Gifts: Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow

Gifts: Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow

I started this a week late but it's something I hope to continue throughout the year.  We'll see how it goes...You should join too!

Family Traits

Last night Marco and I were looking through pictures of Ellie around the 4 month mark and we came across this one.  We both looked at each other at the same time and smiled.  We think a little man looks a lot like his older sister!  What do you think?

At 4 months, Joel...

* weighs 16 lbs 1 oz and measures 26 inches long.

* is into 6 month clothing, the second row of snaps on his cloth diapers, and size 3 disposable diapers for when we are out and about.

* has rolls on his legs and dimples on his knees and elbows.  He's pretty squeezeable...kissable...and loveable!

 * will suck and chew on his bottom lip close to eating time.

* nuzzles into your neck or rubs his face in the muslin blankets when he gets sleepy.

* goes to bed between 7 and 8 p.m. and sleeps through the night with a little snack before I head to bed.  We are so very blessed!

* wakes up in the morning and from naps with coos, stories, and singouts.  It's the best!

* is easily distracted, especially by his big sister, whom he adores, and will watch her go about the room with a content smile in his eyes.

* had his first set of shots and the loudest meltdown yet.  A long story for right now but it wasn't his fault.

* enjoys tummy-time for a bit but prefers to stretch out on the floor or sit in the bouncy chair where he'll happily play with the toys above.

* likes to blow bubbles and have his hands in his month.  

Holiday Re-takes

I've been trying to keep my camera and phone close by to capture the daily moments and stories with two.  Somedays are easier than others.  On Christmas Day when we tried to snap a few of the two together wasn't one of the easier days.  Tongues sticking out, cheesy grins, sideways glances, and arched backs were the ingredients for this photo shoot.  We think the last one may be a keeper and the others we'll keep for a good laugh.

Happy New Year!

( * found here and wanted to share: El-em-bee)

*Merry Christmas*

 

 

 

 

Occupying Advent

  

 

 

"Advent is an active waiting. And Christmas comes to those who wait for the whisper, who look for the little, who seek the small, scandalous signs of the every-where presence of God."     

--from A Holy Experience blog--

At 3 months, Joel...

* is 14 lbs 11.5 oz and 25.5 inches long.

* has discovered his hands.  He will fold his hands together while nursing, sitting in his car seat, or as he's talking.

* likes to suck on his hands or nuzzle his face into the muslin blankets while falling asleep.  We often find the soother in the corner of his cradle.

* is wanting to keep up the conversation and story telling just like his cousin Zoey!  Joel has also discovered his voice.  It is the most delightful thing I have heard in a long time!

* is beginning to reach for things...the toys in his chair, the birds on his swing, or the food at the supper table.

* has found a sleeping rhythm and we are so thankful!  Joel hasn't been a fussy baby, except for a week in his first month where gripe water was our friend, but we were ready for a 8 hour stretch of sleep instead of getting 8 hours in chunks :).  

* has a passport.  Bring on the winter travels!

All You Need for A Snowman...

 

* is a warm morning with temperatures above zero, a grinning girl excited to be outside, a carrot for the nose, stones from the back alley, and a toque and scarf from the mitten basket.  So much fun! *  

At 2 months, Joel...

* weighs 13 lbs 11.5 oz and is 24.5 inches long.  A growing baby boy!  The newborn sleepers and 0-3 month clothing are packed away.

* is squeezable and loveable.  His double chin, rolls, and folds are delightful! 

* likes to lay on a blanket on the floor so he can stretch and kick.  His right leg just gives 'er.

* is content to take in the world around him.

* will hold his arms straight up or out in a superhero pose when he's being changed.

* graduated from the infant tub to the big tub as he quickly stretched out from end to end.

* gives us many smiles and laughs daily.  His whole face lights up!  

* has begun to have long conversations and tell his stories. 

* is incredibly strong.  He can hold his neck and head steady.

* celebrated his first holidays...Thanksgiving and Remembrance Day.

* is alert and beginning to follow our voices and where we are in the room, especially keeping his eye on his busy sister and Mama.

* loves to be comforted by being wrapped up and swaddled over a soother.  
* has a calm and content temperament.  We are incredibly blessed!

Pieces of You

* Had technical difficulties so I'm posting reflections from the 1st month today as well.

Dear Joel,

1. After one month, you weigh 12 lbs 4 1/2 oz and measure 22.5 inches long.

2. At your 5 day and 8 day check up, you blew the health care nurses and Dr. B away.  You are thriving!

3. Both sets of grandparents were here for your arrival and were able to stay for the beginning days at home.  What a blessing!

4. You were welcomed by many friends and family, near and far, with phone calls, emails, meals, gifts, and packages in the mail.

5. You did not stay in the "newborn" onesies, sleepers, and diapers for much time.

6. Your first smile was the Monday Daddy went back to work and we flew solo at home.  Thank you!

7. You aren't keen on the soother.  If we put it in too quickly you start to gag.

8. Being swaddled and falling asleep on Mommy or Daddy's chest is what you prefer and we are okay with that!

9. You are such a content boy.

10. In the hospital, you let me know that you needed something to eat by smacking your lips.

11. At home, we mostly hear grunts if you are not content and only cries if you are really hungry, on the tired side of things, or have a bit of tummy troubles.

12. Your big 'ister Ellie is quite fascinated with you.

13. Ellie asks to hold you every day and wants to be near you as she plays. 

14. In the morning, or after sleeps, she greets you with, "You're awake.  Good morning!"  If she hears you cry, she'll come to where you are and say, "It's okay my boy.  Ellie's here!" 

15. At the end of September, you took your first road trip to visit great Grandma Ellefson for her birthday as well as visit with some great uncles and aunts too.

16. You are a wonderful little traveler already and don't mind your car seat as long the car or stroller is moving.

17. In didn't take you long to settle into days and nights.  You often give Daddy and I, 3-4 hour stretches at a time.

18. You are a strong boy.  When you are on our chest, you can hold your head and neck steady.

19. You quietly take in what is going on around you...whether you are in someone's arms, in your swing, or on our bed.

20. When I look at your long fingers and little feet, I wonder what you will do when you grow older?  Musician?  Bass player?  Rugby player?  We see lots of pictures of things to come for you, my son. 

21. You are a good eater. 

22. You don't mind coffee...second hand that is...for which your Mama is grateful.

23. Bath times are different for you than they were for Ellie.  You love being in the water!  It won't be long until you are out of the small tub and into the big tub.

24. Whether you are getting your diaper changed or getting ready for the bath, you have not had a true melt down.

25. However, you keep us on our toes when it's time to change your bum. 

26. Depending on the day and the light your eyes will look brown or dark blue-grey.

27. You have a double crown on the top of your head.  We've had people comment that we are "doubly blessed" and we would agree whole-heartedly!

28. These are the pieces of you we remember and love in the last 28 days with you at home!

Love,

Mommy and Daddy

 

 

 

A song as we turn off the lights:

Goodbyes. Yecchh.

This weekend our family gathered together for a meal and to say goodbye to our Dad and Bestefar as he returns to do the work of our Father.  Though we are incredibly grateful for the extra time we had with him, the goodbyes still hurt.  A lot.  Days with airport hellos are just better. 

Thanks Dad for the airplane watching, outside swinging, cradle prepping, grandson snuggling, coffee sipping kind-of-days.  You are already missed but we do look forward to our weekly Skype chats!