165

Joe suggested I name the blog "Tres bien" ... it's a strong possibility -- a nice play on words.

We're heading into week 6 with Caroline and things couldn't be better with her. She's cuddly and happy and rarely cries -- unless justified. She's been sleeping pretty consistently through the night with the best night so far being from 12 to 7:30 A.M.

I knew I would enjoy being home during this time because I could spend time with Caroline. But I didn't factor in all the great time I am spending with the boys. Brennan and I are actually having one-on-one time with Baby C sleeps and everyday we walk up to school to get Jack.

Brennan is loving preschool though he was a little sketchy the first week or so. Now he talks about his classmates who haven't adjusted yet and just shakes his head. Today was supposed to kick off his Sunday school experience to everyone's great disappointment, it was canceled because his classroom was flooded. His class is during mass so he made sure to let us know (over and over) he wasn't pleased.

Jack is busy in first grade and the increased school work -- and drama. He's decided his kindergarten girlfriend isn't the one anymore and has moved on to a little girl named Angie (who we haven't met yet.) Last week, Jack decided he needed to let Helen know so he could build his relationship with Angie with zero ties. His reenactment of his conversation with her had Joe and I rolling.

He decided to tell her he'd found someone else one day after school on the playground. According to Jackie, she immedialty demanded to know who it was ... and when Jack said "Angie" she was quick to tell him what she thought of her.

"Mom! She told me she didn't like Angie. She said 'Anyone but Angie!,''' he told us. "But the thing is, she doesn't even know Angie! Girls are crazy -- but especially Helen!"

164

So I am playing with name possibilities ... right now, Three's company seems appropriate.
Things are going well. After a month, we are all adjusting well. Baby C is currently sleeping in her Pack-n-Play and Brennan is watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Jack is at big boy first grade and Joe is at the radio station. All is well with the world.

I will post some pictures now and write something up later.



She sleeps. :)


The boys meet their sister with Ga. Brennan's face is priceless!

Dr. Guerin moments after her arrival. She is is the best. And yes, my blackberry is in my hand.

Daddy and his girl.

It's official!

163

So our girl has arrived!

Caroline Elizabeth Rexrode
Aug. 19, 2010
8:44 a.m.
9 lbs., 8 oz.; 21.25 inches

Joe and I went into the hospital the night of the 18th and our girl arrived the next morning. She came out facing the wrong way ... but luckily the delivery was otherwise uneventful.

The boys have done well with their baby sis. Jack is super excited and wants to hold/carry her whenever possible. Brennan wasn't sure at first and was a little clingy but has morphed into a great big brother who is very concerned about Baby Caroline's "boo-boo tummy."

She's lying here next to me in her Boppy snoozing her last feeding away. She did lose a bit more weight than the doctors wanted but after an appointment Friday we've learned she's back up 4 oz. It's crazy how 4 little ozs can make your day. Unfortunately they think they heard a heart murmur but we're trying not to freak about it. Her next appointment is Thursday to double check.

The boys are in T town this weekend enjoying Ga and Ma for one more summer weekend before school. I am not sure where this summer went ... Brennan heads to preschool this Tuesday and Jack goes into 1st grade the Tuesday after Labor Day.


My boys are growing up.

But (as Jack likes to remind me) now I have Caroline to be with me when he and Brennan head off to college. We try to let him know he has some time before college but he says he just wants us to be prepared someday he will leave. I guess I have 12 years to worry about that.

Caroline is on a pretty tight 3-hour schedule for feeding so that keeps Joe and I on our toes. Breastfeeding is going really well (surprisingly) though we have to supplement with a bottle.

She's been a fantastic baby so far only crying when she's hungry ... and when she has a stinky diaper. Girl doesn't like to be dirty ... which is a funny since her brothers never really let it bother them. I just love babies so much -- especially my own. I am trying to soak up this time now because I know when my leave is up, I am going to be sad to go back to work. And besides, I figure I only have a select amount of time with her before she starts to show her independence and love Daddy best.

We've been asked ... is it different this time because she's a girl?

Yes and no.

No ... because like with my boys, all I care is she's healthy, happy and thriving. I examine her like I examined B and Jack from head to toe. And everyday I catch myself imagining the person she's destined to become.

Yes ... because I watched her Daddy melt to the ground when she arrived. He was more than thrilled when each of his sons were born but this time was a bit different for him when Caroline was placed on my belly. They say there's something special about a girl and her dad and I was lucky enough to witness the precise moment they fell in love.

No ... because she smells just like her brothers, she makes the same cooing noises and she's just as cuddly in the middle of the night when I know I should put her back to bed but I can't resist one more squeeze.

Yes ... because her clothes are amazing! I can't get enough pink and feminine frillies. I went from a boy-mom to an insta-girl mom and I am surprisingly loving it. I honestly didn't care if I had a boy or girl this time round but now that she's here, I plan to eat it up.

No ... because I am amazed at how lucky I am each time I pick her up -- just like I am amazed each time the boys make me laugh or support each other. Having a baby is like playing Russian roulette. So many things have to fall into place to produce a perfect being. And my brood are all perfect, gorgeous, smart little people.

We are so lucky.