Merrick came home from the hospital when he was two days old. He was welcomed by big brother Austin, as well as Grandma and Grandpa (below) who came from Tucson to help out.
From there, we all had to figure out the balance between baby, big brother and everything in between. On one of the first nights, it took about three hours to feed, burp and change the baby multiple times in the middle of the night. We thought it would take a half hour. At one point, Austin came in the room. Both kids were peeing and crying at the same time. That was around 1 or 2 a.m. Fun stuff. But the overnight drama has turned out to be pretty rare. Now, Merrick can go four or sometimes five hour stretches overnight between feedings. Phew.
Here's Merrick at two weeks old.
Grandma went home almost two weeks after Merrick was born, about the same time that Michael's work schedule got busy with USC training camp. Since then, I've enlisted lots of help. We kept our fabulous babysitter, Ana, a few days a week to watch with Austin. On other days, I've wrangled aunts, cousins, friends, whoever to come over to help or take Austin out of the house. Also, friends have brought over dinners. Everyone has been so helpful. I can't express how grateful I am for everyone. I really can't survive without you. There are others who have offered to help and I'm certain to tap them, too.
Here's a picture of Sarah's cousin, Lindsey, one of the helpers.
Merrick's cousins (Sarah's cousins' kids) came over to meet him and take Austin to the Discovery Science Center. See Kylie and Katelyn with Austin and Merrick:
While Merrick and Mommy stay home most of the time, we have ventured out for a few outings. We started out with a stroller trip here and there -- some with just Merrick, some with both boys. Our first solo car outing was to the Wednesday parent-and-me class. There, I knew I'd get a lot of support from my mommy friends, many of whom have two kids and know how hard it is. I felt so empowered. Since then, we've also been to a few parties with daddy's help: Baby Miles' 100-day celebration and a third-birthday party for Austin's buddy, Quinn.
Merrick didn't do a lot the first month except scream or sleep. He's quite good at both. Merrick smiled for the first time at three weeks. But now that he's five weeks old, he's turned a corner. He's much more alert. He's focusing, smiling and reacting to toys. A few days ago, he clutched a rattle for the first time. He also is transfixed by stuffed animals. We put Austin's Curious George doll near his face and he stared in awe for at least 20 minutes. See a video on the previous post.
It's so fun to have some positive feedback from the little fella, as Austin and Daddy call him.
