5 weeks already!

It's hard to believe our little "Jack-in-the-box" will be 5 weeks old tomorrow.  Grandma Marie nicknamed him that.  And it's fitting because sometimes he'll just pop his head up suddenly.  He has very good head and neck strength and he loves looking around at everything. 

Little J and I are enjoying our time at home together.  We've been getting things put away, filling out parts of his baby book, listening to music, dancing, doing laundry (yes, it never ends), watching some Olympics, and even doing some cooking.  Jackie is actually taking longer snoozes during the day and sleeping a solid 3-4 hours at a time at night, waking up to eat and then usually going right back to sleep.  I had gotten programmed to waking up after about 2 1/2 to 3 hours because that's when he would wake, but the other night, I woke up on "schedule" only to find him still fast asleep.  It's a great feeling.  Except when you can't fall back asleep then.  Oh, well, I'll take it!  My mom always said I was a great sleeper, and I actually did pray that he would be too.  Thank God, we have been blessed. 

Here are some of his 5 week milestones... 



Sitting up independently (without screaming)



Noticing his surroundings and fixating on them



Loving his bath time

Making and keeping eye contact

Catching a part of the Yankee game with Daddy



Letting Mama know that he loves her so much

Napping in his crib

We are so very proud of him already!  He's such a good baby--he has a very happy temperament and easy-going disposition.  He gets his little "fussy" period like any baby, but he's starting to be very comfortable with his environment and he calms easily.  I can't wait to take him to his next doctor's appointment and see how much he's grown.

Almost one month old...

It seems impossible that our baby is almost one month old.  He has sure started to develop his own little personality and set of preferences.  Jackie can follow your eyes or other visual stimuli with his eyes and he loves looking at lights and ceiling fans.  He chills after feedings in his nap nanny while mommy showers and gets ready.  He is being a pretty good napper and nighttime sleeper too.  He has just started to become aware of his own voice so now he makes cute little noises and coos.  It is so precious.  He amazes us every day. 

Tonight he got pampered with a bath, lotion rub down, and had his hair brushed.  He LOVED the spa treatment!

Baby Steps: All in a Day's Work

After almost 3 weeks after having our little angel, I am starting to feel like things are getting a *little* easier and we're settling into a new routine with our precious baby boy.  Remember when all I had to worry about was getting him safely into the world and our biggest fear was not knowing how he'd be born?  Well, forget that.  I wasn't even CLOSE to being prepared for all of the new worry that consumed my every waking thought now that he's here.  The first two weeks were filled with every emotion fathomable. 

We had lots of different moments.  Moments of stress...

And moments of peace...

Yeah.  It was pretty crazy.  But even now, in his third week, I am finding it easier to feel like myself and not some nutty, overly emotional, overwhelmed, under slept mama.  There are definitely still rough patches and feelings of uncertainty.  But I'm learning to take everything in stride and to just do the best that I can.  And I definitely could NOT have made it those first two weeks without the help of my mom and sister.  Thank you times a million, Mom and Christy!  You both helped and taught me so much!
After leaving our mailbox unchecked for almost 2 weeks, we finally got around to the task. It was jam packed.  After recycling the junk, we were basically left with 2 piles of mail--hospital bills and greeting cards.  So I left the bills alone for awhile and just smiled as I opened lots of sweet cards from loved ones greeting and welcoming baby Jackson into the world.  It was like one of those chicken- soup-for-the-new-mom's-soul moments.  Thank you to our sweet families and friends for sending us some much needed smiles!

Friday...17 Days Old
Jackson and I wanted to get out of the house for a little bit so we loaded up all our gear and headed up to the family businesses.  We had such a great day and Jackson was so flexible--eating, napping, and lounging just as babies do.  I didn't do much other than answer a couple of phone calls and tag in a few dry cleaning orders, but it was a start.  At first it seemed strange being back to work.  But then, it was so nice to feel productive and feel like I could see myself being able to juggle the combination of working and taking care of baby Jackie.  Though it will take time to get back up to speed with my regular routine, at least we made some small "baby" steps. 


We improvised here and made a laundry cart bassinet.  He loved it.

After work, Phil, Jackson, and I headed to get a bite to eat at Buffalo Wild Wings.  I ordered my first beer in almost a year.  Jackson was sleeping like a little angel so Phil ordered some wings and I got a yummy salad.  The honeymoon didn't last long.  Jackie was up and ready to go, hungry and fussy so we decided to pack up our order to-go and head home from the long day.  Best decision ever.  But hey, at least we tried.  We got to have a beer and share an appetizer.  Baby steps.

I am not officially locked into any kind of schedule (obviously, these little guys have a schedule of their own and you sort of have no choice but to follow along), but each day that he's here, Jackie is getting the hang of being in his new world, and I'm getting the hang of how to help him adjust.  I just love him so much.  At night, he's been giving me 3-5 hour stretches of sleep, and it's getting easier to face the morning. 



This is my morning face.

2 weeks old

Growing every day...



Mad Face



Saying Prayers




Swing Time



Surprise Visit from Aunt Christy!

One Week Old

Welcome To The World, Jackie!

Introducing our son,

Jackson Donald Rinella

Born Tuesday, June 26, 2012

7 lbs 10.1 oz

20 inches

We love you so much and are so happy you are finally here!



His little "claw hand" always popping out



We were gonna get you outta there one way or another

Love from Daddy



Cuddles from Mommy



Proud Big Sis



Newest Member of Yankee Universe
(Phil MADE me write that)



Great Grandma Marie



Aunt Mary



Grandma Sue



Grandma Deeann



It's a Family Affair



Cousins Charlie and Ally



I'm all done with this hospital, let's go home!

We have been so happy (though extremely tired) these last few days.  Once things get settled, I'll share his birth story with you.  He is a special guy.  Thank you to all the visitors--grandparents, family and friends who dropped by and saw us in the hospital.  Thank you to my mom for being here and offering all the support.  Thank you Aunt Michele and Aunt Mary for the BEAUTIFUL flowers in the hospital, and to Doc Matt and staff for the gorgeous bouquet at home.  Thank you Grandpa Don, Aunt Sue, Aunt Donna, and Aunt Chelle for the yummy fruit arrangement!  Thank you customers of Hot Corner for the 2000+ diapers you raised and congrats to Big Mac on his winning raffle ticket!  

Thank you everyone for sharing in our new little bundle of joy! 

Love, Karen and Phil