New Baby, Part Deux

OK, a few things have transpired in the last two months since I've written anything here. Kara had her actually birthday and was still sick for it. Don't worry, she did get better and finally had her small taste of cake (after disposing of the frosting by flipping over her banana cupcake). Also, we finally got rid of my old car that was beginning to be the bane of my existence. While it seemed to run (for the most part), there was little suspension left in the rear and one wheel was starting to bend inward, looking like it might snap off at any moment. Really, it was not a fun-to-drive vehicle in any sense. But the biggest thing was that we brought home a new addition to our little family.

Nathan Byron was born at 8:39 a.m. on Jan. 31, 2009, weighing in at 9 pounds 5 ounces and was 22 and a quarter inches long. (If you think those stats make for a big baby, you forgot what size his sister came out.) It was a bit of surprise having a baby who actually fit into newborn clothes and diapers.

While Frema and I are still adjusting to be parents of two, I can't imagine what it is like to be a one year old adjusting to what it means to be an older sibling. I'm not sure what she really understands of what is going on. But other than freaking out when he cries now and then, so far Kara seems to be taking it all pretty well. Although she does get a little too excited and has ended up smacking him in the face once or twice reached out to touch him. We are pretty sure she has not meant to be malicious. Still, it has not been easy trying to teach her to soft and gentle to the baby, but other than that we're pretty sure that she likes having him around.

When she's not sure where he is, she'll look around for him and peek in the bassinet and the playpen. It will be interesting to see what they're like together when they are a little older, like when he's able to actually play with toys and realize it when she takes one away from him. But for now, it's just cute to see her get excited and squeal with sheer delight when she sees him.