Easter Snapshots

Despite the fact that the weather today was unfortunately gray and rainy (I am surprised by this why??), we had a wonderful Easter Sunday.

Mags, hamming it up as usual:





Howie, sleeping as usual:




And some very UNusual family pics:

Late Night with Howard Anderson

Lately one of Howie's most alert periods is after Maggie goes to bed and before Gary and I go to bed. It is very fun to have him be so alert at a time when his big sister isn't around to steal the show.

Howert

I've had several people ask me if Maggie can say "Howie." The answer is yes, although she prefers to call him by his full name, which often comes out as "Howert."

She loves to hold or "holt" him...and smother him with kisses. This morning was the first time she's held him fully on her own. She was delighted - and so proud!

Flashback

Like brother like sister...



What can I say? I like my kids small. Or, as Maggie would say, "TIIIIIIIINNNYY."

Conked

I'm telling you - this kid LOVES his sleep.

First Bath

It's about time!




Yes, in case you are doing the math, Howie is NINE days old. Don't judge. Oh, and his hair is blonde. We forgot. The grease was deceiving.

Best Buds

While we are both certainly thrilled with the new addition to our family, Maggie and I are still getting used to things being, well, not just Maggie and I anymore. Today we had an awesome time at the park. I think we BOTH greatly enjoyed the fact I'm not pregnant anymore. Maggie basically squealed when I suggested that we swing together, and I could barely follow her fast enough when she realized that I was serious about Mommy going down the slide. Fortunately my hips still permitted, saving us both an embarrassing episode.

Due Date

Unbelievably, Howard Gary is one week old today. Almost exactly, in
fact! Today was also his due date. How glad we are that he is here!!

This was how I ate my lunch today. Cumbersome? Maybe. But I'd much
rather sit with two babies on my lap this way than how I was doing it
a week ago.

The New Bode Miller

This guy has some serious feet and toes. (He is a Wells, after all) It's a good thing that his pj's are still a bit big, because he needs the extra leg room for the overflow of his feet. I think that they are at least twice the size of the feet that are sewn in the clothes.

Baby vs. Grinch - Five Days

We went to the doctor today and Howie is already back up to his birth weight. Apparently this is not expected until day 12-14 (sometimes 21 for breastfed babies!). The fat old man look may be here to stay...




(This is a sneeze, not a scream...poor guy got his dad's sinuses.)

Bright Eyes

Getting Cuter

Gary told me tonight that I needed to post more pics of Howie so that people can see how much his looks are changing. Namely, we think he's getting cuter.

These are probably not those pictures.


After two straight nights of little to no sleep, this is how we spent a majority of today...trying desperately to keep him alert and awake during frequent and regular feedings. Hoping to establish more of a "day" and "night" schedule.


Hmph. Thus why I am ironically awake right now, and Howie is as alert as he can be. Can you say FAILURE?

Nose

First Night

Had to take some crib shots of his first night at home...because I know that even tomorrow he won't look this little.

Prison Break

Yesterday was the longest. day. ever.


Most of my stay at the hospital could be summed up in one word: WAITING. I would not say that communication and managing expectations were high on this hospital's list of strengths. So when we expected to be going home on Saturday morning and we ended up sitting and waiting until 3:30, it felt like, well, forever.


Because when am I ever in pictures these days??


The quintessential carseat pic.


Just for perspective...he's so tiny!

First Family Photo

Well...here's our family of four. All I have to say is WOW - we are going to have some awesome Christmas cards.

Stop All the World Now

It's been a wonderful second day with little Howard. No nasty April Fools jokes by the little guy (other than getting peed on and the incredibly SLOW hospital staff)...he is simply as sweet as he can be. I enjoyed a little time taking a few pictures this afternoon. I forgot how fun it was to have a subject who sits still!


Apparently sometimes when babies come early, the edges of their ears haven't curled up yet. According to the nurse, this will happen over the next few days. His right one was already starting to look a little more "curly" this morning, so I wanted to be sure to document the funny flat shape while it was still there.


Eyeballs!! Something that we haven't seen too much. Maggie was so alert when she was a newborn...it's funny to have a baby who just likes to sleep and cuddle!


He has crazy nails and is constantly putting his hands by his face. Thus the fact that it looks like he's been attacked by a raccoon.

A Grand Occasion

It has been remarkably fun to be able to share Howie with BOTH sets of grandparents over the past couple of days.




Mags has enjoyed the quadrupled attention as well.

Baby HOME

Everyone is completely smitten with little Howie...but no one more so than his big sis.

Her reaction was only about a million times better than I expected it to be. Aside from an initial attempt to poke his eye out, she has only wanted to hold and kiss him, and continues to repeat "Baby HOME Baby HOME." We are all excited to be home together to begin our new life as a family of four.


So happy to see mommy. Or maybe she just wanted my pretzels.


Note the fact that we both have the same exact expression, looking in different directions. Both of us are so pleased with the new man in our lives.