1 week old...

Well, I can't believe Nathan has been with us an entire week now. It has just flown by! I used to spend so much time updating this blog, checking email, etc. but with his 3 hour eating schedule, seems like my free time is at a premium. Note: the 3 hour schedule is the max he should go between feedings. I'm also feeding on demand, as needed, but trying to figure out his hunger cues, and not that he is wet, needs to burp, etc.

I'm working now on his birth story. Let's just say, it didn't go according to plan. I had a long labor, and actually ended up having to have a c-section. If you are interested in the full story, let me know.

I also wanted to explain why we named our son Nathan. I've always loved the name, and when doing research on names, found out that Nathan means "God has given". We didn't think anything would be more perfect. His middle name is James, just like his dad and grandpa. I also found out that Nathaniel was another name for the apostle Bartholomew. St. Philip the Apostle brought Bartholomew/Nathaniel to meet and follow Jesus. The first child we conceived and lost to miscarriage we named Philip Gabriel. How interesting is that!

Here are some highlights and photos from the week! Please keep Nate in your prayers tomorrow as he has his circumcision and on Saturday evening when he will be baptized and welcomed into the Catholic Church. Hopefully it won't take a week until the next post...

highlights -
July 2 - Nathan is born!! yea! After almost 14 hours of labor we are able to meet our son!! nana and papa Dobson, mama Thibodeau, Tessa neni (aunt), Stephen bacsi (uncle), aunt Danielle and uncle Justin are there to meet our son!!
July 3 - Nate's first latch. Mommy and Daddy make it through the first day with the great help of our nurses at the hospital. They were great!! Mrs. K and Mrs. Bratten and Benjamin come to visit.
July 4 - great nursing day! first holiday - happy independence day! A special thanks to the Gretencord family who brought Daddy lunch (and dinner). Yum!
July 5 - was able to nurse without breast shield. We also get discharged from the hospital. Thanks to aunt Danielle and uncle Justin for helping us load the cars with all our loot, as well as help us when we got home. Loved the decorations! And Nana Dobson - thanks for spiffing up the house - it is beautiful!! Mommy and Daddy are also too nervous to let Nate sleep in the pack 'n' play, so he comfy sleeps between us!
July 6 - we notice that Nate is blinking! also meets great-grandma and grandpa McAninch. Tonight he spends his first night in his pack 'n' play! yea!
July 7 - first doctor's appointment. pediatrician asks if Nate has started sucking his thumb. Had not at that point, but started that afternoon! Also, mom's milk finally comes in!!
July 8 - modesty strikes! Nate loves to cross his legs when having his diaper changed - another challenge!