Ben is ONE MONTH old!

OK...he's one month and 3 days...but who's counting? :)
We're thrilled to have this little love in our lives...he's mostly an easy-going, laid back baby, except when his tummy won't cooperate. Can you blame him? I'm not happy when my belly is upset, too.
Since coming home one month ago today, we've had visits from all of the grandparents and great-grandmother, Gammy, and we've celebrated Ben's first Easter.
Big sister Rachael is adjusting rather well...the first week was a little rough, but, now that she's decided he's a permanent fixture, most of her time is spent trying to kiss his toes. (Which she sometimes does with much gusto....and slobber!)
We are taking monthly pictures of Ben with his first teddy bear, so, that by his one year mark, we'll have 12 shots to show how he has grown. Here's the first one, the one month shot, compared to the one week shot.
Interestingly, he's wearing the same onesie in each picture....he looks much fuller, don't you think?
And, he should look fuller, because on his one month birthday, he weighed in at 8lbs, 11oz -- 1 oz shy of two pounds above birth weight! And, even more than his coming home weight of 6lbs, 1oz. The boy likes to eat, what can I say?

I'll be back with more thoughts on having 2 kiddos at home and other such mysteries!

Ben's first days....

Mommy adoring Ben...I've dreamt of having a picture of
holding a newborn in a hospital bed...it's finally come true!

Showing Ben off for the camera

Peace out, peeps! Dressed and ready to go home!

Heading for the car with Mommy

Day 1 at home with big sister...in our coordinating outfits

One week old...in my "just born" onesie...monthly pictures to follow!

Rachael enjoying Nana's baked ziti...it was so good, it had to go in my hair.

Taking a post-bath nap in Daddy's arms

Well, we are settled in at home with Mr. Ben...otherwise known as "little buddy", "big guy", "Benjamin Button", and "little brother", "Mr. Man". Overall, I'd say this first week (or ten days) has gone really well. Ben is pretty laid-back and other than having his nights and days mixed up, we're enjoying cuddling with him every chance we get. Rachael is adjusting...the hardest part is that I can't lift her and she can't figure out why. Thank goodness Mike has been off this week and we've been able to have one-on-one time with Ben during the day and navigate our four-some at night.
I have to say....I have had many moments of being awe-struck this week...especially when I look at Mike holding Rachael while I hold Ben and think that I just need to pinch myself. How could this dream have come true? How could 3 years of struggles have led us to this? When will the other shoe drop? (The internal pessimist never quite goes away!)
I also thought I'd have to "make room" in my heart for Ben...you know, by taking away something else for him to fit in. NOT TRUE! My heart expanded and it's like he's always been there and I love him as much as I love his big sister, each for who and what they are.
Ben, sweetheart, we are so glad you are here and healthy.