First Smile

WOW what an amazing feeling to see your baby smile at you. Monday morning Caleb was playing on the bed while I was packing our stuff to get ready to return home. I would jump on the bed and talk to him and tickle him to play with him. Once during play time, he looked at me and smiled. I was in shock at first and wondered if it was really a smile or just gas. In the past he has only smiled in his sleep. (Chad said when he smiles in his sleep the angels are playing with him. I really like that thought.) Later that day while in the airport, our little man smiled again this time at Chad. Again we weren't really sure but really hoped he was smiling at us. To see him respond to us is so awesome. He is growning and changing so much.

Yesterday, Chad got another smile and this time we knew it was the real thing. Chad was talking to Caleb in the car to calm him down and Caleb gave Chad a really big smile. Chad was so excited. I missed it of course and by the time I looked Caleb wouldn't do it again right away. Chad was over the moon with excitement to see his little boy smile at him. And I know it is only going to get better.

HOME SWEET HOME

We are finally home after a wonderful trip to Colorado. It was so nice to see everyone again and for them to meet Caleb. And what proud parents we were. The wedding was beautiful. It was held at Estes Park, Colorado. What a beautiful location in the Rocky Mountains. We were at the Della Terra and among such beautiful scenery. Words don't even come close to explain the beautiful nature surrounding us.

Caleb was wonderful. He slept through most of the wedding except when it was time to eat. He looked so handsome in his outfit that Chad picked out. You can't go wrong with overalls.

A Day of Firsts

What a busy Thursday for our little guy! The day began early with his first plane ride. We were on our way to Colorado for Tracy and Armando's wedding. We had to fly from Norfolk to Washington and then Washington to Denver. I must say Caleb was absolutely amazing. I could not have asked for a better baby. He was so good. I breastfed him on take off and landing to help with his ears. He slept the rest of the time. He was even good in the air port. We also took a few bottles just in case we needed them. The first flight was only half an hour. The flight from Washington to Denver was almost 4 hours and Caleb only woke up once to eat and then was back to sleep. Even the other passengers were amazed at how well behaved our little man was. Chad and I were very proud parents.

Thrusday night was Tracy's bachelorette party, meaning a night out for the girls. This was going to be mommy's first night away from her baby. I was nervous and worried about leaving him. Not that he wouldn't be in good hands but just that I would miss him. Chad was going to take care of him with the other dads. I also had to be careful of engorgement. Luckily Heather had a manual pump that we took to help relieve any pain I might have had. I must admit I had a really good time but still missed Caleb.

A Newborn Conversation With God

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 haveto 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 small child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understandwhen people talk to me if I don't know the language?"
God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet wordsyou will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel willteach you how to speak."

"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"
God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teachyou 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 Earthcould 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."

3 Weeks Already

It's hard to believe that it has been three weeks since I gave birth to my beautiful baby boy. I can't believe how fast time has gone by. I also can't believe how much I have grown and learned in the past couple of weeks. WOW my life has changed so much. It hasn't been easy but definitely worth every minute. I never realized how much sleep deprivation can affect you, especially your mood. During the first couple weeks, with no sleep I cried almost everyday. Of course the hormone changes I was going through didn't help matters either. Now that it has been over 3 weeks I think my body has adjusted to the limited amount of sleep I get. I know everyone says sleep when the baby sleeps but that just hasn't seemed to work with me. I have so much on my mind and things to do around the house I can't seem to fall asleep. Also when I do wind down to take a nap, Caleb is waking up to eat again or need a diaper change. It's ok though cause I know it gets better and I will eventually sleep again one day. Breast feeding is not easy. In fact it has to be one of the biggest challenges. Partly because I'm the only one that can feed Caleb. I have begun to pump so that Chad can bottle feed some but that is very limited at the moment. It is very stressful at times and rewarding too. It definitely takes a lot of work from both me and Caleb. This too gets better as each week passes.

There are moments in my day I still can't believe I'm a mom. I look at this precious little life I hold in my arms and I'm just amazed. How lucky I am that God chose me to watch over this little angel.

First Trip to Fire Station

Today was Caleb's first trip to the fire station where Chad works. It was so great. Chad is such a proud Daddy! It was really cute to see Chad showing off his son to the guys. The guys seemed really excited to get to meet our new addition as well. Caleb was asleep when I first got there but of course Chad got him to wake up so everyone could see his beautiful eyes. After we said hello to everyone, we got a family picture taken in front of the fire truck which was really nice. We also took Caleb around the station and took other fun photos. Chad who normally hates having his picture taken was all about pictures today. I hated to leave since we were having such a good time.