4th of July

Chases's 1st 4th of July was lots of fun. We had a cookout here at our house and most of our family joined us for good food and fellowship.

I survived my first week back at work. Fortunately, it was a short week because of the holiday. I cried a little after dropping off Chase on Monday as I headed to work, but I knew he was in the best care possible with my mom. My sister Dawn and my grandmother also took care of him some last week, so he received plenty of attention and love from family. My oldest niece Emily reads books to him, and my other niece Ruthie always gives loving pets on the head to him. He is definitely in good hands while Tim and I work, which gives us such peace and comfort.

Thankfully, work hasn't been too overwhelming and Chase has already adapted well to our new routine of dropping him off in the mornings. On most days, Chase goes to bed around 8 and will sleep through the night until about 5. I feed him first thing in the morning when he awakes and then get us ready for the day. Tim, Chase, and I have been out the door around 6:30 and back home in the afternoons around 5. I appreciate the hours I have to spend with Chase in the mornings and evenings so much since I don't get to see him all day anymore. It also makes me look forward to the weekends even more than I ever did before!

Chase continues to grow each day. I have to pack 5 4-oz. bottles for him to drink during the day while I work. So far, I've been able to keep up with his appetite. Pumping at work isn't the most glorious experience, but it's the only way I can continue to nurse Chase full-time. It's worth the time and effort when I see him grow and know that he is healthy. He's smiling more these days! There's nothing cuter than seeing that little grin....makes all of those fussy spells worth the while!