I have so much I want to write about - Claire's birth story (just perfect), my recovery (going very well), how extraordinarily different it has been to have Claire in the room with us instead of the NICU, the fact that I'm nursing and don't think I hate it but am pretty sure I don't like it either (actually, not sure if I'll write about that one), and how utterly delightful it is to have a newborn back in our lives. She's so floppy and snuggly and makes such funny little sounds.
But in between entertaining visitors, snuggling with Claire, and trying to get a little sleep, there just hasn't been time. So until then, I'm hoping you'll accept this pictures of my baby girl and her EXTREMELY proud big brother.
Landon has visited four times and immediately runs for my magic bed and then wants to hold his babyclaire (all one word). He adores her.
He also adores that green and blue shirt that a co-worker handed down to me from her son; he's worn it for the last three days. But even that probably takes a second to "his baby." Doesn't he look like a proud papa in the picture below? He held her between us for nearly 15 minutes and just giggled and grinned the whole time.
And this picture of Claire is one of my very favorites. She's wearing the utterly ridiculous hat that I bought for her at a boutique near our house (the only thing I let myself buy before she was born and worth every penny) and her expression comes the closest to capturing the cuddly sweetness that has all three of us wrapped around her surprisingly long little fingers.
She's snuggled up with her daddy right now and they're both looking very happy with the world.
I love these pictures! Landon looks like a GREAT big brother! And you and JP look so happy and calm! I'll have to get your secret. The hat is precious!
ReplyDelete(Nursing is no fun at first, but it sure is convenient later when you get the hang of it.)
Love the hat! And whatever you decide about nursing, it's your decision. Don't let yourself be bullied. I nursed my first, bottle fed my second. They both turned out well. What's important is that you and the baby are comfortable and happy together.
ReplyDeleteLove the hat! Too cute!
ReplyDeleteI know what a hot topic nursing is. I say good for you for trying. Do it as long as it makes sense for you. And it doesn't have to be one or the other - I did a lot of both.
I love getting these updates of your happy family! You all do look so very well - so happy you're bonding so well with little Claire. An I had to laugh that you updated your blog profile already. :)
ReplyDeleteand I am *so* excited that you are nursing this time!! Go you!!!!!!
Gorgeous photos. The one of the four of you is abso-ma-lutely smashing. Many congratulations!
ReplyDeleteLandon is certainly taking his duties as a big bro very seriously. Loving it.
You all look so wonderful and happy! I'm glad that everything went / is going so well.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with finding your path on the nursing. I think one of the reasons it is such a hot topic is because it is such an emotional activity, at least at first. I could write an entire book about the rollercoaster of emotions I felt while nursing: worry, pride, pain, motherliness, sadness, joy, exhaustion, worry, elation, did I mention worry? I'm glad you gave it a try, however it ends up working out for you. It's so unlike any other thing in life that I've experienced, and I feel a little bit sad for mothers who never have the opportunity to at least try it once.
Love the hat! She looks so like JP in that photo too (if JP were teensy, pinker, didn't have a beard and wore a pink hat with a huge flower....)
ReplyDeleteSo sweet :) I am so happy for all of you.
ReplyDeleteOMG, I think I love Landon even more now. He is just too precious with her. And I'm so afraid to even mention nursing, as it obviously is a hot topic judging from the comments, but it took me a couple months to love it. But I did grow to love it. I wasn't a nursing freak - did a lot of supplementing with formula so hubby could share in the feedings, but I did love that special time that only I could provide.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your nice comments. I think I love these pictures more than any others I've ever had- they really do come close to capturing how joyful we all feel right now (particularly Landon, toddlers are so good at letting their emotions show :), and I've really loved sharing them with you.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for the comments on the nursing as well. I'll probably end up writing about it, because as Hanah wrote, it is such a huge part of my time and experience as a mother of a newborn. It's going well- she's a champion latcher according to the nurses, though I have supplemented with one formula feeding each night so I could get some sleep and that has worked out wonderfully.
I just wanted to write a quick note to say how much I've loved sharing our happiness with you all!
You all look so happy. Yay!
ReplyDeleteAnd, as others have said, do what works for you with the nursing. If anyone gets judgemental with you, just smile and keep doing what you know is right for you!
J+1
Thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures!! I am so happy for you all. What a great big brother. Congratulations!!!
ReplyDeleteSuch cuties! I must add that nursing totally sucked rocks for me for the first 3 weeks with both of my kids...but it did get much better and became second nature. I figured out how to wear the baby in the sling (while he happily nursed and slept) and chased my toddler, went grocery shopping, etc. Nursing also doesn't have to be all or nothing as you are learning. You'll find the right balance!
ReplyDeleteAlso? Oxytocin rocks! I want to have another baby just to feel that consistent Oxytocin high again. :) (~Anon from 7:00am)
ReplyDeleteLove the hat ...She's such a beauty! You must be getting excited to go home and show Claire her new house!
ReplyDeleteI've been a reader since Landon's birth, but don't think I've really ever commented. Anyway, I just wanted to say congratulations, Claire is beautiful, Landon looks like the greatest big brother only a few days in, and you all look so damn happy it kills me!! I'd also like to reiterate what someone else has already said - you look WAY too good to have just given birth!! Go you!
ReplyDeleteSuch great pictures. I LOVE the hat and I'm right there with you. I was never into all the super-girly stuff (bows, hearts, etc.) but since Syd was born, I can't stop sticking giant flowers to her head. She's doomed.
ReplyDeleteHappy homecoming! It sounds like you're off to a good start.
Good for you trying nursing (or, as we call it in these parts - breast-feeding. As usual I'm sure you'll be pragmatic and find the balance that works best for you.
ReplyDeleteI'm curious as to whether Landon's Stinky formula experience (I think the stinky one was the best of a bunch you tried?) played a part in your decision to start off nursing Claire?