Nathan's first week

What a blessing it was to have Papa and Grammy with us during Nathan's first week of life! Life certainly felt a little chaotic, and it was wonderful that they were willing to keep our house running (caring for the big boys, taking Ian to and from school, cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, running errands). Wow! Thank you, Grammy and Papa, for the love and kindness that you showed us. We couldn't have done it without you!

So, what was Nathan (and what were the rest of us) up to during his first week of life?

Well, we all enjoyed holding our newest little guy as much as we possibly could!

 

We took lots of pictures of him (especially when he looked so precious fast asleep).

 

And, we tried to figure out what sorts of things made him the most happy. Being held, eating, and swinging in the swing seemed to top the list.

 Overall, our older boys adjusted relatively well to having a newborn in the house. They were interested in Nathan and wanted to hold him and help with him.

Ryan, pointing out all of Nathan's features

 Honestly, Ryan's transition was the toughest. There were more tantrums and tears than usual from Ryan, and he didn't seem to understand that we couldn't play with him whenever he wanted us to. It was helpful to have two extra playmates around who were always up for doing fun activities.

glitter with Grammy

two-card war with Papa

Ryan in Grammy's shoes

We appreciated having help and company from others.

Aunt Chelsea brought us some soup and had cuddle time, too.

Neighbor Karmen

Matt's staff sent us an edible arrangement. Yum!

We also did some fun, special things. Papa let the boys help him make homemade pasta.

 Grammy, Papa, and Ryan attended Ian's kindergarten Thanksgiving parade and feast.

Ian dressed as a Pilgrim. Others in his class were Indians.

Everyone paraded into the school. Here, they are entering Aunt Chelsea's 2nd grade classroom.

One of the stops was in Ian's prayer partner's (Jeremy) 7th grade classroom.

At the end of the (long) parade, it was time for group pictures and a trail mix feast.

All seven of us attended the Tomball Holiday Parade. This was Nathan's first official outing, aside from the doctor's office, I think.

Seeing HE-Buddy (the grocery store mascot) was a big hit.

Nathan spent most of the parade sleeping or nursing.

We saw Santa and Mrs. Claus at the end!

Nathan also accompanied Grammy and Momma to Hobby Lobby and slept through most of the outing in his Moby Wrap. What a shopper! :)

We started our Advent boxes during Nathan's first week. We enjoyed watching a holiday movie and eating popcorn together on one of the evenings.

At one week old, Nathan went to church. He looked cute, behaved perfectly, and got lots of attention from the ladies. :)

His brothers ate doughnuts. :)

Jon and Chelsea invited us over to lunch after church. Ian helped make smoothies. :)

We also did some routine things, like take a walk ...

We HAD to stop to see the construction work on the playground slide, of course!

We gave Nathan his first couple of baths. He wasn't sure he liked them , even though he got plenty of tender loving care throughout ...

So adorable right after the bath!

Nathan even helped Daddy win at a card game...

Thanks again, Papa and Grammy, for giving of yourselves so selflessly to ease our transition. We love you so much and enjoyed every moment with you!