Week Two

Jesse has been in our life for two weeks and he's growing like a weed! Six days ago, he was 8.9 lbs . Today he weighed in at 9.8. The good thing about this is that he will most likely be a chunky baby, and chunky babies are cute. The not so good thing is he wants to nurse almost every 2 hours, which puts a real dent in the social calender, considering I don't exactly want to feed him in public.. yet. So, what's it like being a mom?

First off, it's amazing how much I love my son. I am not a baby person, but he's my baby, and it makes all the difference. Secondly, it's a transition. I feel like I'm on holidays from my job, but this "holiday" has me employed full time. I have to tell myself I'm not going back to work in a week or two, and I'm adjusting to that. I kind of like having a schedule that plans out my day, and now I'm finding the schedule is completely up to me-- but more accurately, it's up to Jesse.

I think this next chapter in my life is going to teach me a thing or two about selfishness and selflessness. Sure, being married introduced me to the concepts, but not to the same extent. Jesse poops, pees, pukes, and cries whenever he feels like it-- and that's where I come in, whether I feel like it or not. It's definitely an adjustment, especially because he seems to know when James and I just need to hang out, and chooses those opportune times to ball his eyes out.

Another thing is anxiety. I am not an anxious person, but having a kid has slightly changed that. The midwife thinks he might have a heart murmur, which I'm told isn't uncommon, but it still makes me anxious. A baby's heart seems like a very delicate organ... and then someone tells you it might have a hole in it. Yikes. But aside from that, it's a little overwhelming to suddenly have this little life in my arms, and realize that he is now a permanent part of our family, and it's James' and my responsibility to care for him... for a very long time. I'm excited, a little nervous, and definitely learning my new role as a "mum".

That said, I do love it. Really. And I am getting the chance to catch up with a lot of people and enjoy a slower pace of life.

This next week will be interesting. James is heading to California for a conference, and as much as I love spending time with my boy, it's wonderful knowing that James is around to share the love. I can't say I'm looking forward to him leaving for the week, but I'm thinking I'll pack Jesse up and spend some quality time at mom's. Grandmas love that stuff :) Here are a few more pictures of Jesse-- similar to week one, give or take a few ounces.

A bit ambitious, but here's hoping :)

Jen Geleynse knit Jesse one killer sweater. What a stud.

Jesse Michael Harskamp

He's here! After a fierce, 15 hour, drawn out battle, our son finally conceded--gave up the warmth of being in utero, and emerged as an 8 lb, 1 ounce jaundiced butterball... with his father's nose :) I won't go into the horrors of labour, not here anyways, but I will say that the word has taken on new meaning, and I will now sympathize more fully with the millions of women giving birth every day, and I cannot help but blame Eve, just a little, for the repercussions of her actions.

Anyways, enough rambling. Here are some photos of Jesse and the Harskamps.

James, thinking this is some kind of joke :)

He actually pinched a nerve in his back, and contemplated sharing the epidural experience with me. He made it through the experience without the drug-- what a champ.
And 15 hours later: 12:29 am, April 12, 2011--our son Jesse.

Mom and Dad Harskamp: pretty stoked to now be "Oma and Opa" for the first time. We were so blessed to have them come and stay in the apartment below us. They cooked for us, coffee clutzed with us, and mom did her fair share of snuggling Jesse so I could snag some sleep and recover. Not to mention James had strep throat all week, so they were able to pamper two babies :)
Foot shot. Obviously.

Jesse and his cousin Savannah.
We definitely have some time before making the crib purchase. For now the bassinet is perfect.


A good feeling.
5 day old hands--already losing the newborn look and becoming pudgy. Sweet.
My two favourite ninos.

And there he is--a little glimpse of our week-old son. He's awesome.