He’s been with us for a mere month and already I can’t remember life without him – nor can I imagine life without him, for that matter. He had a doctor’s appointment yesterday and weighs 11 lb. 14 oz., which means he’s gained 3 lbs since his birth (despite battling a cold recently). It’s amazing how infant weight gain can be such a source of pride for a mother. There’s nothing like bragging how big your baby is compared to other babies. 
The doctor put him on his tummy to test his neck strength and was surprised at how well and long he pushed his head up. He’s got three older sisters to protect, so strength will be a definite asset. Even though he’s the baby, I imagine him taking care of all of his sisters one day.
His cold started out pretty innocent, as far as symptoms go, but today a wretched sounding cough started. I cringe each time I hear it, and my one remedy so far is to pick him up and kiss the fat on his neck and cheeks - as if I could actually love the sickness right out of him. I don’t know why it wouldn’t work, actually, since holding him seems to make everything better, no matter what’s bothering him. He’s a delightful baby and loves being near me. Sometimes, when I’m at my most exhausted, I put him next to me in bed, his head on the pillow next to mine. He faces me, our noses practically touching, and we fall to sleep breathing each other’s breath.
The girls are loving him more every day. Jolie and Tess practically smother him, and I’m constantly reminding them not to touch his face. Jolie recently discovered and pondered his male anatomy and asked, “Why is his pee so…” she paused to find the right word, “…ruined?” After I recovered from that one I got to explain a few things. Oh the joys of parenting. As far as my fantasy of Everett protecting his sisters goes – ruined pee-pee or not – Jolie has total confidence in him. I was going upstairs to get Tess from Isaac the other day and Jolie said she’d go with me so I wouldn’t be scared. “I’m not scared,” I told her, “Jesus is with me.” “Well, I’m scared.” she said. Then she remembered her sleeping brother downstairs. “Oh, nevermind. I’m not scared. Everett’s down there.”
I'm married to the best-looking, most considerate, funniest man alive. We have three beautiful little girls - an almost 6 year old, a 3 year old, and an almost 2 year old - and one son born at the beginning of the year, and we live in one of the most gorgeous places on earth. I'm happy to get the chance to give friends and family a glimpse into our lives as we strive to love each other better every day.
That’s some impressive head lifting.
Also, ruined pee-pee… that’s hilarious. A brother is definitely adding a new dynamic to the mix! I’m sure there will be more hilarious stories to come.
Katie, how absolutely beautiful. I LOVE this post! It’s got it all, a picture of that strong baby for Grandma Beck, and a hysterical conversation between Jolie and you on the very ruined anatomy of a male, and your sweet love and mothering…
Hi Sweetie–I caught up on your blog postings, and saw Everett for the first time. He’s a handsome young guy. Love you–Mom
He is so CUTE! What a healthy big boy you have! I grinned SO big when I saw his picture and laughed with some pretty serious joy. Not all babies make me do that…I’m so thrilled for you guys. And I’m hoping our boys will get to play together someday.
Love you heartily,
Lyns
I would LOVE that, Lyndsi.
Belle,
I was wondering how things are coming along with Everett? Those are just adorable pictures! We were wondering if you are breastfeeding? We had been getting some inquires from the medical staff about when we intended to go to formula but the more I have researched it the more we are thinking we are going to stay natural for as long as our newborn will take.
http://www.dailyrx.com/news-article/hypoallergenic-formula-does-not-aid-preventing-allergies-14645.html
There seem to be a lot of reasons to stay away from formula. I wanted to know how the experience with your girls had been and if you had time if you might share on this topic. God Bless you all!
Katie, I’m thrilled that I found your blog!! And I love the two posts I’ve gotten a chance to read so far. You are absolutely precious. I wish we didn’t live a whole country apart from one another, but I’m thankful for the Internet which makes the miles seem a little less distant. I also laughed out loud with the whole “ruined” comment. When Jackson was born, my girls were 8 and 6. Macey wanted to know when “it was going to go away and be normal.” She also got very concerned when I told her that was “normal” for him. She said, “You’re SURE that’s healthy for him??” Love it! Keep in touch!!