About a Boy

So aside from still being sick (Boo!), our sweet little boy has been very busy! He will be 6 months old on the 30th; I still can't believe it!

Jonah is very much enjoying his cereal. He eagerly opens his mouth and leans toward the spoon. He's pretty messy but I'll let it slide for now. ; )

He has also decided that anything worth eating tastes better with a finger in his mouth. It doesn't matter if he's nursing, eating cereal, or drinking a bottle. He always tries to have a finger or thumb in there for flavor.

His bottom teeth are beginning to make their appearance. They are coming in fast and sharp!

He consistently rolls from his tummy to back, prompting Jeremy and me to get creative about keeping him on his tummy. Usually seeing Jack helps.

He's trying awfully hard to flip back to stomach. He gets to his side while holding his feet but he can't quite finish the task!

He's also thisclose to sitting on his own. He can sit supported very well and also sits in mommy's lap pretty well.

Standing is much more popular, though, with the little guy. He loves to hold someone's fingers and stand in their lap. Standing still isn't always an option as he is Mommy's little jumping bean! Jonah LOVES to jump on people or in his bouncer. He is such a strong little boy.

His strength is also apparent in his grip. He is fascinated with hair and will often come away from a diapering session with a few of Mommy's strands in his grasp.

I can't really explain it but apparently his swing is the ideal place for him to empty his bowels. I'm thinking it's the position but every time he's in is swing, he messes his diaper. At least we have a plan if he's ever constipated. : )

Jonah also loves bathtime, especially with Daddy. He likes to control the sprayer and kick the infant tub like crazy! It makes quite a splash but Daddy loves the time together.

He continues to be the cutest, sweetest baby and is daily covered in kisses.

Fix My Eyes

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith,

who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame,

and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

-Hebrews 12:2

My baby is sick. My heart goes out to all mothers before me who have endured this pain. It is absolutely heart-wrenching to see your child suffer and not be able to fix it. He is only five months old but he has an ear infection which causes high fever (102+), runny/congested nose, and lots of fussiness. For my usually happy baby, this is not an easy thing.

Not only is my baby sick, but my husband is also under the weather. Those of you who know him probably know that it takes quite a bit to take him down. He has had fever, congestion, achiness, and fatigue. Needless to say, the last couple of days have not been very fun.

I had a revelation, however, while putting my little one to bed: I have a choice.

I sometimes allow myself to give in to self-pity. I have been known to play the victim card at times. This has never helped my problems, but has only served to allow myself to feel worse. I've decided that I can choose to focus on the negative aspects of my situation, or I can thank God for the positives.

God has kept me healthy so far throughout this ordeal.

Jeremy was supposed to cover two outdoor soccer games last night (when he was feeling his worst) in very cold weather. God somehow orchestrated the cancellation of the games (which almost never happens). This allowed my husband some much needed rest.

Jonah has continued to be able to smile and laugh at different points throughout the day, providing some relief for us all.

Jeremy is continuing to get better.

I have a friend who is a retired pediatric nurse who has made herself available for me to call any time day or night. She has been incredibly helpful.

I have family I can call on who live close by and are always willing to lend a helping hand. In fact, my parents came by tonight to help with his cereal feeding, bath, and bedtime.

We have the financial means to pay for insurance and medicine without worry.

So throughout this ordeal, I am thankful. I only have to remember to keep my eyes focused on God's provision and not on the trying circumstances.

Now for some Father/Son love:

What's in a Name?

22 Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,

for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV

This passage inspired my blog title. Being the daughter of a pastor, I grew up hearing these words often. Once I became a parent, they took on a whole new meaning.

Every day I am blessed enough to have the opportunity to stay at home with my little boy. The first few weeks it did not always feel like a blessing, however. I found myself wishing he would progress to the next developmental step. "If only he could hold up his head; if only he could entertain himself; if only he would go longer than 2 hours between feedings; if only he could hold on to a toy." These thoughts filled my mind often. "Enjoy these times; they'll go by fast," is what I was told. Now I believe these words.

As I watch my little boy roll over, jump, and try to sit on his own, I see that he is growing up. I read in a magazine the other day a quote that said something like, "There's always a big milestone around the corner, but you can never go back."

I have since learned to try to appreciate every poopy diaper, crying car ride, and sleepless night because God's mercies are "new every morning." He will see me through the difficulties and help me to handle them in grace and love.

Just as Jonah depends on me for everything from food to clothing to comfort, so I depend on my Father. Just like my son, I, too, just need to be held sometimes. This viewpoint has impacted my ability to parent my child. God's grace and mercy He has shown me give me the strength I need to endure trying times with my little one.

I'll leave you with some more cuteness : )

Mr. Cool

With his adorable cousin

New Venue

So I had to switch from Babysites to Blogger b/c of the lack of space. I figured I'd at least make it to Jonah's first birthday. Oh well. I guess I just love posting new pics of my baby! : )

I'm new to this "blogging" thing, so bear with me. I'm sure they'll mostly be filled with pictures anyway.
To start us off on the right foot, here are a few of my fave pics so far of the little guy:

This one was taken by his Aunt Christy when he was only two weeks old

I can't believe this is comfortable!

Another by Aunt Christy- classic expression!

Waiting to see Santa

Just finished some cereal

Well I'll do my best to keep this updated better than the BabySite. Check back often!