We're still here...

Life has only been a tad busy these last few days! We came home Friday afternoon and so did Evan. He'd been at my Mom's since Tuesday afternoon and while we are extremely grateful that she was able to watch him, he's had to go through a little Grandma detoxing. Combine that with the facts that he'd missed us, been completely out of routine, came home to even more disruption in routine, and now has a baby sister that requires a lot of attention; it's completely understandable that he's had a rough few days. We expected that he might have difficulties sharing the attention, but I didn't anticipate the level of emotional regression. We had an astounding number of tantrums those first 2 days and he was so defiant. Jeff and I kept saying, "what is wrong, where is our Evan?" Obviously, we knew what was wrong, but it was still hard to experience. Every time we had to redirect him, which was practically all the time, he would cry and whine like we'd just rejected him. It was a rough couple of days, but its starting to get better. Jeff's Brother and Mom were here yesterday and gave him a ton of attention and we're definitely starting to see a decrease in the tantrums! Hallelujah!

And then there's Aida...these are pictures my Brother-in-law took. I love the one where her eyes are crossed, it makes me giggle every time I look at it. This whole experience has been so different than with Evan. Even though I was induced and didn't quite make it completely natural, I still felt like labor and delivery were perfect. I got to experience working through the contractions, but by the time she was ready to enter the world I was relaxed and aware of every moment. It was also different not having people there waiting. I felt so supported throughout Evan's labor (at one point there were 20 people in the waiting room,) but I also rushed my time with him after delivery so that everyone could meet him. This time we were able to take our time nursing her, holding her, and getting to know her. It was wonderful!

Another huge difference has been breastfeeding. It's been stressful at times, because I'm a complete newbie, but she's a great nurser and she's gaining weight and we haven't had to do anything but breastfeed. And I have loved every minute spent nursing her. Our first few nights home were rough. It felt like all she wanted to do was eat, and we didn't get much sleep. But I've had a friend supporting and helping me and I also went to a breastfeeding support group yesterday and learned a few things to try. I did things a little differently last night based on their suggestions and it made a huge difference - she had 2 four hour stretches of sleep last night!! "Failing" at breastfeeding Evan was so hard for me and it has been so awesome to feel successful this time around.

Aida is a very happy and easy baby so far and we are so in love with her. I'm still working through the changes, I've definitely had my share of emotional moments, and I'm trying not to focus on how I'll manage when Jeff goes back to work next Tuesday, but I'm happy. And for now I'm just going to take one day at a time and enjoy every moment with the three people I love most in this world!


I'm sure this will get its own post at some point, but I didn't feel right not giving at least a quick thank you to all the people who have showered us with support. Family, friends, and house church members, you've been spending time with Evan, offering listening ears, supporting my efforts to nurse, and bringing us great food and gifts. We don't know what we'd do without you and we love you all!