Brand New

Here is our little Alan Webster
6 pounds 12 ounces
18 1/2 inches long

He is so flipping cute and loves to snuggle and be held.
Alan actually will express impatience with me, which was shocking at first because Sean never did. He also doesn't like sleeping by himself like Sean did. I don't mind that.
His mouth is not very big, so nursing can be a pain.
Not inclined to be woken up for any reason, like eating. But will wake up to eat a lot at night.
Lets us know when he has a burp that needs out, but we have to hurry to burp him because he doesn't wait long before he pukes.
Likes to stick his legs straight up in the air when he stretches.

Anyway, he's chill like Sean, but his routine isn't established yet. I know that's normal, but Sean seemed to be born with a routine and it spoiled me. The boys seem to like each other, but then again it's only the first day and the baby is a novelty. Soon Sean will discover that the baby really doesn't care to play baseball or walk or have his blanket removed suddenly. But every time Alan cries, Sean comes running over shouting "Baby baby baby!" and has to make sure that he's real and then if he's ok.

We're feeling really blessed to have two adorable little boys with us.

Growth

Today Sean and I took a good walk around the neighborhood. He was very interested in the falling leaves and the dead or dying worms on the ground. Anyway, as we walked he began to hold my hand less and less. Then at the halfway point, he looked up from throwing leaves into the street and said, "No hands, mama." Even when we were crossing the street I had to hold his arm because hands have become a 'no.'

It's killing me that my baby Sean is at the point of drawing the line of independence. While a small and expected step of growth for him, I can't help but wish he'd waited a little longer. I long for a year ago when he wouldn't go out the front door without holding my hand first or even insisting that he needed to be carried. I love holding his little hand and letting him take me places he finds interesting.

And then as I thought about it again, I realized that one of us has to initiate the big steps to divide us. I cannot literally or figuratively hold his hand throughout the entirety of his life. Step by step he's going to need me less and less. While it's heartbreaking, I'm also grateful to begin this gradual transformation into solely an observer and adviser in his life. With every decision he makes for himself, I hope I can continue to be grateful that his way can be the right way too.

But I'm still really glad that he gets back on the sidewalk when I tell him to.