Baby Whisperer

Logan is working on surpassing Jim's reputation as the 'Baby Whisperer' around here.  This kid is amazing with Laurel.  He consistently calms her when she's fussing for me. 

On Saturday the kids had a huge pile of blankets at the bottom of the stairs.  I came down from my shower to find that Logan had taken a fussy Laurel from Jim and put her to sleep in their 'nest'.

Later that afternoon I was struggling to get her down for a nap, so I came downstairs to hold her for a while.  Logan took his crying sister from my arms and within minutes they were both asleep, again in the 'nest'.

On Sunday morning we snapped a quick picture before church.  We have FIVE kids now!  It feels like we were first time parents just yesterday.  Wow.

This is becoming a common theme around here...she really likes her biggest brother.

Kids Say

Alex, "Mom, when I grow up I'm going to do a fiery dart."  I'm still wondering what this means.  Ha!

Alex bringing a college textbook into the living room, "I was hoping this was it!"  Me, "What book is that?"  He shows me that it's an engineering Statics and Dynamics book.  Alex, "I love these books!"

Laurel was crying so Alex said, "I think she wants back in your tummy."

Some crows were squawking in the park.  Alex, "Mom, I hear the laughing birds."

Alex, "Mom, in your tummy is there more eggs for babies?"  Me, "Yes."  Alex, "Next time, I hope a boy one hatches!"

Following a conversation about how my great grandparents died in their old age, Alex, "Dad is almost really old."  Annie, "He is...kind of."

Alex, "Someday I'm going to make a school closet at my house and I'm going to make a giant mousetrap on it!"

Abby closing my book WHILE I'm reading it, "All done!"  Me, "You're a stinker, you know that?"  Abby with a smile, "Uh-huh."

Alex looking at Laurel, "I saw her head grow just now!  Is that funny even though it's not her birthday?"

Alex, "Why is milk white?"  Me, "Because the stuff that it's made of is white."  Alex speculating, "Is there sugar in it?  Is there flour in it?  Maybe it has cloud in it!"

Alex, "Mom, someday I'm going to make a coconut field!"

Alex, "Mom!  I know the secret to get a remote control car (for a present)!  Have a car party!"

Alex, "Mom, you can't take care of us because there are too many of us."  He must have noticed that I'm outnumbered...

Baby Photo Shoot

Jim's mom took care of the kids while I was in the hospital, and they had a fun little shopping trip one day.  Among lots of cute baby things, they found these crocheted hats and diaper covers.  SOMEDAY we'll update our professional family pictures, but in the meantime this baby is going to leave the sleepy newborn phase behind.  So, once again, I had my own home photo shoot.  :)

I'm so in love with this sweet little girl.

I decided to move her onto her back, but wasn't hoping for much.  Surprisingly, she was quite calm!

Then, just for the grandmas I thought I'd take some pictures in today's outfit.  Her shirt says 'Grandma Adores Me'.

Sleepy and content...

I love these funny little smiles!

One big yawn...

...and out!

Baby toes...

About the time I was ready to move Laurel for her nap, my big baby showed up.  Abby doesn't try to hold Laurel, but she constantly wants to give her kisses and gently stroke her head.  She's very sweet.

This girl seemed like such a baby a week ago, and now I'm having to readjust to how big she really is!

Beautiful little princess.

Baby's First Week

Our new little darling had a really rough second day of life.  It was a mercy that I'd had some decent rest the previous night.  She basically cried and nursed, cried and nursed for 24 hours...and of course that is when Jim was at home to rest.  Thankfully, the nurses at the hospital were WONDERFUL.  (This was by FAR the best hospital stay I've had...wonderful staff all around!)  They constantly offered to take her so I could sleep a little bit, and eventually she moved past whatever was bothering her.



By day three she was content again.  Jim came back in the morning and the three of us napped while waiting to go home. 

Once home, my family sent me upstairs to nap again (oh glory be!) and Jim enjoyed his snuggles.  This man has a special gift when it comes to babies and he loves it.  His idea of a good time is to cuddle a baby...the younger the better.  We call him 'The Baby Whisperer'.    

Logan is 'Baby Whisperer #2'.  This kid LOVES babies.  He's always known how to be gentle and soothing with babies, even when HE was a baby and his first little sister arrived.  There have been several times this week that he's asked to hold Laurel and she's calmed down in his arms when she was fussing in mine.

We've discovered that our rough and tumble boy has a calm side.  Who knew?!  He'll sit and hold Laurel for an hour at a time.    

Professional big brother right here. 

 
Between so many baby holders, and a content little girl (who has been sleeping at good times so far...) I've been able to feel better quite fast.  It's like I'm human again!

Surprisingly, Annie has held Laurel the least.  I don't think it's lack of desire, though.  I suspect her brothers have been more proactive about it.