Speaking of birthdays, our littlest one has been in the world for one whole month! We've had an eventful first month and everyone is still getting adjusted.

I had lots of help the first week, and didn't do much at all except recover and cuddle with him. I had all three babes by myself for the first part of the first week, and then my parents graciously took V and K to the beach with them Thursday-Monday! We missed them a lot, but it was helpful for me to rest. I sat on the couch for 2 days straight and watched every episode of Downton Abbey, and fed and held Hank. It was very indulgent, but I don't regret it. Since we were sort of alone that weekend, Aaron and I had a chance to catch our breath and spend some time regrouping together...we went on a nice lunch date (have you all been to the Blue Apron restaurant in Salem? It's awesome) and to the movies. So Hank went on his first big outing and was sweet to sleep the whole time so that we could enjoy it! We also had a chance to go out to a nice lunch with great friends on that Sunday after church. Then reality set back in when the girls returned- with doctor appointments, preschool starting, packing for the beach, cleaning up after everyone. That week of Hank's life is a blur for me, but thankfully I was physically feeling stronger by that point :) Then we left for the beach...as Joy perfectly put it, Hank has spent 1/4 of his life at the beach! How lucky!

Now we are back home, getting settled with a routine (more or less). Hank is a cute, sweet little man. I am definitely sleep deprived, but it's not awful. I've recovered really well from the delivery, and have had no problems with feeding him...these are two huge blessings. The Lord has given grace...I am content.

A few things about Hank:
We just went to his well check yesterday and found out that he is 8 lb, 10 oz. (that's a gain of exactly 2 lbs. in a month because he had dropped down to 6 lb. 10 oz. after we came home from the hospital) and is 21.5 inches long. His head is 14.5 inches around. I didn't get the percentages, but Dr. B said he is a small to medium sized baby but growing excellently.

He eats really well and around the clock, usually about every 2.5 to 3 hours.

He is pretty alert and calm when awake. Stares at lights and fans, and makes funny O shapes with his mouth.

He isn't a fan of getting his diaper changes. This is the only time I can count on some crying (and when he's getting buckled and unbuckled in the car seat). It's getting better, though...for the first two weeks I was the absolute worst diaper changer in the history of boy moms...I had no idea what I was doing and it took me forever and we heard lots of screaming. It took me a good two weeks to be more comfortable changing his diaper.

It is very difficult to burp him after he eats. I don't know why...it takes him forever and sometimes I just give up and move on.

He is starting to spit up a lot.

He is oblivious to his crazy, smothering sisters. I can't wait until he can respond to them with smiles. I will post separately about how they've reacted to his arrival (definitely deserves its own post).

He loves a pacifier!

He slept with me for the first 3 weeks and I've just started putting him in his crib at night this week. It's working okay so far...a little trial and error to find out how he's most comfortable.

He is a perfect addition to our family! We love him!