Coming Home

We were released from the hospital on Sunday morning, and have been home since then. We had my parents bring Jack to the hospital on Sunday so he could make the return trip home with us as a family. So far he has shown zero jealousy towards Jason, instead showing extreme interest and curiosity, and even affection. While visiting in the hospital, Jack showed how much he loved Jason by- of his own free will- giving a teddy bear to Jason; he said "baby" several times and smiled coyly, shrugging into my mom's legs. When asked to give Jason kisses, Jack gave kisses to the closest adult. Another way I know Jack likes the baby? I gave him a chocolate chip cookie, which he LOVES, and instead of eating it, he insisted on sharing it with Jason. He never took a single bite, but just kept holding it for the baby to eat. Isn't that the sweetest thing ever? Below is a shot of him with the cookie, and wearing his new "Big Brother" hat. I love the video of Jack making funny faces for Jason, and shrugging into my mom's shoulder. He was so excited to meet the baby; I just know once Jason's old enough, Jack will have him laughing all the time with his crazy faces.

Anyways, home from the hospital 1 day, on Monday morning I note Jack's forehead is feverish. Oh no, I think. Not now please. We give him alternating doses of Ibuprofen and Tylenol, in hopes it's just a little bug. Turns out, by 7 pm that night, his forehead burns your hand when you touch it and his temperature was 105! He went to the clinic Care Now and was diagnosed with strep throat! My poor baby. Not only do I feel terrible for Jack, but now I'm seriously concerned for Jason and that he not catch it. So basically, we've quarantined Jack/Jon from me/Jason the past 2 days and it's been so sad. I want Jack to play with his new brother, and we haven't let him touch him- I hope he gets over it and doesn't hold a grudge. Thankfully, after being on an antibiotic for the past 24 hours, Jack's no longer contagious and we can lighten up now. He's feeling much better, and Jason's fine.

Also on the agenda for Monday was taking Jason in to see the pediatrician for a weight check, and to make sure all was well. He lost 9% of his body weight while in the hospital, which approached the borderline set by dr.'s for maximum weight loss; luckily though he already had gained 5 oz when weighed at the doctor's office, so he's doing good. He has been a very good baby, and peaceful to be around. He will just gaze around, content to see the world. (Since starting this post on Tuesday, we saw the pediatrician again on Friday to check Jason's circumcision, and he had already passed his birth weight! Born at 7 lbs, 14 oz, he now weighs 7 lbs, 15 oz. I'm guessing he's going to be a strong little guy, like his big brother.)

Daddy with his two boys; Jack wants in on the cuddle action too The way he's sleeping here reminds me of how Jack used to sleep with his hands up by his face. You can definitely tell J & J are brothers.

Jason Kenneth

I'd like you all to meet our newest little member of our family: Jason Kenneth! We are so excited he's here and healthy- ecstatic actually. He was born on April 22nd, 4:46 a.m. He came about 1 1/2 weeks early and weighed in at 7 lbs, 14 oz and measured 21 inches long! He is a good size boy with a head full of black hair!!

Jack hugging my tummy (and little brother) one last time before leaving the hospital with my parentsMinutes after born, Mommy and Jason bond. This is most precious to me, since Jack and I missed this special time when he was born.Jason getting his first bath.
Swaddled and happy, life is good.

Happy Birthday Jason! We are so happy to have you here with us.

37 Weeks and counting...

So I'm still pregnant...just over 37 weeks to be exact. I figured I'd document with at least one more picture: I'm now 1 week past when I delivered Jack in my last pregnancy....and I'm genuinely shocked! I just figured I'd go early this time around too. I am totally unprepared mentally to go to my due date. I went to see my doctor 1 week ago today, and was excited to get checked, expecting to be dilated to a 1, or showing some type of sign of impending labor. Instead I get: "I'd say you've got at least 2 more weeks, maybe 3." HUH? You're kidding me, right? After spending the last month obsessing and worrying about delivering too early, I'm now one of those women begging to have the pregnancy over with? The irony is not lost on me. I am relieved to know that the baby is officially full-term and can come at any time, but I'm just so anxious for him to be here and know he's all right!

An interesting sidenote: 2 weeks ago today, I stopped by Quizno's to get a sandwich. The lady who worked there was older with deep-set lines on her face; she just seemed like one of those mid-wives you hear about with all the sage wisdom to dispense. She took one look at me, asked when my due date was (April 30th), and immediately disputed its accuracy, saying "you'll never make it. No, you've got 2 weeks." According to her, I was carrying low. Well, today it has officially been 2 weeks, and no baby. It'll be interesting to see who's more accurate in their prediction, the woman or my doctor. As for me, I'm pulling for the woman.