Nathaniel's First Week

Nathaniel is already 8 days old and it seems like he has been with us forever. We are all doing very well and adjusting to his arrival, even big brother Ben. Ben loves to say his name ("Nate!") and smother him with pats and kisses. We have been trying to include Ben as much as possible in Nate's care and so far I have only had one jealousy outburst - the first time I nursed Nate in front of Ben when we were alone yesterday afternoon, when he wanted me to play with him on the floor instead. So, I calmed him down and we read stories during the duration of the nursing and since then, he has been fine with it. Hopefully it will continue!

Nathaniel is such a sweet, peaceful, easy baby so we really feel blessed by that. He had his nights and days confused for the first 3 nights at home but since then we have been waking him up during the day and he has been sleeping 4-5 hours straight at night. He is easily soothed, very content and will sleep through ANYTHING (but that I mean a toddler playing the drums, yelling, the dog barking, etc.). He was having some problems nursing at first but it seems to be improving as he is getting the hang of it.

As for me, I am recovering very well and feel much better than after Ben's birth. I am taking it easy for a few weeks anyway, but honestly feel very good.

Here are some photos from Nate's first week of life. Enjoy!

Daddy and "mummified" Nathaniel, as we called the tight swaddling the pediatric nurses always put him in :).

Looking around. We didn't see those eyes of his very much for the first few days of his life but now he is starting to be much more alert. So, this wide-awake photo from the hospital is a rare commodity!

Nana and Pop visited for a week to meet Nate and to take care of Ben for us. He loved having them there and they enjoyed visiting with the boys.

All dressed up with someplace to go. Nathaniel's in his little fuzzy lamb bunting to prepare for 20-minute drive from Abington Hospital to our house.

Proud Mommy and Daddy with the latest addition to the family. By the second day in the hospital I was definitely ready to come home!

The stork arrived at our house on Friday to let the world know that Nathaniel has joined our family. Ben seems more excited about the large bird on our front lawn than Nate does though :).
Our little sleepyhead...

Being cuddled by his nana...

Becoming more alert. Note his porcupine hairdo :).

Big brother Ben showing off for everyone so we had to take a photo of him acting silly as well!

Brothers!