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Seven (wow!) weeks ago we welcomed sweet Henry Walter to our family!

Henry arrived at 39 weeks on April 6 weighing 7 lbs 15 oz and 19.5 inches long. We had a smooth and uncomplicated delivery for which we are all grateful. We brought Henry home two days later and have been enjoying his sweetness ever since!

We have always kept the sex of the baby a surprise. I had truly thought our third baby would be a girl, so I was truly surprised when Henry was born as we were blessed with another son! Thankfully, we had a boy and a girl named picked out so we were well prepared.

I happen to appreciate name meanings, although I will have to admit that we had the name Henry picked out for so long that I had forgotten what it meant. Walter came from my grandfather’s middle name, and the name he went by, so I’m not sure I had even looked up the meaning. After we had signed the papers for the birth certificate, I thought I had better refresh my memory and look up the meaning of both names!

‘Henry’ means “Ruler of the House” and ‘Walter’ is “Commander of the Army.” This is certainly a strong name - I’m sure we’ve set up someone for success, but I’m not sure it will be us (as parents)!

We’re fortunate Henry is a relaxed and happy baby, because life never slowed down. Arriving just in time for soccer season, Henry hit the field at just 1 week old and missed only 1 game of his siblings’ this season. Soccer season was capped off with a three hour dance recital and endless family parities and celebrations in between! It’s been an absolute whirlwind.

Throughout those first weeks, as busy as they were, I still had plenty of time to rest and recover. While the big siblings were at school, Henry and I focused on eating and sleeping, enjoying the quiet days snuggled up in a cozy chair.

0-4 Week Highs, Lows & Milestones:

• Bringing Henry home to sunshine and new blooms in the garden (it was snowing when we arrived at the hospital!)

• Incredible love and support from our friends, family and neighbors. From welcome balloons waiting for us when we arrived home, to sweet gifts and a wonderful meal train, those first few weeks were made possible by our amazing community!

• Change isn’t always easy: Big brother had an especially hard time warming up to baby Henry. It can be hard and frustrating and even heartbreaking when older siblings aren’t thrilled with the newest addition to the family. However, it’s a reminder and exercise to be patient, loving and supportive of all the feelings and perspectives each child experiences. Thankfully, we have since turned a corner and everyone is getting along well.

• Henry is eating and sleeping like a champ! He passed all of his newborn tests, did a great job of gaining weight and is happiest sleeping in my arms.

• We successfully made it to all practices and games on time, went out to a restaurant for our first time as a family of 5, celebrated Bryan’s 40th birthday and Conor’s 1st Communion

4-7 Week Highs, Lows & Milestones:

• Eating and sleeping cycles are becoming a bit more routine. Henry is doing a good 4-6 hour stretch at night which has given me the chance to catch up on sleep!

• Henry is more alert during the day, grasping fingers and giving the BEST and biggest social smiles! He absolutely melts my heart, even if he promptly spits up all over me.

• Everyone is getting along much better and Henry has established the fact that he’s not going anywhere :) He’s a great team player and helping us all learn how to work better together.

• We celebrated Mother’s Day, wrapped up soccer and dance, celebrated Conor’s birthday, took a trip to the farmers market, visited family at the lake and observed Memorial Day with the local parade.

One thing you realize after a few babies is how FEW things you actually need. The core things I couldn’t live without these past few months have been a cozy chair, our Keekaroo Peanut changing pad, the UPPABaby stroller system (we use the bassinet inside & out!), burp cloths and sweet organic sleeper gowns for Henry. We are also beginning to use the Ergo carrier and this wrap so that I can try to get a few more things done, or at least be a bit more mobile.

I’ll check back in a few months with a 6 month update but until then, leave any questions about motherhood you might have below! Your regularly scheduled etiquette content will be returning shortly!