Happy Birthday, Majaunta/Grandma

Tomorrow is my mother in law's birthday. Haven had something very special to tell her.

The Learning Curve

I've had a bunch of people ask me what it's like to be a parent. That's a hard question to answer because it's a mixed bag of tricks. It's fun to stare at my baby; it's frustrating when she's crying and I just fed, changed, and burped her; I love watching Chris with her--seeing how much he adores his little girl; she makes me cry she's so precious, and she makes me sigh with impatience when she wants to eat for 30 minutes (I wish I were better at relaxing and enjoying the moment).

On the way to church Sunday, Chris asked me if I felt older. I don't know if I feel older, but definitely more responsible. Life is no longer about what I want to do when I want to do it (obviously you have to adjust somewhat when you get married, but at least then there is a discussion--there is no discussion with Haven). We are now on Haven time. That means it takes us 3 times as long to get ready in the morning, especially if a diaper malfunctions. We may even be in the car to leave and if she's not digging it, then we're not leaving the driveway. I plan my day around when she's asleep and when she's awake. Trying to be home at 7 p.m. regardless of where I am and how much I'm enjoying it to start the evening winding down process is new too. And, if I get 10 minutes in the bathtub at night before she starts telling me how tired and hungry she is, I'm a lucky girl.

But, it's all worth it when just two seconds ago I heard her stirring in the other room, and I went to investigate. I spoke to her, and she gave me a big smile. So far I'm just a meal ticket, but that's OK if I get a grin out of it.

A little something for Grandma

Saturday Morning Grace

This is where I found my Grace new this morning.

Daddy Duty

I was able to go to the gym yesterday while Chris watched our little human. He even made me dinner while I was gone. I think this is a pretty good gig I've got here. It was Haven's first time taking a bottle, and I was told she did fine. She refused to take it from me, but Chris didn't seem to have a problem. I'm not sure I liked that a bottle replaced me or that she didn't appear to be the least upset that her mommy had left her. Maybe that comes with age.

I can't imagine that any future postings on our blog are going to be about anything other than Haven or the most mundane day to day life goings-on. I'm pretty good at making up stories, so if I have to keep a captive audience I will. In the meantime, we are all doing well. We look pretty sleep deprived, but if we can make it through this newborn sleeping phase, then all it can do is improve--at least that's what I'm told.

She's Just the Cutest

I kissed her first...no other man can say that.

Ok mom, I saw that you Skyped us twice this evening so you could see Haven. Unfortunately, the little monkey has been asleep both times you called so I decided to post a pic for you. I will put a video up soon. I hope this tempts you to come see the little one soon.

Love,

Your son

Life With Haven

Some friends and I have established a stroller gang--at least that's what I call it because we take up the whole trail when we go. Today was Haven's first walk. She was a trooper. Slept the whole time and then when she woke up, was ravenously hungry. It's a hard life being pushed to sleep in a stroller. She looked so cute that I meant to take a picture. Unfortunately, by the time I remembered, she'd pooped on her onesie, her new little Teva's had fallen off, and her replacement outfit didn't really match. So, no picture of her on her walk. Her mama's as worn out as she is. I've never had a 3 mile walk kick my butt before, but apparently it does now.

But, since we have a plethora of pictures of our little girl, I have to put one up. This is from last night when my little monkey fell asleep on me. And this one is just cute.

We Miss You, Daddy!

Chris had to rejoin the workforce today. He has been sorely missed around here. I didn't wash a single dish or sweep a single floor the entire time he was home. And, when Haven decided to be fussy at four in the morning for three mornings straight, he took her in the other room so I could get a couple hours sleep. Fortunately, Haven appears to be over her tummy troubles and is a happy baby today. But, we are missing our favorite guy.

I'm Not Sure Who Is Cuter...

Our life in black and white...

I would imagine that some people are getting bored of seeing nothing but pictures of our new little human, but the luxury of having your own blog, or the password to your wife's, is just that you get to post what you want. So here are a few more offerings just so everyone knows how gorgeous my little girl is.

She's an Eater

We had our first pediatrician's visit today. And, Haven was looking well. She's almost gained back all of her birth weight, which apparently doesn't usually happen until next week. That means she's a feeder like her momma. No surprise there.

More Haven

With her Aunt Hannah

She actually has hair!

Haven Grace

She's finally here! And, I can't begin to express how worth it she is. Here are a couple pictures of our little girl. Thank you so much for all your prayers, food, thoughts, etc.