Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Memorial Day Weekend

We had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. Jerret had a three-day weekend before leaving for work this week, so we enjoyed our time together. Although Monday was rainy, cold, and cloudy, Saturday and Sunday were beautiful! On Saturday, we took a hike at Corwina Park. Spring is obviously here, as evidenced by the many wildflowers we saw along the way. Most of Sunday was spent at a Memorial Day party at Jerret's coworker, Tim's house. Monday was spent relaxing at home which went along with the dreary weather. Bruce and I will be spending some time in Colorado Springs this week while Jerret is there for work. Hopefully we will have time to visit some of you that we haven't seen in a while! Call my cell phone if I don't call you first and we will get together!



Us resting during our hike


Jerret and Willow watching squirrels


Bruce and I near the creek


Wild Violets


I don't remember what this one is called


White Violet


Stonecrop


Kinnikinnick flowers


Serious face


Extreme close-up

Bruce smiling while falling asleep


Mom and Bruce cuddling


Bruce trying on Daddy's glasses (the baby is not a toy...)

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Things I Like and Stole from Someone Else's Blog

For Mother's Day:

A Newborn's Conversation with God

A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?" God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy." God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."

Again the child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?" God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to pray."

"Who will protect me?" God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life."

"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore." God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."

God said, "You will simply call her, 'Mom'."



The following video is for everyone who ensured me I was crazy for considering natural childbirth and also for those of you who know I am anyway. Don't worry, it's not graphic, just interesting.

Monday, May 19, 2008

1 Month Old!



After 1 month with little Bruce, our lives are a bit less crazy. He only wakes up a couple times during the night and usually sleeps well in between. He does have an awake time between 3 am and 5 am that we are trying to reschedule, however! He just started taking bottles and occasionally gets one from Dad in the early morning to allow Mom a couple extra hours of sleep. :) His 1 month appointment was today and his pediatrician says he looks great! He is now 8.5 pounds and 20.75 inches long. That puts him in the 25th percentile. She also noted that his motor and neurological development were right on track, if not ahead of schedule at this point.

It seems surreal to be writing about him being 1 month old already! It seems like no time has passed between now and the first days we were home with him! We have learned so much between then and now, though. We are getting used to the new normal in our household, which has been a challenging, yet amazing adventure.

I am slowly changing over to a stay-at-home mom mindset. It is rather quiet around here (most of the time) and social interaction during the day is, well, different. Bruce and I are attempting to maintain a healthy social life, however. We meet with friends throughout the week and are looking forward to exploring the many "Mommy and Me" type groups in the area. We walk with Willow almost every day and even made it around the Evergreen Lake with Jerret on Saturday. This was a big accomplishment for me, as is was the most exercise I've had in a long time discounting, of course the mild workout of childbirth :)

Jerret left this morning to go on his first out-of-town job assignment since Bruce's birth. Although he will only be gone a few days this time, we will miss him! Bruce really enjoys hanging out with his Dad when he gets home in the evenings. Even on days that Bruce is fussy throughout the day, he is magically calmed by Jerret almost every time he holds him!

----> Many of our family members have asked for pictures. You are welcome to have copies of any of the pictures you've seen on this website (except, maybe, the one of me just after Bruce's birth). Just let us know which ones you want and we will order them through Shutterfly and you can pick them up at the photo counter at the Target store closest to your zip code. The prints will be 4x6 glossies and generally cost about 20 cents each, depending on what your Target store charges.



Bruce is mesmerized by the Glo Worm who provides moral support during traumatic diaper changes!





The magical calming effects of Daddy



He loves tummy time on his activity mat


Outside with Mommy



Stretching out for a nap on a hot day




The many faces of little Bruce...





Wednesday, May 14, 2008

3 Weeks Old!



Bruce is getting considerably more alert! He is starting to follow with his eyes and get interested in his toys. He sometimes grasps for toys, hands, and his pacifier. He (usually) sleeps well and takes very good naps during the day. He loves his daily walks and doing chores with Mom in the carrier. He hasn't been weighed in a while, but he's noticeably bigger. He now fits more of his clothes and has already grown out of the newborn-sized cloth diapers!

Bruce watching it snow out the window



Bruce loves his dog from Sully and Maddie




Willow wonders why we keep such weird hours these days



Bruce napping on Daddy




He loves to snuggle




When he's asleep, he's REALLY asleep, but when he's awake, he's REALLY awake!




Bruce loves to cuddle with Daddy when he gets home from work



Mother's Day was Child Dedication Sunday and we were able to have Bruce dedicated in the service! He did well and didn't cry! Holly won a rose in the service for being one of two newest moms!


Jerret, Bruce, Holly, and Pastor George


Holly's first Mother's Day was wonderful! Since we had to be at the dedication service on Sunday, we celebrated Mother's Day with Holly's grandma on Saturday. It was a wonderful day!


Great Grandma Eva, Bruce, and Anne


Bruce enjoying tummy time



Bruce playing with his dog



Bruce sleeping peacefully



He now has long(ish) hair on the back of his head

Saturday, May 3, 2008

2 Weeks Old!


We are finally getting settled after our first two weeks with Bruce. He is very healthy and active, demanding meals and attention! He does sleep well, though - Mom and Dad are thankful for that! His eyes are open more often and are a beautiful newborn slate gray color. He is very content when held by Daddy and loves to snuggle with him. His new pass times are staring at faces, stretching, and riding in the Baby Bjorn carrier. Mom's anemia seems to be improving and the whole family has been slowly getting out more. Dad goes back to work on Monday :( but we cherish the time we had to get to know each other over the last couple weeks.

Bruce's little smile


Our family at home

Bruce got to hang out with his Grandmas, his Aunt Sara, and his cousin, John over the last couple weeks.

Bruce and Grammie Green


Left to right: Grandma Eastburg, Bruce, John, Aunt Sara

We are excited about Bruce's Baby Dedication service, which is on Mother's Day, May 11! Hopefully we will have some pictures to post of that event.