Caleb's First Week

I survived!!!!!  I wanted to give a Caleb update sooner, but if I had you would probably be reading an entry labeled "Hemorrhoids and Hormones," so it's probably a good thing I waited.

This has been a roller coaster of a week and I never would have survived without the help of my wonderful mommy.  She's cooked, cleaned, shopped, done laundry, and given Savannah LOTS of attention.  Reality is going to hit HARD in a couple hours when she leaves to go home. 

The first couple nights after Caleb was born were bliss.  We were all on an adrenaline high, Caleb slept constantly, and he had no trouble latching on.  Then all hell broke lose!  The little pill clearly had his days and nights mixed up, my body realized just how exhausted and in pain it really was, and Caleb wanted to do nothing but eat Eat EAT!  After several nights of feeding every 90 minutes and constant cuddling in-between (thank God for my wonderful Husband who stepped in with the cuddles) Caleb seems to have figured out his days from his nights.  He still sleeps most of the day, but he doesn't need cuddled all night and he'll go 5 hours in between feedings!  Wahoo!!!!

In addition to the lack of sleep, I've been physically fatigued in a way I've never been before.  I lost a LOT of blood during and after delivery (apparently Red-heads lose more blood than the average woman during childbirth) and I've been extremely weak ever since.  Just walking out to the car to take the baby to the doctor wears me out.  I started taking extra iron supplements and they seem to be helping. 

I couldn't have asked for a smoother transition to big-sisterhood from Savannah.  She understands exactly who Caleb is and where he came from.  She understands that he eats milk from mommy's boobies, that she can't touch him while he eats, that she can't be on his play mat during play time, and she has to be gentle when giving him hugs and kisses.  So far she doesn't act jealous, but my guess is that when Grandma leaves (and takes all her attention with her) reality will settle in.

Matt is still job-searching.  He had multiple interviews all over the Bay Area last week that occupied his time and energy every single day.  The search is wearing him out physically, but mostly mentally and emotionally.  He's also dealing with an extremely exhausted and hormonal wife at home....he really is an awesome Husband.

Caleb is growing like a weed.  His weight had dropped to 7lb 11oz the day after he was born.  By Friday he was up to 8lb 5oz....he'd gained 10oz in 4 days!!!!!!!!!!  He's not feeding as often anymore so maybe he won't be a tank.  Then again, he IS his father's son, and daddy was the size of a 2yr-old by 8mo of age.  He seems to be filling in everywhere but his skinny little chicken legs.  He has great neck strength but zero strength in his legs.  He still likes to curl up in the fetal position with his hands tucked up under his chin.  He doesn't mind tummy-time but prefers to lie on his side.  He smiles in his sleep and has a dimple in his right cheek.

Ok enough chit chat....here's some pictures!

Savvy Snuggles 9/16

Play Time 9/16

Play Time 9/17

Tummy Time 9/19

Grandma's favorite activity: making cookie dough with Savvy!!!

Chillin in his car-seat 9/20

Wide Awake!  9/20

 Oh here's a funny story: Caleb's first bath!  I've been wanting to give Caleb a bath all week, not because he needed it but because Savannah has always LOVED baths and I couldn't wait to see if Caleb would too.  Well, every day passed without having the energy to give him his first bath....until Saturday night when he peed all over his face!!!!  I even had the "pee-pee tee-pee" on him and he STILL sprayed himself!  Poor guy.  Together, Matt and I got him ready for his bath.  I got the tub ready while Matt stripped him down.  Once Caleb was in place (photo below) Matt started filling the tub while I sponged and wiped down Caleb....until I realized that I hadn't put the plug in the tub and there was water going all over the counter!!!!!  I swear we're not first-time parents!!!!  (btw, he did not seem to enjoy his bath)

First Bath....after he peed on his face!

Savannah is quite the little entertainer.  She loves to dance to a few of her musical toys and I like to encourage her in this activity particularly during feeding time.  It's difficult to hear in this video but that particular toy she is using will sing "head, shoulders, knees, and toes", "if you're happy and you know it.." as well as several other catchy songs that she knows all the motions to.  It has some catchy phrases she likes repeating as well.  This video simply captures her doing silly dance moves to the music....sort of resembling a penguin in my opinion!