cole's life. The rest can be found here. Disclaimer: Some photos are of a "graphic" nature (ie, naked baby).

Love at first sight!

Brothers!

Our first photo as a family of four!

So alert already!

Brady loves giving Cole lots of kisses!

If you're interested in hearing the details of Cole's arrival, I am going to be posting his "Birth Story" on Mama Dish sometime this week, so check over there when you get a chance!