Our Son

   We have been incredibly blessed to have spent the last week getting to know our son, Hardy. Many people have asked about his name. The name Hardy comes from my maternal grandmother's side of the family that dates back to "Hardy Mizell" 1785. The name Neal is from my late father's middle name which is also my fraternal grandmother's maiden name. It means "Strong Champion". We've learned a lot about Hardy so far, we've learned that he wants to eat when he's not sleeping, he really enjoys sleeping, peeing on the wall during diaper changes, does not like pacifiers, but really enjoys AnnElise poking at him and petting his head. AnnElise had a really hard time in the beginning with jealousy and wanting to play with him. The day that Hardy was born, AE came to the hospital with a rash and fever so she wasn't allowed to be very close to him. Since we've let her touch him she's been much better and every day gets easier for her. She still gets tons of attention, but its hard for her to see us cuddling him especially if its her daddy. I have really enjoyed watching her reaction to him. She gets so excited to see him and always says "Hey Babies" then proceeds to point out every body part he has.
   Since we have been out of the hospital we have had a doctor's appointment EVERY day (except for Sunday) for either him or me. Hardy has jaundice so we have to keep a bili light on him all of the time, and I have high blood pressure that is a little out of control. I had preeclampsia during pregnancy with AE, delivered this baby a week early before my blood pressure got too high to avoid preeclampsia and the magnesium treatment during delivery. Technically, I don't have post-partum preeclampsia so far, but my doctors are keeping a close eye on it. Despite the high blood pressure, I actually feel really good. I'm getting at least 7 hours of sleep, maybe more, have energy and am getting the hang of having a newborn again. I feel like its been a really easy transition. It helps that Daniel is off of work for two weeks and takes on AnnElise while I take care of Hardy. We are looking forward to this next week with less appointments and more relaxation before Daniel goes back to work.

Surprised that we have a son! He was so proud.

AE checking out her little brother!