Hanging in there!

I can't believe Wade is already 1 month old!!!

It's been the craziest month of my life, but we're hanging in there. I see him everyday, so I can't tell a huge difference but he is getting bigger. He's more awake (mostly at night!!) and we see his eyes a little more each day. He's met some new friends that he'll be able to play with very soon. He has a few girlfriends already lining up to catch his eye. Sarah Showalter was hitting on him just the other day!

Even though we've been "on our own" this week, Beau's mom and my mom have been over helping. I used to think I was pretty organized and with it, but it's humbling to see how a little 9lb man nugget can make you think twice. He makes me realize I have a lot to learn about motherhood! There's never a dull moment.

Okay, I'm ready for bed and I've gotta feed this my little man :) Gotta run!

Need I say more...

Calling ALL grandmas!!!! HELP!!!!!

:)

We miss Aunt Sheesha!

Well, today was our first official day alone!!!

Wade cried for 4 hours straight. No joke. I tried every trick in the book, but he was not a happy camper. I'm convinced he missed my sister Alicia, who left last night. She spent the week with us spoiling him, helping with everything (including night duty!), and giving lots of love. It was her spring break from nursing school and she had offered to come help months ago. It worked out perfectly and it was so much fun to have my best friend and sister here with us. To say we're close would be an understatement. We shared a bedroom until I was about 13 (?). Of course we hated it then and fought constantly. Then before Beau and I were married, we CHOSE to share a room again in Charleston (rent was expensive! we were both poor). But since I've been back in Atlanta and now she's in Athens, we don't get to hangout like we used to.
Alicia is super aunt! All the boys call her "Aunt Sheesha". They love her so much, they call me Aunt Sheesha too. I would be offended, but it has to be a compliment. Caleb can name every one of our family's many golden retrievers with no problem...but can't remember I'm Kriya not Sheesha?? The "Sheesha" started when she was born and I was 2 years old. I couldn't say Alicia, so she became "Sheesha".
So Alicia, THANK YOU for giving up your spring break to keep me company, care for a crying baby, and be the a great Aunt to little Wade. He'll appreciate some day...but I appreciate today :)
Love you!

SMILE for the CAMERA!

"Let's go! I'm ready"

Waving to the camera

Someone's not happy about having their picture taken...

By the way, Wade's belly button fell off somewhere between a diaper change and a feeding. We never found it....but the dogs were hovering awfully close :)

This is as close as we get to a smile

Aunt Sheesha giving Wade some love

The BOYS! Cae 2.5, Caleb 5, Wyatt 1.5, Wade 2wks.

One more and we'll have a basketball team

Nathan and his "mini me"

Wyatt can't figure out how to catch the bubbles

Cae a.k.a Bubble Boy

bath time! this is his curly head fro look

Eula May Lindsey

Our family lost a very special person this week. Angie's (my sister-in-law) mother lost an 8 year battle with cancer. It was a very sad week, but also a great celebration of Eula's life, love, and faith.
Angie forgive me if I mess up the details, but I'd like to share Eula's battle from my (very removed) perspective. Eula was first diagnosed with cancer 8 years ago, just before Shawn and Angie's wedding. I remember thinking what a horrible time to think you might lose your mother. But Eula was at the wedding (looking beautiful) and able to be with Angie on her big day. Eula didn't let cancer rule the day, but it was like it was there just enough to make you cherish the time together.
Her cancer went into remission and it was 7 years before I ever heard the word cancer mentioned again. In that 7 years, Eula became 'Grammy' of 2 wonderful boys. She never missed a birthday, holiday, or special day with her boys. Grammy and Pa Bill would make the trip to Athens from North Carolina even when it wasn't convenient. Caleb and Cae LOVE their Grammy and her sweet gentle nature. She had a way of speaking with you that made you feel special and blessed all at the same time! Her stong faith would shine through whether we were talking about major life changes (baby Wade!) or the weather. I remember sitting in Shawn and Angie's living rooms (with Caleb and running around screaming) having the most heartfelt conversations.
Then last spring Eula found out the cancer was back. Even with this news, there was no talk of death, sorrow, or pity. When I'd ask how Eula was doing, I was always told to just pray for healing! Even in her final days, Shawn said it was never about her death - but her life, faith, and praying for a miracle.
I'm so thankful Eula was able to have her family by her side as she drew her last breath. I know it was such a comfort to her, but even more for Angie, Rob, and Bill. I wasn't there and haven't even talked to Angie about the experience, but I know that no words were needed to share the love in that room.
Eula, I'm so thankful your pain has ended. You are greatly missed, but we know you're so happy in heaven!!
Angie, I love you! I hope you can just think of the amazing times you were able to have with your mom and know you will be with her again.
All my love!!

"FIRSTS"

It's been a week of "firsts" for all of us. Out in the normal world, I realize these firsts are regular daily occurrences. But in the life of a newborn and this newborn's mom trying to get the hang of this new lifestyle....it was a big week! We try to get out of the house once a day so I don't go crazy :)

We had our first....

Walk - the pollen count is some unbelievable number in the 5,000's. But we did make it out for a brief walk.
Family BBQ - at Nonna and Grandpa Greg's
Water hose fight - Caleb opened fire at the BBQ (with the help of Beau) and sprayed the entire group. Nanny (Greg's mom, Wade's great-grandma) was holding Wade and both were drenched. Wade never woke up, but Nanny was not happy.

Softball game - Beau plays on a team at Terrill Mill Park. They won, so clearly Wade was good luck

Birthday Party - Hannah Showalter turned 3 this week and Wade was able to wish her a very happy birthday at the park!

Target Run - I usually go to Target about once a week, so now Wade will get to go with me. He slept the whole time, but I could tell he really enjoyed it. I treated him to diapers.

Mexican Dinner - We met some friends out for mexican and Wade came too. Again, he slept the whole time, but Beau's hopeful early exposure will ensure Wade will love mexican food. Beau could eat mexican every meal of everyday and needs a buddy to share the obsession (besides Alex Powell).

So, as I said....in the real world where real exciting happens I know this list seems trivial. BUT...in Wade's world it was a BIG week :) Here are some photos of our adventurous week:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=j5k5p15.3ocgm0np&x=0&y=-ku98ew&localeid=en_US

Much Love!

Week 2 Pictures

Wade and Papa
Wade with his puppies. He's wearing his "I love my puppy" outfit.

Caleb and Cae meet their baby cousin for the first time

Beau's teaching Wade the necessities of good remote control techinique.

Rule #1: Never let a girl hold the remote.

Such a peaceful sleep...

Cali wants to see what all the fuss is about!

We're dog tired!

What's so funny???

Alex, Molly, and Stephanie stop by to see Wade. Molly shuld be delivering a little playmate for Wade in about a month!

Wyatt shows Wade some lovin

My brother Nathan and his growing family (Michelle, Wyatt, and baby on the way!)

We made it through the first 2 weeks!!

When you hear about what it's like to become a new mom/dad and have a baby, experienced parents love to tell you:
"Your life will never be the same"
"You'll never sleep again"
"It's not just 18 years, it's a lifetime commitment"
"You'll learn the true meaning of unconditional love"
and my personal favorite....
"The first 2 weeks are tough. If you make it through that, you'll be okay"


Well. we made it through the first 2 weeks!!! I'm still alive, Beau's not too traumatized, and Wade could care less what day it is as long as there's some milk, a clean diaper, and a swaddling blanket nearby. Of course, I must reference my previous message about the amazing help we've had and give credit where credit is due :) But regardless....we survived!

We're getting into the swing of things and trying to get settled at home. There is a learning curve to this new job. We now know which swing Wade sleeps best in, how to swaddle him just right for the longest peaceful sleep, and that you must plan 5.5 hours in advance if I'd like to shower or even consider leaving the house. Our second weeks was unforunaltely filled with more doctor's appointments (me and him), but all is well. He's gaining the weight he needs too, jaundice is gone, and is an overall healthy little boy. Beau and I escaped for our first dinner alone while Beau's parents (Papa and Dede) held down the fort. We had a great dinner at La Strada including my first glass of wine in many months :). And then an oh so romantic Wal-Mart run for baby supplies. It was fabuous.

Lots of family and friends were able to meet Wade for the first time this week, including his cousins (my brothers' sons). Here's a full album of the week:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=j5k5p15.9j68vopx&x=0&y=-y3mcoo&localeid=en_US

Then I'll post some hightlight shots here later!

Gotta run....the monster's beginning to stir!
Love to you all!

The Greatest Gift (besides Wade himself!)

In the past 2 weeks, Wade, Beau, and I have really realized what amazing family and friends we have. We've always known it in way, but it's not until you need help that you truly see how much support you have. I know I mentioned it before, but we've had neighbors and friends stopping with gifts and food, Beau's mom Diane doing laundry and babysitting so Beau and I can have a meal alone together, Grandpas remembering how to change diapers and running to the grocery store, and lots of open arms all around to hold a crying baby.

But I have to get sentimental for just a minute (it comes with new mommy territory,and yes I'm tearing up as I type) and write a public thank you note to my mom for the sacrifices she's made for us in the past two weeks. My mom (Donna or Nonna as Wade will call her) is an amazing woman and always has been. Throughout my pregnancy she would say, "when the baby comes I will come stay with you and help out." At first I didn't want her to feel obligated, until she explained that her mom did the same for her with each of her 4 kids and those memories are still so special to her. I had no idea at the time how much I needed her and would appreciate the guidance and support that only a mother can give a daughter. In addition to being super-mom of 4 wonderful children, she also happens to be a lactation consultant. And considering little Wade's greatest challenge continues to be breastfeeding, I NEEDED her there every step along the way. She was up at any hour I needed her, drove us around to the many doctors appointments we've already had, waited on me hand and foot, cleaned toilets (her idea, not mine), and was patient and loving with her most difficult breastfeeding patient to date. She has spolied me so rotten I don't know if I'll be able to make my own bowl of cereal, let alone take care of a newborn baby! She left today and I can still cry at any moment.

Mom, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for putting your own life on hold to help us take care of this new little life - Wade. I love you!

PS. Now don't feel too sorry for me.....as Nonna packed her bags and walked out the door she passed the baton to my sister Alicia who just HAPPENED to be on Spring Break and will be here all week to help :) Lucky me!

First Week Pictures

This was the gown Beau wore home from the hospital. We had to at least dress Wade in it for a picture!

Cousin Alison stops in to hold the little munchkin

Wade gets his first bath!

Look what the Easter bunny brought us! It looks like child abuse, but I promise he'll never remember the humiliation :)

Grandpa Enzo spends some quality time with naked Wade

Wade on catching some rays on his "tanning bed"

While waiting for our home phototherapy bed for Wade's jaundice, we migrated around the house in search of windows with sunlight pouring in. This was the only window left, so we hopped in the tub! Cali wanted to join in the fun, so she hopped in too.

Wade in his coming home outfit

A family picture in front of the sign Grandpa Greg made for Wade

We get to take him home!