So I realize that every parent thinks their baby is the cutest ever, and that we are a bit biased, but come on, look at this guy! This is after his first bath last week:

We are so in love with Max, every little thing he does or expression he makes just melts our hearts. He will be three weeks old tomorrow. We had some challenges the first couple of weeks with feeding…Maxwell wasn’t getting enough to eat, lost too much weight, got jaundiced, and scared his Mom and Dad to death. We’ve had one trip to the ER, lots of time with the lactation specialists, and a few pediatrician visits. For about two weeks we did an exhausting routine every three hours that involved breastfeeding, then finger feeding with pumped milk in a syringe, then pumping said milk. Then try to sleep for an hour and a half and repeat. Max was more interested in sleeping than eating. Thankfully this song and dance did help him gain the weight he needed and he is looking much better. At our weight check at the pediatrician Monday he was up to 8 pounds 2 ounces! We have another weight check with lactation tomorrow and are hoping for more good news on the weight front. They okayed us to go to just breastfeeding at the end of last week, which was a huge help. We still set an alarm to get up for feeding during the night but the shorter routine means there’s more sleep in between.

Jeff’s parents were here for a visit two weekends ago and his mom was able to stay for all of last week, which was a HUGE help. She cooked, cleaned, and just generally took excellent care of us. My mom has also been invaluable, coming over and doing the aforementioned cooking and cleaning and whatever else we need. Of course both grandmothers also love every minute of baby time they can get! Max’s uncle Greg and cousin Elizabeth were here this past weekend. Max and Elizabeth are each other’s only first cousins, so it was very special to see them meet for the first time.

Even though I am really tired, this time with Max is wonderful beyond belief. We love him so much and I treasure every minute with him. Jeff is such an amazing dad and I love to see the two of them together. I know it is very hard for Jeff to leave each day and go to work. We wish he could be home with us but are very grateful that he works so hard to take such great care of us! In these crazy times we remember how lucky he is to have a job.

Here’s a couple more pictures, we’ll try to post more soon. Thank you to everyone for the warm welcome Maxwell has received! My apologies if you’ve emailed or called and it is taking me a while to get back to you…I really appreciate hearing from everyone!

My two favorite boys:

With Opa:

Our family:

After bathtime, with Greg and Elizabeth: