They'll surprise you.....

I'm amazed at the ferocity of love that my children have for their new brother. While I am smitten with his cuddles, coos, and that wonderful baby smell, I'm surprised to find his siblings feel the same. Even Sean....the child who relished his time as baby and his cuddles with Mom more than the others. Sean simply exudes joy with regard to his brother. Max is the first person Sean must visit in the morning. He will sit by the bouncy seat for large amounts of time just looking at the baby, kissing him, rubbing his hands or belly, and talking sweet nothings to the baby. He has introduced Max to all sorts of strangers with glee. If and when the baby fusses he has three musketeers who dash to the rescue.....a binky, a nag to Mom that baby needs milk, a bounce in his seat, or a blanket across his lap. It brings me such joy to witness the love they extend to a new little person. They have all had their schedules "rocked" a bit and have had to make concessions to keep the baby happy, Mom sane, and the house standing, and they have, so far, done it with joy and selflessness. A surprise to me and a gift to us all. Just like Max.

Sweet Baby Boy

Here is Max, nearly two weeks old. His chubby face is growing! So far, he is a sweet, mild, little guy, who can put up with lots of sibling noise and love (pats that aren't always the most gentle, and vigorous kisses).

Sweet things overheard:

(Sean to a preschool friend): "Do you want to see my baby, Maximilian Conor? You can rub his head and give him a kiss if you want?"

Birthday Party for Max

Last Saturday, when we brought Max home, we celebrated his #0 birthday. The neighbors came for lasagna and cake. As gifts, we were blessed with the following: a neighbor who came over unannounced and mowed and edged our lawn, a neighbor who took the kids to her house to bake a birthday cake, a mother-in-law and nephew who made a delicious dinner and cleaned up the kitchen. Those are gifts this mom really appreciates!

Silver lining

Due to a "perfect storm" of events, Max and I are taking a break from nursing and I am pumping. Very sad for Mom, who hopes to resume soon. Very exciting for a big sister who dreams of giving her baby brother a bottle. Here is a photo of the silver lining.

Can you see him now?

It is a hard life to be a baby.....and a Daddy.

Big Brother

He's a big brother now, and loving it.

Change of Tune

Sarah Clare had her heart set on a sister. So much so that during a discussion a few days before Max's arrival, she let it be known that she would love a sister more than a brother. When he was born she asked why God gave us a boy when we already had so many. And then Max came home, and her tune changed. These are the messages I've been finding all over the house. What a sister!