Friday, September 26, 2008

What a difference a week makes...














One week ago at this time I was trying to breathe through the peak of contractions that were coming strong and fast as my labor with Crew progressed. I was watching the second hand of a clock trying to figure out how it was that one minute could feel like an eternity! Fortunately I had Chip at one side and a wonderful anesthesiologist at another and it all turned out wondefully just an hour or so later.
It's so incredible to me how one week later [click to see proof here =)] I sit here feeling really great- the swelling has all but disappeared in my feet, the nights are going very smooth, and everyone seems to have just opened their hearts and arms to Crew- as if he's always been a part of our lives and daily activities. I just keep thanking God for how well we have adjusted so far- and I find that a minute now can go by in a blink, as I stare at Crew and just breathe him in, or as I watch his siblings or Chip love on him... it just seems too good to be true. The moments are precious, that's for sure, and I am trying not to take a single one of them for granted. Life is good and I praise God for every minute of each day that we have to celebrate new life, our growing love and the health and well-being we have at this time. It's truly a wonderful gift! The sun has given us record temps for the past few days and we have all been enjoying the outdoors- even baby Crew, in tiny bits.
Chip asked Isabella if she wanted to try her bike with two-wheels yesterday afternoon and we were all surprised and proud of her as she took off and never even once fell to the ground. She was a natural at it and it was yet another moment for me to capture on camera and smile as I watched another milestone be met with such enthusiasm. I am so glad I was home {and had a baby in my arms} as this "little-big" moment unfolded. It's the kind of stuff I really live for as a mom- especially as Teagan and moments like these were cut short for her. I see how God has given our family so much- even opportunities to cherish moments as simple as riding a bike.
Poor Ava though...she was bummed that she couldn't ride with two-wheels. Chip took her training wheels off and gave her a chance- but she's not quite ready. We all promised her she would have her moment when she got a little bigger...and as you can see in the last photo, she had snapped out of her little pity-party in no time and was hugging on Brock and Wyndham seemingly happy that she at least had a try at it.
Crew slept through the whole thing and has been a true joy all week. I don't want to "speak too soon", but have to say that at one week he is so mellow and still so soft and content and hardly squeaks or fusses at all. Life has gone much smoother than I had envisioned and anticipated at this point, and I think I owe it to many of you for your prayers for our family. It's hard to believe the week has gone by so quickly, and yet it's more than I could have hoped for- all wrapped in one.
Happy one-week birthday, baby Crew.
Here's to many more weeks celebrating the ordinary, wonderful moments in life!

20 comments:

Kelly Bennett said...

thank you so much for sharing from the heart.. i always enjoy reading your blog and being inspired...
happy birthday Crew..... and big congrats to your whole family..

Jenny said...

Happy 1 week to precious Crew!

I love the pictures and I'm so glad you're all doing so well. :)

Btw, you look great!

Anonymous said...

I Must Know Where You Got the Onesie with the elephant on it??!! I LOVE elephants and I want one of those Now!!!
If it's not too much trouble, will you email me @
nneese90@yahoo.com or just post where one would find such a darling outfit...if you don't mind, of course.
BTW: I Love Your Blog! Crew was born on my 30th birthday and we just found out we are pregnant! Has been a fun week (:
Congratulations on your bundle!
Oh, and 1 more thing...I am not into "Themed" nurseries, so if you have any fun sites for ordering unique bedding, fabrics, etc...I would love to know about them. I am a big fan of your style and am gearing up for nursery decorating!
~ Nicole Hill, San Antonio

Laura Williams said...

ohhhhh, i am just speechless. he is just too too cute. thanks for sharing all the precious photos!!!! so so glad that you have had a good first week! i pray it continues with each passing day!!!

kristy mae said...

He is absolute perfection. Happy 1 week b-day little guy!

I haven't commented in awhile but I've been reading :). I just wanted to let you know that I tagged you on my blog. I don't expect you to do the whole "tag thing" - you are, after all, a tad busy :) But I did want to let you know that I enjoy your blog and stop by every day.

Have a great weekend with your precious family!

Mia Castrillo said...

You are just amazing! I stumbled upon your blog while reading messages at TwoPeas and I have not stopped checking out your blog everyday. Being a mom is such a wonderful experience and I thank God everyday for giving me my three precious girls. You inspire me to continue to be the best for them. Thank you for sharing such personal moments with your readers. God bless you always!

Anonymous said...

He is remarkable. And he comes by it honestly!

Kelly Bennett said...

omygosh I too need to know where you got the elephant onsie... if you can email me @ kellybennettphotography@yahoo.com .. thank you so much, he is just adorable!!!!!

mmullenix said...

Crew (as all of your children) is beautiful. And you look great!

Anonymous said...

Those baby pictures are giving me serious baby fever! Must...resist...adorable...baby...

More pictures, please!

Blessings,

N. Palhinha

Unknown said...

I haven't visited your blog in awhile - I'm so happy to hear about the birth of your new son. He's a beautiful baby. Congratulations to you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Crew...we are sending you big hugs from holland and tell mama a gift is in the post just for you from samuel......

God bless you crew...and all you sisters and your big brother.......lots of love xx

Anne said...

Crew certainly looks a lot like Chip! Congratulations! I am so happy for you all.

Elmwood said...

I always lurk, but never speak..now is as good a time as any..what a beautiful little baby...congratulations!!!

p.s. Love his blankie

Lana said...

Congrats Jodi!! :)

Susie said...

All of your children are precious and I admire your faith.

KellyB said...

The pictures of little Crew are too cute!!!!

paige said...

crew is a beautiful baby!!!
congratulations to your precious family!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jody! Congrats on your new beautiful baby boy! He is truly a blessing!

jo@blog-diggidy said...

wow, your blog is awesome. i read about your little girl, and i know exactly what you went through!! my son was killed in 2004 after we were struck by a car that ran a stop sign. we still grieve today and it happened almost 4 years ago. i think we will always grieve. if it weren't for our faith in Jesus Christ, we would never be able to live our lives the way we do. We go to Church and serve the Lord with our lives and we are thankful for every day we have and also for the fact that we will see our precious Eli again one day soon. we still have our precous "pumpkin seed", she will be 12 next month and we couldn't be more proud of her. She is so special and wonderful!! i am going to follow your blog as it is such an inspiration....feel free to stop by mine anytime!! take care!!