Settling In...

Well it was a week ago today that we finally came home from the hospital. How time flies (especially from one feeding to the next). And what a difference one week can make in recovery and adjustments. I am sitting outside enjoying the sunshine as I write this, Judah is in the swing being watched by Grandma Rittgers, and Tim is spending the afternoon at work.

So much has happened this last week that it all seems like a blur (either that or I was asleep). I do know that we could not have gotten through it except with everyone's help, support, and prayers.

Judah had his first babysitter this week at six days old...Uncle Phil. Uncle Philip came over for a visit only to be left with baby sitting duties when mom and dad had to rush to the emergency care clinic for fear of infection. Uncle Phil did great though and even gave Judah a bottle. Now he just needs to work on the diaper.

Then both my mother and mother-in-law have been here in Des Moines to help with dishes, laundry, errands, and even taking a night feeding shift or two so that we could get some much needed rest. They have actually done a good job helping especially on all the baby clothes that seemed to pile up real fast.

Numerous people have dropped off food (which is good because hospital food tastes nasty). And I finally got my long awaited sub with cold lunch meat and pasta dishes. The food has tasted so good that we have literally had no leftovers. My favorite was the day we heard the door bell at 9:00am one morning (and we were still in bed sleeping off the night feedings) only to receive a call from Tim's boss telling us the bagels were left on our Escape in the garage. In all his craziness and sleep deprivation, Tim had forgotten to close the garage door the night before. Good thing he could tell his boss that no the work projector was not stolen out of his unlocked vehicle and thanks for the bagels.

Then we discovered Hulu TV for night feedings to help pass the time (or so we stop griping at each other). It does help with the tension and keeps us all relaxed. Oh and since I can't do stairs because of my C-section, we have been having picnics upstairs in the nursery. We even set up a little fridge in the office area stocked with yogurt and midnight snacks.

Among all the nice gifts, we have received much needed advice. In particular, Tim's students gave us an album full of advice on how to raise kids. It is great to see from a teen's perspective what to do and not to do. Some say to use a leash and others say to ditch the leash. Rest assured though that they have confidence in our parenting which makes me feel better knowing that they turned out just fine despite their parents mistakes.

Even more so, I will treasure the handwritten journal of advice and memories from my friend Brooke. Amidst her humor, she has proceeded to record some priceless advice. And I want to let her know that yes we have taken her up on it....the gas drops did work! Thank God or it would have been a long night indeed.

Despite the learning curve and lack of sleep, I would not change this week for anything. I am so thankful to be with Tim and now baby Judah and that we can experience it together, as a new family. I will treasure these memories (and later laugh at them even if I can't now). But then again you might remember us in your prayers.