in the hospital

We stayed at the hospital until lunchtime on Monday. Nights were as good as possible given the activity around us- checking Ben's vitals and mine, midnight baby weigh-ins, early morning shift changes and doctor rounds. Ben did not like to sleep alone in the bassinet, so he stayed with me- he's a cuddler. He rejected a pacifier, unlike Owen who loved the pacifier from his first night until we took it away when he was 2 1/2.

Richard was able to stay in the room both nights- he had diaper duty, and Ben kept him busy. Richard was a big help during labor as well- he let me hurt him during contractions and was a great coach during delivery. He got to cut Ben's cord.

Grandpa and Owen came on Sunday and Richard and Owen went out for lunch. Owen found the hospital beds to be much more entertaining than a new brother, but did give Ben a kiss on the head on his way out. Susie came later in the afternoon for some aunt time, and the Delos-Reyes' came for a visit. Tuesday night the Muhly's came by. Laurel was excited to meet her new cousin, but very shy.

Grandpa took Owen to the bounce gym on Saturday and Sunday. They taught each other some new techniques in making scrambled eggs (Dad agreed to use milk, but rejected the frozen spinach). Owen learned about several man skills- including shaving and napping on the couch in the afternoon watching football.

Our hospital stay passed quickly- Ben nursed constantly, and then took power naps. He slept through his circumcision Sunday morning, and passed all his various baby exams. The entire staff at the hospital was just great.