Elaina's first few days

I've been keeping notes in a notebook over the last week and a half. After Owen was born, Chauncy kept asking me questions about recovery and newborns, which made me realize how much I had forgotten about the first few weeks with Ben. So, this time around I wanted to record how I was feeling, etc.

9/6/15
We came home late last night after baby sister finally went pee. This morning, Ben has a cold. Figures!

Ben was holding baby sister this morning. The first two things he said were "Is she going to toot on me?" and then a few moments later "awwwwwww, I yuv you!". Those two comments truly show what his thoughts are :) He also gushed about how tiny her hands were. He kept trying so hard not to cough on her.

I'm feeling great. Just a little soreness and a little tired, but otherwise great! I love that I can eat as normal and get around just fine.

Mom stayed the night last night to help take care of Ben. This morning, the Bailey's came over to meet baby sister, and then Chauncy, Alan and Owen came for a visit. The Starr's came later in the afternoon. We finally decided to name her Elaina Jane Starr. Grandma Ami and Grandpa Dave were visiting Grandma Edna, so I called them to tell them what her name was. I cried when I told them, as did Grandma Ami. Grandma Edna couldn't quite figure out the phone, but I know Grandma and Grandpa will make sure she understands the significance of Elaina's name. They were the first to officially hear Elaina's name.

9/9/15
We took Elaina to the doctor today. The little miss did great. She's 97th and 98th percentile for height and head, and 90th percentile for weight.

I love Elaina's dark, soft hair. She has so much of it! She is so relaxed and calm. So far, she sleeps so much. Her periods of wakefulness are during the day. She just looks around so calmly and quietly. Soooo far, there's no crying that we can't explain or console right away. What a difference this baby is!!

My nipples are very sore. I love feeding her, aside from the pain. My recovery otherwise..."down there" is still pretty sore and swollen, but I've stopped taking Ibuprofen. The only other complain is my back. It's very tired from holding up my very huge boobs and the baby, and my core muscles feel non-existent after the pregnancy. Otherwise, I feel good...just a little tired and a teensy bit of anxiety, mainly about the general safety of my precious children. Having a newborn makes me feel more vulnerable, which I think is a pretty natural feeling.

Ben...I feel bad for Ben. Poor guy had a cold the moment we came home from the hospital, so I felt like we treated him like a leper. Bill and Kathy are here, but I think his energy is a little too much for them. Last night, I was able to put him to bed and give him some one-on-one time. This morning, Joel and I both got him ready just like normal while Elaina was sleeping. I want to be careful to give him lots of love and to be sure not to treat him like he's "bad" when he accidentally loves Elaina too hard or that he has to change all kinds of stuff because of baby sister. He's such a sweetie. He gushes about how tiny she is or about her tiny fingers. He talks to her in a verrrry loving, gentle, gushing voice. I love my babies!!!!

9/15/15
Today was Ben's first day of Preschool. Last night, Ben asked if we were going to drop him off at daycare. When we said yes, he said "What?! But I'm too small!!". Joel had to go to work for a meeting, so I whisked the kids off in the van and we got there just as Ben's class was lining up to walk into the classroom. Ben wasn't allowed to bring Tucker, which I was really nervous about. But he was so brave! His sweet body language told me he was nervous, but there were no tears. Afterwards, he was so excited and had so much fun! The emotions of seeing my big guy starting preschool, plus the emotions of Grandma Edna made for an emotional day today! But, they were all good emotions. While Ben was in school. Elaina and I ran some errands. My sweet girl. She cried a bit in Target, so I took her out of her carseat and held her. She settled right down. I enjoyed my snuggle time with her in the store.

Ben is loving his sister more and more. Today, she was falling asleep in her swing, and he stood by the swing and sang her a song he made up. He just gently sang and sang while he rocked the swing, touched her head and gave her hugs. He loves to hold her and especially loves it when she roots around on his neck and shoulders. He thinks she's giving him kisses. The other night, he was holding her and told her all about the ninja turtles and what cereals she could eat when she gets older. He's so focused on her when he's talking to her. I wish I could bottle up the love and remember it forever.