learning

there are just too many thoughts and emotions to know what to put down. i'll start with the immediate: it was another long night. he doesnt seem to sleep well unless he's being held, so we're trying to adapt to that for now. soon he'll of course need to develop the skill of sleeping alone, but there are so many other adjustments going on that we'll give him time.

last night was the first time I got really frustrated with his screaming. I could calm him down, but when I went to put him down, he'd start up again. so I eventually just set him down and went to bed, hoping he'd tire out on his own. mama came to the rescue after a while, and she let me sleep a bit. then it was my turn to let her sleep, so I snuggled with him on the couch for a few hours. truly this was a precious experience that I'll probably never be able to really describe. our love for him is growing exponentially, and moments such as these bring the beautiful emotions to the surface.

I'm so proud of how Caleb and Mama are doing with feedings. the first few attempts were a bit frustrating for everyone, since he was a little spaced out and cranky (and so were we for that matter). nursing is a bit of an aquired skill for some kids (and moms too of course) so Mama stuck with it so well, and the nurses and such at the hospital helped them figure it out. now he's unstoppable. if he's awake and hasnt just ate, he'll gladly try to suck your finger off. it would be nice to not have to wake up every 3 hours to fill him up, but that's the way it goes. we're trying to get him on a good pattern of feedings, waketime and sleeptime, but we have to remind ourselves to be flexible.

what else? the dog is doing very well with the changes. we're shocked at how calm she is, and how little jealousy she's shown. she's curious at times, and we warn her away from licking him (for now at least), and she listens quite well. she cant help but get up and follow us around the house in the middle of the night, so I think she's as tired as we are. her behavior has definitely been an answer to prayer.

my parents left yesterday, and they'll be back for an extended visit in a little while. michelle's parents come soon, and we're especially looking forward to michelle's mom helping michelle learn how to be a mom. our time with my folks was very nice. they couldnt be more excited (Caleb's their first grandbaby), and my mom was able to watch him being born. but for now we have a few days of just the 3 of us, which will be great to get to know and love eachother quietly (and perhaps not-so-) for a bit.

I put a few more pictures on our site, and there are many many more where those came from. I need to find time to sort through them. thanks to all for your prayers and encouragement, and we'd love you to stop by if you're around (please call first). hopefully soon I'll write down our birth story, which involves a really long labor, a really short delivery, a really brave and strong mama, and a really really wonderful child.

praise God, from whom all blessings flow.