Life with a newborn is great! Maternity leave is great! I'm having such a wonderful time. Every morning I wake up knowing my day will be filled with lots of cuddles and snuggles and breastfeeding, intertwined with a load of laundry, a round of dishes, and perhaps a walk outside. I even manage to work in one random to-do item that I would normally never be able to tackle...but all of sudden can because...I'm not at work for 10 hours a day! For example, Matt and I moved the bed and vacuumed underneath it. I think it's been about two years since I last did that!
Our first trip out with Kale was actually back to the hospital for a hearing screen. We were discharged so quickly that the hearing testers didn't get a chance to catch us in the hospital. So we returned for an out-patient screen. And we are happy to say that he passed! Kale has good hearing!
Kale is such a snuggle bug...which I am loving! Sage was a very independent baby and spent a lot of time laying next to me. Kale wants to be on me. And I like that! Since my two-year old will barely let me run my fingers through his hair without freaking out...this is really a nice change. I love having a little monkey attached to me at all times.
On one evening last week we got a knock at the door, and found a HUGE box waiting for us. It was Sage's new mattress!! We spent hours debating about what kind of mattress to invest in, and eventually decided that an organic latex mattress with a natural wool fire retardant was a worthy purchase. We expect this mattress to get us all the way to his college days. So while it is double, if not triple, the cost of a standard mattress, we feel that the health benefits and longevity of the purchase justify the cost.
We purchased a SuiteSleep Little Lamb mattress - made locally here in Boulder, Colorado!
Sage thought the big box it came in was much more interesting! He and Dad built the coolest fort. They put stickers on the wall, popped some popcorn, and busted out a big flashlight for an evening of fun!
And we even made him a peek-a-boo window!
Kale is so tiny and lightweight compared to his brother. He was born at 7 pound, 7 ounces. Then shortly after birth dropped down to 6 pounds, 15 ounces. A couple days later he was back up to 7. And now....the chunky monkey weighs 8 pounds, 5 ounces. He gained nearly a full pound in 12 days time! He's a fabulous nurser and I fully expect him to balloon up just like his big brother did. I sure will miss those tiny chicken legs!
On Saturday we were feeling ambitious and decided to head out for our first family field trip. We went to the Gardens on Spring Creek Harvest Festival. It was a challenge handling both boys, especially considering one was only 7 days old at the time.
I tried out my new Ergo carrier (compliments of Grandma Susan) and found it to be very comfortable for both baby and I. Sure...I spent half an hour in the parking lot figuring out how all the straps and snaps worked, but now I feel like a pro! Next time it won't take so long. I just need some practice.
A giant kerplunk game!
The weather continues to be GORGEOUS, So Matt has been taking advantage of that to do a lot of tedious yardwork. He spent a couple days trimming giant tree branches that had been hanging over our roof. Sage helped him break down the branches and get them into the yardwaste bin.
And after all that hard labor...it was time for a cool-down! Dad got the hose out and provided a couple surprise mist attacks.
On Sunday we had our newborn photo session. Kale was just 8 days old. The exact same age that Sage was for his photo session. Michelle, our photographer, was at our house for 4 hours! It was an exhausting morning, but I am so excited to see the final outcomes. She does amazing work!
Sage was very patient during the morning photo shoot, and so we rewarded him with an afternoon trip to the park.
And I got to use my Ergo for the second time!
Playing dress-up with this kid is so fun! I love picking out his outfit each morning. And you have to move fast with all the newborn-sized clothes. Because within just a couple weeks - they no longer fit. I'm hoping I can snap a picture of every outfit before he grows into the next size up.
Sage saw Kale lounging in the carseat and took it upon himself to rock him. A little aggressively at first..but we talked to him about being gentle and taking things a little slower.
Such a good big brother!
Cars, cars, cars.
My son's primary passion in this world.
CARS
Tiny, tiny fingers.
Don't grow up too fast Kale!
We've been blessed with lots of congratulatory cards and emails, thoughtful gifts, and flower arrangements. The top bouquet was personally delivered by our very kind friends Andy and Lainey on day #2 of Kale's life. The lillies are still holding strong nearly two weeks later!
And this gorgeous arrangement was sent to us by Matt's colleagues. I now own two "It's a Boy!" wagons. The first acquired at Sage's birth...
We are savoring all the warm sunny weather this month. On Wednesday night Matt took Sage for a bike ride to the park. While I took Kale on his first stroller ride around the neighborhood.
I love my baby!!!
I plan to continue writing for CSU while on maternity leave. So to catch up on my latest posts, in chronological order from early September until now :
