Declan Stone

A little over a week ago, we welcomed a little boy into our family and this world.

Terry, Marshall, and I are so excited and proud to introduce this tiny bundle.

Declan Stone Heinrich

Born Wednesday, October 5, 12:30 am ("zero dark thirty," as Terry says)

7 pounds, 13 ounces

20.5 inches

(the same length as his big brother, and exactly one ounce bigger!)

We are settling into our new routines as a family of four. The hospital stay was much shorter than last time (hooray for no jaundice!) and allowed us to get home to focus on our little boys.

Marshall seems so excited by the arrival of his little brother. He says things like:

"Declan! Hi Declan! How are you?"

"I want to hold Declan's hand."

When Declan cries during a cold diaper change: "It's okay, Declan!" (usually yelled loudly, to make sure Declan can hear him)

"He's waking up a little bit!"

"He's SO little."

"He's SO sleepy."

Likely, the transition has been toughest on Marshall, but he is handling it well. Sweet as he is to Declan, he is also two and needs attention from both Mommy and Daddy that we are trying so hard to give him. I am still recovering physically, so Terry has, as usual, stepped up in every way to make sure we have good meals, a clean house, and a happy toddler (though the last often feels like a tall order).

Once again, I am reminded how wonderful of a man I married. He truly astonishes me as he demonstrates patience, love, kindness, and helpfulness with all of us.

I will share Declan's birth story soon, along with the first few weeks of his sweet life. For now, we are focused on snuggling this sweet, tiny (well, relatively) newborn.

Welcome, sweet Declan. We are so glad you're here (early!); thank you for giving us two extra weeks with you! We can't wait to get to know you better, and we love you beyond words already!