{Week(s) In Review}

Today I've got an April roundup, as promised.

The month started out with a birth day, which is pretty much the most exciting way to start a month in my opinion.  My C-section was scheduled for 5pm, which meant I wasn't allowed to eat after 9am. With that in mind, my mom, Anders, and I settled in at The Original Pancake House so I could shovel down eat a hearty breakfast.  Anders wasted no time digging into his silver dollar pancake plate (which they provide free by the way - score!).

The day seemed long - so, so, so long.  But finally, Andreas and I were prepped and ready at the hospital.

Fast forward and we were in the operating room.  It's so surreal the first time you see your child.  I've only ever experienced C-section deliveries, but I imagine the same is true of a vaginal birth or an adoption.  They are among my very favorite lifetime moments, those first glimpses of our babies with Andreas at my side.  Clearly our parental love is unconditional, because it ain't pretty, and they sure don't look as happy to see you as you are to see them.  Sidenote: I think birth is a beautiful and natural thing, but I blurred out Aksel's man bits because, hello, this is the internet.  

Our first picture of the three of us...

Wait, double take.  Left: Aksel; Right: Anders.

The days that followed were full of family and short on sleep.

We had lots of friends come to the hospital to congratulate, support, and love on us too...but I didn't get any pictures of them.  You know who you are.  We love you!

I spent plenty of time at the hospital enjoying baby cuddles.

When we came home, Andreas' parents and sister had decorated for Aksel's arrival.  A poster and balloons welcomed us at the door, and there were gifts for big brother to open so he was celebrated as well!

There were new books to read and new pinwheels to spin.

The days that followed were full of more baby cuddles for me (and Andreas).  And let's not forget the nursing.  Lots and lots of nursing.

Between newborn snuggles, Andreas' parents and sister doted on Anders like he was the most interesting and entertaining person in the world.  They took walks, read books, explored the yard, tracked bugs, played soccer, and much, much more.  Signe (my sister-in-law) documented several of these activities on her blog.

Andreas' dad and sister could only stay the weekend, but my mother-in-law was able to stick around for the week to lend a helping hand.  Thank you, Jesus.  Amen.  There is nothing like the support of friends and family.  Seriously, thank you guys for loving us so well.

Anyway, back to my mother-in-law.  She engaged Anders with fun activities throughout the week (in addition to cleaning and providing more baby cuddles).  One such activity that I actually managed to capture was playing with the Play-Doh Elmo Shape & Spin Playset.  Whew, say that five times fast.

Aksel hung out...

...while we rolled snakes...

...and made headbands.  Psst, don't tell Anders they're the same thing.  He's still impressed with my one Play-Doh shape if I call it by different names. 

Farmor and her grandkids.

I haven't taken many pictures the last couple of weeks in April.  It's been a steady rotation of nursing, changing diapers (x2), and running errands, so there hasn't been much to speak of, or blog about, as the case may be.  But we are getting back into the swing of things, so I'm sure there's more to come!