Our First Week (or so) as a Family of Five

Our first week home was pretty good, all things considered.  It was nice to have Susan here until Wednesday and then Mom until Saturday.  They were a tremendous help entertaining Andrew and Margaret while I tended to Matthew, feedings for all, folding laundry, helping keep Matthew awake at strategic times, etc.  We had a lot of fun and the big kids SO enjoy having their grandmothers around.  It was nice for me, too, as Matthew's first week of nights each included a 2-3 hour session of nothing but eating or screaming.  I can handle being up at night as long as it takes, but it's difficult to diagnose the unrest and determine what to try next at 2:00am when the crying just won't stop.  But even as I type (on day 12), we have just had our best night yet.  I hesitate to assume that we have worked through mid-night frustration, but I certainly pray that we have! 

Proud, PROUD big brother, Andrew:)  After we say prayers at night, I remind him that he can keep talking to God about whatever he would like.  Last night he said sweetly, "Dear God, Please help Matthew not get sick."  There is no immanent threat, but he knows that he and Margaret can't be near Matthew if they've been sucking their thumbs or haven't washed their hands from outside.  The flu has been so horrendous this year we have been warned to take it seriously.   

 

Snuggling with Daddy first day home.

Oh, no!  The Georgia Tech game during my delivery turned out MUCH better than Miami's 27-pt annihilation the following week!

First nap in the swing, after first visit to the Pediatrician.  More notably, by day 5, little man was already back up to his birth weight of nearly 7 lb 13 ou, so we don't have to return to the germ infested office for a month - woo-hoo!  You'll also note that only a third child wears Halloween gear in January.  But hey....I found it, it fit AND it was clean, so it was worn:) 



While Daddy was away, Dody was here on our first snow day...which, of course, was on a Thursday when both Andrew and Margaret should have been in school.  Her brilliant idea was to treat the kiddos to IHOP to burn some time.  Chocolate milk and chocolate pancakes IN their PJ's went over quite well, as you might imagine.  Thank you, Dody!

Enough said! 

There are no words!

First visit of the Greeks!  Anne and cousins Alex (5) and Nicholas (3) get their first kisses with Matthew.



First Ferguson Aunt visit en route to Richmond to see Dody and Grandaddy - Anne was all beautiful smiles.

Next day, round two came through en route to Richmond.  Kate with big girl cousins Sarah (10) and Abby (8) enjoyed some snuggle time.  Unfortunately for them, Matthew had his fussiest evening yet.  Fortunately for ME, that was followed by his best night yet!

Trying to catch a fly!

Sarah and Matthew, day 9 or 10.

I called neighbor Tracey to borrow one of her crafty tools (which does NOT exist in this house) and she said she'd send a rep over sometime to deliver it.  Not 2 minutes later, the doorbell rang and all three precious girls appeared to meet sweet Matthew:) 
Gracie (almost 13), Hannah (16.5), Lily (7.5)...giddy Andrew (4.5)

 



Look at the progress we have made since Lesson 1!

Andrew had his 4th ice skating lesson - Daddy got him to go out on the ice by himself with the instructors and he was pleased to have Dody and Margaret in the stands watching. Apparently he is skating backwards now! Good thing he will go on the ice by himself now because by the time I get to go to a lesson, he will be a FAR more accomplished skater than I am!