Chunky Monkey

Henry had his 3 week pediatrician visit today.  Based on his insatiable appetite and chipmunk cheeks, I knew that he was growing, though I didn't realize how much he was growing!  Henry tipped the scale at 8 lbs 12 oz (up 2 lbs since birth) and measured 20 1/2 inches long.  At birth, he was in the 12th percentile for weight.  He is now in the 50th percentile for weight, but only the 25th percentile for height.  We have a roly poly little fellow on our hands!  Clearly the little man has a healthy appetite, and appears to be healthy in all other respects, too.  Merci à dieu!

A few thoughts...

Several days after Henry was born, I wrote an email to the daughter of a friend who is expecting her first son any day now.  She was curious about one little newborn detail, but as I composed the note, I found myself babbling about every detail that came to mind--the difficulty of changing a newborn's diaper, the exhaustion, the surges of emotions and the moments of weeping, the feelings of being completely overwhelmed and yet completely overjoyed.  After I finished writing and pressed "send", I was concerned that my commentary on the first few days as a mother may have been too truthful, that I may have divulged a little too much.  I shared with her both facts and feelings that people mentioned to me with complete detachment and lack of emotion, as if they had forgotten the raw details.  I am glad I shared with her when I was acutely aware of everything; I wish someone had done the same for me.  For, at two and a half weeks, I realize that, in fact, those raw details are and (almost) forgotten.  I am tired, but not exhausted (merci, Maman!).  I am busy, but not overwhelmed.  I am emotional, but not weepy.  And I am completely overjoyed, especially when I see this little fellow and hold him close to my heart... 

2 Weeks!

One of the best parts of being a mother...

...is being a daughter, too.  Watching my own mother with her grandson is a tremendous joy and blessing. 

Is it love?  I think so!

My saintly mother, who is one of my dearest friends and greatest role models, arrived several days ago to spend time with her newest grandson and to help me and Nate.  Her experience and guidance are great comforts as we navigate parenthood.  Having a third set of helping hands is invaluable, especially when those hands are fixing delicious meals, soothing Henry during the middle of the night, or giving me a hug.  Her presence brings added light to our already bright house and I am brimming with thankfulness that she is here with us. 

1 Week Old

Henry is one week old today!  It's hard to believe that it has already been a week, and then again, it's hard to believe that it has only been a week!  Nate and I are enjoying getting to know our little man.  He loves to be sunggled and cuddled and to ride in the car or in his stroller.  We think he is pretty perfect and, despite the exhaustion, are loving every minute with him!

So tiny in his seat!

Day 5

Sweet little Henry seems to be adjusting to the big, bright world.  Love those eyes!

Presenting, in person, that 19 inch bundle of dynamite...

Henry Joseph!

(That title is a reference to Gypsy, for those who aren't familiar with musicals.)

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

6 pounds 12 ounces

19 1/4 inches long

Can we talk about how unflattering hospital gowns are?  Ugh!

More pictures and details to follow!

Back to School

It's that time of year again...the start of a new school year!  Ever since I was little, I have loved getting ready to go back to school.  Trips to Office Depot and Target for the purchasing of new pens, notebooks, and folders?  Heaven!  Picking out an outfit for the first day?  Even better!  Now, as a teacher, I love being back in my classroom, decorating the walls, rearranging the desks, and getting everything in order for the students' arrival.  I have been eyeing a new planner at Erin Condren (sigh!) and am anxious to have it in my hands and start planning to my heart's content.

Even with the promise of new supplies and new clothes, this year will be a little different.  Yes, I have already been in my classroom, organizing, arranging, and puttering around.  But, instead of handing out schedules to students at Registration (tomorrow!) and watching them squeal in excitement as they greet their friends and compare their classes, I will be at the hospital.  That's right, it's August 9 and little Henry is being stubborn, just like his mother.  Unless he decides to change his tune in next 12 hours (unlikely), he will be evicted.  This is not what I had planned, but when I'm holding him in my arms tomorrow, I won't care.  And next week, when someone else is greeting my students on the first day, I don't think I'll be likely to care either.  This year will be a little different, maybe even a little better, and my new planner can gather a little bit of dust until October.  Tomorrow I'm having a baby!