Henry's early days

 Our boy Henry is already changing and growing at a rapid rate.  These pictures are mostly from the first week.  Sadly, I don't think I've even used the camera in the past 3 weeks.  And honestly, most of the pictures on this post were taken by Nora or Caroline.  Caroline documented Henry's first bath at home for me when he was two days old.

 He still screams through most of his baths--not that he gets many of them.  Poor sad little boy is rarely dunked in the sink.  Between him not liking it and me not having time, he just doesn't get clean very often. 

 Grandma came and helped us for a whole week.  Oh joy!  She took over Tadd's jobs of dressing, feeding, lunch making dropping off at school each morning.  In addition to all the help with kids and house she brought two boxes of peaches for canning (and didn't get much help from me) and some fabric to make t-shirt dresses for the girls.  Nora talked her ear off each day.  We were very thankful for our week with Grandma.

 Tiny hands!

 Caroline took this picture of the three of us so that she could print it and hang it in a frame on her wall.  Sweet, sweet girl, she is. 

 Grandma and Grandpa got Henry this cute little elephant sleep and play outfit.  The colors are so fun--but the best part is that it closes with magnets!  No fumbling with buttons during every diaper change and in the middle of the dark nights. 

 It also happens to match this gorgeous blankie that Nora's best friend's Mom made for Henry.  Anyone know who that creative friend is?  In addition to all the pretty fabrics she personalized the quilt with an "H" on the back--and a bear silhouette graces the front.  SO cute!

Overall, Henry is a pretty easy baby.  He likes to be held and snuggled (especially at night) but he usually gives me some good naps during the day so that I can get some things done around the house and play with Nora.  Honestly, I don't mind the snuggling one bit.  It can get a little stressful when he wants to snuggle during the frantic get ready for school hours...But really, I just am reminded how quickly these days ended with each of the others.  Almost four weeks of his life have already flown by.  Time speeds up each and every day.  So, I'll take each snuggle, each feeding session, each kiss, each sniff of the head that I can get.  He is yummy.
The kids are good at helping with him.  Ezra likes to come hold him first thing in the morning, often.  This is a good opportunity for me to take a shower or get dressed--maybe even get my teeth brushed (please tell me I'm not the only mom out there who realizes about the time her husband comes home at the end of the day that she never got around to brushing her teeth??).  Caroline is great at burping him while I work on supper or setting the table for me while I have to feed him.  And Nora is my "run and fetch" girl all day long.  I'm not sure how I ever took care of a baby without all these helpers!  Not to mention that I'm getting royally spoiled by special folks bringing suppers and treats for our family.  It's a special time in life, that's for sure.  And Henry, how does he help?  Well, he usually starts out his night with a 3-4 hour stretch of sleep allowing me to get into a quick deep sleep.  Without that stretch I'd be pretty worthless. 
So far Henry's early days have been a bit  hectic, but fun!