Aden's Home

Andi and I brought Aden home from the hospital Wednesday. So far, life with two kids has been a smooth transition, thanks to all the help we've had at home. My parents are staying with us until next Tuesday and Andi's home this week as well. There's plenty of attention to go around for Tory and extra hands to hold the baby.

Aden is such a sweet baby and things are so, so much easier this time around. I feel like I'm a lot more relaxed about everything and I think that helps. With Tory, I remember sticking to a strict two hour feeding schedule and over-analyzing every little thing. With Aden, I'm just letting him dictate what he needs and when. It's a lot less stressful. In these first few days, he seems to be cluster feed in the mornings and evenings and sleep decent stretches mid-day and during the night. Of course, my tolerance of little sleep has increased over the years thanks to all those broken hours of sleep with Tory, so I've probably got a better outlook on it all.

Nursing's going very well. It took Aden about 12 hours to learn to latch but now that he has it figured out, the boy loves to eat. He likes to be wrapped tightly and held close, calms easily and only seems upset when his clothes or diaper is changed. He's been on two car rides thus far (home from the hospital and to the doctor's office for a well-child check) and both times, fell fast asleep in his car seat. Maybe we won't have a car seat-hater on our hands this time! Oh, man, how nice would that be?

I can't get over how much Aden looks like his daddy. I can't decide if it's because he's a boy, or if it's truly the resemblance of the same eyes and chin I see. Tory looked a lot like Andi when she was born and I see a lot of her in Aden's features as well.

I know it seems obvious, but I'm amazed at how much love I have in my heart for this boy. It's like an entirely new chamber has been opened and I'm swimming in affection for him. Last time with Tory, I remember being so lonely up feeding her at night, but this time (so far) I actually enjoy the quiet, quality time Aden and I spend together in the middle of the night. I'm sure sleep deprivation will take over eventually, but for now I'm just in awe of this miracle before me.

Okay, now time for some pics ...

I've got notes of Aden's birth story typed up and as soon as I find some spare minutes, I wanted to get it all documented here. Tory's adjusted very well to having Aden at home and I want to jot down some memories of their first meeting as well. More to come ....