Paul Update

Paul is just as cute as can be.
He still has that "old man" newborn look. -
You know, receding hairline and wrinkles.
He has big hands and big feet and long fingers.
Did I mention he's cute?

Yes, he is a Downs baby.
And most of the time, he looks just like Matthew - just much smaller
(Matthew was 10 pounds at birth!)
but once in a while it is more evident.

There was some mild concern that he wasn't gaining weight.
But he was on an IV for a few days
- which slows down the appetite and the lost weight put him behind for overall gaining.

And he wasn't getting good suction while nursing,
so Karen got some advice from a lactation consultant friend.

Now he is noticably filling out.
He's passed the 8 lb mark.

He's a pretty quiet baby yet -
but you should see the funny faces he makes while sleeping or filling his diaper!

He doesn't fuss or cry too much.
He doesn't mind being put down to sleep.
But Karen says he nurses slower
and she has to get him positioned just so
so he is more time consuming and cuts more into her sleep than the others did
and requires a more active brain on her part.

So he's a bit more "demanding" than the other 4 were.
So I've been helping by giving her Bethie breaks
and Tim takes Bethie for her horse therapy.
Because that's what family and friends do - we pull together.
Do you know the song "I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God." ?
"When one has a heart ache, we all share the tears, and
rejoice in each victory in this family so dear."

He'll be very well loved - just like all the other new babies this year -
he'll be 3rd of 6 for our family and friends.
(LaRue, Melinda, Paul, Collene, due August and due October.)

LaRue was trying to get him to sit up and play with her Friday.
Maybe they will be best buddies growing up?

If you want to leave a comment/congratulations for Karen
I'll make sure she gets them.
She sure is proud of him
can't you tell by that smile!