This Week in Review

Josh mentioned that we've been busy this week. Nothing too exciting, but I thought I'd take this quiet moment to elaborate. Chloe's watching Fraggle Rock, Josh and Gavin are asleep in our room, and I am enjoying a big cup of coffee. Last night was a long one! Both kids were up for much of it (of course at different times!).

I've been saying in past entries that getting to Gavin's due date is a big milestone. It means getting to the point that his little body is developed enough to be ready for the outside world. Since 37 weeks is technically considered full term, some babies catch on a little sooner. You may also remember that our little guy is laid back and takes his time.

If catching up to newborn behavior is any indication of his personality, we've got a procrastinator on our hands that makes it just under the wire (he'll fit right in with our family). Gavin finally started nursing on Monday, his due date! We need to supplement with higher calorie bottles to help him grow, and he hasn't mastered it enough to go more than 3-4 feedings a day anyway. Which is totally fine. It means my life when I go back to work and bring him with me will be way simpler than it could be.

He's also acting a lot more like a newborn in general. That means he's awake more, he's started getting a little fussy, and he seems to have developed some opinions as to how he spends his time. So far the bouncy chair and the swing are no substitute for mommy's arms. Which are getting tired!

As for going back to work, I was originally planning on taking 8 weeks which would have me back yesterday. I'm grateful that our board of directors is allowing me to take an additional 2 weeks because while I'm suffering from cabin fever, Gavin just isn't ready to not have his mommy home all day. BUT...the staff at Dad's Garage has been beyond amazing during my absence, and there are a few projects I need to help with while I'm out (part of my maternity plans all along). I had a lot to do this week, and Gavin even went to his first business meeting!

Chloe is back in gymnastics again on Monday mornings. She really likes it, and I think it's important for her to still be able to do it. This session ends the beginning of October, and I am keeping her out of the October-December session. I'll be taking Gavin with us, and we need to keep our germ exposure to a minimum during that time.

And our dear Chloe is being a handful. She really seems to be testing is to make sure she's important enough to be disciplined when she misbehaves. Which has meant a lot of time in the corner!

We've spent some time walking with our neighbors. I'm finally off of medical restrictions, and I'm eager to get rid of this belly fat. And I love the company! Though the walk ending with a stop at the ice cream place may not be helpful with my goals...

Other excitement - we had our Children First appointment. Gavin's considered high risk because of his prematurity. That's the entry point for services through the state as well as a resource for identifying both public and private resources. I'm hoping Gavin will be like his sister and not need to take advantages of anything other than the wealth of informational handouts that the nurse dropped off. She will call periodically to check on his development. The only thing I'm really worried about is making it through the flu and RSV season safe and sound. Gavin's considered high risk for both.

And last but certainly not least - we visited with a friend of mine from high school. Her daughter was born 2 days before Gavin and weighed 9 lbs 14 oz! It was a little funny to see the two babies together, but Gavin will catch up soon enough!

So that's how we spent our week. Not too terribly exciting, but that's a good thing!

Lena