3 months

Our boy is 3 months old! He actually turned 3 months on August 20, but this week has been so busy that we are just now getting to post. I went back to work this past Monday, which meant that Jonas also started school. That is a lot to adjust to in one week! Anyway, here are a few 3 month stats:
- 12 lbs, 1 oz
- 23.5 to 24 inches (he was a little squirmy)
- rolled over once on his 3 month birthday. Neither one of us saw it because he was at school when he did it. He had been so close at home, and we still have yet to see it.
- laughs all the time and usually is all smiles
- has found his tongue and likes to lick things
- he is becoming lots more dexterous with his hands
- "talks" to us quite a bit
- moves ALL THE TIME
- usually sleeps at least 8 hours at night
- he is very social and quite the charmer.

Shall We Dance?

"Dance as if no one is looking"...that is such a cliche saying that finds itself on posters and coffee mugs and little plaques you hang in your house. Those types of modern attempts at being profound and deep usually get a quick eye-roll from me before I dismiss it. But, the other day I realized a profound truth in those 7 words.

There is a little girl that goes to our church who has downs syndrome. She is probably 5 or 6 years old and really cute. Her parents are so patient with her and really very loving. We are often in the same worship service as this sweet family. We sit in the back of the auditorium, and they sit in the front. So, I have the opportunity of watching this family as they arrive and take their seats. As the songs begin, this little girl assumes her place in the very front aisle so that she has plenty of room to dance and twirl and clap her hands. I have found myself annoyed at her behavior and at her parents for not "controlling" her a little better. But, the other week something clicked for me. This little girl was worshiping. She was worshiping with utter abandon...quite literally "dancing as if no one was looking"...except Jesus. If only I approached the Throne like that - with utter abandon...leaving behind my inhibitions that often keep me from going to the Throne. You see, I- we- often feel like we need to have it all together. That we need to only share the "good" parts of us - present God with the presentable me. The me that has showered and gotten ready for the day.

I don't believe that is how God intended us to live. How freeing would it be to worship with abandon? I recall the time Jesus was dining at a Pharisees home when a prostitute crashed the party, wept on Jesus' feet and washed them with really expensive perfume. How embarrassing! But, what did she have to lose? Her dignity, her place in society, her reputation? She actually left her encounter with Jesus having gained the most valuable treasure there is...eternal life with him in heaven. I think that her lack of pride, her absolute abandon for protecting herself is what grabbed Jesus' heart.

Is there anything more precious than presenting ourselves fully and without inhibition to God as a holy sacrifice?

all things NEW

My little sister got married a week and a half ago! I can't believe it. Jonas and I went down a week before the wedding to help with all the last minute details as well as to have Grandma, Grandpa, and all the aunts and uncles love on us. It was his first time on an airplane, and he did great - which was a huge blessing flying there as I was by myself. The wedding was wonderful, my sister was beautiful, and I'm excited to have a new brother!

Rob & Kelly New

bridesmaids at Rehearsal Dinner

sisters

our family all dressed up

one of just Paul and I

Paul and I got the pork chop at the Rehearsal Dinner. This restaurant is known for it's 7 finger chop! That's A LOT of meat.

My Grandma and Grandpa with Jonas

Grandma (my mom), cousin Elliana and Jonas. Elliana calls him baby Donas

me and Jonas with my dear friend, Katie. She graciously helped us with Jonas at the wedding.

pictures galore

We've had a whirl-wind of activity over the past month! We had Paul's dad visit, then Paul's mom and sister, brother-in-law, and nieces and nephew came, then we all headed down to Houston for my sister's wedding. Here are some pictures of all the company - pictures from Houston to come...

Jonas and Grandpa John (Paul's dad)

the Maney guys

our nephew playing in the pool in the backyard

our little family at the 4th of July parade

our neice holding Jonas

brother-in-law, Paul, with his glow stick creation at the 4th of July fireworks

the whole family

we went to a winery (little fact: Lubbock has 3 winerys)...I'm eating the grapes

Jonas' first time swimming

all the cousins

Jonas with Gram Gram (Paul's mom)

again with Gram Gram

2 months

Jonas is now 2 months old! I can hardly believe it...time has gone so fast. Paul and I were eating at the cafe in our grocery store the other night, and this cute couple came by our table to oogle over Jonas. The lady told us that their baby was turning 21 that week, and she said that Jonas would be turning 21 "tomorrow". I can't figure out how to capture this moment in our lives more accurately. Jonas is cooing and smiling and even laughing so much. He interacts with us a lot, and we are getting to know him better...we can pretty much identify what he needs when he cries, etc. At his 2 month doctor appointment, he weighed in at 11 pounds and measures 23.5 inches long! That is 3.5 pounds more than he weighed when he was born and 2.5 inches longer. He actually had his doctor appointment one week after turning 2 months. When we weighed him on his 2 month birthday, he weighed 10 lbs, 6 oz. Jonas is such a delight...we are so blessed!