Four weeks old- Josh's due date

What a week of learning!

It's been my first week flying solo as a newborn baby mom.  All my life is centered around Joshua's diapers, bottles,  and naps. It's amazing how intense that can be at times- particularly at 3am.  For the most part,  though,  he is a sweet, easy-to-soothe baby.  He's eating well and we think he might be nearing 5.5 lbs. He has a follow-up appointment to check his growth next week, so fingers crossed!

Paul was hit with a nasty throat virus, so over the weekend he stayed sequestered up in the room while Josh and I started our one on one time a little early. I feel so bad that of the four weeks Paul had for paternity leave,  two were spent in Utah and on the trip home,  and the third he spent sick and unable to enjoy this time together as a family. He went back to school on Monday and taught through the throat pain the way teachers often do. He's starting to feel better,  though,  so here's hoping he stays well.

Meanwhile at home,  I am living the dream I've always wanted to live.  Some people aspire to have a certain profession; to do amazing things on their bucket list. All I've ever wanted to be was a mother.  I've always had a mother heart.  Over the years as children didn't come,  I got an education,  found a wonderful profession,  and have had a very full,  blessed life, but it was my "plan B." Now that I'm here,  I feel utter gratitude for that "plan B" life I've lived.  I'm grateful for the things I've learned,  the colleagues I have,  and most especially for the children with whom I've been able to spend my days. I have a loving school and community family that I never would have known otherwise, and I am grateful for them.

Anyway,  enough about me. Josh and I are settling into our routines. So far,  his little body is almost like a clock- every two hours it's diaper and bottle time. During morning feedings,  we're reading the Winnie the Pooh stories. We are in the middle of the chapter where Eeyore gets two presents.  Josh also has tummy time sessions on soft fuzzy blankets on the dining room table and is lifting his little head up and pushing up with his arms and trying to propel himself with his legs. Yesterday I took him to my favorite walking spot at the Buxton trailhead and we went for a lovely autumn expedition with Pippin.  Nights are going more well than not- with the exception of last night which has me sleepy and slow-motion-y today.  Nighttime is when I tell him fairy tales and sing the gentle Disney, Broadway, and primary songs to him that I remember from my childhood. When I said earlier that I was living my dream I really,  truly meant it.

I hear Josh stirring and his internal two-hour clock is kicking in.  More updates to come. :)