Abby spends hours holding and helping me care for her little brother. She is such a big help and will be a great mother someday. Any time I change a diaper or feed Soren, she is right by my side, asking if she can help. She is very good about washing her hands (I'm a bit strict on this rule) and using hand sanitizer over and over all day long - even though it stings her already dry skin. Her favorite time of the day is "tummy time" where she lays on her back with Soren on her tummy. 
Isaac has also been busy teaching Baby Soren a few important lessons. The other day, Isaac spent sunup to sundown decked out in his pirate duds. He insisted that Soren wear the pirate sweater that Grandma bought him (even though it is way too big), and diligently taught Soren all about pirates. His lessons included such essential pirate skills as the proper way to say, "Arrrrgggghhh!" and how to make a hook with your pointer finger. 
Although Soren hasn't started speaking pirate yet, you can imagine Isaac's delight when he discovered that his little brother has learned something from him! Soren found his thumb - and now Isaac has a new little sucking buddy. Just what he needed when we were deciding it was high time to get him to quit. But how can you resist a tiny newborn sucking his thumb - so eager to suck on the thing but not yet figuring out how to curl his fingers up so he ends up poking himself in the eye or picking his nose the entire time. 
Bath time has become a whole family activity.
Soren loves to have his hair washed and combed - and Abby and Isaac LOVE helping their little brother get clean.
Yes, we are absolutely in love with our new little wonder. It is so incredible to have him in our home and in our family. We feel so blessed by his presence! However, we're not out of the woods yet - at Soren's two week check-up yesterday - he had only gained 4 ounces since leaving the hospital. The doc was a bit concerned because he's still not back up to his birth weight. We're keeping up the feeding regimen - I have to wake him up every 3 hours to feed him, and the doc gave us a high-calorie preemie formula to supplement. We go back next week for a weigh in and are praying that he'll start to pack it on.At the appointment, the doctor also reminded us of how fragile our son still is. Little things like baths, or doctor's appointments just wear him out. We are still on our three month "quarantine" from public places or visitors with children. I definitely feel the "Mother Bear" instinct kicking in as I protect my fragile little son from germs. Today I went to pick up Abby from kindergarten and had to fight off the crowds of students who saw me and wanted to see the baby. They were kind about peering in at Soren through the car windows.
We appreciate all the kindness that has been shown to our family. We hope that you can all meet Soren soon!
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