Three kids...three weeks

It's now been three weeks since little Stevie was born. It sort of seems like he's been around longer (and I guess he really has). It does make me wonder, just what have we been up to all that time? Well, let's see...


From now on (or at least in the foreseeable future) Stevie will be the first of some pretty significant birthdays in March. Within two weeks of Stevie's birthday, both Jon and I celebrate ours and shortly thereafter, Aunt Jaclyn and Uncle Mark also turn one year older. So, in the last few weeks Marie and Joey have been wrapping presents, singing, blowing out candles, unwrapping presents, and enjoying birthday dessert.




Jon was able to stay home from work for one of the three weeks, which sort of spoiled the kids. When he had to go back, Marie was pretty disappointed and still doesn't understand why he has to go to work "almost every day." Grandma and Grandpa Meinhart also stayed for quite a while and were lots of help with cooking, cleaning, laundry, and general child supervision. Many, MANY, books were read, St. Patrick's Day cookies were baked and painted, Marie cured all kinds of ills that Grandma came down with, we played outside and rode bikes, Joey got to go to the hardware store with Grandpa TWICE, and we played with trains A LOT.










Marie and Joey are adjusting pretty well to having a new baby brother. They both at times seem to be a little needy and only want Mom to help them, but I think that is to be expected. They are still quite smitten with Stevie and are always interested in helping
. One of Joey's favorite things to say now is "Baby Stevie is crying again." They frequently want to hold him, get things for him, change him, bathe him, etc. It is possible that they are a little TOO helpful. :)





We also enjoyed a quick visit from Uncle Dave. He had been working in Chicago and took a flight to Detroit to stay for a bit more than a day before needing to get back to London for a Monday morning meeting. Marie and Joey both really enjoyed playing with him and especially liked Skyping with Itaxso who wasn't able to make the trip this time.




Stevie is not a great sleeper, but he is after all only three weeks old. He has been pretty vocal about things he doesn't like (diaper changes, changing clothes, baths, etc.) from the very beginning. He sometimes cries so hard during his bath that I just have to hope that he resumes breathing. But, he is just as quick to settle down and be quiet when he finally gets picked up and comforted. We've been back to the doctor a couple of times and he has a clean bill of health. There is no concern with him eating or gaining weight. Even to us, he appears to be growing! During a span of 12 days, he gained almost a pound and a half. He was also measured to be 21 1/4" at the doctor's office...another reason not to believe the length measurement at the hospital!




So, I guess we have been up to some things these last three weeks, but mostly just enjoying our immediate and extended family. I expect that we may (or I may) get a little stir crazy soon, especially with Spring knocking at our door. But in the meantime, I'll just read more books, kiss more boo-boos, and do more cuddling with my three kids.