Lots of Brotherly Affection

Daniel refers to his brother as "most precious thing in the world".

Big Day of Firsts: Day 8

First nail clipping - didn't like, but face getting scratched

First bottle feed by daddy - 3 oz and no problems whatsoever

First bath tub bath - he seemed to like it while he was warm

And first one to see belly button! Umbilical stump came off!

Day 5

He is unfurling legs and arms, palms open.
Eyes opening today 3 different long periods of time.
Peeing lots more.
Eating non stop at evening.
Great naps.
One 4 hr block of night sleep.
Lots of lullabies from older brother.
Met Uncle Wes.
Gained an ounce. Weight loss and jaundice not of a concern at all.

He had a good day.

Pink Carseat

Dear Ben, if people see us with you while we are out, they say, "Oh, my, what a lovely daughter you have." And we smile. They assume you are a girl because we are toting you around in a pink carseat. Bummer about second hand things, Ben, but is my hope this helps you understand a few things:
1) colors do not have genders, and a gender isn't made by a particular color choice
2) we are thankful for hosts from others, and also willingly share what we have with others (this is a loaner chair from a Hoemann girl)
3) reusing items is important, and making new trash on the earth for no good reason doesn't fly in this family - you will lead a life of used goods and you will have a smaller carbon footprint for it
4) sometimes it's okay to just smile and nod at strangers and not engage in a long conversation, even if they are wrong

Hope this helps when you are the photos.
Love, Mama

A Christmas Gift

Ben, my mom made this little play quilt for you in 2012 and gave it to you for Christmas. I imagine she pictured her grand baby looking a lot like this on the quilt. You spent a little time awake and wiggling on it yesterday. It was cute. Or rather, you were cute. Love, Mama

Day Three: Recap and iPhoto

Sleep.
Eat.
Fuss.
Soil diaper.
Sleep.
Eat.
Go to well check and fuss at doctor.
Sleep.
Eat.
Discover binky affection.
Minimal fussing.

Tired parents.
Baby makes lots of faces while dreaming.
Parents love rocking and snugglingBaby.

Your Nanny

She made sure you would be well rested and taken care if by giving me a rest from your older siblings just before you were born. She also brought you baby boy clothing to the hospital that she had purchased for you. She loved holding you.

Photos from Birthday

We arrived at the hospital at 7:30 AM and you were born 12 hours later. Here are a few of the photos I took (using what we called a smartphone in 2013. I bet you would find iPhone 4S really funny since when you rad this you likely have an iPhone 99 or something).

Last Moments Inside

It's almost midnight and I should likely be asleep, sweet baby.

But I am the only one awake in the house and I am full of nervous energy. Tomorrow you will be born!

It will be the third trip to the birth center this week. Sunday and Wednesday evenings I went in, sure that labor was in full swing by the frequency and severity of contractions. It's wasn't. I was sent home, disappointed, both times.

Today I called my OB nurse and she arranged with Dr Grant to get you out in the world tomorrow. We will go into hospital for induction at 7. I need to be done with contractions and just meet you. I want to celebrate you so much.

We have been preoccupied with our house selling and buying and with the two older and noisier kids. We have has so little time to just think of you alone and I really, really want that. I am so extend for it to be all about you and me and your dad only those first few moments in the hospital. I envision it to be fantastic.

I have been uploading photos, doing laundry, working on small projects hat likely don't need to be done tonight as a way to pass the time. I think instead of hear nervous energy things, I will just stop and sit and meditate about you and your journey. I will pray for your health, your life, your future. I will pray to parent you as best as I can for you as a unique child. I pray that I can demonstrate love to you and teach you about Gods love. I pray for your happiness and success in life, hat you may enjoy fulfilling your purpose.

I love you little one.
I am happy you will be born.

Pregnancy Cravings

For last trimester, I ate a lot of cereal.

For all trimesters, I liked candy more than normal, especially milk chocolate and gummi bears, two candies that aren't normal for me.

No other real cravings or food aversions.

Things I Know About You

You were a very wanted child.
You have a unique place in our family as the sixth baby.
You are a very awaited sibling for Daniel and Elsa.
You kick and move anytime Daniel talks and sings to you.
You stretch and wiggle and take up as much space as possible.
You keep hands by face and mouth in ultrasound images.
Your heart rate is often 156 bpm.
You are made by God to glorify him and are his creation.
You will be loved and shown love and told you are loved everyday.