These last few weeks have been so much fun, because Zachary has discovered that he has these useful & fun appendages called hands!
First he discovered he could stick them in his mouth instead of his binky. That was a great use for them. Then he discovered each individual finger would wiggle on its own. Then he decided he neede to learn more about them, so he stared at them for hours on end. Then he started clasping them together, and feeling things with them- like Mom's shirt, his burp rag, a stuffed animal... Next he figured out he could grab things with them- he loves to grab his burp rag and lift it up to his face. Now he can grab his binky, too, and take it out of his mouth...not such a useful skill...it would be much nicer if he had the hang of putting it IN his own mouth in the middle of the night! :) Yesterday he discovered his hair...I looked over at him sitting in his car seat next to my desk at work, and he was feeling his hair (and coordinating bald spot- more like a bald band- that goes all the way around his head now) with his little fingers- SO adorable!
Sometimes his hands are just downright ornery. When he's drinking a bottle, he wants to help 'hold' the bottle, but he ends up pushing the bottle away from his mouth. As I already mentioned, he also takes his pacifier out. And getting him dressed used to be simple...now after I dress him, I feel like I just wrestled a cat! Oh, but it's so fun to watch him LEARN! I can't wait to be with him as he experiences so much more in life! :)
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Friday, March 7, 2008
Party Time!
It's Party Time! The Ultimate Blog Party is going on over at www.5minutesformom.com!
Well, my blog is relatively new and I haven't updated a lot recently, because I just had a baby! I just became a mom for the first time in December, and it is a truly unique experience! I had no idea something could be so all-consuming! But yet fun at the same time! :) So enjoy looking at the witty & profound posts...or, well, you know...something like that! :) I'm sure there will be many more discussions to come about parenting & everything else I do (which sometimes seems like it isn't much!).
Well, my blog is relatively new and I haven't updated a lot recently, because I just had a baby! I just became a mom for the first time in December, and it is a truly unique experience! I had no idea something could be so all-consuming! But yet fun at the same time! :) So enjoy looking at the witty & profound posts...or, well, you know...something like that! :) I'm sure there will be many more discussions to come about parenting & everything else I do (which sometimes seems like it isn't much!).
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Where Have I Been?
Okay, it's been over a month since I posted on here! So where have I been? Well, first of all, I've been over on facebook- if you don't have one, you should- it's great for getting in touch with people from camp/college/high school/etc. and it's so easy to share pictures & videos and everything! Other than that...
I've been walking up and down the house, bouncing and singing and rocking to help Zachary calm down.
I've been standing by Zachary's crib with my hand on his tummy, helping him get over his gas spells.
I've been sitting on the living room floor, watching my son learn to smile, laugh, grab toys, roll over, and just generally wrap his mommy around his little finger.
I've been sleeping...a little.
I've been boxing up Zachary's newborn and 0-3 month clothes as he outgrows them, part of me glad to be past this stage, and part of me wishing he could stay tiny forever.
I've been working in the camp office almost every day, and even in the kitchen some.
I've been at the pediatrician's office several times...for routine checkups, shots (I cried more than he did, I think), and one diagnosis of acid reflux.
I've been taking pictures and videos of my happy boy whenever I can.
I've been changing diapers...I really don't mind it, though, because Zachary is usually in such a good mood- he loves the one-on-one attention at changing time!
I've been reading stories, poems & board books to my little mister, something I've always looked forward to.
I've been on my knees, praying for my hubby & baby.
I've been looking forward to all the amazing things God is going to do in our family.
And I've been doing so much more, too! Being a mom is fun, but totally all-consuming! I definitely feel like Zachary is my life now, and I'm fine with that! :) He is growing so quickly, and pretty soon he'll be out of this baby stage forever, so I'm trying to cherish every day-and night! (I'm going to make myself cry!) He is already 1/4 of a year old! Joel is doing a great job being a daddy, and such a great partner to me! I'm definitely looking forward to Zachary sleeping through the night, though. I definitely won't regret when he grows out of that night feeding!
So, where have you been???
I've been walking up and down the house, bouncing and singing and rocking to help Zachary calm down.
I've been standing by Zachary's crib with my hand on his tummy, helping him get over his gas spells.
I've been sitting on the living room floor, watching my son learn to smile, laugh, grab toys, roll over, and just generally wrap his mommy around his little finger.
I've been sleeping...a little.
I've been boxing up Zachary's newborn and 0-3 month clothes as he outgrows them, part of me glad to be past this stage, and part of me wishing he could stay tiny forever.
I've been working in the camp office almost every day, and even in the kitchen some.
I've been at the pediatrician's office several times...for routine checkups, shots (I cried more than he did, I think), and one diagnosis of acid reflux.
I've been taking pictures and videos of my happy boy whenever I can.
I've been changing diapers...I really don't mind it, though, because Zachary is usually in such a good mood- he loves the one-on-one attention at changing time!
I've been reading stories, poems & board books to my little mister, something I've always looked forward to.
I've been on my knees, praying for my hubby & baby.
I've been looking forward to all the amazing things God is going to do in our family.
And I've been doing so much more, too! Being a mom is fun, but totally all-consuming! I definitely feel like Zachary is my life now, and I'm fine with that! :) He is growing so quickly, and pretty soon he'll be out of this baby stage forever, so I'm trying to cherish every day-and night! (I'm going to make myself cry!) He is already 1/4 of a year old! Joel is doing a great job being a daddy, and such a great partner to me! I'm definitely looking forward to Zachary sleeping through the night, though. I definitely won't regret when he grows out of that night feeding!
So, where have you been???
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Pain
Yesterday, I let someone hurt my baby.
It sounds terrible, doesn't it? Well, it was. Zachary had his 2-month doctor's appointment yesterday and got his first shots. :( It was SO sad!!! I cried. He got these cute little bandaids on his legs, and after eating a bottle and calming down, he was fine, but I'm still sort of traumatized. :(
Last week I was singing a hymn to Zachary about God giving His Son to die for us, and I started thinking about it, and just started crying. Because especially now that I have a son, I can't imagine choosing to give him up to someone to hurt and kill him. Even if it would save all the people in the world. I guess it just hit me more than it ever has before how much it really cost God to give up his Son for us. And to watch someone hurt him so that we could have life. It's pretty amazing what God can use to teach us more about Himself.
It sounds terrible, doesn't it? Well, it was. Zachary had his 2-month doctor's appointment yesterday and got his first shots. :( It was SO sad!!! I cried. He got these cute little bandaids on his legs, and after eating a bottle and calming down, he was fine, but I'm still sort of traumatized. :(
Last week I was singing a hymn to Zachary about God giving His Son to die for us, and I started thinking about it, and just started crying. Because especially now that I have a son, I can't imagine choosing to give him up to someone to hurt and kill him. Even if it would save all the people in the world. I guess it just hit me more than it ever has before how much it really cost God to give up his Son for us. And to watch someone hurt him so that we could have life. It's pretty amazing what God can use to teach us more about Himself.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Attitude
I had a good day today. You know why? Because I had a good attitude. All day. I haven't always had a good attitude lately. Sometimes I find myself thinking selfish thoughts like, "Why can't I just get more sleep?" and "why is he always screaming?" and "why can't I get anything done?" but yesterday some things Joel said to me made me realize that I'm not being loving towards Zachary when I think selfish thoughts like that or respond impatiently to his cries.
And so I decided to have a joyful attitude. I realized that a sour attitude doesn't make anyone's day better or solve anything. If I complain enough, it might get me some sympathy, but it ruins my day as much as everyone else's. And also love. What is truly love? Love is selflessness and love is action. So when I walk up and down the house for a half hour with a screaming baby, I am loving him. When I respond patiently to his cries at 3:30 in the morning, I am loving him. When I get nothing else done because he eats every 1 1/2 to 2 hours and doesn't sleep all day, I am loving him by taking care of him. So I have been reminding myself of that, too.
And really, attitude does make all the difference. And prayer helps a lot with the attitude. :)
And so I decided to have a joyful attitude. I realized that a sour attitude doesn't make anyone's day better or solve anything. If I complain enough, it might get me some sympathy, but it ruins my day as much as everyone else's. And also love. What is truly love? Love is selflessness and love is action. So when I walk up and down the house for a half hour with a screaming baby, I am loving him. When I respond patiently to his cries at 3:30 in the morning, I am loving him. When I get nothing else done because he eats every 1 1/2 to 2 hours and doesn't sleep all day, I am loving him by taking care of him. So I have been reminding myself of that, too.
And really, attitude does make all the difference. And prayer helps a lot with the attitude. :)
Sunday, January 6, 2008
I did it!
The nursery, it has been conquered.
Little Z went into the nursery this morning...for both Sunday school and church. Without incident. The workers said he was 'cute as a button' and 'didn't make a sound'. It was great to be able to enjoy my great ladies Bible study & of course the church service...interrupted only by my obsessive looking at my watch every 5 minutes to see if it was time to go pick up my baby yet! :) I only checked on him once, between Sunday school & church, which is to be expected. Then Joel came & hauled me to the church service, which was very helpful. :)
Tonight Daddy is at church & a KidZone practice, and I am enjoying wearing Zachary in the Snugli (best invention EVER, people--once I figured out I was wearing the straps all wrong, and now it works great!)- and listening to music & packing for vacation!!!
Little Z went into the nursery this morning...for both Sunday school and church. Without incident. The workers said he was 'cute as a button' and 'didn't make a sound'. It was great to be able to enjoy my great ladies Bible study & of course the church service...interrupted only by my obsessive looking at my watch every 5 minutes to see if it was time to go pick up my baby yet! :) I only checked on him once, between Sunday school & church, which is to be expected. Then Joel came & hauled me to the church service, which was very helpful. :)
Tonight Daddy is at church & a KidZone practice, and I am enjoying wearing Zachary in the Snugli (best invention EVER, people--once I figured out I was wearing the straps all wrong, and now it works great!)- and listening to music & packing for vacation!!!
Friday, January 4, 2008
Observations From a One-Month-Old's Mommy
Well...life with a newborn is many things. Exhausting, fun, exhausting, confusing, and strange...but mostly exhausting!!! Now that we are starting to get some things figured out with little Z, it is getting a little easier, but still...sometimes we feel like we have NO CLUE what is going on! Last night was a good night, and we had a good dr.'s appointment this morning, so today is shaping up to be a good day!
The biggest shock to me so far...well, I have always heard SAHM's say that they got so lonely during the day at home with their babies, and just HAD to get out...and I honestly thought I would never feel that way...I am pretty much a homebody, and before I had Zachary I wanted to stay home all the time and work around the house. Well, now Zachary is one month old (today!) and I've been home with him for about 2 weeks, and Joel's been here a few of those days...with time off for the holidays, and already I completely understand what all those moms have been saying. I mean, I love my son, and I'm so glad I get to stay home with him, but honestly, sometimes I do feel like I just need to get out and do something! Or at least talk to someone who says anything other than "WAAAAA"! I turn on HGTV sometimes just to hear someone besides myself TALK. :)
The last few days, though, Zachary has started to smile at me sometimes...and that pretty much makes it all worth it. Yesterday he smiled at me about 3 times while I was reading him a book, and that was pretty special. He is such a cutie, and I really do enjoy my time with him...it's just different than I imagined. This next week, we're taking a trip to Iowa to visit family, so we're looking forward to seeing how he reacts to the traveling & family & all. We can't wait to see our families either! :)Wednesday, December 12, 2007
True Love
Zachary Wayne was born on Wednesday, December 5th, at 7:22 pm. He weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces; and was 20 1/2 inches long. He is perfectly healthy, and we are just enjoying him so much! Of course, he keeps us up at night, but that's his job, and he's pretty good at it. :) He will be a week old tonight, and I can already see him changing! I cried yesterday because he already looks different, more filled out than when he was born...my tiny boy is already growing up! :( My labor was long and painful...and not what I expected in the least, but it's over, and I'm recovering very well, and, yes, I'm already willing to do it all again for another baby...in a few years... :)
I have always loved kids, and I've been waiting my whole life to be a mommy, so I knew I would love it. I also knew that Joel was looking forward to being a daddy, and that he would do a great job at it. But what I didn't expect was how completely adorable he would be as he held and interacted with Zachary, and how patient and sweet he would be with me during even these rough, sleepless first few days, and I never expected the experience of watching him be a daddy to make me totally fall head over heels in love with him all over again, and add a whole new dimension to our relationship. So in the midst of new parenting challenges and joys, here is an ode to the Hubby & Daddy of the year.
True Love is...
-letting your wife hold your hands during 22 hours of labor and hardly complaining when they lose circulation because she's squeezing them so hard.
-changing all of the baby's diapers the whole time you're in the hospital
-going out to get your wife milkshakes and iced coffee in the middle of the night
-getting up for every feeding for a week just to help out with some feeding difficulties
-holding your emotional post-partum wife as she bawls for no reason...more than once...!
-trying your best to figure out how to dress the baby in the riduculously complicated (but cute) outfits his mother picks out for him...all those snaps!!!
-letting your wife sit in the backseat with the baby so you both know he's okay, even though it means she doesn't get to sit up front with you.
-spending plenty of time each day just relaxing with your wife and admiring your son together, even though there are lots of other things you need to do.
-spending an entire afternoon driving around town looking for some baby supplies that will make your wife's life easier.
Joel, in the last week, you've become an expert in diapers, onesies, swaddling, feeding, and burping, to mention just a few things. You have always been an amazing husband, and I am so blessed to have you by my side and watch you as you fulfill the role of daddy in such sweet ways that I never could've imagined. I love you, and I'm so thankful for you and little Z.
I have always loved kids, and I've been waiting my whole life to be a mommy, so I knew I would love it. I also knew that Joel was looking forward to being a daddy, and that he would do a great job at it. But what I didn't expect was how completely adorable he would be as he held and interacted with Zachary, and how patient and sweet he would be with me during even these rough, sleepless first few days, and I never expected the experience of watching him be a daddy to make me totally fall head over heels in love with him all over again, and add a whole new dimension to our relationship. So in the midst of new parenting challenges and joys, here is an ode to the Hubby & Daddy of the year.
True Love is...
-letting your wife hold your hands during 22 hours of labor and hardly complaining when they lose circulation because she's squeezing them so hard.
-changing all of the baby's diapers the whole time you're in the hospital
-going out to get your wife milkshakes and iced coffee in the middle of the night
-getting up for every feeding for a week just to help out with some feeding difficulties
-holding your emotional post-partum wife as she bawls for no reason...more than once...!
-trying your best to figure out how to dress the baby in the riduculously complicated (but cute) outfits his mother picks out for him...all those snaps!!!
-letting your wife sit in the backseat with the baby so you both know he's okay, even though it means she doesn't get to sit up front with you.
-spending plenty of time each day just relaxing with your wife and admiring your son together, even though there are lots of other things you need to do.
-spending an entire afternoon driving around town looking for some baby supplies that will make your wife's life easier.
Joel, in the last week, you've become an expert in diapers, onesies, swaddling, feeding, and burping, to mention just a few things. You have always been an amazing husband, and I am so blessed to have you by my side and watch you as you fulfill the role of daddy in such sweet ways that I never could've imagined. I love you, and I'm so thankful for you and little Z.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Overdue and Unhappy
Well, in case you're wondering... YES, it is my due date today. NO, we do not have a baby yet. Please don't ask. I am officially overdue. Somehow I had sort of convinced myself that since little Jr. was measuring big, he would be early...but in fact, he is just big. Or else he's just too comfortable. I've been walking and trying every 'natural labor-inducing remedy' I can find on the internet...but no baby yet! I have been feeling so horribly grouchy about the whole thing...and then I feel terrible for feeling grouchy... I mean, I'm SO thankful for this baby, shouldn't I just be grateful & not grouchy that he's not here yet? But seriously, I cried for about a half hour last night because I wasn't in labor!!!
We saw the doctor today, and she scheduled an ultrasound and non-stress test for Friday, and if the baby looks okay, she will let me go home and keep waiting...and if there's no baby by next Monday night, December 10th, she will be inducing me with Cervidil. SO...at the VERY latest, Jr. should be here in the next week! :) Hubby is doing a great job being patient, keeping me stocked up with ice cream, and keeping my attitude positive while we WAIT! (and holding me while I cry...)
We have had some gorgeous snow here today and yesterday...I love the snow...the way it looks, going out walking in it...I'm sure I won't love it as much by March, but for now, it is beautiful! Hope everyone else is enjoying your winter! :) Hopefully we'll have some news here soon!!!
We saw the doctor today, and she scheduled an ultrasound and non-stress test for Friday, and if the baby looks okay, she will let me go home and keep waiting...and if there's no baby by next Monday night, December 10th, she will be inducing me with Cervidil. SO...at the VERY latest, Jr. should be here in the next week! :) Hubby is doing a great job being patient, keeping me stocked up with ice cream, and keeping my attitude positive while we WAIT! (and holding me while I cry...)
We have had some gorgeous snow here today and yesterday...I love the snow...the way it looks, going out walking in it...I'm sure I won't love it as much by March, but for now, it is beautiful! Hope everyone else is enjoying your winter! :) Hopefully we'll have some news here soon!!!
Friday, November 23, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving! (a day late, but shouldn't every day be Thanksgiving, really?) :) Well, that's my excuse, anyway...
I'm so thankful today for everything that God has given me...He has blessed me immensely...I guess the best way I can think of to thank Him for all He's done is through a list of 'thankful things'.
1. Bringing me to Himself and keeping me from wandering too far from Him.
2. Bringing Hubby and I together and growing us into the couple we are today.
3. Giving us our little Jr. in His own perfect timing.
4. Even when we can't be with our extended families for the holidays, this post reminded me to thank Him that our families are healthy and for the most part, living for the Lord.
5. Providing us with countless opportunities to serve Him, at camps, churches, and in our communities.
6. Providing for us financially each day, including mountains of baby things!
7. Leading us to a wonderful, supportive church family and strong Biblical teaching at our church.
8. All the 'little extras' that He gives us, just to enjoy- like Christmas music & decorations! :)
Hope everyone else had a great Thanksgiving & day after! :) We enjoyed a yummy turkey dinner at our neighbors with some of their extended family, and then came home to relax! I made a 'crustless' pumpkin pie, which was actually delicious, so we've been enjoying that! Today, we slept in late again, and then went to town to search for Hubby's Christmas present...which we finally found at Sam's Club, thankfully...of course, to Hubby's chagrin, I had to find something to buy at almost every store we went to...you know, since we're there...may as well grab some _____ :) Oh, he loves it when I do that. Then we went to Wegman's cafe for lunch, and I had a calzone (yummy!). When we came home, I worked on Christmas decorations and got the tree all put up...just a couple more things to finish tomorrow! I've been playing Bing Crosby & Mannheim Steamroller all day- I love Christmas music! :)
In baby news...not much new...he has 'dropped' partway, which basically just means I'm super- uncomfortable now if I walk too much... everything is on track... 11 days until my due date, but he could really be here any time...and my doctor will only let me go about a week over due since she thinks he's so big...so for sure in the next 18 days, he will be here! How exciting is that??? Yay! I have had two more showers- one at church, and one at TOPS, a weight-loss group that I go to- such sweet ladies! :) They surprised me with a shower on Wednesday morning! I feel like we're all ready! We've got everything we need...(I think, but really how would I know??? I've never done this before!!!) And I have another shower on Sunday night at one of the camp's supporting churches...God is so good!
I'm so thankful today for everything that God has given me...He has blessed me immensely...I guess the best way I can think of to thank Him for all He's done is through a list of 'thankful things'.
1. Bringing me to Himself and keeping me from wandering too far from Him.
2. Bringing Hubby and I together and growing us into the couple we are today.
3. Giving us our little Jr. in His own perfect timing.
4. Even when we can't be with our extended families for the holidays, this post reminded me to thank Him that our families are healthy and for the most part, living for the Lord.
5. Providing us with countless opportunities to serve Him, at camps, churches, and in our communities.
6. Providing for us financially each day, including mountains of baby things!
7. Leading us to a wonderful, supportive church family and strong Biblical teaching at our church.
8. All the 'little extras' that He gives us, just to enjoy- like Christmas music & decorations! :)
Hope everyone else had a great Thanksgiving & day after! :) We enjoyed a yummy turkey dinner at our neighbors with some of their extended family, and then came home to relax! I made a 'crustless' pumpkin pie, which was actually delicious, so we've been enjoying that! Today, we slept in late again, and then went to town to search for Hubby's Christmas present...which we finally found at Sam's Club, thankfully...of course, to Hubby's chagrin, I had to find something to buy at almost every store we went to...you know, since we're there...may as well grab some _____ :) Oh, he loves it when I do that. Then we went to Wegman's cafe for lunch, and I had a calzone (yummy!). When we came home, I worked on Christmas decorations and got the tree all put up...just a couple more things to finish tomorrow! I've been playing Bing Crosby & Mannheim Steamroller all day- I love Christmas music! :)
In baby news...not much new...he has 'dropped' partway, which basically just means I'm super- uncomfortable now if I walk too much... everything is on track... 11 days until my due date, but he could really be here any time...and my doctor will only let me go about a week over due since she thinks he's so big...so for sure in the next 18 days, he will be here! How exciting is that??? Yay! I have had two more showers- one at church, and one at TOPS, a weight-loss group that I go to- such sweet ladies! :) They surprised me with a shower on Wednesday morning! I feel like we're all ready! We've got everything we need...(I think, but really how would I know??? I've never done this before!!!) And I have another shower on Sunday night at one of the camp's supporting churches...God is so good!
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