One Week

Dear Nat,
Today, sir, you are one week old. I know that doesn't seem like a very long time. And really, it's not - that time has flown by. And yet, it seems like you've been with us forever. In these few short days, you've already been such a joy to our family.

It is still a little amazing to me that your little body, though tiny, fit inside mine. You're ours! It is also incredible to me that immediately upon entering this (probably somewhat scary) world, you trusted us so completely to care for you and love you. Thanks for loving us in return.

Of course we're proud of your 4-hour stretches of sleep at night, your adorable little smiles, and your head lifts. We love how calm you get when we cuddle, how much you like being close to Daddy in the Snugli, and the fact that you gained 13 ounces in 4 days (the pediatrician asked if we'd been feeding you hamburgers). Most of all, though, we're proud of your sweet spirit and are grateful for the love that you bring to our home. We love you, bud.

love,
mama

Home

Our sweet Nathanael arrived at 12:24am on Tuesday, October 19th. He clocked in at 6 lbs. 8 oz. (10th percentile), 21" long (90th percentile) and 13.75" head circumference (25th percentile).

We rested in the hospital for a couple of days, and then brought him home on Wednesday evening. We are just so grateful and happy to have him here with us.

Also, we may be ever-so-slightly biased, but we think he is pretty darn adorable.

Still cozy...

...is our baby boy. To be honest, I am totally fine with that. Don't get me wrong - I am super excited to meet him. But yesterday was my last day of class, and today I finished my last group project. So I, for one, am glad he seems to be perfectly content to hang out a bit longer. At our doctor's visit today, he seemed to think we'd have another couple of days, at least.

I know it sounds bizarre, but I am actually a little sad for this pregnancy to be coming to a close so soon. Again, I am thrilled for our little one to join our family OUTside of my body, but part of me will miss having him with me all the time, feeling his movements, and knowing he is safe. I am really grateful for this time, and it is surprising to me how quickly it has gone by. Maybe it's because I've been lucky enough to have an easy pregnancy and because I'm still not uncomfortable, but I really love having this little guy in there.

In any case, we decided to have a few pictures taken of this belly while we had the chance. My amazing sister very kindly took some, and then a very talented friend who is building up her photography business snapped a few, as well. I could not be more thrilled. A huge thank you to these beautiful ladies who captured this time so well.