photo shoot outtakes

My brother has become our family photographer. He has an awesome camera and does a great job. We had him take some pictures for Crew's birth announcement. Unfortunately (or fortunately), Tim turns into Zoolander in front of the camera. He was going for some new poses.  I'm thinking they will totally catch on in the photography world.

two weeks

Every milestone in Crew's life is driving a dagger into my heart.  I really want to have a newborn baby forever!  Obviously, I know that's not possible.  Crew has brought so much joy into our home.  Having a newborn truly puts life into perspective and helps me realize how blessed I am.  Every day I'm in awe at my many blessings.  I feel so incredibly cheesy right now, but it's so true.  This little guy has brought so much joy to our home and family.

At his two week appointment he weighed 6 lbs 3 oz so he was not back up to his birth weight yet.  I've had some issues nursing him, but I've been so determined to make it work.  Crew loves to sleep so I have to wake him up every 4 hours to feed him and hopefully help him gain some weight.  Also, just like all my other boys he has a clogged tear duct.  Besides those few little hiccups, he is doing great!

best buds

My good friend, Danielle, had her baby Mack just eight days before me. They don't know it yet, but these boys are going to be best buds. Even if they do cheer for opposing teams!

Crew and Macklin

Danielle & Crew

Me & Mack

one week

The first week of Crew's life went so fast.  I was sick to my stomach thinking that a week had already passed.  Realizing that his life was already becoming memories.  In between snuggling him, being spoiled by friends with yummy dinners, changing diapers and figuring out how to feed this little guy, we spent lots of time at doctor appointments.  He was a little bit jaundice so he had to keep going back into the doctor to check his billirubin levels.  Also, he was tongue tied so the doctor clipped his tongue.  He was also struggling to gain weight so they were watching that closely. 

Among the doctor's appointments, I found time to make it to Payton's soccer games.  He was playing in a soccer tournament this week and I didn't want to miss it.  So, I went to his game with my five day old baby...and my other crazy boys.  Of course, Crew just slept away in his car seat.  I only had a mild amount of anxiety about him getting hit with a ball, but it was worth it when Payton scored a goal in the first couple minutes of his first game.  I was so glad I didn't miss it! 

As you can tell from the pictures, the highlight of this week was our new baby.  The boys could definitely not get enough of their new baby brother.  Every day the boys ran in the door from school and showered this little guy with kisses.  There is no doubt that Crew is loved!
 

coming home

As much as I love the hospital, I'm definitely ready to go home by discharge day. I'm ready to be with my family again and welcome our new little one home. Even with all the chaos it brings! Although we had plenty of boy clothes at our house, I had to have a special "coming home" outfit for baby Crew. Leaving the hospital, it just seems crazy that it's legal to drive around with a tiny 6 lb baby strapped in the back seat.  It's the longest car ride home, wondering if the baby is breathing, is he okay?  That's when you realize, as a new mother, the postpartum craziness has officially set in! 

When we arrived home, the boys were still so enamored by their baby brother.  My parents brought me dinner the night we got home and Tim took the boys to Corbin's birthday party.

hospital love

I. love. the. hospital. I can't say enough how much I love staying in the hospital after I have a baby. I love being waited on. I love the comfort of having nurses and doctors at my disposal 24/7. I love the visitors. I love the peace and quiet. I love the sleepless nights.  I love the diet coke fountain drinks.  I love the pain pills.  But, most of all, I love the reason I am there. My newborn baby. I love soaking up my little bundle without any other care in the world. Nothing else to worry about. Tim and I treasuring every new moment with our little guy.

crew's birth - visitors

There was no doubt that Crew was loved from the moment he entered this world. Tim and I also felt the love as we were swarmed with visitors. We have the best family and friends who make us feel so loved. There was also no doubt that our three little boys were so in love with their new brother. This was the reaction when we told Payton he couldn't stay at the hospital with us...

So many others came to visit that I didn't get pictures of, plus the endless phone calls were overwhelming, in a really wonderful way!