Week Three

Noah is three weeks old!

We hit a major milestone this week when Noah finally exceeded his original birth weight. The pediatrician said based on his weight trends that she didn't think he'd make it by week three, but when we went in on Tuesday for yet another weight check the scale read 9 pounds, 7.8 ounces. He's also an inch taller. Hurray! And, what a relief. After six (or is it seven...I've lost count) trips to the pediatrician, we're taking a break for a few weeks. But those nasty first shots aren't too far off. Sorry buddy.

This week was a busy one. Noah was spoiled on Christmas with lots of gifts from his family. All on his own, my dad found Noah a little something to go with his name. What a perfect gift!
Noah got to meet more family, including his three cousins. The girls are all good helpers and so sweet with their first Boyce cousin.
Christmas with my family gave us an opportunity to do our first four generation picture.
I'm so glad that my sweet grandma was here to hold and love Noah. Even when he was fussy, she'd talk to him and console him, like even his own mom can't quite do. I guess she does have a few more years of experience, right?

While he's still not sleeping at night by himself (but he is sleeping, thank goodness) Noah seems a little more comfortable napping in his bouncer or on our bed. Along with listening to running water, we learned this week that he's also a big fan of the hair dryer. I think he's pretty much just a white noise kind of guy.

Noah definitely prefers being on his tummy, and this week has liked spending a fair amount of time 'working out' in the activity gym. With a neck and legs that are pretty strong, we've been surprised to see him scoot himself halfway across the mat.

I'm just loving my job as mom.
I'm definitely more relieved now that Noah's weight is where it should be, but there's always going to be something to worry about. Sure, the late nights, the hungry baby (didn't I just feed you?), and the crying without reason can be exhausting, but everything sweet and wonderful about Noah far outweighs those things that make having a newborn difficult.

Blessing Day

Yesterday, Noah was given his name and a special blessing, a traditional practice in the LDS church.
Being two and a half weeks old it seemed a little soon to take him to church, but with Christmas just the day before, essentially all of our family was here. How could we pass up the opportunity to have so much of our family be a part of this special day?
In the end, everything was absolutely perfect. This was just another reason I'm so glad sweet Noah came 8 days early.

All of Nate's siblings (except for our missionary, K.C.) were in town.
My grandma came for Christmas as well. What a treat to have her here for Noah's special day.


Nate gave our little guy a beautifully simple blessing. Noah was a sweet darling and didn't cry.
We are so blessed that Noah's great grandpa, both grandpas and uncles participated in the blessing.

We gathered at my parents' house afterward to celebrate this little guy and spend time together.

Thanks Mom, for hosting such a fun, delicious brunch!

Merry Christmas!

This Christmas is one we're sure to remember.
So glad our sweet Christmas package came early!

Week Two

Noah is two weeks old!

I think we've finally got the weight loss/feeding issues figured out and hopefully we'll start packing on the pounds (or even just the ounces!) in the next couple of weeks.

Lots of friends have stopped by to meet our little guy. My friends Kasey and John, Krissie and these guys: the Seaburys.

He finally met his Aunt Becky and will soon get to know lots of other family members.

Noah had his first bath and liked it --I think.
He's just not a huge fan of the 'after bath' chill that comes with being wet. Who does?

Nate needed to work last week, but he's home this week and the next. He is a huge help, but, even better, he and Noah are getting to hang out together.
We're looking forward to Christmas and making lots of sweet memories as we celebrate as a family of three for the first time!

Week One

Noah is one week old today!

Last night and today I've been having those "One week ago right now..." thoughts. What a special time that was for all of us.
This little guy has shown right from the start that he is just fine with getting a little extra attention--from anyone who will give it. Because of his birth weight and being born 8 days early, he was labeled LGA (large for gestational age) which meant a bunch of glucose tests.
He failed his first and second hearing screenings, which meant more attention and an even fancier test -- which he passed.
And, he decided to go on a little pre-holiday slim down and lost just about 10% of his body weight over a period of days, which meant lots of feeding from mommy and three trips to the pediatrician for weight checks. He's doing great.

Noah decided right from the start that he was going to be a baby that should be held -- ALL the time. For eating, for playing and for sleeping. He hates being swaddled and laying on his back. (Um, isn't that how babies are supposed to sleep these days?)
He does, however, love being cuddled, snuggled and sleeping on anyone's chest...all day and all night long. His mommy and daddy have tried the suggestions in those really smart baby books we're reading, but Noah isn't interested.

Good news though, after one week, we may be making progress. After strongly protesting while getting a little sponge bath this morning, our little attention-getter completely calmed down and put himself to sleep. What? This little guy taught me this morning that he's really in to "water music" -- not the classical stuff, just the straight from the faucet kind.
Whatever works, right? Thank you City of Folsom for not getting around to installing our water meter yet. I promise we'll curtail the water wasting as soon as possible if this works.

Week one has been miraculous, exhausting, and, most of all, wonderful.
Through tears of happiness and exhaustion the first thing I remember saying when Noah was placed on my chest after being born was, "We've been waiting for you." He is nothing short of a miracle, an answer to so many prayers, and simply adorable.

All I wanted for Christmas...

...was a sweet baby to arrive just a little before his due date.

Noah Nathan Boyce did just that.

On Wednesday, December 8 at 4:42 a.m. we became a family of three.
When I got to the hospital the doctor guessed he would be 7 pounds, 6 ounces. His actual birth weight was 9 pounds, 3 ounces.

He fills out all 20.5 inches of himself quite perfectly.

We are just loving this little guy and anxious to get out of the hospital later today.

You can be sure that lots of pictures will be shared in the coming days!