Six Days Old

I'm sitting here typing with Joshua in my new Storchenwiege wrap. It is AWESOME. I love it. Thank you Mom & Dad! We just came back from a short walk which felt good but also pooped me out. The house is in Quiet Time mode now and afterward Andrew and Mom are going to take the big kids to Peter Piper Pizza. Josh and I will chill and rest here at home.

The last couple of days have been really great. Joshua is now a contented, sleepy, clear-skinned baby. I'm so happy! I am sad that his first days of life had to be so uncomfortable.

The nights have been really good. I bring him to bed with me so nursing is minimally disruptive... Josh and I have been sleeping quite well. Praying for that to continue!

Cloth diapering has been kind of fun! I like learning new things. I am particularly loving the cloth wipes. The only downfall is that they are cold when I wet them with the wipe solution. I quickly realized that in the early days a cover isn't necessary. It's nice to know right away when he's wet so we can change him up. Now that he's peeing more I put a cover on for bedtime and when we go to bed. He isn't a big fan of the diaper change! Especially now while we're still slow and clumsy with them. When we do put a cover on, I understand what people mean about cloth diapers being bulky!! I think it will get a bit better as he grows a little, but I guess this is the reality of cloth diapering. One thing I love about cloth is knowing I never have to go to the store to restock on diapers and wipes. I just have to run a load of laundry every couple of days. I'm home enough that is no big deal to me.

I dabbled a little with EC in the first few days, but he was so fussy and he didn't seem to like being held over the potty. I'm also not quite sure how to do it in a way that's comfortable for both of us. He generally poops while he's nursing and it just seems awkward. For now I'll continue to change him frequently and observe for his elimination timing and cues. We'll figure out the EC thing as we go along.

Joshua likes to be swaddled. This is good to know.

I feel pretty good. I'm not really sore from the birth or otherwise anymore. Still have a poochy jelly belly but it's going down steadily. The belly wrapping is nice- more for back support than anything actually. I haven't been keeping consistently wrapped because it takes two people and I am nursing so frequently it's not too often someone is available and Josh isn't with me and I remember.

I have felt so well supported!! I get fed, my house and laundry stay magically clean, the big kids' needs are taken care of, there is always a pair of arms available to hold Joshua so I can take care of myself.... THANK YOU SO MUCH Mom and Andrew. I really really really REALLY appreciate it.

He's a Different Baby!!

Things are so much different since yesterday afternoon!! Joshua's skin has cleared enormously, and his eyes aren't so puffy. We've had lots of quiet alert periods. When he does cry, he is easily consoled. He drifted off to sleep on my chest, and I've just been enjoying snuggling him all morning.

Yippee!!

Birth Story (Part 2)

Originially posted by Andrew on www.thewillmsphotogblog.blogspot.com

I've had these photos up on flickr for a while so if you've seen them already my apologies.

The old sense of humor was still intact.


The water pouring seemed to really help Dana with the old back pain.


Lucia was great and Dana was all about listening.


Micah was checking in on things to ensure Mom was alright!


Bobbi was supporting Dana with the cold cloth.


Dr. Lopez showing Eva Joshua's head!


Hi MOM!


It looks like Joshua is smiling in this photo.


I posted this photo in B&W a couple of days ago, but I like it better in colour. I just love Eva's face.


Eva touching her brother for the first time.


Dr. Flores doing his thing...


4.380 kilos...that's a big boy.


Eva presenting Joshua with a stuffed elephant.


Awesome!


Eva was absorbing it all.


Micah welcoming Joshua into the family.


First family photo!


Happy 0 Birthday Joshua!

First Days

Nana with an exhausted Joshua

These first few days have been at once out-of-the-ordinary and ordinary, exciting and normal, easy and tough.

The house continues to function, with Eva going to school, kids needing meals, laundry to be done, etc. Mom and Andrew have picked up the reins awesomely in those areas. Tuesday felt a little weird but Wednesday and Thursday felt a lot more normal. On Tuesday while Eva was at school Micah just milled around, so unlike him. The big kids are adjusting well overall, though acting out from time to time. No surprises there.

My body is sore, not just from the birth but also from nursing so much- my hips and back are sore from all the side lying even though I use pillows for support. But recovery is going well. I'm probably doing a little too much but I just can't help it.

Joshua has not been a very contented baby. Periods of quiet alertness are extremely rare. When he is not eating nonstop he is fussing. He is easily roused, except for during his once or twice daily 3-5 hour stretches of sleep. Now, I expect frequent nursing. But what happens with this guy is he'll fall off the breast, seemingly content, and then within minutes he'll grimace and start to wail. Then he'll ask for more milk. Repeat. Just doesn't seem like regular newborn behaviour to me.

I now have a working theory: wheat sensitivity. I'm thinking that his tummy hurts and he asks for the breast for comfort, and then his tummy hurts more, etc, etc. Wave after wave until finally he konks out exhausted or the offending substance gets dilute enough not to bother him anymore.

On Tuesday night we didn't sleep at all- and I'd had pasta for supper with croissants for desert. Last night we had a wonderful night, with him sleeping from about 11 until 3, and then nursing contentedly from time to time until 10am. I'd had shish-ka-bobs with rice for supper. This morning was the best morning yet with finally periods of quiet alertness. And then I had 3 pieces of toast. This afternoon has been horrible. Inconsolable baby.

He also has skin issues. I expected newborn acne but he's kind of blotchy, kind of dry, and it seems really soon for the acne? And his eyes are still kind of puffy. I read that can be a sign of food sensitivity.

I'd love to hear from anyone with knowledge and experience with newborns and with food sensitivities. And I'd appreciate some prayer too. A mom feels so impotent when her baby is inconsolable! Especially since I have so many more tools in my parenting toolbag than I did when I was a new mom.

But I'm hopeful! I'm off the wheat and hoping for another great night with Joshua. I love it when he is just quietly looking around, taking in the world around him. Gives me a chance to take him in. His eyes are really blue! More blue than I remember either Eva or Micah's eyes being. I wonder what colour they will stay or become?

Joshua - 1 day old

Originially posted by Andrew on www.thewillmsphotogblog.blogspot.com

Here is a shot of Johsua.

Photo Birth Story

Originially posted by Andrew on www.thewillmsphotogblog.blogspot.com

I wanted to document the process the best I could while still supporting Dana. Thanks to Dana's determination and preparedness I was able to shoot a lot!

It was so great to witness the birth of our son and see Dana execute her birth plan to perfection. Here are a few photos documenting the progression.

Dr. Lopez checking Joshua's heart rate.



Lucia checking the baby and doing a wonderful job supporting Dana.


One of my favorites of the day. Dana was so strong and so in control.

Eva and Micah with looks of anticipation. They so badly wanted to hold little Joshua.


Mom's first hug.


On the weigh station...Not too happy about that.

Joshua Willms and my amazing wife.

Originially posted by Andrew on www.thewillmsphotogblog.blogspot.com

Here are a few photogs of the birth! Stay tuned for WAY more photos.

Baby Joshua coming up for his first breath!








AWESOME!


Thanks to God we have a beautiful healthy baby boy!