And Baby Makes Five...

We are now a family of five. Griffin arrived on December 4, weighing 8 lbs, 4 oz., and promptly caused all of us to fall head over heels in love with this little bean of a baby. He has a full head of such beautiful dark hair and the brightest blue eyes. I just can't stop loving him up.

The boys are beside themselves. Aidan is in full big brother helper mode. Our first day home, Aidan ran up to me and demanded, "Where's our baby?" And then begged to hold him and confidently popped the binky back into Griffin's little mouth at the first sign of crankiness. Aidan also had some kind words for his mom after I arrived home. After sharing a nice good night hug, Aidan tells me, "Mom, you did such a good job pushing out our baby, I am going to let you borrow one special thing from my room for the whole night." I left his room with his treasured truck pillow and tears in my eyes.

Brennan is a little more unsure of this new addition. He liked the idea of the baby, but now that it is reality, our "momma's boy" isn't sure what to do with this interloper who demands his momma's attention. I think Brennnan takes comfort in the fact that he can out momma Griffin by having the ability to follow me into the bathroom, shower and wherever else I may find myself in the house. If I do dare to leave a room without announcing it to Brennan, he has taken to screaming "Momma!!!!" at full volume until I announce my whereabouts.

Our first day home was challenging. Griffin was a little put out by his new surroundings and shared his feelings at full volume ALL DAY LONG. It was a nonstop cry fest and caused me to have many moments of "Oh Dear Lord, What Have We DONE?" Even my normally unflappable mother in law appeared a tad stressed out when absolutely nothing could quiet the boy down. Well, nursing would quiet him down. But after six straight hours on the boob, I needed a break.

(Sidenote - add to this hysteria - a husband who has to dash off to work all day for a work emergency that had kept him up until all hours the night before and then we LOSE POWER (AGAIN!) that night. I was holding it together pretty well until the power went off. Then the hormonal breakdown was released in full force. Tears, blubbering, general hysteria, no power, no heat and a baby THAT WOULD NOT STOP CRYING unless I allowed him back onto the cracked, bleeding blistering boobies.)

But then day two home brought us an adjusted and happier Griffin. No tears. Regular nursing demands and his very first normal poopie! (I think it was the poopie that did it. I really do.) Since then, it has been a dream. Well, a dream in which I (and my children) all live in pjs everyday, never leave the house, and watch wayyyyyy too much Noggin. (I heart Noggin. I really do.)

And to top it off? He sleeps! Griffin sleeps! Not the hour newborn catnaps that all new moms must endure, but he nurses at 9 pm and is good until anywhere from 2:30 until 4! 4!!!!!!! Yes, I am still emotionally and physically exhausted, but I know a good thing - and that is a gift for a new mom.

Griffin has completed us as a family - and for that we are all truly blessed.