Bye bye umbilical cord!

Added a new job yesterday - taking extra care of him for a week after the bris.  But one job less today - umbilical cord is gone!

The 5 Senses

With Cole's arrival, I feel like all of my senses have been heightened.

I love touching him -- Cole's skin is so soft and his little hairs are just so silky. I am content petting him all day long. And luckily, he is ok with it too!

I especially love smelling him -- I know that may sound funny, but he has the most wonderful smell. It is a sweet smell that I cannot describe. I find myself bending down and just sniffing him. Right now, even his dirty diapers don't smell bad.

Of course, I think he is very easy on the eyes -- He looks just like his daddy.

Since I am breast feeding him, I am always hungry and all food tastes better. Plus I can eat sushi and lox now!!! All great things.

Now, I just said my senses were heightened. The previous examples were positive. Right about now, I wish my sense of hearing was dulled a bit. I wake at the smallest quiver or peep. I used to sleep through earthquakes (literally) but now I jump at any noise he makes. Futhermore, any cry of his just sets my heart racing!!!

The pictures lie!

While all these pictures are of our adorable baby sleeping, don't let that fool you. He sleeps when cuddled safe in his mommy or daddy's arms, once he is put down that is his signal to cry. His first night consisted of mommy and daddy trading off rocking, shusshing and comforting him. So I ask all parents ... do you let them cry or do you comfort them? This is a retorical question and I'm sure one that all parents ask themselves at one time or another. I guess we will figure out our answer as time goes on.

Trying nap time without bundling up

Morning nap

Maybe he's dreaming about his other sock

Our first walk

You will know when...

The whole pregnancy is littered with feelings and sensations that people just say "You will know it when you feel it..." For an A-type personality like me, that is not an acceptable answer. I want to know WHAT it feels like. WHAt am I going to feel? WHAT should I be looking for?

Here are just a few examples:
1. Baby Kicking --- you will feel flutters, but you will know it when you feel it
2. Contractions -- you will feel pain, but you will know it when you feel it
3. Pushing --- you will have an urge to push, but you will know it when you feel it
4. Engorgement/Let Down --- you will feel your breasts start to change, but you will know it when you feel it.

Well people, all I can say ... for each of them - I can try to explain how it feels, but I would say "You will know it when you feel it"

Announcing Nikolai

Dear Family and Friends,

We're so happy to announce the birth of Nikolai "Cole" Shandler Bokin! He was a little late joining us, but he's well worth the wait. Mom, Dad and baby are all doing super after 36hrs of labor.

He arrived on an easy-to-remember date - 02/20/2010, measuring 7lb 5oz and 19-7/8" (3.3kg, 50.5 cm).

Thank you so much for all of your support!

Vadim, Talia and Cole