The family, 3 weeks later

How's it going out there? Haven't seen to many comments, so I figured you're just as lazy as I am when writing. Haha.

Well, we're still here, sleepy eyed and all. Actually, it hasn't been to bad. Cole only seems to cry when he's hungry. He doesn't cry about anything else, which is the total opposite of Brenden. Don't know if this is the case known as, good kid-bad kid (or was that good cop-bad cop), who knows. I guess we'll really see in due time.

Cole is progressing very well. He actually gave the Dr. a shock this past week when he had his weekly checkup. The Dr. told us that Cole will gain approx. half a pound a week. Last week to this one he gained 1 full pound. What a little porker. At this rate, he'll catch right up to Brenden in no time. So Cole is now listed at about 7 pounds, up from 5lbs 4oz when he left the hospital. He has just surpassed Brenden's birth weight of 6lbs 13oz.
Other than that there's not much to say about Cole. Eat, sleep and poop is pretty much his standard routine.

Brenden is handling Cole really well. Actually he doesn't really pay much attention to Cole. He's more about his books, toys and Dora & Diego than his baby brother Cole. Next week is Brendens' last week in daycare, so he'll have to get used to him being around all the time. Right now, Brenden really only sees him at night time and on the weekends. Soon it will be 24/7. Michelle will really have her hands full then, since I'll be at work 5 days a week.

As far as Brenden, that kid is everywhere. Climbs on the couch, up and down stairs, chases the cats around, etc. Unfortunately for us, Brenden has hit the 'terrible twos' early. He thinks by saying "no" that he can get what he wants, all the time. Not the case. I'm not going to let him bully me around. Haha.

I'll make sure I put up a post the first week after Brenden is out of daycare to let you know how it went. Michelle may need to write that post up since I'll be at work and will miss it.

Anyway, have to go get Brenden ready for his swimming lessons soon. He is almost finished level 2. He loves swimming on Saturdays. Have a good one. Over and out.

At Home - 3 days later

Well, Cole arrived home on Tuesday afternoon and got to see his new digs. Brenden was still at Daycare and had no idea what was in store for him at home. I left work early to pick him up and off we went. I tried to comfort him (or warn him) that we are going home to see 'baby Cole'. He repeated the name Cole many times, almost as if he knew what he was saying. I still though to myself, "This will be interesting". We got home and Cole was sleeping (surprise). Brenden proceeded to take his coat and boots off and ran over to see mommy. At that point Cole made a little noise and curiousity struck Brenden. "Oh", he said, as if to say, "what the heck is that doing here". He walked slowly over to the carrier where Cole was sleeping and pointed at him. "Baby", he said. He stared at Cole for at least 30 secs. I think Brenden thought it may be just a toy laying there, until Cole moved his hand and Brenden looked at me as if to say, "It moved, did you see that"? I continued to express, that this was his new baby brother, "Cole". He seemed to accept the fact that it was, but more or less left it at that and wanted to play.

Brenden has been very good around Cole. He doesn't even want to touch Cole. It's funny. "No" is always Brendens' answer. That's his answer to all the world's problems too. "No". Much easier to say than, "Yes". Today Brenden actually gave Cole a kiss. I was going to attempt having Brenden hug him, but fear swept through my brain thinking Brenden may smother his new brother. At this point, it may be the case.

Cole went to see the pediatrician today for a weigh in, just to make sure Cole is gaining weight. This was nerver wracking for us, since we knew that if he wasn't, they would want to admit him back to the hospital for care and supervision. When Cole left the hospital he was 5lbs 4oz on Tuesday. Today, Thursday, he was 5lbs 8oz. Gained about 4 oz in 2 days. That was great news! And best of all we got to bring him back home. Tomorrow we are taking Cole for a checkup and an introduction with my family Dr. This is the 3rd generation with the same Dr. now. Seeing the Dr is in his 60's, I don't believe he'll have a chance to practise on a 4th generation. At least I hope not, for our sake.

Anyway, that's it from the Schaefer household for now. I'll be sure to update once I receive some more information to post. For now, make sure you go to http://www.davidschaefer.ca/ and check out all the latest photos there.

Good night.....for most of you........catch some extra zzzzzz's for us.

David, Michelle, Brenden and Cole

2nd time holding Cole

Today was really my 2nd time holding Cole, but first time talking pictures while we're holding Cole. Michelle remains is hospital until at least Monday, recovering from, what the doctors say, is the "Ecoli Virus". We have no idea where it came from, but apparently pregrant mothers are more susceptible to it than others. We were also told that this was why Cole decided it was time to get out of his warm and cozy place. Since he was breach, Michelle had a C-Section this time, hence the longer time being spent in the hospital. We're very excited to get Cole home, but considering his condition, right now, he's in the best place until he's good and ready to make the trek to his new home.

Brenden has met Cole once, but I don't believe he understands that this it the baby that will be living under the same roof as him. It'll be interesting to see how he takes to the new addition in the family. Brended is no longer the baby. He's the big brother now.

I'll keep you all up to date on any new events forthcoming. In the meantime for this week, I've decided to go back to work for this week and take the following week off, when Cole arrives home.

Thanks and talk to you all soon!

DS, MS, BS, and CS.