Days with Mommy

Now that we have all been home for a few weeks, we are getting into a sort of 'routine'.  I hesitate to say that, however, because just when you think you have a schedule with a newborn, everything changes.

Asher fills his days with meals, naps, snuggles and diaper changes.  I fill my days with snuggles, making the meals, changing the diapers and occasionally taking a nap - plus, trying to keep things put together in the house, running errands and spending time visiting with Bibi and GeeGee.

Much to Asher's dismay, we have started to add Tummy Time into the daily routine.  He is not so happy about it but does lift his head up and flip it from side to side.  He even rolled over onto his back once the other day - and then was stuck there like a turtle on his shell.

I can't believe he is almost one month old already, but the crazy part is that he still isn't even supposed to be born!  All of this time that we have already had with him is "bonus" so I am considering myself very lucky!  Not only because I haven't had to have 5 extra weeks of uncomfortable pregnancy to deal with but because I love spending time with him and he makes me so happy!

Bathtime Buddies

After a few sponge baths, Asher has decided that it is time to grow up and take a real bath!  Riley wanted to take a bath at the same time as Asher, and actually started out in the baby tub until we were able to convince him that he was too big and it was better to make a "bath train" where he is the driver and goes in front.  

Once everyone was in their place, it was time to wash all 20 fingers and all 20 toes.  Riley took it upon himself to make sure that Asher was comfortable in his baby tub and to help wash his feet.  Riley really is a great big brother and helps us a lot - when he feels like it.

We promised Riley that one day, Asher will be big enough where they can take a bath together and they can both go in the big part.  It may take a while to get there, but I'm sure it will be here before we know it!

Don't the boys look nice and cozy and clean after bath time?  I think Riley's new jammies make him look like Grandy - what do you think?

Home Sweet Home

Since Asher was born and admitted to the NICU, we have been looking forward to the day that we could bring him home. And now, after 10 loooong days, many trips back and forth to the hospital, countless hours of sitting in uncomfortable chairs and counting down to when we would be discharged, the day is finally here and we are home!

After being given a clean bill of health, we packed up all of Asher's goodies, tucked him into his huge car seat and came home to a wonderful welcoming committee of Riley, Bibi, Zee, Addie and Scarlet!  

Now that we are home, it finally feels real!  I know that there will be a huge learning curve to adapt to having another baby but we are very much looking forward to the future with the addition to our new and improved family!

Our week in the NICU

As of this morning, Asher is officially 1 week old! It has not been the easiest week in the NICU but it is something we are willing to accommodate to make sure that he is healthy and ready to come home. 

We started the week in NICU because Asher was born at 35 weeks and he was breathing quickly. He soon learned how to slow his breathing down and did not have to be helped anymore to regulate it. Check! Next, he had increasing bilirubin levels and was looking kind of yellow. The nurses put him under UV lights, where he had to wear tiny sunglasses, to bring the levels down. Check! Now, we just need him to keep gaining weight so he can better regulate his temperature in an open bed. We are all really hopeful that this will only take a few days and he will be home really soon.

Now that Asher has mastered the art of accessorizing with his hat and sunglasses, he gets to work on the clothing aspect. He got to wear clothes for the first time yesterday, rocking the smallest outfit we ever owned for Riley. He hasn't complained yet that he is wearing hand-me-downs, and if he wants to go to college, better not fuss about sharing a wardrobe. 

I get to the hospital at 7 am every morning and usually leave after 8 pm. I have the visits down to a science and between nursing, pumping, dressing, measuring, visiting, attempting to nap, reading and waiting, I know how to fill the day. Everyone has been so amazing in stepping in to make sure that life at home is still running smoothly and that Riley keeps his schedule, and for that I am very grateful. I'm just ready for this part to be over so we can bring him home, get into our own routine and be a family of four!

He's here!

Well, it's official - we are now a family of four! I am very happy to introduce Mr. Asher Gray Herman!

I know, I know... wasn't your due date in February? Why yes, yes it was! 

Thing is, however, some people just can't wait to start the party. And with the possibility of New Years looming, baby Matzo Ball thought that he might as bell come out to celebrate! So at 11:30 pm on New Years Eve, I was admitted to the hospital. Chris and I watched the countdown on tv as my contractions were amping up and at 8:29 am on 1-1-16, Asher made his appearance and started the New Years off with an extra dose of happiness!

Because he was born at 35 weeks, he needs just a little help breathing, so he is in the NICU now, but being a rock star! All of the doctors say he is doing great and he is slowly being weaned off of devices and proving what a champ he is already. 

More to come soon, but for now, welcome to the world Asher and welcome to part of an amazing family filled with love!