Meet Your Namesake

On Saturday, Maxine's one week 'birthday,' she got to meet one of her namesakes. 

Aunt Alberta, Gigi Maxine, and Maxine.

 Maxine, meet the Maxines. 

Maxine was named after several people.  

Here is Maxine Faye, my grandmother.  

I hope that 'my' Maxine will grow to be as strong and loving as Gigi Maxine.

Archer was Oma Suzi's middle name.  We wish she could have met her granddaughter.  We know how much she would have loved her.  I also hope that Maxine will have the fierce love for her family, as her Oma did. 

Leigh is my middle name, my mom's middle name, and my dad's middle name (Lee).  

I hope these family names give her a strong sense of who she is.  I also hope she knows how much she is loved by all those she shares a name with.

 Maxine seemed to enjoy her visitors as she was awake for much of the visit. 

Cole LOVED having visitors.  

He loves his Na so much!

Thanks for a lovely day, Ladies (and Cole!)!

Maxine @ Home

We got to come home on Monday morning. Getting home and settled in felt SO good to me. Having all of my loves in one place filled me with joy. Our first days home as a family of four were relaxing and peaceful (except for my hormone surges that made me feel like I was not being 'good enough' to Cole. Luckily his wonderful daddy was picking up all my 'slack' and then some.) Here are some shots of our first week....

Maxine's first car ride.  She hated the carseat until the car started moving.  Derek and I were amazed by how badly other people on the road drove....didn't' they know we had our brand new baby in the car!?!

Welcome home, Maxine! 

Phoebe checking her out.  I think Phoebe approved.  She has done well with transition.  She did hurt her leg - not sure if this is an effort in attention seeking or legit (JK ;-)). 

Lita gets introduced to her new competition.  She has been Daddy's girl.  She senses her drop in the food chain.  Derek is now smitten with another girl!

We have all taken turns holding, snuggling, and staring at Maxine.  I get feeding shifts obviously.  Derek vied for all other times when he was not busy with Cole.  Watch out Maxine....I have a feeling you will be *very* protected by these guys!

Cole snuggling his sister.  He loves to talk about her little parts.  We have talked with him a lot about when he was a little baby.  He reminds us often that he didn't cry when he was little (he points this out mostly when Maxine is fussy).  He also tells us that she is "beautiful" often.  He melts me with his sweetness toward her.

Julie, our doula, who helped make natural childbirth (hence, a much more peaceful and relaxing postpartum) experience possible.  Julie came to visit and check in with us on Tuesday morning.  She showed me how to use our wrap, answered questions for us, and encouraged our instincts in parenting.

Maxine in aforementioned wrap.  This is bliss for me.  I enjoyed pregnancy, but carrying her on my chest and looking into her sweet face is amazing.

Cole has spent time in this way many times over the week.  He helps entertain Maxine when she is getting her diaper changed or swinging.  He has been such a good big brother and helper.

We LOVE Maxine's awake time.

Cole has adjusted to being somewhat more independent.  Here is an example.  I could not help but laugh at him when he dressed himself in this getup, tie and all.  I love his little personality that is constantly blossoming!

Derek and Cole were inseparable this week.  I quickly remembered that having a baby with someone makes you see them differently and fall in love with them all over again.  Derek has not only been wonderful with Maxine, but been outstanding in going above and beyond to make Cole feel included, entertained, and loved.  We are all so lucky to have him as the daddy of our family.

<3

Other unphotographed highlights of our week:

-Derek and I took Maxine to her first visit with Dr. Sandy, her pediatrician, on Wednesday. She is growing nicely and jaundice is working it's way out of her body. We got a good report!

-We woke EARLY to have photos taken by Jill Heupel Photography  at 8 am in Edwardsville.  This felt like a huge accomplishment!

-Cole and I made up various songs about Maxine and her constant desire to eat.

-Derek finished many yard jobs while hanging out with Cole outside.  

-All of the trees in our yard were in bloom - our yard will always be pretty for Maxine's birthday!

-We four spent every single day together.  I am so grateful for Derek being home this week.  It was an awesome week for our family.