Samuel tends to do really well until about 4 am then while feeding he dozes, and feeds.... it ends up being a long morning for everyone.

Tonight we have a dinner plans at Marko's and family. Should be fun, it'll be the first chance for many people to see him.

I have to go back to work tomorrow ugh. Back to the real world for the Russell family.

The circumcision is almost completely healed, he lost the last bit of his umbilical cord last night. It's almost time for a real bath with mom or dad. He made a big accomplishment yesterday, he picked his nose for the first time. I'm sure it wasn't intentional but it was good to see.

Well, we're just going to enjoy the day.

The photos are Hannah and Ava, and me and Samuel.

Saturday 27

It's been a another great day with Samuel.

We went to the farmers market this morning to pick up some produce from Pete Johnson and we ended up seeing many people we know. It was a beautiful day so it was a fun trip into town.

Last night was not the best night for sleep in the Russell camp, Tam was able to get in a nap this afternoon while Sam was napping. I went out to the shop to work on some on going projects. I left half of the lawn for Tam to mow tomorrow because she was interested.

We went for a nice walk this evening. The humidity disappeared with bright sun.

We received all of Sam's government information... he's a bona fide person now.


Thanks for all the support we've received from friends and relatives from near and far.

Hope you enjoy the photos

tam's first

here goes the first log-in- if any one is out there...

things are great, because of samuel and the sun! today is the first day of sun in 12 days.... his first days
of life have been rainy and springy. it has been nice to cocoon inside and get to know the little duffer,
spending lots of quality time bonding 3-5 am... the birds sing, the sun comes up, everyone should try it
sometime.

i fell in love with him instantly, maybe because of our closeness during pregnancy, and mike and i have
never been closer. i didn't think it was possible to be any closer, but we have attained it.

the support from family and friends has been amazing, anners and luke came over to make mint chocolate
cookies, spring rolls and salad last night- the camera was on the fritz, next time luke... we had kit's black
beans as well, such a treat. our dish slave showed up again last night- thanks uncle ru...

well- back out to enjoy the sunshine. aaron is coming over tonight and grandma is holding the little guy. pictures
to include grandma and the new sling which i am figuring out- he loves it so far, and i can hands free breastfeed while
walking if i really want to multitask...

my love to all-
tsue

Hello

We had some visitors yesterday, Doug and Audrey, and Uncle Ru. Ru is here for awhile then Sally comes up for a visit too.

Went for nice walk yesterday, down to the road to pick up yummy food from Sarah and Jonah, and then back up through the woods.

Tomorrow is the big day, snippety snip for Samuel. Send him positive penile thoughts about 8:30.

He's getting a sponge bath today. We were loaned a baby scale from Caitrin and he weighs 9 pounds now. Already surpassed his birth weight. We're going to pick up more lender baby supplies at a friend's house today.

He's getting chunky. Yesterday when I looked at his face I was struck at how much he has changed already. Big leaps in a short amount of time. His arm control has become better, sometimes he doesn't freak about diaper changes...

more later...

A week old already

We had an alright night last night, frequent feedings last night.

We took a trip into see Tam's Grandmother Eva this afternoon. Tam was itching to get out of the house. Our friends Sarah and Jonah were coming to cook and hang with us but Jonah might have whooping cough. He's a teacher and the doctor couldn't be sure so we won't see them for a little while longer.

Mary, from our birth class, came over yesterday with her new daughter Samantha and brought some food with her. Very nice of her. We're about to chow down on it.

More rain, flood warnings all around. We're driving 3/4 of the way up the driveway. One bad spot. It's not too far from the house. I had to take the car in to the shop today so we rode family style in the truck for the first time. Good times, but not for Wilder, exiled to the back...

If weather isn't too bad we're going to the farmers market in Montpelier tomorrow. We're hoping the rain will stop soon

I tried to upload some photos but they might be too big.

Daily update

Everything went well last night, we were able to get him into the bassinet for his down times. Everyone was up about seven this morning. I guess we're catching up on sleep... for now anyways.

We continue to try not to hold him even though we just don't want to put him down. Yesterday we put him down to sleep in a bouncy chair for his long sleeps to try to get him used to at least a few hours of alone time. I would have to say we hold him 85% of the time. We're trying to get him to sleep in his bassinet/crib instead of the bed so much.

I have to go out for an eye appointment and supply run today. Tam will be alone for a little bit, but not too long. I stepped on, and broke my glasses my first or second night home.

We're going to meet/try a different pediatrician. A more like minded person. At our appointment, our current ped. said he would treat postpartum depression with a pill a day for six months. ugh

My swaddling technique isn't the best right now, but it is getting better. Swaddling is wrapping up your kid tight at night so they don't start and wake themselves up frequently. He is just so strong that he breaks out his hands frequently. I might not have the will to manipulate him well enough though.

We/I decided to get him snipped. We're working on an appointment, we'll hear back from the doctor's office today. One of the first tough decisions.

love to all

-m

news of the day

We had our two day follow up appointment with the ped. Everything is great. We also went to Tam's brother's, Chris's, funeral. Mixed emotions but focusing on the positive.

We don't like the pediatrician so we're on the look for one in the area. Due to our trip to Michelle's wedding, we're looking for him to get his shots with this person before we take off.

Tam is doing really well, some bleeding, trying to get her to lay low.

We're tying to get into a schedule but it is still a bit early for that. He is sleeping and eating and pooping/peeing well. Pissed on the ped. today. Good man!

This is a cute picture of the new Bundle...Samuel Avery Russell, born May 12, 2006...

Testing 123

Testing the baby blog...