Saturday I left Harper for the first time. I spent several hours that morning at Tom's house getting rid of some last items and correcting some things that came up on the home inspection. Fortunately my parents and one of their neighbors were there to help also. Jeff discovered that Harper loves to be worn in the snugli so that is how they spent their time. He smoked a pork shoulder all day that turned out awesome. In the afternoon Keegan and I went to the movies. I am trying to carve out some time just for us as he is still having trouble adjusting to the new way of life. The hardest part is trying to help him learn to express his feelings. I don't know if it a boy thing or a DNA thing. He is really sensitive but can't find the words.

Today I got to go the dentist for the x-rays I couldn't have while pregnant. The bad news is that I have cavities. So next week I will be going back for that. While there I got the call that Keegan was sick. He is running a fever and feels so bad he didn't want to eat dinner. He gave no resistance to going to bed early. Apparently this is going through the school right now. I hope he is better in time for their patriotic parade on Thursday. I have the AC repair guy coming to Tom's tomorrow. I hate that four hour window they give. Especially inconvenient when I have a newborn and sick child in tow. My realtor is going to camp out there for a while and then call if the guy arrives. Next week the oven repair guy comes. And then the week after is the closing. The timing is not that great on this happening but I will jump through flaming hoops if that is what it takes.

The other day we noticed the ice cram container seemed smaller than before. Turns out we are not crazy. The food is shrinking.

I think the fortune cookie people have caught onto the whole "....in bed" thing. In Friday night's Chinese Jeff got, "Everyone agrees you are the best." And I got, "You are talented in many ways." Yesterday when eating leftovers for lunch I got, "May life throw you a pleasant curve."

Tuesday I had my appt and all went well. They see women at two weeks post-partum to talk about depression and birth control. Apparently they have enough women come in already pregnant again at their six week visit. Yipes! The first thing she said was, "You don't look like a sleep deprived zombie." Well thank you. And I proudly showed off my zippered pants too. I have already cleansed the maternity clothes from my closet.

Today was Harper's appt. They decided he has a blocked tear duct (thanks for your emails and comments). We learned how to massage it and got a prescription for a different ointment to avoid infection. It should resolve itself in the next few months or so. Everything else checked out great. And our little chow hound has gained a pound putting him at 9lbs 4 oz. I knew he seemed big. The doctor gushed over how great he was. Which I know every parent thinks. But I have to tell you he is so cuddly and sweet. We are keeping our fingers crossed he stays that way. I've done colicky and it is no fun.

The other night Jeff and I were marveling at how tiny Harper's feet are and reminding ourselves they don't stay that way for long. Jeff teased that I know I want another one because he would take a house full. I said our house is already full. He said, a bigger house. I laughed longer than necessary. I can't explain it but our family feels right at this time. There is the very slightest possibility that I could feel differently later but I don't think so.

On Saturday we all went out for the first time together. I figured I could handle a quick trip to the mall. Harper was fine but it was a lot of walking for me. I feel so good sometimes I end up over doing it. When we returned home Erika, Jay and Sammy were over for a visit. The kids played together and then we walked to the ice cream place for lunch. Of course that is the day they had terrible service. Oh well, at least the ice cream was good and we enjoyed the company. Sunday we went down to my parent's house. We had thunderstorms so the kids did not get to play in the lake but did run around a bit outside once the rain stopped. Harper slept through most if it.

Today Jeff is back at the office. I have managed to get dressed and have breakfast. My other big goal is to go out and get something notarized. That will be my first trip alone with Harper. It will be good practice for tomorrow when I take him to my midwife appt. He still has eye goop despite being on the medication for five days. I put a call into the pediatrician to check on it. I remind myself to take one day at a time as I get to know Harper and we get a routine down. Next week I hope to attend a mom's group because that was such an important resource the first time around. Right now I go to bed by 9:30 but once Harper sleeps in long stretches it would be nice to get some evening time back. Jeff and I do the bedtime feeding together and it gives us a chance to talk and connect at the end of the day.

Someone on freecycle just offered up a bag of peppermint patties. They are having trouble getting rid of them? Isn't that what your workplace is for? Pawning off junk food?

And someone else is going to drive and pick them up. I just know it.

Harper had his weight check on Tuesday. He has gained 8oz to be back at his birth weight. Good to know all that eating is going somewhere. That night he developed some eye goo. The next day I called in and they diagnosed him with conjunctivitis. Proving that you can never leave the house and still get sick. So the older kids have to stay away from him with their colds and he has to stay away from them with his eye goo. He won't be contagious after 2pm today so that's a relief. He was pretty fussy and uncomfortable yesterday. Last night he slept four hours straight for the first time and then three hours and then two and a half until we were all ready to get up for the day. Really not a bad deal for me at all. Our goal is to get him healthy and keep him healthy.

Jeff is still home with me. He does work from here and takes care of Keegan and Isabelle taking and picking them up from school. He does all the errands and cooking too. It has really helped me recover and feel very supported. Yet another reminder of what a great husband he is.