First week at Home

Our first week home was just perfect for me. I told Michael ahead of time that I would be perfectly happy for him to take half days at work (8-12) and then help us in the afternoons. Alyssa had preschool on T/Th, so we just arranged for her to play at a friends house on M/W and Fri. she went to a bday party. Michael got the boys ready for school, made their lunches, and took them to school. He aslo dropped Alyssa off for her playdates. That left Cali and I home alone to sleep and vegge and watch a little TV. It was SO nice to have that downtime/quiet time. I wondered if I would regret not having Michael stay home all day any days, but really, we slept most of that time and it was nice to have a completely silent home (if Michael were there, Alyssa would probably be, too and that doesn't make for a quiet home).

Those first few days, I slept until 10 or 11 and had taped Ellen and the View so when I emerged from slumberland to feed the baby, I could watch something fun on TV while I endured a little bit of torture. Yes, my worst baby pains are those in the nursing area. I felt all healed from delivery. We had angel friends bring in meals every night that week, which left enough for me to have a nice filling meal for lunch. Oh man, was I hungry. I had also stocked up on apple juice and chocolate milk, my 2 favorite drinks.

I rented a super duper breast pump from the hospital and that REALLY helped when I got engorged with too much milk. Michael took care of everything at home, so I just needed to focus on the baby and myself. I'm grateful that he is such a willing and capable man. I wore new and comfy jammies all week and didn't leave the house with the baby until our Thursday pediatrician visit (I did go out all alone on Tuesday night for a Sonic treat for myself). I enjoyed the downtime at home and didn't feel a need to get out. The phone was also my friend talking to family and friends.

Michael and Alyssa would arrive around 12:30 and we would chat and "ooh" over Cali and then Michael would entertain Alyssa somehow (water the garden, read books, play a game, play with her dollies). She loves the baby, but that first week, she was definitely needing extra attention.

They would go get the boys at 2:45 and they would both come in the house anxious to see their baby sister. Each day, Matthew would say excitedly as he walked through the door, "Can I hold Cali?"

Looking at some of our wedding proofs that came in the mail that day. I love the look on Cali's face. Matthew is one who thinks he can hold her and change positions with her and turn her around. He is quite capable, but it makes me nervous and I'd prefer he not do that just yet.

Gettin' stuff done with a baby resting on me:)
Michael pulled a silly face for this one, but we'll try to ignore that. Daddy with his girls.
When Alyssa would get emotional, I'd tell her to go get some of her babies and put them in one of the contraptions. You can see Cinderella is plugged into the bouncy seat (she actually told a friend of mine that Cali's middle name was Cinderealla) and pushing another in the swing.

Alyssa likes to mismatch her socks.
Cali at "the brothers" soccer game at one week and one day. She was riveted the whole time.
For some reason, the only one I have of Tyler from this week.
Such a cuddly little bug (this was the day of our family photo shoot, pics to come) Oh my, I just love this, she was on my lap:

Our home has turned into babyland--bassinet, boppy, bouncy seat
Cali's first game of Bakugan Battle.
After a bath, she cuddled in a purple hippo towel--so delectable, she is.

I stopped taking pictures of the visitors, but so many kind people brought meals and cute outfits and diapers to us. So grateful for the thoughtfulness of others.
Next post will be our photo shoots:)