A Week of Firsts

Maddy here...

Life is way different around here ever since this little boy, Will, came home. He is crimping my style a little bit but sounds like he is here to stay. Em spends most of her time with him but Dave gets in some special time too. Dave did take us to the dog park two days ago. It was wonderful to run and expend some much needed energy. See, up to this point Em had been walking us almost every day, maybe ever other day. Sounds like it might be a few more weeks before she can do that. However, she has assured me that running with me will be in the not too distant future. I think she really misses it.

Well, since Will is here to stay I thought I would share with you some of his pictures and some firsts from this week or so I have heard (I wasn't there):

Just a basic very cute picture of the best looking boy born on October 9th. His mama is not biased but she told me to write that!

Em told me about his first breath - he had to have a little help at first but that is not uncommon for a c-section baby.

She also told me about the first feeding - This happened shortly after birth. He was so alert and instantly knew what to do (eat!).

I noticed that he found his fingers. He likes to suck on them for comfort I guess. When I suck on my paws it does not bring much comfort but if it keeps him from crying I am okay with that!

Dave told me about Will's first outing. It occured when he was 96.5 hours old (almost 4 days old) and they went to Carl's ice cream. He said that Will was covered the entire time but that it was nice to get out.

One thing I have noticed is that this little boy likes to sleep but not for long periods of time. For example, last night he had his first longer sleep. He slept an entire 4 hours! That was a huge relief for me and Tucker. Every time he wakes up we wake up. Needless to say, we are both a little tired!

Another first was a bath. This happened on Saturday. Rumor has it, Will peed on himself and Dave and Em which I think is hilerious! He might fit in really well after all.

Em also told me about his first visitors. Lots of people are excited to meet this little boy. People from Em's work stopped by the hospital as well as lots of Dave and Em's friends from church. The hospital room was full of love at time. At home the stream of visitors has not stopped. Wonderful friends bring meals by so Dave and Em don't have to cook. Tucker and I beg to be let in on the meal. I mean, this is not a cake walk for us either but they say no. They think it is unhealthy or something. Crazy owners.

Yesterday was also a first for book reading. Dave read Will the Hungry Catapiller story in honor of the hungry catapiller outfit he was wearing and the Barnyard Dance story, complete with rapping noises.

Daddy and Will reading The Hungry Catapiller

Yesterday Em also told me about Will's first visit to the doctor's office for a weight check. When he was born he was 8 pounds, 5 ounces and lost 14 ounces before leaving the hospital or 11%. Dr. Pogue, his doctor was a little concerned so wanted to see Will on Monday. Good news. Will is already back up to 8 pounds. He likes to eat!

Yesterday Will got to experience the first visit by family. Dave's sisters, Dawn and Alicia, Alicia's family and Grandma Betsy came over for a visit. They stayed for a couple of hours. They came at the perfect time because Will was wide awake (again, just doesn't happen that often).

Grandma Betsy holding her 4th grandchild

As you can see, it has been a busy week but I think this little boy and I are going to start getting along better. Em keeps saying he is such a blessing and Dave keeps agreeing and when he smiles or talks to Will he looks so happy. Not 100% sure of what a blessing is but whatever it is, it keeps Dave and Em happy.

Well, that is about it for now. Hopefully we will have more pictures for you in the near future. I must say, I have never seen the camera out as often or as many pictures taken in my short year and a half on this earth!

Signing off - Maddy (for Maddy & Tucker)