First week

Guenther was born Sunday evening at 7:41pm. We spent Sunday and Monday in the hospital, and left on Tuesday, shortly after lunch. The food in the hospital was so-so... immediately after delivery they gave me a turkey sandwich. I told them I didn't eat meat, so they brought me Jello. Hmm. Someone needs to have a talk with "Nutrition" at the hospital. (They also don't have a Recycling program... note to self... write letter).

They occasionally sent someone in to check on us/meet with us/etc. But honestly, we were kinda on our own. Gunney slept most of the time... and we really enjoyed hanging out, just the three of us. I requested Lactation, and met with Anne one day, and Kim the next. They were both helpful and I highly recommend to anyone planning to breastfeed to go ahead and call them in.

Tuesday morning was a challenge. Gunney had his heel stick, circumcision and final check up all that morning. He was also struggling to breastfeed, and didn't feel very well. He slept like a rock on the way home and once we got home though...

Mom and Dad brought Lu over on Tuesday evening, we introduced her to Gunney and they did great! Daddy brought home his first hat and she had that tied it to her collar... So stinkin' cute! Mom and Dad stayed with me and brought over dinner so that Mike could go to his first softball game.

That night is when it got tough. Mike had to go to Charlotte the next day to put in his two week notice.... so it was just Gunney and I during the night. ALL he wanted to do was nurse. He wouldn't go to sleep for anything.. and he acted like he was starving his guts out. Hence the nickname Monster Baby. He sucked and screamed all night. I fell asleep with him in the glider... woke up terrified and felt like a terrible mother. That morning after Mike left (in tears, because he felt terrible leaving us)... I fell asleep with Gunney on my chest in the bed. I woke up when Mom came over, and handed him to her and started bawling. I scared myself, not knowing what would've happened if I'd dropped him, etc. I needed my Mom, and was SO THANKFUL to have her here. She made everything better, bathed Gunney, let me sleep (waking me up to feed) and scurried around cleaning the house and feeding me and holding the sweet baby. (I can't explain how much it meant to me to have Mom here... Mom, you are my hero!)

When Mike got home on Wednesday night, we had a great time talking about his Boy Scouts memories. He started his career there five years ago and has made some incredible friends and memories there. They threw him a going away party, complete with gifts, cake and sweet cards and letters. He brought home his many commendations and awards, patches he's worked on, etc. We both cried, a lot, all the time knowing that the very best is ahead of us.

Thursday and Friday got easier and better. After our Thursday Dr. appt, they asked us to wake him up every 2.5 hours to feed, and feed twice as much to put some weight on him. They were looking for .5-1oz/day... we put on 5 ounces in 2 days... booyah!

Saturday Aunt Leah and Uncle Kyle came from Atlanta to visit. It was GREAT to see them! Amanda and Mrs. DeMaster also came over! Gunney did awesome... and I was pretty stinkin proud of Mike and I for getting out of the house at 6 days old.

When I got home I was feeling pretty yucky... we realized later that is was most likely the beginnings of mastitis, an infection caused by breastfeeding. Mikey put me in the shower right away, got me warmed up, put warm clothes on me and pumped me full of fluids. He woke me up every 2 hours to nurse and let me sleep for about 12 hours. I also started pumping... which isn't the most fun... but I know that its best for the munchkin...

By Sunday, I was feeling better... and really enjoyed having Mike's family come visit. Sissy brought a ton of food (which we've been enjoying for the past two weeks). The kids were AWESOME with Gunney... and really enjoyed meeting their new cousin. Angie's baby, Creed, seemed like a giant compared to Gunney.

So... that's a summary of week 1... highlights from week 2 to come!