Adjusting

 You would think I would take a gazillion pictures since being home, but honestly between pumping, Collin, Jacob, and trying to survive each day, a lot of life has gotten pushed to the back burner (and sadly pictures/blogging/etc were what we pushed back!) It was wonderful to be able to leave the hospital, although there was still a little guilt in leaving some friends there. 

We got Jacob bathed (had to take pictures of his little golden curly locks)
and dressed to go home. 

After all the paperwork was completed, we got out of the little house on the hill. We came home on Sunday (late afternoon) with just a feeding tube and oxygen. It was neat to come home on Halloween, because it is the three year mark of Ryker having his open heart surgery. Also, we bought a little outfit for Jacob, and prayed he would be able to wear it. I know it was silly, but I kept thinking "if he is able to wear this, it means everything will be all right." Because to me, it meant he would be healthy. I know, it does not make a lot of sense, but it was just a miracle to go home.

 I will have to put him in the outfit again and take a picture because this was the only picture I took of going home since the camera was accidentally packed away. After getting a little settled, Mike left to get Collin and have some family dinner, sans Jacob and I (it was really nice to rest.) Collin is pretty indifferent towards Jacob, but seems to be warming up to him. 

He thinks it is pretty funny when Jacob is ready to eat and sticks out his tongue.

It is funny, because people think that the hard part of being home is Jacob. And really, Jacob does not really cry, is pretty peaceful, and really just wants fed, love, and sleep. Collin on the other hand, is nearing the terrible twos, along with feeling and dealing with a definite adjustment in his world. He is throwing more tantrums, screaming at the top of his lungs, and just having a rough time. That is probably the hardest part of all of this, and I am praying it will get better. So any tips would be appreciated, or just telling me it will get better will grant me an ounce of sanity.

You are probably wondering what this is. This little thing (there is a better picture two below) is what popped out after they delivered Jacob. Ironically, the doctor that pulled this out also has the name of Jacob and may or may not have swayed our decision in naming Jacob. We told the docs that whoever found the shunt would win a prize, and what better prize than having a baby named after you (well we let him think that at least!)

The shunt that was placed in Jacob's chest while in-utero.

You can imagine why this would be so painful to have placed, as it is big, and why Jacob yanked it out (I do not blame him one bit.) But this little piece of plastic with the metal tips truly is the reason we have our little miracle. Were it not for this, I am not sure Jacob would be here today.

These are Jacob's two week pictures. His little umbilical cord came off, and so he was able to get his first sort of bath (we still can not let him soak in the water since we want his incision to heal. something I will have to take pictures of after his next bath.) He is just sweet, loves to be held and really such a good baby. I know it may not last, but I am just enjoying our little miracle and his strong sweet spirit. 

Off to bed now. Love the sleep.