Deliciousness and Diapers

There are many things that made welcoming Hector into the family an easy transition.

First of all, the physical presence of my mother and mother-in-law.

I gained dozens of hours of more sleep than I would have without their presence.

Secondly, my dear local lady friends blessed us abundantly with Deliciousness and Diapers!

I basically didn't have to cook supper for the majority of Hector's first three weeks.

And we ate well!

Also, being a cloth diaper people, 

I have been blessed with the ability to put off that baby chore for quite some time.

We have a store of disposables, thanks to wonderful friends, 

that should last until summer approaches!

Praise God!

Love, Us.

Diapers, Tummy, and Doggie

We start regular exercise early here at the Librandi castle!

Tummy time is regularly-scheduled, twice a day.

T is the main therapist on staff.

T has also happily stepped up as the main diaper-changer and dresser during daylight hours:

Anything to get more Hector time!

Lastly, Princess has lazily accepted her duty as watchdog.

We would have expected nothing more.

Love, Us.

Grandma Time

My mother came to help out with the kiddos and house as we welcomed Hector.

She was so wonderful, being flexible with her "bedroom" arrangements.

She was first in the library and then in a closet! 

Thank you so much, mom, for entertaining the kids and allowing me to rest up!

And thank you for so many of these pictures, as well.

EV and Grandma sure had a chance to bond!

EV talked her ear off, and learned to deal with our firecracker of a daughter.

Grandma was very good at getting the kids outside in the beautiful weather.

She was also excellent at making sure prayers were said as a family.

And, of course, she made sure that Hector knew he was loved SO MUCH!

Love, Us.

Once I was Married to a Leper

I feel like I need to explain the huge wound that you will be seeing on my husband's head 

in all of these newborn/Baptism pictures of Hector. 

It was, in fact, not leprosy, although I feel that it sure looked like it!

It was an infection that was absolutely horrible to see.

This picture was taken when it was at about 50% visibility and grossness.

Poor guy!

Love, Us.

Hector's First Mass

Hector's first Mass ex utero was a daily Mass at 4CMC.

Our dear friend, Angela, insisted on documenting the occasion.

Love, Us.

Hector Hot Potato!

Those first days at home are full of snuggles and hand-offs.

Here are some pictures of this "action" during his first 48 hours at home, 

literally "in the arms of his family".

Love, Us.

Hector's Welcome Home

Hector and I came home on Sunday afternoon.

EV and Grandma were waiting patiently at home while the rest of the crew escorted us.

His first hours at home were full of snuggly naps...

being a Pinochle good luck charm...

and the "newborn song" from Dad.
He has sung a version of this song to all of our kiddos in their first days.

Love, Us.