The A Team Week 1: Getting Acquainted Part 2

After a couple of days getting acquainted in the hospital, we headed home to continue getting to know each other at home.  The first night was a bit crazy, as I'm sure it always is.  With everything going on, Asher went to bed much later than normal, and wasn't thrilled that he was going to bed while everyone else (including Avery) was still up.  To make him a little happier, we all went up stairs and pretended to put Avery to bed in the nursery crib.  Then we brought Asher downstairs and put him to bed.  He seemed to go along with it, but still wasn't thrilled about it.  Once Asher was in bed, Eric drove to Panera quickly to pick up dinner for the two of us.  He got home around 9pm and finally we could have some dinner.  Avery, however, had other plans.  He decided that he was hungry at that exact moment and didn't want me to take the time to eat my dinner.  Eric took him (screaming as they went) upstairs, while Asher laid in bed yelling out "stop it" and "no" (the same way he yells at Emma) for Avery to stop crying.  In the meantime I scarfed down my dinner, attempted to hold back the tears (and panic attack) and thought to myself, "here we go"...family of four life starts now!

The next day, Eric's dad stayed with us long enough for Eric and I to take Avery to his hospital check-up and a quick trip to Target.  Avery was continuing to loose weight and his jaundice level was going up, so we were told that he needed to come back again.  We got our necessary items at Target (including a smoothie for me) and then headed back home.  Because we had had very little sleep the night before, we considered putting Asher in daycare, since it would be our first day juggling two kids on our own, but when we found out that one of the kids there was overcoming a sinus infection we decided it was best to keep Asher with us.  Thus, we tackled them both and the day went surprisingly well...maybe we can do this after all!?

Avery at Target

To give Avery and I a little extra rest time, Eric took Asher to Menards while we took a nap.  When they returned Asher was excited to see his baby brother again and headed straight for us.  Then he reached over, pinched Avery's nose and said, "hooooonk!"  ...oh well, at least it was a gentle honking!

Avery & I taking an afternoon nap.

Snuggling with my boys.

Family Lunch Time

Later that afternoon, our friends Allison and Andy came over to meet Avery with their little ones Elias and Etta.  At five weeks old, Etta was already smaller than our little (big) guy!

Allison & Avery

Allison & Etta + Avery & I

Eric & Avery + Andy & Etta

That night, as Avery and I enjoyed some more lazy time indoors, Eric entertained Asher outside.  This included mowing the lawn and Asher was a very good little helper.

Soon afterwards, we were greeted with more company.  My brother and sister-in-law came over to meet the newest family member and brought a full dinner for us to enjoy together.  Erika had made a hamburger casserole that Asher loved so much he ate FIVE servings!!  Then, for dessert we enjoyed some ice cream sundaes with left overs from our previous ice cream social.

Me, Aaron, Hudson & Erika

Erika, Micah & Asher

Avery & Auntie Erika.

When dinner was over, our parade of family continued.  My mom and dad arrived to meet their newest grandson (they now have 5!).

Avery & Grandma

Grandma & Papa K with all 5 grandsons!

Avery getting acquainted with Grandma & Papa K

The next day, the family fun continued.  We woke up and enjoyed a little time with my parents, and then Eric, Avery and I were off to the hospital for another check-up.  Again, Avery was loosing weight (down to 9 pounds 6 ounces) and his jaundice level read 11.8 and 12 (12 being the cut-off).  Thus, we were informed that we would have to come back again on Monday.

Morning snuggles with my littlest man.

Kisses for Avery from big brother Asher.

More kisses for Avery

More kisses for Avery (this time from Grandma K)

Off to the hospital...again.

Once we were done at the hospital, we headed to Cracker Barrel, where my parents and Asher were waiting to meet us for breakfast along with Eric's parents who had arrived at their hotel late the night before to meet their new grandson.  For anyone reading this that has nursed before, you will probably understand that it makes you CRAZY hungry.  By the time we met at the restaurant it was around 10:30 and I hadn't had any breakfast yet although I had been starving since the middle of the previous night.  When I realized that they had my favorite meal on their seasonal menu again, I decided to get two orders, because I knew I'd have to share with Asher and wasn't about to give up some of my own meal.  Everyone found this pretty funny and teased me, but I didn't care...it was delicious!

Avery meeting Grandma M.

Asher with Grandma & Papa K

Eric's dad & I...with my food and more (everyone thought this was so funny, that they decided we needed to get a picture of me with all of the table's food (at least all that had arrived at that point))!

Asher playing with the peg game.  I need to make him one of these, as it keeps him very content at the table.

When breakfast was over, we all headed back to our house to hang out for the day.  It was a nice, relaxing day for the boys to spend with all of their grandparents.

Avery & Grandma K

Asher & Grandma M

Asher & Grandma M lounging in the backyard.

Avery and I enjoying another afternoon nap while Grandma & Papa K went out shopping and Grandma & Grandpa M took Asher to the park.

Eric and Avery snuggling during the football game.

2 Videos: Asher Playing with the Eric and Grandpa M.

On Saturday night, after a relaxing day at home (minus the not-so-relaxing football game) and a delicious rib dinner made by my wonderful mother-in-law, I finally got around to taking Avery's "Birthday" photos.  I had taken the calendar to the hospital with intentions of taking the photos there on his actual birthday, but that never happened.  Three days late is better than never, right?

Avery obviously not so thrilled about this...hopefully he gets better at this, since we have MANY months to go!

The next morning, since Avery was only 4 days old and we were still getting acclimated to our new life, we decided to stay home rather than attempt a visit to church.  Thus, we spent the early morning hanging out with Grandma and Papa K, before they had to leave us and head back home.

Papa gave Avery a part.

The boys with their Klingenmaier grandparents.

After my parents headed back home, Eric's parents came back over to spend a little more time with us before they headed back to Michigan as well.

Grandma M & Avery

Asher, Grandma M & Avery

Me enjoying a moment of peace and the beautiful fall day before the weather turns ugly.

Late in the morning, we enjoyed visits from a few more family members wanting to meet our newest little guy.  Aunt Bonnie, cousins Rachel and Brandon, and Brandon's girlfriend (whom I was excited to finally meet as well) happened to be in the area and came over to say hi.

Aunt Bonnie & Avery

Rachel & Avery

Finally, Aunt Bonnie, Rachel, Brandon and Caroline had left and it was time for Eric's parents to head out as well.  Before we allowed them to leave though, we took a few minutes to get some family photos...

It is kind of hard to believe that Avery is only 4 days old in this picture!  :)  Love my little (big) guy!

Eric & Asher waving goodbye to Grandma & Grandpa (Gramps) Migrin!

Video: Bye Bye to Grandma & Grandpa Migrin

When everyone had gone home, we all enjoyed some much-needed rest.  Then the "big boys" did some neighborly yard work together while Avery and I relaxed together indoors.  It was the end to a wonderful weekend and the beginning of our little family's life together at home!