Three days old - update (with pics)

Thank you all for the congratulations and heart-felt comments regarding Julian's birth. You are all amazing and sure know how to make a mama feel special. We are truly blessed to have so many wonderful people in our lives (both "real" and online) that care about us. :)

Julian is three days old today and it already feels like he's been a part of our family forever. :)

My midwife stopped in today for our three-day check-up. Julian's weight was the same today as the day he was born - 9 lbs., 8 oz. (amazing that he hasn't lost any with all the pooping he's been doing - just ask Jody!) and, when remeasured, he came out to 22 inches again. He's just a big, long boy. :) She inked his foot and did a footprint on a pseudo-birth certificate for us that says "I Was Born At Home!" (we'll get the real one from the county), and in his baby book as well. We also elected to have the newborn screening tests done, so she drew blood out of his itty bitty heel for that.

My milk came in this morning and, I must say, it's nice to have cleavage again. ;) hehe. I think the lil guy is enjoying the good stuff too, and has been in a blissful "milk coma" pretty much all day. If he follows in his sister's footsteps, it won't be long before he starts packing on the serious poundage.

Speaking of the big sister, Ava has been amazing us at how well she's doing with this life-changing event. She's slipped into the big sister role with ease, and is so loving to Julian and is great with helping out. My sister has come over the past several days and taken Ava out for a few hours for some special time with Aunt Carrie and I think that's helped her a lot. (Thank you, Carrie!) She's had a few hard moments, but overall, she's doing remarkably well. We couldn't be prouder. :) As far as nursing goes, Ava has asked to nurse a few times over the past few days, but not nearly as often as I thought she might. And, who knows, she may ask to nurse more as we continue in this journey, but, for now, I am sticking with only nursing her before bedtime and then maybe once during the day - depending on if I feel like she really needs the mommy time or not. So far, it is going well which is such a relief! :)

I've been thinking a lot about what a different experience this has been for me - birthing Ava in the hospital and having complications (HELLP syndrome) myself that lead to a 5-day stay vs. birthing Julian at home and not having any complications. I really feel like I missed out on the first few days of Ava's life because I was bed-ridden on magnesium sulfate and so sick. Whereas I've felt comparatively great since Julian's birth and have been able to just enjoy the little guy. (Like noticing that he has a dimple in his right cheek when he does those dreamy lil sleep grins.) It's been like night and day and I'm so thankful that I stayed healthy throughout this pregnancy and birth.

I'll be posting with updates, etc., when I can, but they will definitely not be as frequent as P.J. (pre-Julian). I've got a few other pressing things in my life to attend to. :)

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And now for a few pics from the past couple days. Click to enlarge.
He doesn't look so big next to his proud big sister (11/25/06):

She's so loving and sweet with him:

My midwife inking up Julian's foot (11/26/06):

Looks good:

Our beautiful boy: