Quentin Coming Home

Quentin came home late Monday night, which was great for him and Mom and Dad. We are all exhausted and just being able to lounge around in some space was enough to give us a boost of energy. Mr. Couch never felt so good. That sweet HD TV is helping dad quite a bit as well. Watching the NFL games (without the NFL ticket!) on a 19 inch television in the hospital on a chair that was invented in the 60s was less then ideal. They apparently didn't design the maternity ward thinking about dad. I did notice though, in all 3 rooms we were in the TV was not facing the bed so it was pointed towards the significant other. So apparently even the maternity ward knows who holds the remote.

We made it home without incident. It's amazing what a baby in the backseat will do for your driving abilities. Going the speed limit and not weaving in and out of traffic is going to be a new challenge for me. I have taken great pride in driving like Andretti the past 16 years so it's going to take a lot to slow down. I think Black Beauty (my sweet 01' accord) may need a baby on board sign. Too lame? No way, I'm a parent now. Macho got checked at labor and delivery.

Quentin slept through the drive in his new car seat. I've attached a pic with his going home outfit on in the car seat. (His feet are too big to get any of the socks on that came with the outfits). We introduced him to Lucky, who instantly started licking him from head to toe. Believe it or not I did actually ask that specific question to the doctor if it was okay. He gave me a goofy look like I was going to hold the kid out buck naked for the dog to lick up and down. But seriously if you own a dog and the dog can reach him, he's going to lick whatever is in front of him. The doctor's reply, "Well, I'm a dog person, so I think it's okay." That was very scientific. I feel much better. That's 10 years of med school? Maybe there is still time for a career change. Anyway the dog was fascinated but that could've partly been because he had been thoroughly ignored for the first time in the last year and was yearning and I mean seriously yearning for some attention. By today they are best friends - the Quinster and the Luckster.

Last night we had the whole family in our room. It was a giant sleep over. At this point we would've dragged the aquarium in there if I thought it would facilitate 3 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Quentin was doing his "up all night" routine while Carrie and I were desperately trying to sleep while the dog was periodically jumping his front paws up on the bed wondering who was making all that noise. For the first time ever, I think Lucky was begging to be put into his kennel. At least it's fair - no one is getting any sleep around here including the dog. It does make for quiet days. Quentin is definitely upside down sleeping all day and staying awake all night. The dog is officially on the same schedule, which means I haven't been walking him in the morning but we're both getting fatter for the lack of effort so I am determined to walk the dog today. Maybe we can get a wheelchair and I can sit in that napping while he pulls me around the neighborhood. Hmmm, not a bad idea.

We did go to Quentin's first doctor's visit today. He checked out okay but is apparently shrinking. He's lost a few ounces since birth and shrunk a 1/2 inch, but has actually put on some weight since he left the hospital. It takes about two weeks for them to bulk up. We have him on protein shakes in the morning and evening with some whole milk for lunch. He works the weights after breakfast and then throws the football for a few hours in the afternoon. He's really got a tight spiral down but his timing with the wide receivers is still a little off. It's only been 4 days on earth so I'm trying not to go too fast. He's got time to work on it. We did forget the diaper bag and realized it about two blocks after we left home. Me, being me, was like, "Ahhh, it's fine. What are the odds he's going to need a diaper change in the next 45 minutes?" Uh-huh. Obviously, a novice. Of course we get to the doctor's office and they want him stripped naked. What kind of doctor's office is this anyway? And the doctor wants to examine his privates and he's number oned his diaper. Fantastic. Excuse me doctor? Yes, how much is this visit and does it come with a complimentary diaper or do we have to wait for the first five visits and we get the free diaper on the sixth? Actually, they were very understanding and provided a diaper for a one year old. That will be perfect. No problems. The diaper goes up to his chin but that way if he has a "blow-out" he will still be A-okay. He checked out fine. We have a healthy baby boy and his parents now know "take the diaper bag every where you go." Right, got it. I'm sure there will be another lesson or two to learn throughout this parenthood thing. Funny, when I got my certificate (certifying me as a parent for at least one child) they didn't mention anything about bringing diaper bags. I guess we didn't attend the Harvard of baby preparation classes. Enjoy the pics!