Coming home!

We had to stay in the hospital for 24 hours since they used a vacuum on James, but at that 24 hour mark, we were packed and ready to leave the hospital. I was anxious to get home, be with the kids, and get in my own bed.

The kids were happy too. They had been staying with Nolan's parents and gotten plenty of attention while we were gone.

Emma has been at a hard stage. She doesn't communicate except with screams and grunts, and she wakes up nightly. She is sweet with James though, and doesn't seem to be affected by his presence unless he is taking a turn int he swing and she wants it. Our niece said something like, "I feel bad for Emma because now that James is here no one like her." It made us laugh because of course it's not true, but I tell myself daily to make sure none of my kids feel that way now that there are four to kiss, hug, and play with.

 Nolan's mom was there with dinner to greet us. It is amazing how starving you are after having a baby. I would tear through a meal like a Tasmanian Devil that first week of being home! Susy stayed 2 nights with us and I'm so grateful she did. She cleaned things I didn't know were dirty and played a lot with the kids. I loved being able to feed James, hear my kids laughing, and sitting in a spotless house! I can see why having a house cleaner would be such a perk in life! So glad to have these two as grandparents!

 Well if I didn't say it before, James was not only my easiest delivery, but he is proving to be my best baby. Nursing is going really well, and he is gaining weight, and sleeping like a champ! Totally makes me feel less stressed knowing he is happy and content. This also has been my best recovery! After about a week I felt really back to normal. My other kids always took twice that time at least. I am sure it had to do with not pushing as long.

 James doesn't like them, but he sleeps really well after he has had a bath. Almost as if the tub just totally tires him out!

Our first week home we had a lot of visitors from the ward. It was really sweet and made our family feel pretty loved. I think we counted 9 meals were brought, 8 loaves of bread, and 15 gifts.

  It was funny on day 10 of being home no one came to visit with us, and the kids were like, "Mom who's coming over tonight? And when is dinner coming?"

 We have never gotten this attention before, and I didn't think it would come with our fourth baby, but it was so appreciated, and needed! I think it is in large part that this is the first baby we have had where we haven't just moved in a few months previous.The norm with our other three was a meal from Visiting Teachers, and maybe one other. We're so grateful for the service and love of so many.

I have also been so spoiled to have Nolan home. He lets me sleep in, brings me breakfast in bed, plays so well with all the kids, and holds James every chance he gets. Winter is major downtime on the farm. He's been home almost as much as his old government job when Grace was born. Much nicer to have a winter baby than one in the spring. When Emma was born 2 years ago he went back to work the day I got home from the hospital. It was so much rougher than this time around. Reality will hit hard when he goes back to work on January 6th!