Since the hospital was slightly understaffed and I wasn't really getting much rest there, we decided to go home on Day 2. I don't even think Cash was there for 24 hours! I would have been terrified if my mom wasn't there but I figured I'd get more rest at home with her help. Anyway, the day started with a visit from Rebekah. Then we relaxed and got cleaned up. The doctor came around lunch time to check on us and said she had no problem sending us home. I was having some fairly severe cramping so I got a prescription for that. Thank goodness. I couldn't have survived the next couple of days without it. Okay, I could have but it helped alot! Anyway, next we got him all dressed in his "going home" outfit to take him just a few blocks to our house. Abbie (my aunt Kay) was in Chicago when he was born and pulled into town right as we got home. They couldn't wait to meet each other! Then Cassell came over to help me clip Cash's nails. Actually, she just did it for me. So, yes, she drew a little blood but that's okay! I never knew it because the tough little guy didn't even flinch. If he's okay, I'm okay. Also, the kids' mom brought them over for a couple of hours so they could welcome him home as well. When all of the excitement died down, Rosie got to meet Cash. She's definitely found out that her life is not the same but I think she's protective of him already. Maybe a little jealous, but mostly protective. I think.
That first night home wasn't quite as tough as the first night in the hospital. I did check for breathing a couple of times but he slept between feedings and let me sleep. That night is still kind of a blur. I've never been so proud of myself and doubtful of myself all at the same time. So excited yet so terrified. So empowered yet so mortal. I wanted the Circle of Life to stop right there. Just one day of being a mom was all I needed to know there's nothing better.
Rebekah, Cash and his bestie (hidden under her shirt - only 3 more weeks to go!!!)
You know, in the hospital it was almost amusing when he cried because no one seemed worried about it and it was always shortlived. Yeah. It's not quite so funny now...especially at 1 o'clock in the morning.
All ready to go.
Mommy loves me.
Uh, so the carseat is a little big. I have an infant seat in my car that's not convertible so we bought an extra base and replaced this seat for a while...until he grows a bit.
He was like, "What in the world is going on?"
Hello, Abbie.
Home, Sweet Home.
Here's Cassell maming my son. (just kidding, Cassell!)
The best big sister.
The best big brother.
The best big dog - I just know they'll be best friends in no time.
This is a horrible picture of me but I love that you can see his little blonde spot on the back of his head.
Daddy can always calm him down...
Aunt Traci is finally here!!! We love her and we needed her the first week.
You can almost see that dimple!
Aunt Happy
Aunt Lea
The first bath. I was too scared to do it so Mimi and Aunt Traci did it for me. I decided to be the photographer.
He loves the water on his head.
Cash is so relaxed with his big brother. He makes Blake look so big and grown up!
Big Sister looks a little too grown-up these days too.
She has been such a huge help! She can read when I'm frazzled and she always makes sure she can help.
Too bad this picture doesn't have sound. Derrek was snoring really loudly and it was soothing to Cash. Mimi and Aunt Traci didn't know how he could sleep through it but he'd been listening to it for 9 months already.
This is right before Aunt Traci left us. It still gets me teary.
Man, I miss that first week of naps. I need to reinstate the nap.
This, sadly, was one of my first few diaper changes. Mimi and Aunt Traci did so much for me! Mimi and I were excited because Cash was finally starting to straighten out those legs. It made his diaper changes very difficult at first!
Rosie still doesn't get too far away.
Cash got a horrible diaper rash the first week so he's on these towels trying to air out a little bit. He hated having his diaper changed anyway but when you added a circumcision and a diaper rash, it was heartbreaking every time. To make it worse, he pooped about 10 or 12 times a day. So glad those days are over.
Grandpa Steve finally made it.
Here's Mimi and Cash right before she left me. I still can't really talk about it.
Billie Jean came to visit her Cash Money.
This is his hair right after a bath! I love it!!!
