Better Than The Dream

The dream use to be graduate college, blast into corporate America, make lots of money and buy stuff.  Sounds fairly shallow once you put it on electronic paper.  When we had Palmer I knew I was going to stay home, but I had a nagging feeling I was missing out on my dream.  I found myself hurrying through things with Palmer.  I felt his feedings took sooo long, his naps weren't long enough, and I didn't have time to DO anything.  It took months to realize I was doing something.  I was raising my son.  I was building a bond that will keep us strong through all life's ups and downs.  I was living.  Sharing sweet snuggles and exasperated cries.  And it was better.  Better than the temporary satisfaction found in making money and buying stuff.  That's Palmer's gift to his week old little brother, Tripp Martin.  He's given me the ability to not rush through a feed or get him down in his bassinet as soon as he's asleep.  I don't have to rush anything.  I can bask in every minute of his itty-bitty-ness because now I know it truly is only minutes that he will be itty-bitty.  Palmer hasn't realized his role as big brother quite yet.  Tripp is more of an accessory in the room.  I, however, have realized how BIG Palmer truly is.  Miraculously, overnight, Palmer has become more mature, beefier, and just plain big.  It was only last week I still oohed and awed over his little baby feet and how I can't believe one day they will become big, stinky man feet.  Now I look at his feet and think - WOW - those are some monster toddler toes!  Funny how perspective in life can change instantly.  So here he is, Mr. Tripp Martin.  The newest man in my life.

Fresh out of the oven

No denying he is such a little man

And as snug gable as they come

Here are Palmer and he getting acquainted on our first day home.  Melt my heart.

Here's the crew visiting in labor & delivery.  Palmer was way more interested in the wheelchairs and rolling bassinet.

We managed to get him to take a quick peek.

I'm already starting to feel space in-between my toes again and something that resembles an ankle.  Swelling is going down at rapid pace since removing the almost 8 lbs baby and nursing having commenced.  I'll save the 16 hour birth story for it's own special post, but let's just say it was a dream compared to Palmer Doyle's 42 hour birthing adventure.

And in less than 2 weeks we will be moving our new family into Hipworth.  I am beyond ready to start setting up my nest.  And I think Palmer is way past ready for some grass to run on and space to explore!