Just a Little Stroll

We decided to take advantage of the 70 degree weather yesterday and took a little stroll up the block with James and Lucy. It was the first time we took him out in his stroller so it was very exciting for all parties involved. We figured a little vitamin D couldn't hurt! :)

Both Grandma's were on hand for the big stroll as was Aunt Suzy and Lucy girl. We didn't go far, but it was really great to get out of the house.

Next up - a trip around the block in the Ergo Baby Carrier with the special Infant Wedge. God love 70 degree weather in March!

A Family Visit

James was a lucky boy this past weekend and was welcomed home by some very special people. In addition to Grandma Mangiaracina who has been spending time here in VA and Grandma and Grandpa Q., James was lucky enough to meet Aunt Suzy, Aunt Adriana, Uncle John, Great Aunt Linda, Great Aunt Ruth, Great Uncle Mike and most importantly, Great Grandma Basile. We felt so blessed that everyone made the trip down to meet the little guy and it brought a tear to my eye to see my Grandma holding my son.

It was so special to snap the above picture of the 4 generations of Basile family members. I was so overwhelmed that I couldn't hold back the flood gates. Seriously, these kinds of emotions should not be presented to someone who just had a baby and cries when she drops a towel on the floor!

We loved spending time with everyone and seeing how they all instantly fell in love with James. And he was such a good boy - spent most of the day sleeping and barely made a peep as he was passed around from one loving set of arms to another. It's amazing how a little baby can tug on your heart strings. :)

The most amazing part of the day was when my Grandma gifted James with my late Uncle James' cross. I don't think there will ever be a more meaningful gift that he will receive nor one that we will cherish more. Thank you everyone for coming to VA to meet our new little guy ~ don't be strangers!!!

Bath Time!

We gave James his first sponge bath this week and I have to say, we did a damn good job. Daddy took charge and made sure that all of his nooks and cranny's were washed. Mommy assisted by keeping the wash clothes warm and wet. Since his umbilical cord is still hanging on, we had to keep him on the counter but we look forward to the day we can have our first official bath.

Mommy took over for the baby massage after the bath which I loved!

I have a feeling that bath time is going to be one of our favorite times with James. :)

The Swelling Part 2

Remember how my feet looked like this...

...and then I got pregnant and they looked like this:

Well, I'm happy to report that the evil swelling has gone down and my feet are back to normal. Hooray!!

I finally get to wear shoes that are not indoor/outdoor slippers and look like a normal person again. But for this face, it was totally worth it. :)

Sweet Baby James: Week 1

I had really good intentions of keeping up with the blog on a daily basis once the baby was here. You know, post some pics...share some cute anecdotes. The nurses at the hospital laughed at me when I told them. I said "You'll see...I can do it."

Well, apparently they were right.

The hours in the day seem to fly by and just when I think I have time to sit at the computer, it is time to nurse or change a diaper or cuddle (my favorite part!). The blog seems to have taken a back seat...but for good reasons. So I've come to the conclusion that a weekly post will have to suffice for now. And even though it hasn't been a full week yet, it's time to share some pictures of the cutest kid I know!

Our last days at the hospital were good. We were thrown a wrench on the second night when we found out James had some jaundice. He spent the night under the lights (which made me cry), but we ended up getting some much needed sleep. He's good to go now...nice and pink. :) Uncle Joe arrived on Saturday morning and was SO excited to see his Godson. We had to pry James out of his hands in order to feed him!

Sunday arrived and it was time to head home. I'm not going to lie, I was nervous. We had been pampered during our stay at the hospital by the amazing staff of Fair Oaks and I was a little freaked out about having to take care of myself and James without them. But it was time and after seeing the OB and Pediatrician and getting the discharge speech, it was time to dress the little guy and head home.

Lucy was eagerly awaiting our arrival and I got the biggest hello when I walked in the door. I missed her so much and I think the feeling was mutual! We then brought James in for the big introduction and I have to say, it went really well. She showed interest - sniffed his feet and hands and even licked his little head. We knew we were good. :)

So, all is good. James is getting comfortable in his new home and we are trying to get used to his schedule and personality. He is a very calm baby who likes to sleep so hopefully that will stick. We love being parents and can't get enough of the little guy. Ed is a pro at diapers and I'm still trying to get the hang of breast feeding (TMI? Sorry!). James loves cuddling with his Grandparents and is most content when in his swing. We love watching how he changes every day and will continue to take thousands of pictures!!

Sweet Baby James: Day 2

Have you heard the song Bad Day by Daniel Powter? Well, that was James' theme song today, but I'm happy to say he made it through and had a break through tonight.

The morning started out okay with a successful hearing test, but within an hours time he had his circumcision (ouch!) and heavy duty blood work for all of the required state tests. He was not a happy guy. But he pulled through AND we had 2 successful latching sessions after many, many failed attempts. So I guess it really wasn't that bad - especially since he is now sleeping soundly, allowing me to update the blog tonight!

We are hoping to get more sleep tonight since we are running on maybe 4 hours in 2 days with 30 minute naps here and there. Fingers crossed!

Sweet Baby James: Day 1

Ok, so I know we are actually on day 2, but that just means another post later today. Our precious little guy joined the world March 1, 2012 at 11:09 am weighing in at a whopping 9 lbs, 1 oz so it's safe to say a c-section was the way to go. I'm doing well and dealing with the typical pains of major surgery. James is doing amazing. It's so hard to believe that this little person was inside me. It was truly love at first sight.