First Weeks

Well, Joey is just like his big sister! We met with the GI doctors and he indeed had blood in his stool which indicates a milk allergy and also severe reflux. A few days ago he began having pooping problems. Luckily his issues are not as severe as Sophia's because he was never put on milk and we got him in at a few days old to see the GI doctor. They put him on Elecare formula and some reflux and pooping meds. Within 7 days he was showing signs of improvement. It looks like everything will work out in that area. Since he is showing digestive and bowel issues like Sophia the immunologist wants to follow him for the first year of life.

Joey is doing well with sleeping and eating. He is up every 3 hours for a 4 ounce bottle otherwise he is sleeping. He doesn't like the swing but loves the bouncy seats on vibrate. He doesn't like the television when it is on in a dark room. It took us a few nights to learn that. Like Sophia he clicks at us with his tongue when he wants to be fed. He reacts to Sophia's voice the most. The best trait of my little man is he like to have his legs straight out.

Mike and I have been doing well as parents of two. Both kids are alive so that is a major accomplishment. Mike is back to work full time and Sophia is going to school part time. I love my alone time with Joey but crave Sophia when she is not with me. I believe I am having an internal battle within myself about sharing my time with two kids. Luckily, Mike's parents prepared tons of food for us which allows me more time in the day to spend with the kids. It has made life so much easier not having to prepare meals.

Sophia is doing very nicely adjusting to having a baby brother. Mike has been able to take a little time off from work each day which allows one of us to stay home with the baby while the other takes Sophia out for some "big girl time."

Joey loves to sunggle. He will sleep for hours on my chest...and I don't mind a bit. :)

Burlington Truck Day

I thought I would share some pictures from Burlington Truck Day. It was held on the Burlington Common. Trucks and cars of all kind were parked so that kids could climb into them and on them. This was an exciting day since it was our first family outing as a family of 4.

Sophia is very intrigued with police officers these days. She couldn't wait to climb into the back of a police car. Check out her face...LOL!

It was a beautiful day and a wonderful memory of our first family outing.

We Are Home!

We are home!

Joey is sleeping peacefully in his Daddy's arm after being given the tour of the house from his big sister. He has been placed in his crib, on Sophia's bed, every bouncer and swing we have. He has been changed once and Sophia thinks he pooped again so she wants to change him again. Did I mention we have only been home for 30 min? Joey is Sophia's little doll.

The next few days are going to be busy ones with doctor's appointments and finding a new routine. Sophia will be home with us for a few days in order to catch up on sleep and to have some much needed bonding time with her new brother.

Joey is doing great! He went on Alementin formula in the hospital and is showing no signs of an allergy or pooping issues. We go in 2 days to the GI doctor to confirm that all is well. Mike is doing amazing as a dad of two. I am so proud of him and how he balanced the last few days with work, Sophia, Joey and me. I feel great! I am up and moving with no pain and I have already lost all my baby weight and then some! Go me! Sophia...well...she is on cloud nine!

For so long Mike and I wished for a family of four. Being home in the house has made me realize our wish has come true. I am not sure why so much hurt had to come before having Joey but I do know it was all worth it to have him as my son.

Coming Home!

We came home on September 1, 2011. Mike and Sophia came to pick us up just before lunch. Unfortunately, my doctor was in an emergency c-section so we didn't get to leave until after lunch. Sophia didn't mind because she got to order room service and eat in the bed. I, on the other hand, couldn't wait to get home...I had been packed and ready since 6:00am.

The outfit that Joseph wore home was made by Nana Deb. She made it 2 years ago when my nephew Benjamin was born. It was worn 18 days before by my nephew Matthew and now by Joseph. We hope as generations of boys are born into our family that this outfit will be handed down just like the dress me, my sisters and Sophia were brought home in.

Not a hair on his beautiful head!

Proud big sister!

First family picture.

Going home!

My babies!