Ariah Kimrey Anderson came into the world on August 18th. The weekend before was calm; we walked the neighborhoods of Bethel several times, had long play sessions with Zeke, and got some last little things ready around the house. I woke up Monday morning around 2am with contractions. By 6:30 we were at the hospital, and at 9:50 our baby boy was born. We didn't know the baby's gender prior to his birth, and it added to the excitement when Aaron announced it was a boy. We're so excited to have two boys who will grow up together.
He weighed in at 8 pounds 3.5 ounces and 21 inches. His chest was broad and his face wide with big baby cheeks, Aaron's nose, and a head full of brown hair. We chose his name later that same day. The nicknames Zeke and Ari just seem to go together.
Ariah's first moments
I read an article for new mothers that encouraged you-when all the busyness after the delivery subsided and you were sitting quietly in your room with your newborn-to take in that moment and remember it forever. Remember the magnitude of what you just did. Remember the newness of your baby. Remember the awe and amazement you felt with this brand new life. Remember all the feelings you had at that moment. And take a picture so that you remember those feelings whenever you look at it. This is that picture.
We came home the very next day. We didn't want to be away from Zeke any longer than we needed to when he was already experiencing a big transition, and we were both doing well. Ari was doing all the things that a newborn should and I honestly hardly felt like I had a baby the day before.
Coming home felt much more natural this time around. We fell into a routine pretty quickly, and it's as if Ari has always been here.
This time around I have been able to simply enjoy the new baby. It's not that we didn't do that with Zeke, but the journey was different. We had a lot more to figure out which created worry and concern over every little thing. There are so many opinions and so-called "Mommy Wars" about every parenting tactic. Use a pacifier because the sucking action is natural and necessary for a baby; don't use a pacifier because it will interfere with nursing and will not teach your baby to soothe themselves. Let your baby cry it out because that's they only way they will learn to fall asleep on their own; don't let your baby cry it out because it's emotionally damaging. Co-sleep if you want because it will create good emotional attachment; don't co-sleep because your baby will never learn to sleep on his own. Bathe the baby everyday because it's good for routine; don't bathe the baby everyday because it's bad for their skin and they don't need it. The list can go on and on. There are all sorts of contradicting opinions that create more worry and guilt than well-being. The reality is, every baby is different, and parents know their baby best. I'm learning what works and what does not work for our baby. You better believe that I'm doing what works as long as it's safe, even if it goes against expert advice. The rest of the time I'm simply enjoying him because this stage goes too fast. I've heard it said that you can't spoil a newborn baby. That is one opinion I am embracing whole-heartedly.
People say you don't take nearly as many pictures of the second child. So far, we have not followed that trend. Here are just a few pictures from Ari's first week at home:
One week postpartum with the new little one in tow. It still amazes me how babies were ever able to fit inside the body after you see them out in the world. Truly one of God's miracles in creation.
One week old
Two weeks old
Three weeks old
Four weeks old
Our littlest man is already almost six weeks old. Time has flown by. He loves snuggling. His awake time is increasing. He's responding more to our gestures with each passing day. He's given us a few big smiles. He's growing like he should, sleeping well, and is patient with our active lives. Fitting into the family like a natural. We are so grateful for his new life.
