Two weeks!

Time is really flying by...two weeks already?!?  We are still surviving; everyday is different depending on how long he sleeps during the night.  He's going anywhere from 2 1/2 hours to 4 hours at a time, usually with one long stretch and then two shorter ones.  He's just so sweet and snuggly it's hard not to hold him all the time!  I think he's working on becoming a reflux baby.  Banks was about 5 weeks before we started on Prevacid.  I've noticed today that Andrew is waking out of naps crying and he's been doing a good bit of spitting up today.  Dern, I really didn't want to deal with that this go-around. 

Sweet angel baby

 We had his two week check-up today.  He weighed 9 pounds (56%), was 21 1/2 inches long (77%) and his head circumference was 37.5 inches (57%).  Banks' head never even thought about being that small.  He was always in the 100th percentile!!!  After his check up with the pediatrician, we went back to the hospital for his repeat hearing screen.  He failed it twice in the hospital after he was born and they wanted me to bring him back one more time before sending us to an audiologist.  Great news!  He passed!!!  So relieved to get a clean bill of health.

Taking A's 2 week picture

I need someone to tell me how I thought having a newborn was so hard when I had Banks.  Why is it that we can always look back and say "man, I had it easy?"  Having Banks TOTALLY rocked our world and I'm really hoping that the transition to two will not do the same.  So far, so good, but it's not reality.  My mom was here for almost two weeks, Matt's mom will be here for nearly a week, and then Banks is going to stay with his Aunt and Uncle in Memphis for a long weekend.  So, next week, reality will set in. 

Our first trip to Avent Park

One week!

It's hard to believe that Andrew is a week old already.  We are settling in to our new routine and both boys are doing beautifully.  Andrew has been doing a lot of sleeping during the day and a lot of crying during the night.  Last night was the first time Andrew actually slept in between feedings so I'm hoping he can keep that up!  As of now, I'm feeling like I can survive this!  Although, my mom is still here doing EVERYTHING for Banks as well as cleaning and cooking...so, of course I'm feeling like I can survive it! 

I forgot what it was like to be ruled by the "feeding clock."  I experience a certain amount of dread when it gets close to feeding time.  Is it only that way with breastfeeding moms or is it that way with everybody???  A friend suggested that I use late-night feeding times as a prayer time; a time to thank God for the blessing we have been given and that has been helpful.  Facebook just isn't entertaining at 3:00 in the morning!!! 

Banks has been so sweet with Andrew.  He wants to put the paci in and hold his hand but that's about as far as he extends his brotherly love.  Which is fine by me.  I'd rather him be less interested than more.  It's been hard for me to not be able to do for Banks.  I hate when he asks me to race or play something that I just can't do but I will say its been nice getting a break from bathing him, fixing his meals and changing his diapers!!

Andrew Philips Still

Andrew made his arrival Sunday, February 12th...one day before he was scheduled!  I woke up Sunday morning with contractions and was about to get in the shower "just in case" when my water broke.  Unfortunately, we took our time getting ready and by the time we got to the hospital I was in tears from the pain!  Everything happened so quickly...we got to the hospital around 9:30 and Andrew was here at 11:01!! 

So far, everything with baby #2 has gone differently.  My delivery and recovery with Banks was very rough and this time has been a breeze (am I jinxing myself here???).  We came home today and it has been perfect...very low key and no tears on my part!  Andrew is learning about the world of nursing and we're hoping that his first night home will go smoothly.  Banks has been wonderful with Andrew so far.  I think he forgets he's even here until Andrew makes a noise.  He is interested, but not too interested.  Being a mom the second time around is much less stressful...not to say there aren't worries but I'm not nearly as freaked out about things as I was with Banks.

 If you don't hear back from me for a while it's because everything has fallen apart.  I'm totally expecting it once Andrew starts waking up, the help all goes home and Banks realizes that Andrew is here to stay.  But for now, I'll enjoy a little peace and quiet and blog!

Holding Andrew for the first time...so sweet!

A paci lover already...

My new favorite pic!

All ready to go home!  Please note that we did not get the neck support thing installed correctly.

We had a "Big Brother" party for Banks today after we got home.  He had cupcakes and balloons and lots of new, fun presents!  He is one very proud brother!



Tick, tock.

This time next week, we'll be a family of four.  EEEKKKK!!!!  It is a bizarre feeling knowing this...not like I didn't know that this pregnancy would end (even though at times it did feel that way) but knowing exactly when it's coming to an end is just strange!  I am scheduled to go in next Monday for the section.  So far, this week has not gone as expected.  I had imagined doing lots of fun things "one last time" with my little man, running lots of last minute errands and having the house spotless.  Instead, we've been on lock down since Saturday because Banks has the stomach virus.  Therefore, I have spent my time washing sheets, cleaning up poo and vomit and disinfecting every inch of this TTT.  I spend my time agonizing over whether I'll get it or not and Banks spends his time parked in front of the TV with his cup of Gatoraid.  Like I said, not exactly how I'd imagined it going.

I will say that this morning, he woke up and said, "momma, can I go and play at someones house today?"  He's so over me.  I'm thinking that we've made it over the hump if he's feeling good enough to request a playdate.  We'll see what the day holds.

We are all ready for Andrew's arrival.  His bag is packed, my bag is semi-packed and the "nursery" is all ready.  Poor Andrew.  There's no space for him in the TTT so he's sleeping in this bassinet in the corner of the downstairs.  Yep, I'm serious.  I love this wicker bassinet and Matt's Aunt Frances put a new ribbon and bow on it for us BUT I don't love that I just have to park it by the bathroom downstairs.  However, hopefully it will just be for 1 1/2 months...we have a contract on a house!!!  We have yet to have the inspection, etc so fingers crossed that all works out for us this time.  Just knowing that there's an end in sight makes bringing Andrew home to the TTT much more manageable.

I'll do my best to update the blog after Andrew arrives!!