wardrobe change

Yesterday, I did the wardrobe switch-a-roo...I got my regular clothes out from the storage box and put my maternity clothes in. I am actually a little sad about it. As I have said before, I really liked my maternity clothes and don't like my regular clothes nearly as much. I am also a little (maybe just a smidge) sad that my maternity clothes wearing days have come to an end - at least for now.

I've gone from this...

to this...

all for this...

one month

Dear Baby Boy-
Today you are one month old, and I can't believe it! Each day has been wonderful. It is so strange that just a month ago, you were being born...the anticipation was finally coming to an end. Jonas, you have changed our lives in ways that we could not even really imagine. I was so apprehensive about the changes you would bring, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I am a little sad that your newborn stage is coming to an end - I just keep trying to savor each moment. I love that you fit just perfectly in my arms and that your cry is still a "baby" cry. I love that you look at me with your big blue eyes while I talk to you or while you are eating. I love watching you sleep. You smile in your sleep, and it is so sweet. Sometimes, I just want to wake you up so I can spend more time with you. I love when you are awake and are interacting with your dad and I. You grunt and coo, and I just know you are "talking" to us. You like to kick your legs and swing your arms during your play time.

During your one month as our son, we have celebrated my birthday and dad's birthday as well as Father's day. These special days have been so much more special since you are here. We have even gone on some family outings - just last night we went to the movies and dinner.

Son, I love you more than I ever thought I would or could - and it has only been a month. You have made me want to be the best person I can be. You have made me recognize my need for Jesus even more. Being a parent has been so hard, but you are so worth it. I am thankful that I get to be your mommy, and I am excited about our future together!

twenty-eight

Today is Paul's birthday! To celebrate his 28 years, here is a list of 28 things I love about Paul...

1. He's tall...way taller than me
2. he likes to fix things on his own
3. he cleans the bathroom soooo well
4. he usually lets me pick what we watch on tv
5. his integrity is honorable
6. he loves the Lord
7. he wants to provide the very best for our family
8. he has career goals and works to accomplish them
9. he makes really good chocolate chip cookies
10. he will go shopping with me
11. he has the ability to make me roll with laughter
12. his "we're in this together" attitude
13. he wakes up in the middle of the night if me and Jonas are having a hard time
14. his love for the outdoors
15. he lets me be myself
16. he is able to make anyone feel welcome
17. he asks good questions of people
18. he serves people well
19. he values community
20. he doesn't seem to get out of shape
21. he's really good looking
22. he's a leader
23. he's a huge risk taker
24. he will fill my car up with gas
25. he is so smart and knows things I can't even comprehend
26. he likes to read Newsweek magazine
27. he can quote so many funny movie lines...and uses them at the right time
28. he loves me so well

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PAUL. I love you!

Father's Day

Paul's first Father's Day...Paul was watching Jonas sleep

It was really fun to celebrate Paul yesterday! Paul's been a dad for 27 days now, and he is so wonderful. I am thankful that my son gets to call Paul his dad. Thank you, Paul, for how well you love Jonas and for the ways that you will grow in your love for him.

life as a new mommy

Well, life has changed! I've been a mom for almost 3 weeks (I CANNOT believe Jonas will be 3 weeks old tomorrow!), and it is nothing and everything like I thought it would be...

- first, labor and delivery and recovery is hands down the hardest thing I've ever done. Even though I had an epidural, I did experience painful labor prior to getting the drugs. I was on pitocin and my water had broke, so the contractions were strong and very frequent before it was my turn to get the epidural. I was in some pain for about 12 hours...the last 5 hours were much more manageable! Delivery was so overwhelming. When Paul and I first laid eyes on Jonas, tears were all we could muster. I also had no idea how sore I would be after delivery! It has taken just about this whole time for my body to feel a little normal again. But, it is all worth it.

- I had no idea how much our lives would be dictated by Jonas' eating and sleeping schedule - I use the word schedule very loosely since we really aren't on any sort of predictable schedule.

- I love Jonas so much. I knew I would, but I am not sure I knew it would be this easy to love him.

- Paul and I are the same people. I guess I thought we would magically change once we became parents. I have had so much fun getting to know Paul as a dad. It has been wonderful watching him in his new role as daddy.

- I've liked staying home and being a "house wife and mom". Paul and I have never filled the traditional husband/wife roles. I mean Paul will cook and clean, and I will help in the yard, etc. We have always done most things together. Since I am on maternity leave, I've actually liked doing the laundry and picking up the house. I haven't had to cook yet as we have been receiving meals from our friends (a HUGE blessing)...this week will be our first week without meals.

- I need more help than I thought I would, and I am really tired at the end of the day. Being a full-time mom is really hard work!

Here are a few pictures from the past week or so...

Jonas' first cookout...here he is with our friends, Mark and Mindy

father and son...this is the best way to sleep!

our sleeping baby

the thug life

making funny faces. I think he looks like Paul in this picture.

At our 2 week check-up, Jonas weighed in at 8 lbs, 1 oz. 21 inches long and a 14.8 inch head. He is in the 85% for his height and 80% for his head circumference...he must have big brains!