First 6 weeks with Ethan

My time for blogging has certainly diminished now that I have 3 little boys....not that I was posting a ton beforehand but that's not the point.  Life is full, the days are often quite long, but we are also so much enjoying our 3 blessings.

Ethan is now 6 weeks old.  Most of the time I'm hardly aware of what day it is but I had my 6 week check-up today so I realize today how old my little guy is getting!  If I was to remember a few things about his first 6 weeks it would be:
*  loved to sleep on Mommy & Daddy's chest for at least one stretch of the night

*  was a great nurser from the beginning, he could probably drink milk from a rock
*  hated diaper changes until his umbilical cord fell off and until a few days after his circumcision healed.  He would scream bloody murder but now he's mostly chill
*  speaking of diaper changes, he has always been a greater poo'er.  Multiple times a day.  At least we know his digestion system works!
*  he is not.a.fan. of the carseat.  Especially when it is not moving.  But mostly he just cries (or screams) when he's in his carseat.  Its kind of depressing.  But I re-read Jonah's 2 month post and I had wrote that he hated the carseat too so that gives me hope that he will eventually get over it and we will be able to drive across town without wailing.  There is hope right??
*  loves his brothers and recognizes their voices

*  not a huge fan of the swing (sad face!) or the activity mat yet, but he'll probably like the mat soon.

*  starting sleeping in his own room around 5 weeks old
*  likes to sleep on his tummy
*  loves to have Mommy sing to him
*  enjoys his baths

*  will take a pacifier (paci) to help calm him down
*  went 2-3 hour stretches at night while a newborn, but now goes about 4-5 hours between feedings, occasionally longer.  Last night he went about 8 hours!!

*  weighed 11 pounds 2 ounces at 6 weeks (the nurse snuck a weigh-in at my check up today)
* looks a lot like his brother Jonah

* likes to ride in the Ergo carrier most of the time

This past 6 weeks has been full of ups and downs.  My recovery this time has been a breeze physically and for the most part, its been a breeze emotionally/mentally.  I've had 2 days where I had a bit of a 'break down'.  The first because of sheer sleep deprivation and tiredness (especially with a few longer work hours from Peter) and the second because Ethan declared war against napping during the day and my arms and mind were tired.  It can be so draining hearing a baby cry sometimes.

Yet, there are moments where I've held him on my chest for his entire afternoon nap and just 'breathed him in'.  Or just felt my heart fill with joy when he smiles for the first time.  His first smile was for his daddy while his tummy was being eaten/tickled....so sweet!  Benjamin and Jonah absolutely love Ethan and hug/kiss him all the time.  Watching that bond is so precious and I don't want to forget that sweetness.

So, yes, I'm tired.  Our schedules have been full of many activities (more posts to come!) which has made for very tired parents at the end of the day.  And some days are harder than others.  But overall, we know that we will sleep again soon.....Ethan will get easier to entertain during his awake periods soon....and that as much as you want to rush the infant stage, you also want time to slow down.

Ethan Samuel, you have fit so well into our crazy household and we love you to pieces.  We love watching you grow and develop and are so blessed to call you ours!!