A memorable 1st week for HOLDEN

It has already been seven days since Holden was born.  Though that may sound like a short time, we had a full and eventful week.  Holden has adjusted remarkably well to life outside the womb!  His siblings can't get enough of him, not sure if the feeling is mutual, though Holden doesn't often offer up complaints. 

Though we have a brand new baby, life does continue to go on.  We were reminded of this when Hazel started preschool last Tuesday.  She left feeling nervous but overall excited.  Over the next two days, her nerves continued to get the best of her.  Seems as though she takes after mommy and daddy in the anxiety and nervousness department.  Her teachers reported she recovered quicker each day (from mommy leaving), and our hope is this trend continues and soon she will look forward to going to her new school.  Until then, we continue to adjust! 

Here are some pictures from the past week.  Week one of LIFE (on the outside) for Holden.  Week one for Henley to be a BIG BROTHER.  Week one for PRESCHOOLER Hazel.  Oh, and let me not forget, week one for Beau and I to be the parents of THREE healthy, busy and delightful children

 Ready...set...GO to day #1 of preschool.

 When we arrived to pick up our student, she was very eager to go home!

 Showing off her cubby.

 Hazel treats Holden like he is her VERY special baby doll.  Nothing better for our four year old than a real life doll to hold, hug, kiss and snuggle.

 Oh Henley.  He LOVES his baby "Hogan" so sweetly.  He is always asking to give him kisses and hugs.  He can't get enough of his tiny baby brother.  Hope that feeling continues...and his gentleness.

 I just know these two are going to grow to be great friends, and get into lots of mischief!

 A friend gave baby Holden a gift certificate to Build-a-Bear with the intention that his older siblings would build him a special bear of his own.  Hazel and Henley were happy to oblige.

 They each picked a special heart to put inside Holden's bear.  They kissed the hearts and made wishes.

 Henley carefully tucks his heart into the bear.

 The beloved bear gets a bath and brushing.

 We are sure Holden will be a DUCK fan, so his bear shall be too.

 Sister Hazel will be kind enough to transport Holden's bear until he is able to do so himself. 

 Nana joined us all for the past week.  How nice to have an extra set of arms, not to mention the fun that Nana always brings along with her!  Hazel and Henley love their "Nanny."

 Holden is a champion burper.  He prefers to be burped propped upright in a sitting position.

 Henley kindly took over the back row, making room for Holden next to Hazel.  It will take me awhile to get the hang of getting THREE children in and out of the car.  We may not leave the house as often...

 We took Holden to the neighborhood park on Friday.  Hazel took along her baby too.

 Holden wasn't bothered by his first post-hospital visit to the doctor.  He was up a few ounces on Wednesday (from his discharge weight of 6 lb 11 oz).  He received a clean bill of HEALTH.  :)

 Holden has already proven to be a good sport when it comes to his mommy's photo shoots.  Here he relaxes in the Jordan family bassinet.

 Henley has had nearly two years to learn to endure mommy's photos.  He was rather keen to get in on the action.

Hazel never shy when the camera comes out.

Sweet baby boy.  He does smell pretty fantastic too.  Trust me.

 Richie was amazed by how tiny Holden was.  He didn't move a muscle while he held the small bundle.

 Holden lost his umbillical cord (stub) Friday night.  YAY!  It was time for his first bath.

 Holden has longer and thinner feet than Hazel and Henley.  Wonder if this is any indication of height in his future?  (He loved the bath.)

  Nana had to leave to return to Papa on Saturday.  Thanks for all your help Nana!

  Grandma and Grandpa arrived to visit yesterday too.  Henley is so lucky to have two sets of adoring grandparents - all in the same state now!

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A new week begins tomorrow.  I hope to enjoy the moments, as the days already seem to want to go by too quickly.  Holden is my last baby, and with that I find myself holding on to the newness of him that much more.  What a blessing to have him join our family.  An adventure lies ahead as Beau and I focus now on RAISING our brood of fantastic children.