Great Grandparents

Max met his great grandparents on the Harrison side of the family today. Grandpa and Grandma Harrison were excited to meet their 13th great grandchild. It was also our first little road trip -- all the way to Crown Point, Indiana. Max did pretty well in the car ... only a few minor meltdowns.

Just Strolling Around

We survived our first weekend without visitors. Of course, we didn't get out of bed until 10:30 on Saturday (you know, trying to stay on Max's schedule). Justin watched Max while Emily spent a couple of hours at the hair salon (she started to get anxious after the first hour, but the boys were just fine at home). Then, we took a two-hour stroll around our neighborhood. It was a beautiful day, and Max loved the fresh air. He slept all evening and night, waking up only for a few quick feedings.

Cousins

Max met a couple of his cousins this weekend. Ken, Jessica and Parker came up on Saturday. Parker was such a good baby, so we got to see how much easier it will be in just a few months ...

Andy, Liz and Isabel came up on Sunday, so Max got some quality time with some Burkles, too.

More Visitors ... More Help!!

Diane and Danza came up this weekend, and we made dinner together, strolled around Lincoln Park Zoo and just hung out at home. They were a great help around the house ... especially in the evenings when I was ready for a break. (And Danza taught me how to swaddle, which has changed my life.)

Danza took lots of great photos all weekend. I stole most of these from her blog.

Although I did take this one ...

All Bundled Up

We had to turn the air on a couple of nights, and I was afraid Max was cold, so we bundled him up. He liked it.

Diaper Duty

Max is not a big fan of the diaper change, and Justin and I usually team up when we are both at home. But here is a shot of Justin taking charge. (Photo credit goes to Danza again!!)
And that's how it's done.

Bath Time

We are still in sponge bath mode until the umbilical cord falls off. Max really rocks the curls after a shampoo, but he also gets really tired, so we usually have to take a nap afterward.

Our First Outing

It was such a beautiful day, and we broke out the Baby Bjorn for a quick stroll in the neighborhood. Max enjoyed the fresh air and has been snoozing ever since.

First Week Home: Mom's Favorite Things

10. Warm Chicago days. In May.
9. Hot showers.
8. Grandma's Brownies (she takes plain chocolate brownie mix, pours half the batter, lays three Symphony candy bars down and tops it off with the remaining brownie mix. Delish.)
7. These tulips. They look different every day.
6. Chanel lip gloss. (A gift in the hospital from my mother-in-law.)
5. Mylicon. (Yes, already.)
4. These Glow Lights from Land of Nod. They were a shower gift and are perfect for midnight feedings and changings and pacifier hunting. (Thank you Cyndi and Kasey!!)
3. Nanny Granny. My mom has been a lifesaver this week, keeping me well fed, the house in order ... and she even takes Max at 7 a.m. so I can get a couple of hours of shut-eye in the mornings.
2 and 1. My boys. They tie for first place.

My Turtlebug

Max likes to be on his belly. No worries -- only under close supervision.

Happy Mother's Day

We got to leave the hospital on Mother's Day, and I couldn't ask for a better gift. We settled in quickly and had a good first night at home just getting to know each other.

First Visitors

Grandma and Grandpa Burkle were Max's first visitors (they met him before mom!), and Grandma Diane was close behind. 

Meet Maxwell

Maxwell Clyde Harrison was born at 6:56 a.m. on Friday, May 8, weighing in at 8 lbs. 8 oz and 21.1 inches. He had to spend a few days in the NICU so he could be on oxygen, but we think that was more frustrating for the parents than it was for him. He quickly was breathing on his own, and remained on an IV until Sunday. The wires were scary, but he was just fine.