Happy

Just after I had Alexander and was home one afternoon during my recovery, I happened to be watching Ellen (probably when I was supposed to be sleeping). Pharrell performed his new song "Happy". It went like this:

It might seem crazy what I’m about to say

Sunshine she’s here, you can take a break

I’m a hot air balloon that could go to space

With the air, like I don’t care baby by the way

[Chorus:]

Because I’m happy

Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof

Because I’m happy

Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth

Because I’m happy

Clap along if you know what happiness is to you

Because I’m happy

Clap along if you feel like that’s what you wanna do

It was the perfect time for me to hear a song like that and it became my theme song in my own head for the months to come. 

I can finally say that happiness is here at 1940 Cromwell and it's here to stay. We couldn't be happier to have sleepless nights, hear baby cries or have a winey 2-year old. 

We've survived our first 11 days at home. The breathing treatments, monitors, oxygen, feet of tubing strung throughout our home and our new schedule is all becoming quite normal. Even Andrew told his daycare, "My brother has cords," which we have repeatedly warned him not to pull on or touch. 

His monitor alarms have gone off several times - and no matter what it's like a heart attack, but thankfully they have been minor and he has self corrected. 

Our biggest challenge is trying to get Alexander to eat enough to continue to gain weight and to give Andrew enough attention that he quits morphing into a 14 year old girl (ie crying fits for no apparent reason). Alex is weighing in at 11 lbs 11 oz as of Monday. 

We have a nurse that comes twice a week for an assessment and weight check. She's helping us with his feedings too. We are working on trying to get into more of a routine but it's slow. I'm sure we will get there - one day at a time. 

One hard part is being confined to the house and not being able to have visitors - this is to avoid germs. Alexander is very susceptible to colds and infections so we want to avoid illness at all costs. But it's hard to not be as social as we are used to. Andrew has become OCD about washing his hands and loves using the "special sauce" - otherwise known as sanitizer. 

Alexander is a great baby - smiling and cooing at us. He sleeps and eats and poops and is just a joy to be around. He likes being held and enjoys watching Andew run around like a crazy man. 

Everything we have gone through in the past 6 months helps keep us grounded and reminds us to focus on the small, funny, happy smiles throughout the day. Happy - it really is that simple sometimes.

Most favorite sleeping position in the same cradle his mommy had. 

Brotherly love. 

First walk outside - yes it's still May and still cold!

Passed out on the floor of his room - where I've spent several nights. 

Meeting Nana for the first time. 

 

These two are going to be trouble!!