Benjamin at 3 Weeks

Today Benjamin turned 3 weeks old. I can't believe it's been 3 weeks already; on the other hand, I can't believe it's only been 3 weeks! We made another trip to the doctor this afternoon only to find that he had gained only 2 ounces again this week. I had already been giving him some formula in hopes that he would gain weight, but now he is eating formula exclusively. Hopefully this will turn him around and he will put on some weight.

It's amazing to me that Benjamin, our sixth child, is so different from his siblings. You would think after 5, that the sixth one would be like the others. He is different in so many ways. My children have always had small feet as babies. Not Benjamin. His feet are so big! My children have always had alot of hair. Not Benjamin! He was almost bald on the top when he was born.

I was trying to think what in the world I wrote about on this blog before I got pregnant and had him. I can't remember. I'm going to have to go back and read through the archives to see what was going on in my life before pregnancy and babies!

It hit me today that Easter is next week. Boy that came fast. I feel like I've been out of it for three weeks-most days I don't even know what day it is. I'm hoping to return to some sense of normalcy soon. All I've thought about so far is feeding the baby, but now that others can help me with that, hopefully our schedule will return and life will return to normal. (If there is such a thing!)

Benjamin's Wild Hair

Benjamin's hair got kind of wild after his bath last night. He has the least amount of hair of all my children. His hair is soft and wispy, and if you look hard enough, you can see his "mohawk".

Bath Time

Sam was helping Anna with the dishes the other night, and as he will often do, he ended up in the sink with the dishes. He enjoyed himself immensely, washing the cup he had and playing with the bubbles.

Tonight Benjamin got a bath. He didn't mind it, as long as Paul held his body under the water and kept him warm. He did not like being washed!

This Week

This week has just flown by. I honestly don't know where it went- I can't believe tomorrow is Sunday already. It seems I have spent all my time sleeping or nursing.

Benjamin is eating better, but he gained only a little bit this week, which was somewhat discouraging. I was encouraged that he did gain something, but discouraged that it was only a little bit. I would appreciate your continued prayers for him.

He went to church for the first time on Wednesday night, and slept the entire time. It would be great if he continued to do that, but I'm pretty sure he won't! It will be an experience to manage both Sam and Ben in church, but with Anna to help me, I think we'll do okay.

These pictures were taken about 10 minutes ago. Benjamin is a great sleeper, which is a part of his eating problem- he'd rather eat than sleep!

Tuesday

Benjamin has been eating more, and more often, which is great. I have a feeling that he is gaining weight, based on how often he eats. Last night, he was up every 1 1/2 hours, eating. As a result, I am so tired today. I have tried to sleep when he sleeps, and I have gotten in a few naps. But, as you other mothers know, several short naps during the day does not equal a full nights sleep. Paul has been great, making sure I can sleep when I need to during the day.

Benjamin had his eyes open this evening and I snapped a few pictures of him. His eyes are a deep blue, but we think they will turn brown.

And here are a few pictures of Sam, dancing!

Brothers

Sleepy time in Mommy's bed

Saturday

It was a funny day today. In the interest of making sure Benjamin eats and gains weight, he and I spent the entire day in my bed. This way I could make sure that he could eat anytime he wanted too without any distractions. I must say, he did eat better today than he has before. I plan on doing this tomorrow also, so we can get our nursing routine down before life starts in earnest again.

My husband Paul is the one who suggested that I take these two days to do this. He has been incredible since Benjamin was born- actually, throughout my pregnancy. He is so thoughtful of me and assures me over and over that I am doing the right thing. He makes it easy to trust him, even though this is not his area of expertise!

Thanks Paul. You are the best and I am privileged to be your wife.