Jacob's First Week

Although the big kids have had some behavior issues and need lots of extra attention since his arrival, Jacob really fits right into our family. He is so easygoing and doesn't mind lots of people in his face, touching him and adoring him. We have really not had much of a chance to "rest" since he's come home, as we're already busy with everything else we have going on. He's already had plenty of adventures.

The Thursday after we brought him home, I had a moment of paranoia because his breathing was very rapid-- I could literally see his chest moving up and down and it seemed so fast to me. At his check-up earlier that day, the nurse mentioned the same thing-- his breathing was awfully fast. She had told me just to monitor it, so of course when I noticed it again, I was concerned. Plus, he had slept a long time and didn't seem interested in waking up to eat. So I called the doctor on call and at 11:00 that night, took him to the ER just to be safe. There wasn't really anything wrong with him-- he was apparently acting like a normal 4-day old baby, but there are little things newborns do that I guess I'd just forgotten. Still, I was glad I took him, since he'd had high jaundice levels in the hospital and since I just wanted to be careful!

Thursday we also ventured to the grocery store while Leah was at dance class. That was a bit too much of an adventure for me and I definitely would not try it for a full grocery trip, but I just needed a few things. I left needing a nap after keeping up with these three (well, the baby slept the whole time, so he really wasn't the problem!).

These three constantly want to hold their brother. Leah is very good at it and can even get up and carry him to me. Abi just loves to touch his hair and face, but she is also very good at getting him a paci when she thinks he needs it (he's not really too good at the paci yet, but we keep trying).  

He likes tummy time just like all my others did. I let him play on his mat a few minutes every day and he can tolerate it a good 20 minutes or so. Of course, you can't see his 3 biggest fans all around the edges of the mat in this picture. They are always under there with him, making sure he sees his toys!

And we made our first trip to church Sunday. He slept through most of it, woke up to eat halfway through the service and then went back to sleep. Of course he has a lot of fans at church, as well, and everyone says he's adorable-- which I agree.

We attempted a little schoolwork on Monday, with the baby in his bouncer. I ended up holding him much of the time, so my attention was even more divided than usual, but I think we will be able to make this work once we get back to school full time!

At his one-week check-up, he weighed 8 lbs. 7 oz., which is well over the 7 lbs. 11 oz. he weighed when we left the hospital. He is definitely eating well and has no problems with my milk! He is growing so fast and I'm already sad that he's not going to be this little for long. 

His umbilical stump fell off while we were at the doctor so he had his first bath Tuesday night-- the most popular event of the year, apparently! The only part Jacob didn't like was getting undressed & being cold. He didn't mind the water.

We are already so in love with this little guy!