Homecoming

This photo says it all:

Nico's homecoming

Bode and Gianna have welcomed baby Nico into their lives with big smiles and open hearts. They have been loving, excited to see him every chance they get, and always quick to help me by letting me know, "Nico's crying!" (Gianna is especially concerned when she hears the baby cry.)  Bode is so sweet, always saying, "I want Nico to be happy."  and "I will help you."  Both embarrassing for me, and hilariously funny is when it is time to feed baby Nico, and Bode always lifts up his shirt and says, "I will feed him!" 

Am getting used to little people waking me up during the day by jumping on my bed:

Am getting used to coloring in bed, as well as stickers and stories (as well as the stray crayons/stickers found in my sheets when I am sleeping):

Bode and Gianna  have accepted that Mommy stays in bed (with Nico) a lot. They have been so great about accepting this huge change, and adapting it to their needs as well (see coloring and stickers pics above).

RWF has been such a great Daddy to them both, and I feel like this has been monumental in how they've accepted this drastic change in their lives.  RWF has been with them 24/7 for the past 2 weeks, taking them out to play, feeding them, dressing, bathing, reading, etc. etc. He has been a "single dad" and done great.  The smiles and love radiating from Bode and Gianna every day is the proof!

When things do get crazy (and they do), RWF has secret tricks in his back pocket:  dance parties, music, and snacks.  I have to remember these tips for when I am solo-parenting!

I [heart] my little family.

xo

Nico's first days

Waiting (before c-section)

My reward (after c-section)

A happy new daddy, for the 3rd time

First diaper change (RWF)

Pictures by Bode and Gianna

This photo above cracks me up.  On my last night in the hospital, I had a wonderful nurse who insisted on taking Nico from me for a couple of hours so that I could rest. Despite all my protests (I DID NOT want to hand MY baby over to anyone), she refused to give up. "You're going to need it," she insisted.  I finally relented, thinking that I would call for him in a few minutes. But she came back into my room about 30 minutes later (I had, in fact, fallen asleep!), "Miss Heather, he just won't settle. We've tried everything. Please feed him for a few more minutes, call me as soon as you're done and we'll try again."  I took my baby into my arms and laughed at his 'do.  The nurse explained that she had tried brushing his hair to soothe him. He looks so funny with his hair brushed back like that! I had to take a snap.  

On the way home. Hooray!

Now we are home and learning about each other.
xo