The first 10 days (6 days late)

I originally started writing this post 6 days ago with the intention of finishing it that day. Somehow in the last six days I have not found the time to finish it until now. Okay, I know how I did not find the time... my sweet little boy is a lot of work! So, six days late, here's the scoop.

December 30, 2008: I can't believe it has already been a week and a half since my sweet little baby was born. I'm already looking at him and thinking "Don't grow up so fast!" I wish he could stay a little newborn forever. But, I am also looking forward to all the wonderful phases he will go through in the coming years.

Here are some of the significant events from Ben's first 10 days:

• My parents and brother stayed with us Ben's first week. My mom was especially helpful cooking meals, doing laundry, running errands and helping in any way she could. I was glad to have my family here.
  
• At about 4 days old, Ben had some trouble with nursing. He would not latch on, which was very frustrating for both of us. I was up all night trying to get him to eat. There were several times when we were both in tears. One night I sat up with him, holding him and just crying. I told him how much I loved him and how I wanted him to grow big and strong. For about a day and a half I had to pump and feed him from a bottle to get him to eat. I was really worried. I told Ben all I wanted for Christmas was for him to nurse. That afternoon, he latched on, and he has been doing fine ever since.


• At 4 days old, Ben went to church for the first time for the Christmas Eve service. He slept soundly through the whole thing. It was fun after the service showing him off to people. We got a nice family photo in the sanctuary.




• Ben's first Christmas came when he was only 5 days old. He wore a cute baby's first Christmas onesie that mommy and daddy bought for him (and that they had to wash first thing in the morning because Ben dirtied it during the night). He also got lots of presents, including an ornament from mommy and daddy and a cute outfit and book from grandma and grandpa. We all felt very lucky to have Ben with us - he was the best gift of all.





At one week, Ben's belly button clamp fell off. He has a beautiful "innie" belly button.


At eight days, Ben met his uncles, aunts and grandpa on daddy's side for the first time. Josh and Audrey stayed for a day, and the rest of the family stayed for three days. They all love holding and loving on their new grandson/nephew.




Ben's one week doctor's appointment went very well. He was up to 7 lbs. 15 oz. The doctor gave him a clean bill of health. I am thankful to have such a healthy baby.


Ben had several other visitors within the first 10 days. Uncle John, Aunt Julie, Jessica, Jenna and Grandma Decker came for a short visit. Friends Jenn and Ben Meador also stopped by one day. We visited Uncle Paul, Aunt Cheryl, and cousins Amanda, Josh and Sarah, along with Shaffer relatives at the Johnson's house. Uncle Steve, Aunt Barb, and cousins Bethany, Andrew and Matt came for a short visit as well. Ben is blessed to have so many people to love him.

It seems that the days are just flying by. Tomorrow is New Year's Eve. We have no special plans, and I am looking forward to spending time with just our little family - me, Jason and Ben. Although it has been great to have family around, I am glad we will have a few days of just the three of us before Jason has to go back to work on the 5th.

(A more up-to-date update coming soon - hopefully....)