The Kiefer Krew: February 2013

Yes, we are now a family of 4 and this update is a bit late! Benson Arthur Kiefer was born on Janurary 7. He was 7 lbs 4 oz and 20 inches. It was a scheduled c-section and everything went as planned. We arrived at the hospital at 7am and we were ready for surgery at 8:45. Everything went flawless and we met our little guy at 9:12am. He's absolutely perfect! The procedure wasn't at all what I remember with Jacob. Probably because by the time I had surgery with Jacob, I had already been in labor for so long and I was so exhaused! It was more painful this time, but the doctors warned me that it would be because of the scar tissue. He is now 7 weeks old and growing like a weed! He is very laid back. He typically only cries when he is hungry or has gas. He's a pretty good sleeper too! I usually get at least one 4-5 hour stretch at night otherwise he still eating about 3 hours. My dad came down to help with Jacob while we was we were in the hospital. He got here two days before Benson was born and stayed for 10 days. It was a huge help and Jacob loved spending time with him! I was in the hospital for 3 days, so my dad would bring Jacob every afternoon to visit. The day I was to be discharged, my dad called at 5:30 in the morning to tell me Jacob had a fever. So, it was a mad rush to get me discharged so we could get Jacob to the clinic. Luckily, he just had an ear infection!


Going Home!

Jacob loves his little brother. We were a bit worried how he was going to be with him because he's pretty rough with our dog. But, it came natural. He softly touches his head and gives him kisses. Sometimes when he is crying, Jacob will even go to him and hold his hand. One night when he was in the bathtub, he heard Benson crying. He says uh-oh and immediately had to get out to check on him. He is a great helper:) There really isn't any jealousy issues. Every so often he will want to be held only because either Joe or I are holding Benson, but that doesn't happen much.

First time meeting Benson!


Such a good big brother!

Trying to give him a kiss while feeding him.

Little helper!

Jacob is now 17 months and changing by the day! He is starting to say more words some of which are... up, go, thank you, grandpa, dogger, all done, all gone and eye and bye. At daycare they sing a prayer song before meals and Jacob has recently started singing it. It doesn't know the words, but has the tune down! We first heard him sing this over the monitor from his crib. Now, he sings it all the time! Joe's parents arrived that day that my dad left and also stayed for 10 days. Jacob had a great time with all of his grandparents!

Since my mom was unable to make it to Florida to see the baby, I thought we would come home and surprise her! Call me crazy, but I flew back to Wisconsin with the boys by myself. Joe had to work and was unable to join us. I was a bit worried about the flight, but it went great. Jacob did amazing! He just sat in his seat and read, watched DVDs and slept. It went way better than I could have even imagined! Benson was on my lap and on the way there we had a row to ourselves! The extra room was nice. The only hiccup during the travel was on the flight back, Benson had a major blow out all the way up his back! Try changing a baby in a airplane bathroom...not fun or easy!! The trip was fun! My mom was really surprised! We were planning on going to her school and surprising her, but of course it was a snow day. My dad came up with a story that he had to go to the airport to interview someone for his work and told my mom that it would just take 5 minutes if she wanted to ride along and then he would take her to Mall of America for Valentine's Day. (we flew in on V-Day) So, until she saw us, she had no idea that we were coming. My sister and her family also came in on Thrusday night to spend the weekend. On Saturday we went to the cities to see my brother's new house and took a trip to Mall of America to Lego Land. The trip went quick! I did manage to seek in one girls night. It was nice to sit and catch up with them!