18 Days

I was going to write a new post when Ryker turned 2 weeks old last Tuesday, but the day came and went. Then I opened the computer and got photos ready for a "16 Days" post, but had to feed Ryker before I could get started, and then fell asleep on the couch. Day 17 was hectic, and here we are at 18 days old. Such is life with three kids.

We are all settling well into life as a family of five, and honestly the transition to three kids has been easier than the transition to two was. (Although easier doesn't necessarily mean easy.) Ryker is a sweet baby doing all the things a newborn should do. He is eating well, growing nicely, sleeping soundly (except from 2-4AM!), and rarely fusses unless I've put him off too long due to the demands of his older siblings. We are all smitten.

Myles and Sydney cannot get enough of their little brother. They are both protective of him and try to help more than is really helpful. Myles doesn't seem to be effected by Ryker's arrival and has carried on as his usual busy, busy self. Sydney has been struggling with sleep, and consequently with behavior because she is sometimes so tired. We describe her as "fully two." I guess the phrase "terrible twos" exists for a reason. We think her struggles have more to do with our recent move as opposed to Ryker's arrival, but it's hard to know, we've had a lot of changes lately. In the last few days her sleep has actually gotten better and she's happier during the day, which does my heart good. I hate to see my kiddos not feeling or acting like themselves.

Ryker was fussing as I was getting ready. Sydney crawled in bed with him and gave him a pacifier.

Myles LOVES to lay on with Ryker. He is constantly stroking his hair, examining his hands, or rubbing his cheeks.

I'll be the first to admit that my own kids can drive me batty, but having this time at home with them, and watching them interact and deepen their relationships has been such a joy. I was a little concerned about the effect that adding a third would have on Myles and Sydney's already strong bond, but so far they have welcomed Ryker without interruption to their love for each other.