Monday, July 27, 2015

Our Little Virginia is a Big Sister

4 weeks ago today we joyfully welcomed Virginia's little brother into the world!  He arrived via a scheduled c-section at nearly full term.  Henry George was born on July 29th at 36 weeks 4 days weighing 6 pounds and 8 ounces and 19.25" long.

I am so thankful for a long, healthy and relatively boring pregnancy thanks to the TAC, lots of precautions, exceptional medical care, and lots of prayers.  I did not spend a single day on bedrest and did not make a single trip to labor and delivery until delivery day.  Still, it was not easy but it was so very much worth it.

Henry did spend his first day in the NICU for respiratory monitoring.  He really was only there long enough for us to see some of our favorite nurses and doctors.  It was disappointing to not hold him in the OR or bring him right up to our room, but we did our best to keep things in perspective and make the best of it.  There was a certain beautiful irony to introduce Virginia to her brother in the same place where she fought so tremendously hard for her life.  It was where we first became a family and where we became a family of 4.

We are adjusting well to life with Henry.  We have learned that there are still some extra challenges with late term preemies but really those things just mean we are more tired (yawn) and are so so minor in relation to the tumultuous first month with Virginia.  Breastfeeding troubles, sleepyness, weight gain, and wonky newborn screenings are the norm for babies born even a few weeks early. We are working through each of these things while getting to know our little guy and adjusting to life at home with 2 kids.  Thankfully my Mom has living with us and helping with toddler entertainment, cooking, cleaning, baby rocking, and diaper changing.  

Virginia absolutely adores her little brother and wants to help with everything!  She is such a proud big sister and takes her role very seriously :)  
We constantly are catching new Virginia-isms - "look at our cuddly little guy"  "he's so cuuuuuuuute" "shh shh shh its ok buddy"

Henry has made our hearts so full and really is just the sweetest little guy.