Bellhaven Farm: Baby Harrison™ FAQ

Hello Friends and Family!

So, it has been just over two weeks since our Baby Harrison arrived, and things have been both hectic and fun! People have many questions about this new arrival, so we're presenting the Bellhaven Baby Frequently Asked Questions:

How are we sleeping?
Certainly less than before we started this journey, but overall more than during the pregnancy. Harrison wakes up somewhere between four and six times a night, and we are splitting the time into three hour shifts to try and give each other a break. Most of the time we get up, change him, feed him and burp him, and then he falls back to sleep. Sometimes there is an adventure, like last night. All of my feedings were normal - Nate's were not so much. The first outing Harrison gave him some surprise pee. The second he burped up all over himself and Nate's robe. Then this morning he overloaded his diaper while relaxing in bed, and we had to change both him and the sheets. Some days have more laundry than others. We love our new washer and drier!

What is our favorite part about being a parent so far?
Mom: I love mornings. Most of the time he wakes up around 8:30 to start the day, and we bring him into bed with us. I generally spend the next hour or so just staring at him. He loves faces, so for a while he will just stare at one of us, then the other. He likes contrast, so he spends a lot of time looking at the ceiling fan, or at the light out the window. I am enchanted by everything that his face does. He makes little cooing noises, and a noise that sounds a bit like a horse's nicker. Nate says he is going to be great a barnyard sounds when he is a bit older. Here is a photo of morning cuddles:

Dad: Enjoying the ridiculous faces and sounds he makes. He's a great sleeper during the day but he'll have brief periods of wakefulness where he nickers and squirms. Often one or both arms will suddenly shoot into the air in a clenched fist, like a defiant protester. In fact, you can spot his tiny raised fist in our first family picture. Even when he's working up a really good cry, it's hard to not be delighted in the effort he expends. He takes a couple breathless seconds to wind up, turns bright red all over, and then looses a shuddering wail that just makes me want to laugh and kiss his face. But mostly I love the serene closeness we share when he curls up in my arms and falls asleep on my chest.

How are the animals taking things?
Pretty well, in general. Juno couldn't care less. She is almost totally deaf now, so the crying doesn't even wake her. The only time they interact is when they are both supervised on the bed. She did go and lay down by his feet last night, but for the most part they exist in different worlds. Hannah is, as always, a guard. She spends most of her time sitting facing away from wherever Nate, Harrison and I are, keeping watch. Sara is mostly excited about the baby. She really really really wants to lick him, which we haven't allowed so far. She is also a little needier than normal, as if she wants to be reminded that we will still love her too. We do our best to split our time, and she seems more content. The cats just ignore him. He hasn't met the barnyard yet, we'll probably wait until spring for that.

How is Justine healing?
Better than expected! I have 6 weeks of lift restriction where I am not supposed to lift anything heavier than Harrison, but other than that I feel great. The incision is so precise that it didn't even scab. Actually, I think the labor and pushing itself did more damage, but I cured the migraine it left me with by spending a few wonderful hours at the wellness massage center. All in all I'm basically pain free, very mobile, and haven't needed anything stronger than an Ibuprofen since the first day home. A+, would c-section again.

What can we do to help/what do you need?
Diapers. The pediatrician said that if he wasn't wetting six diapers each day, then we should call because he wasn't getting enough to eat. Turns out that's really not a problem. Harrison regained his birth weight in 5 days, and has been expanding ever since. And while he wasn't exactly small when he came out, he must be growing fast because he's already out of Newborn clothes and into Three Months. We weren't prepared for how many diapers this monster goes through in a day - we go through a sleeve of 35 in about two days. Also, if you're local and you wanted to swing by with dinner that would also be much appreciated. We'll be here.