Caring for Elvis

For those who don't know, Aiden decided that he wanted to name his baby brother Elvis. He told us this in January and we had a hard time finding a name, other than Elvis, that he would accept. Helen's mom gave Aiden one of Helen's old dolls and he immediately named the doll Elvis. Although Aiden loves his "baby," he is not fanatic about holding and caring for his doll (many friends have a hard time getting their kids to put down their "babies"). He has, however, taken up breastfeeding his doll. He gets out his "nursing pillow" and sits with Elvis. It is hard catching him the act though...as soon as a camera comes out, everything gets thrown down.

Sprinkler Fun

Aiden just learned the joys of running through the sprinklers. After an outing with Mama grocery shopping, Aiden came home to find that Papa was running the sprinklers. He immediately began running through them (clothes and shoes and all!). The screams of delight were heard a block away. He kept running back and forth across the yard screaming and having the best time.

(note: We tried running the sprinklers again and Aiden would hardly have anything to do with them. He would fill a bucket at one of the nozzles if accompanied.)

Helmet at Lunch

Aiden recently acquired a helmet. We got it for his rip-roaring tricycle rides (not really rip-roaring...more like moving by pushing his feet on the ground). Anyway, the kids around our neighborhood wear their helmets a lot...Aiden has decided he likes his as well. He likes his helmet so much that he won't take it off for lunches (sometimes). Also note his shoes in the picture. These are his rain boots. He likes to wear these all the time...probably because they're the only shoes he can put on himself.

Aiden Lewis Burke

Aiden was busy talking to himself when he began telling his name to his imaginary friend. He told the friend, "My name is Aiden Lewis Burke." It was the first time we've actually heard him say his name...no last name yet, but it will come.

He holds interesting conversations with himself and his imaginary friends. Today, he explained oil changes to a pretend car. He also makes up all sorts of songs. Today, however, he sang a real song over and over as he walked/danced around and around the patio table--Ooey Gooey Was A Worm.

This evening when Zander started crying Aiden went to him and began gently stroking Zander's head while saying, "It's okay. Mama will be here soon. Ohhh, it's okay. It's okay." What a loving big brother!!!

Our First Week As 4

It has been a crazy week. I've been feeling really good. I told Erik and my mom that I felt so good that I was worried I'd exhaust myself without meaning too. Everyone has been trying to keep me quiet. Yesterday the hormones kicked in and I began crying for no reason. Partially, this may have been due to being tired. Today when I went to take a nap I began to feel like I was about to cry, and if anything at all had happened (e.g. Zander cried or needed a diaper changed or if someone asked me a question) I'm sure I would have cried. Instead, I lay down and took a good two hour nap. What am I going to do when Mom goes home (tomorrow) and Erik goes back to work (Monday)???

Some of the pictures are self explanatory, but some may need a little explanation. The picture of me driving the cart was Zander's first outing (mine too since the birth). Zander and I had a "Well Mom & Baby visit" and after, Erik and I realized we needed some things at Costco. I felt a bit embarrassed to drive the cart, but I would not have been okay walking/standing through Costco yet.

The picture of the whole family was taken when we were leaving the hospital. Zander was given a cute knit hat in the pediatric portion of the hospital. It was so strange to stay at the hospital after I was discharged...I felt like I was still a patient, but I wasn't. I didn't get the perks of ice cream treats anymore. I still got some though...I would just say Zander wanted sherbet!!!
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Zander's 2nd Day

Zander had an exciting second day. He had his first wet diaper (the flood gates opened and his entire diaper, swaddling blankets, and sheet were all VERY wet), his first bath (he loved having his hair washed), first visitors (outside of Erik and Aiden), hearing test, and blood work.

When Zander was born, my placenta was sent to pathology because it was a different shape than usual; it was hourglass shaped. The results on that front were not a problem, but they found that my placenta had an infection. Zander was thus given a blood test to see if he had an infection. He had elevated white blood cell bands; this means that his body was ramping up to fight an infection. He was thus put on a course of antibiotics. He also had highish billirubin (sp?)...jaundice. They're rechecking his blood today to see if he will require more care. If his white blood cell bands are still high, he will not be released yet. As this is the day I'm being released, I would stay with him in pediatrics, but not as a patient. Let's hope he's very healthy!!!

While Erik took Zander to get his blood work done, I was able to spend some time with Aiden. Aiden however, was very concerned that the nurse was "taking his baby." After a moment, Aiden was happy to play with mama. Aiden and I colored, sang, and took "rides" on my hospital bed--moving it up and down. I miss him!!!! I know this going to be a huge transition for everyone!

Zander didn't particularly enjoy his bath--he cried a lot. He did, however, seem to enjoy having his hair washed. He was very quiet during it. He smells so good--I love the smell of Johnson's Baby Wash!!!!

Some friends visited today--Johana, and her 4 girls. Johana was my sister-in-law, Alix's, college roommate. When we were moving up here, Alix introduced us. It is great to have friends so quickly when you move to a new area! Johana is a La Leche League Leader--what a great help!!! Her girls were disapointed that they didn't get to see big brother Aiden (he was at home napping), but they were very cute and excited about Zander. They were so amazing with Zander!!!

P.S. Zander's hearing test was fine!

Now Introducing Zander Pascal!

At 5:17am on June 1, Zander increased our family size to four. He was was 7 pounds and 7 ounces and 21 inches long.

Helen's labor started at about 10:15pm on May 31. We went to the hospital about 1am. After an extended push time of two minutes, Zander found himself rudely ejected from his cozy, but increasingly cramped home of 9 months.

Zander's name is in honor of Erik's mom Sandra who passed way recently. Pascal happens to be a family name on Erik's mom's side.

Interestingly, Zander's birthday is the same as Helen's Grandma June.

Besides being exhausted from staying up all night, both parents are doing great. Aiden is excited to "teach" his "baby brother things." Also, Aiden now has his own baby doll--he chose the name "Elvis": this was a name that he wanted to name our baby.