Our 1st month with Johan

Hi Everyone,

We have had an amazing 1st month. Everyday we get to look at our beautiful Johan and see him grow and learn. It is amazing how quickly things change, as we struggle to keep up (and he isn't even running yet). Keeping up has also presented some challenges, as we learn to be parents, but the help from friends and family has been very reassuring. At the same time, we have truly enjoyed introducing Johan to all that have come by so far.

As Johan is starting to fill out (he eats plenty), he is also starting to communicate. This includes the changes in tone as he asks for food, to be changed, to release the gases and to help him fall asleep, but more importantly, he is copying smiling (which rocks!), sticking out his tongue and various facial expressions that we throw his way. As well, he is able to aim his fist to his mouth and this morning he spent an hour trying to extend his thumb to suck on. All in all, Johan is quiet and quite happy. He sleeps in blocks of 3 to 5 hours at night and happily entertains himself during his waking hours in the day. Car rides, stroller walks and baths are also on the list of favourite things to do.

Going back to work for me was a challenge. Not because of the lack of sleep (although that hits me at 2:10 pm everyday), but rather because I want to be at home with Andrea and Johan. It was really nice to have my parents (Opa and Oma) here during the last two weeks to help with all the little things. It was also very important to me that Opa and Oma received some bonding time with Johan. I must say that I love to watch Grannie, Claire and my parents truly love him up. Johan seems to enjoy the interaction with everyone, as he just spent an hour entertaining big Pete and sleeping another hour in J.K.'s arms at the River Road house on Saturday night.

Andrea's recovery is going well, although she does still get quite tired towards the end of the day. A good nap really helps. Which is great with me, as I get more bonding time with Johan. The breastfeeding has been a bit of a challenge. It started off painful as Andrea was learning how to get an extremely squirmy baby to latch on properly. Needless to say, breastfeeding every 3 hours was not always pleasant. Then, just as things were getting better and easier, her breasts really started to hurt. Which really made her doubt that she was doing things the right way, but after several consultations, the latch was perfect and she was told that there was a slight yeast infection. The good news was that it was something that could be treated. The treatment, which included a medication that gave Johan purple lips, seems to be making a difference. We will keep our fingers crossed.

We hope you enjoy the pictures.

Sven