Ok, not really, but I think I'm closer to understanding what people mean when they say "they grow up so fast." I swear it was yesterday that we brought JP home from the hospital at 6 pounds 1 ounce, and he was so small that we had to buy a separate insert for the carseat just to make sure his head fit in there snugly. Lyzz had 4 months off, and the little man slept for about 90 minutes at a time. Just yesterday, he slept for 12 hours in his OWN ROOM (8, then food, then 4 more), and Lyzz has to go back to work in 2 weeks. It's crazy.
We're really working hard to make the best use of technology to preserve these moments. Every time someone tells us to "remember that, because they grow out of it," we grab the Flip Video. One such action that everyone says they wish they could have again is the sound of an infant feeding. After hearing that, I spent a few minutes just listening to Lyzz feed JP the other night. It's a sound that just isn't replicated anywhere else in nature, and 'they' were right - I knew that I'd want to remember it. Grandma Sharon got the chance to feed JP over the Christmas holiday, and the Flip Video was ready. We got a great scene of a grandmother and her grandson, but we also got to put that sound down on tape, so we can have it to look back on. This is rapidly becoming one of my favorite videos. Enjoy.
We got the chance to document another "first" in JP's life tonight, and we wanted to share. The doc said that we should start JP on some simple foods, like rice cereal. The intent is not for nutrition, but rather to get him used to the act of feeding. "It's a skill," said the doc. So here's JP's very first taste of something other than breast milk. The first video is dad feeding, and the second is Lyzz. All in all, I think JP did great. We expect nothing less - he is a future president after all.
Grandad and Grandma visited us for Christmas this past weekend (December 18th and 19th, 2010). We got some great footage, like this one of Grandad and JP dancing in front of the christmas tree.
During one of JP's down times, Mary Mae helped sing him to sleep. She's such a sweetheart around JP - incredibly gentle, and very careful about touching or picking him up. It's awesome to watch - kids just have an innate sense about what's important.
One more, for good measure. Every good parent has to have a shot of their infant son's butt, and we're no different. But what makes this video better is the fact that after seeing his butt you get to see many seconds of his adorable face. And that's really great!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Growing so fast
JP is growing so fast that just about every day Josh and I notice a new skill he has figured out. Today we both agreed that he actually looks older. In the past few days he has really started to reach for things and his neck control is getting better and better. This first video just amazes me. I can't believe he is already able to support his head with such control. Not to mention his impeccable taste in music. Just check out the t-shirt.
This next video is not only a shout out to his awesome Aunt Ali but also a great example of how he is focusing on and tracking objects in his line of sight. It really is fun to watch him see, evaluate and almost comprehend things.
This next video is not only a shout out to his awesome Aunt Ali but also a great example of how he is focusing on and tracking objects in his line of sight. It really is fun to watch him see, evaluate and almost comprehend things.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Thanksgiving
Each noght we were in Galveston we would gather in either JC and Mom's 5th Wheel or over in the Camp's rented RV. Here we are, enjoying some of Tom's awesome BBQ in their RV. The women eating and the men working and/or tending to the baby. The way it should be. :)
And here is a quick video of What JP does in the morning at home.
And here is a quick video of What JP does in the morning at home.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
More updates are more fun!
The reason for this update is simple - we took an adorable video of the chosen son today, and we needed to share. Enjoy!
Friday, November 26, 2010
Thanksgiving 2010
Like all good Texans should do at least once, we spent Thanksgiving this year in a rented RV at Galveston Island State Park. What's not to like about November at the beach? Grammy and Gramps brought their 5th-wheel, and Tom and Jeanne Camp rented a trailer of their own, and we called campsites 6,7, and 9 home for five days. We set up camp (pun!) on Wednesday night, and the weather on Thursday was just glorious. We spent a wonderful long lunch with Lyzz's grandmother at her place, and the the whole Hoffman clan was able to join us. What a neat experience to be able to spend a holiday about giving thanks with 4 generations of Hoffmans. Sorry, I didn't grab any pictures of lunch, but there were several taken so someone has a good one.
It was also the first time that Uncle John got to meet JP. Due to his job, John's been all over the world (literally). Lyzz and I made a decision a while ago that we really wanted John to be JP's godfather. We wanted to ask him in person - this is not the kind of request you make via email - so we took the opportunity at lunch to ask. He said yes, and I won't lie that there were tears shed. Between Uncle John and Aunt Ali, it's tremendously comforting to know that our son will be cared for in any circumstance. From the bottom of our hearts, guys, thank you.
It's not beach time if you don't get in the ocean, and JP is no exception. Here's proof.
And of course, no blog entry would be complete without a big 'ol JP smile. Enjoy.
It was also the first time that Uncle John got to meet JP. Due to his job, John's been all over the world (literally). Lyzz and I made a decision a while ago that we really wanted John to be JP's godfather. We wanted to ask him in person - this is not the kind of request you make via email - so we took the opportunity at lunch to ask. He said yes, and I won't lie that there were tears shed. Between Uncle John and Aunt Ali, it's tremendously comforting to know that our son will be cared for in any circumstance. From the bottom of our hearts, guys, thank you.
It's not beach time if you don't get in the ocean, and JP is no exception. Here's proof.
And of course, no blog entry would be complete without a big 'ol JP smile. Enjoy.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Great Grandmother Runte
We had the pleasure of visiting Josh's maternal Grandmother in her new digs on Nov 6th. It was a beautiful, cool Saturday afternoon so we spent our visit outside in the fresh air. JP was in fine spirits as were Phylis, Robin, Judy, Karen and Joyce. Here are a few videos we took to remember the meeting.
Friday, November 5, 2010
JP's First Halloween
We took JP trick-or-treating with Le, Mary Mae, Ella (MM's best friend) and Michele and Oliver (Ella's parents). We only hit a few houses but we figured that was enough to make sure we could say he "hasn't missed a Halloween."
I'm a dairy cow and JP was a calf. It was an extremely literal costume choice given JP's current diet. Josh also had an inflatable Bull costume to round out the Donelson Dairy Farm theme though he opted not to wear it this evening.
We returned home just in time to face the waves of trick-or-treaters that are bussed in from nearby neighborhoods. No joke, the street at the end of our block was lined with cars, all full of kids ready to descend upon our neighborhood, costumes on their backs and empty loot bags in their hands. I only turned away one group of teenagers as they had not bothered to wear costumes. I told them that if I had spent this much money on candy and was myself wearing a costume, they had to at least take the extra effort and dress up. No candy for you. Move along now. They were nonplussed, to say the least. I made sure, at the end of the night, to bring in any of my Halloween decorations with any value in case these "kids" decided to return and express their ennui. Last year one of my witches was beheaded in a violent walk-by, no doubt an older trick-or-treater expressing his angst.
It was a great Halloween followed by a wonderful 33rd birthday for me. Josh watched Little Bit in the afternoon and let me go to CrossFit (a gym I belong to where they torture us with grueling workouts. I love it :) ) and when I returned we ate a delicious meal and enjoyed a very nice bottle of wine. Don't ask me what it was, all I know is that it was red and it was good. And Josh said it was expensive. :)
Enjoy the videos. I can't seem to stop watching the one with Ella and Mary Mae. Those little girls are so cute!!
I'm a dairy cow and JP was a calf. It was an extremely literal costume choice given JP's current diet. Josh also had an inflatable Bull costume to round out the Donelson Dairy Farm theme though he opted not to wear it this evening.
We returned home just in time to face the waves of trick-or-treaters that are bussed in from nearby neighborhoods. No joke, the street at the end of our block was lined with cars, all full of kids ready to descend upon our neighborhood, costumes on their backs and empty loot bags in their hands. I only turned away one group of teenagers as they had not bothered to wear costumes. I told them that if I had spent this much money on candy and was myself wearing a costume, they had to at least take the extra effort and dress up. No candy for you. Move along now. They were nonplussed, to say the least. I made sure, at the end of the night, to bring in any of my Halloween decorations with any value in case these "kids" decided to return and express their ennui. Last year one of my witches was beheaded in a violent walk-by, no doubt an older trick-or-treater expressing his angst.
It was a great Halloween followed by a wonderful 33rd birthday for me. Josh watched Little Bit in the afternoon and let me go to CrossFit (a gym I belong to where they torture us with grueling workouts. I love it :) ) and when I returned we ate a delicious meal and enjoyed a very nice bottle of wine. Don't ask me what it was, all I know is that it was red and it was good. And Josh said it was expensive. :)
Enjoy the videos. I can't seem to stop watching the one with Ella and Mary Mae. Those little girls are so cute!!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Some quick videos
I finally figured out how to upload videos so here are a few samples. I also added a couple videos to the "Generations" entry when JP met his Great Grammy.
Here's a quick video of JP napping in his bouncy chair. The kid is a loud sleeper, no doubt. It's adorable :)
And here is some post-bathtime goodness. He just loves being dried off.
Here's a quick video of JP napping in his bouncy chair. The kid is a loud sleeper, no doubt. It's adorable :)
And here is some post-bathtime goodness. He just loves being dried off.
The First Trip Away ...
This past Wednesday coming and going meant that JP had been with us for 8 weeks. It's hard to believe that it's already been two month, and I'm starting to get a sense of what people mean when they say that "it all goes by so fast." In those 8 weeks, I've spent a grand total of 1 night away from my son, and that was in Houston after spending all weekend with him and Lyzz in Houston, and returning home that very next afternoon. Right now, I'm sitting in the Washington Dulles airport lounge. I've spent the last two days with clients in the Virginia area - this is my first legitimate (read: on an airplane :)) trip away from my son, and man ... this sucks.
I really, really enjoy traveling. I've gotten to do a lot of it for work, and I obviously married into a family that's travel-mad. For whatever strange reason, the airport bar, the rental car counter, seat 21A (American Airlines, you know what I"m talking about) are all very familiar, very comfortable places for me. I look forward to trips, to seeing new places, to meeting new customers and clients, and to the general experience. Since having JP, I've been wondering if that feeling was going to change. The obvious answer is yes, it has changed. But that doesn't do the feeling justice. The last two days have proven that I still love to travel. The airport is still kinda fun. I discovered a new Sheraton in the Reston, VA area that's pretty cool, and I already have a return trip booked (for an upcoming show with this same customer). The beer I'm having right now still tastes awesome.
The change in the whole thing has nothing to do with travel. What I've realized is not that I don't want to travel anymore, which is how I used to articulate this to everyone. The change is that, MORE than I want to travel, I want to spend time with this guy. I mean c'mon, look at that face!
It's a fascinating thing to have happen. My priorities have shifted, but the OLD priorities are still in place. It's not a replacement of goals and desires, but a new set of goals has rocketed to the top of the list. It's sort of a neat feeling, actually, to know that I can still experience such massive personal change, and that I'm not limited in scope to what I already know, already believe, and already have decided on.
So I don't mind the travel, but I do mind the time away. In the past, I would have called you an idiot for saying that, because they seem like the same thing, but I know now that they aren't. Here's hoping I can do a good job of balancing them. I hope JP likes to fly, because that kid is going to be a world-wise traveler by the time he's 4. I've got all these miles to use, and there's no one I'd rather use them on that his cute face and his cute mother.
One more awesome picture, for good measure. If you're wondering what the significance of these pictures are - these are the pics that Lyzz keeps sending me on my phone, to make sure I don't forget what he looks like. She's nice like that, always looking out for me. They're probably the most meaningful thing I've ever received on my phone.
I really, really enjoy traveling. I've gotten to do a lot of it for work, and I obviously married into a family that's travel-mad. For whatever strange reason, the airport bar, the rental car counter, seat 21A (American Airlines, you know what I"m talking about) are all very familiar, very comfortable places for me. I look forward to trips, to seeing new places, to meeting new customers and clients, and to the general experience. Since having JP, I've been wondering if that feeling was going to change. The obvious answer is yes, it has changed. But that doesn't do the feeling justice. The last two days have proven that I still love to travel. The airport is still kinda fun. I discovered a new Sheraton in the Reston, VA area that's pretty cool, and I already have a return trip booked (for an upcoming show with this same customer). The beer I'm having right now still tastes awesome.
The change in the whole thing has nothing to do with travel. What I've realized is not that I don't want to travel anymore, which is how I used to articulate this to everyone. The change is that, MORE than I want to travel, I want to spend time with this guy. I mean c'mon, look at that face!
It's a fascinating thing to have happen. My priorities have shifted, but the OLD priorities are still in place. It's not a replacement of goals and desires, but a new set of goals has rocketed to the top of the list. It's sort of a neat feeling, actually, to know that I can still experience such massive personal change, and that I'm not limited in scope to what I already know, already believe, and already have decided on.
So I don't mind the travel, but I do mind the time away. In the past, I would have called you an idiot for saying that, because they seem like the same thing, but I know now that they aren't. Here's hoping I can do a good job of balancing them. I hope JP likes to fly, because that kid is going to be a world-wise traveler by the time he's 4. I've got all these miles to use, and there's no one I'd rather use them on that his cute face and his cute mother.
One more awesome picture, for good measure. If you're wondering what the significance of these pictures are - these are the pics that Lyzz keeps sending me on my phone, to make sure I don't forget what he looks like. She's nice like that, always looking out for me. They're probably the most meaningful thing I've ever received on my phone.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Generations
Last weekend Josh, JP and I ventured to Houston to visit family and meet JP's Great Grammy Hoffman.
We arrived in Clear Lake at about 3:30pm, visited JP's Great Grandmother Runte (their second meeting, yay!!) and then went to meet his Great Aunt Diane and Great Uncle Bo. They were suitably impressed with his cuteness and these people KNOW boys...they have raised two outstanding young men in Jake and Cutter. JP would be lucky to grow up to be like those Runte boys.
After our brief visit there, we went back up to Houston to check in to the Westin Oaks at the Galleria. Thanks to Josh's diligent attention to "Frequent Flyer" points programs, he is eligible for the free upgrades that Starwood Properties have to offer and we were put on the 19th floor with a fantastic view of downtown Houston.
We attempted to venture out for an impromptu date night at the Daily Grill but alas, JP decided to blow a fuse just as our entree was being served so we had them box it up and we went back to the room.
JP slept pretty well in the swing that we brought with us (thank goodness) and Grammy Cobb came by at 8:30am to pick me up and leave Josh to his conference call in the hotel room.
JP, Grammy and I headed over to the Hallmark to visit Great Grammy Hoffman. What a treat! We got to spend about an hour and a half visiting and walking around her floor showing JP off to the other residents. JP was great the whole time. What a blessing to be able to introduce James Philip to two of his Great Grandmothers. I sure do hope we have the chance to introduce him to his Great Grandmother Forsyth who lives in Ft. Myers, FL.
Here are some videos of Grammy and JP
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Sleeping
Josh and I are believers in the "Happiest Baby on the Block" theory of the 4th Trimester. This is the idea that the first 3 months of a baby's life is really just an extension of their time in the womb. While most other members of the animal kingdom are born able to walk/run/etc., humans are completely dependent on mom and dad. As a result, babies are very responsive to their calming reflex. Dr. Harvey Karp says the way to stimulate a baby's calming reflex is through the "5 S's" Swaddling, Shushing, Swinging, Sucking and Side/Stomach Lying. Let me just tell you...this man is a damn genius. JP responds almost immediately to these steps. Dr Karp says some babies only need a few of the 5, some need them all. JP can go from clenched and screaming to wide-eyed and silent in seconds just by placing him on his side and jiggling (swinging) him a little bit. Dr. Karp's theory is that only about 10% of colicky babies are actually colicky. The rest just need to have their calming reflex stimulated. Honestly, when you watch his video, it's like magic. This guy is the Baby Whisperer. I would think it was all smoke and mirrors if it didn't work so well on JP.
I mention all of this because last weekend I bought a used baby swing on Craigslist to see if JP would sleep in it (Swinging). It comes with a white noise maker (Shushing) which we usually set to what sounds like static on a radio. The others are waaaay too annoying to listen to on 4 second repeat all night. yowza. We Swaddled him up, gave him his pacifier (Sucking...and Dr. Karp says this is an important part of the 5 S's but that we should, and will, take away the pacifier at 3-4 months...when the baby begins to "self sooth") and put him to bed with a full stomach.
Folks, this kid slept for 4 hours. 4 HOURS!!! In a row! That's twice as long as he had ever slept in his 4.5 weeks of life. This whole week he has clocked record times. Last night, in fact, he was asleep for 5 hours when I finally (and stupidly, I now realize) woke him up to feed him. Let's just say I was eh-HEM! really ready to feed him. Ouch.
Tomorrow morning Josh and I are heading to Houston. Josh has business in H-town on Monday and Tuesday and JP and I are going to visit family. My Grandmother Hoffman has yet to meet this little man and I am really looking forward to introducing them. We were hoping to meet up with Uncle John as well but alas, he has been summoned to Mexico for work. Dammit.
Anyway, this will be out first trip out of town since JP was born and we are taking this baby swing with us. Oh yes, it will be awkwardly carried up to our hotel room but boy will it be worth it. Even if he has a bad night and the swing makes no difference, at least there is a slight chance that he'll sleep for a long stretch and that chance is good enough reason for me to haul this monster machine to Houston.
I have also decided that my standard gift for any expecting mother will be the "Happiest Baby on the Block" DVD. I am a believer in the 5 S's. :)
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Two posts in one day?!?!
Yes, sportsfans, two posts in one day! After JP woke up from his nap in his own room, I finally finished a project that lyzz and I have been working on for a while. Inspired by Grandad and Sharon's house in Kansas City, we put up a huge picture wall in the loft upstairs. Now we just need pictures of people!!!
A quick update
... blogging is HARD :). We're trying to update this place more often, but there's just a whole lot going on. Here's a quick one. We've had requests for more pictures, so that's what we'll do today. The first picture comes along with a pretty cool milestone - JP's first nap in his own bedroom!
Next comes a picture that Lyzz also posted on facebook. I wanted to repost it here because it's basically awesome. He was chillin on my lap a few nights ago, and was just in a great mood. Daddy time is the best.
Next is our latest installment of everyone's favorite on-going series ... THE FACES OF JP.
Right now, he's figuring out where Snoop Dog and Dre are hangin' out later. West side!
Here, he's telling you that you bore him. I'm pretty sure his next words were "say something funny."
But he's not really that arrogant. He was just playin' around. To make it up to us, he ended with the "look how adorable I am" pose, and I must agree - he's basically adorable.
All our love.
Next comes a picture that Lyzz also posted on facebook. I wanted to repost it here because it's basically awesome. He was chillin on my lap a few nights ago, and was just in a great mood. Daddy time is the best.
Next is our latest installment of everyone's favorite on-going series ... THE FACES OF JP.
Right now, he's figuring out where Snoop Dog and Dre are hangin' out later. West side!
Here, he's telling you that you bore him. I'm pretty sure his next words were "say something funny."
But he's not really that arrogant. He was just playin' around. To make it up to us, he ended with the "look how adorable I am" pose, and I must agree - he's basically adorable.
All our love.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Life settles ...
... into a routine so fast, it catches you by surprise even when you're watching out for it. Lyzz and I have been so deliberate and so clear about our desire to stop and smell the roses, to take in everything about our son and his journey, to really enjoy every day. I look up, and in 24 hours my son will be a month old. It was 30 days ago that Lyzz came into my study at 12:30 am to tell me that it was time, and 29 days since I held him in my arms for the first time. Already a month, and I can't believe it.
We just finished giving JP his bath. That's the routine - 830 bath. We don't use too much soap, because that can dry out his skin. Heck, we don't even necessarily use too much water. Mostly its a reason to get him naked and let him cry a little bit to (hopefully) get tired, and ready for bed. It's also a chance for mom and dad to spend some quality time with the kiddo. Before the bath, at least when we can swing it, we watch the West Wing. Why the West Wing? Well, we'd started season 1 when Lyzz was pregnant, and now we're emotionally invested in the storyline. And since JP isn't old enough to be spoiled by TV yet, his parents continue to be. And before that, dinner. Tonight Lyzz made chili.
The chili isn't important, but the routine is. I finish up at work, and go not only to relieve Lyzz of the little bundle of joy, but to get my own one-on-one time with my son. Lyzz takes a break, and then one of us at some point tracks, hunts, kills and prepares dinner. We eat, watch a little TV, bathtime, swaddle, last feeding, and hopefully to bed. I look back, and realize we've done fundamentally that for the last 5 or 6 work nights. Like a family.
And you know what? We ARE taking it all in. Every day, I know that I stop and for 15 or 30 solid seconds, I just watch JP. He's just recently started focusing in on voices. He may not know my name, but he knows someone is talking to him, and I'm convinced that he knows Lyzz or my voice, and knows that those two voices are more important than the other noises he hears. We watch. We experience. The routine doesn't get in the way of that - it enhances it. We sort of let life slide into the background (it'll take care of itself), just long enough to take a mental snapshot of how wonderful that very life is, and why it's so wonderful. If you're wondering, he'll be one month old on Wednesday :).
All our love to everyone. We've enjoyed every single visit, phone call, facebook message and gift, and we can never thank you enough.
We just finished giving JP his bath. That's the routine - 830 bath. We don't use too much soap, because that can dry out his skin. Heck, we don't even necessarily use too much water. Mostly its a reason to get him naked and let him cry a little bit to (hopefully) get tired, and ready for bed. It's also a chance for mom and dad to spend some quality time with the kiddo. Before the bath, at least when we can swing it, we watch the West Wing. Why the West Wing? Well, we'd started season 1 when Lyzz was pregnant, and now we're emotionally invested in the storyline. And since JP isn't old enough to be spoiled by TV yet, his parents continue to be. And before that, dinner. Tonight Lyzz made chili.
The chili isn't important, but the routine is. I finish up at work, and go not only to relieve Lyzz of the little bundle of joy, but to get my own one-on-one time with my son. Lyzz takes a break, and then one of us at some point tracks, hunts, kills and prepares dinner. We eat, watch a little TV, bathtime, swaddle, last feeding, and hopefully to bed. I look back, and realize we've done fundamentally that for the last 5 or 6 work nights. Like a family.
And you know what? We ARE taking it all in. Every day, I know that I stop and for 15 or 30 solid seconds, I just watch JP. He's just recently started focusing in on voices. He may not know my name, but he knows someone is talking to him, and I'm convinced that he knows Lyzz or my voice, and knows that those two voices are more important than the other noises he hears. We watch. We experience. The routine doesn't get in the way of that - it enhances it. We sort of let life slide into the background (it'll take care of itself), just long enough to take a mental snapshot of how wonderful that very life is, and why it's so wonderful. If you're wondering, he'll be one month old on Wednesday :).
All our love to everyone. We've enjoyed every single visit, phone call, facebook message and gift, and we can never thank you enough.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Fortunate
Let me start off by recognizing just how awesome my hubby is and how great his entries have been to date. I am lucky to have such wonderful and adoring husband and just love that he has taken to publicly declaring his love for his family on this blog. Thank you, Joshua.
The last few weeks I have come to appreciate all that I have in my life. As people offer their advice as Josh and I embark on this crazy adventure called parenthood, one piece has stood out for me more than the rest. Don’t blink, because it all goes by so fast. Boy howdy…I can’t even believe this kid has gained 2+ pounds in only 3 weeks. So I want to express the fact that I am not taking any of this for granted.
I don’t take for granted that I have a beautiful, healthy, thriving baby boy. Many, and some that I know personally, do not have this blessing and I have never stopped being thankful for his health.
I don’t take for granted that I have an adoring, compassionate, aware, loving, thoughtful, generous, doting, empathetic husband who is doing everything in his power to take care of and provide for his family. I don’t know how single moms do it, because I have the best teammate a girl could ask for. If he could do more, he would. I had a friend mention to me that her husband “doesn’t really like infants” but now that their daughter is 3 he’s really starting to spend more time with her…WHAT?! I should really thank her because it wasn’t until she made this little throw away comment that I realized just how fortunate I am to have a husband that wants to be involved in every little minute detail of JP’s life to date. He’s amazing with JP. He’s a natural. And he is enjoying this whole process right along side me. And what’s more, he’s there for me when my emotions/hormones get the best of me and I get overwhelmed. He’s my rock.
I don’t take for granted that I have health insurance. And fantastic health insurance at that. Having JP in a state of the art hospital with all the best-trained doctors and nurses, even the machine that goes “PING!!” didn’t put us into debt and won’t ruin us financially. We have the means to take him to regular Doctor’s appointments and keep him as healthy as we are able.
I don’t take for granted the intricate and vast network of family and friends that care about Josh, JP and me. We are not in this alone. I’m grateful for the village that is helping to raise our son.
And finally, I don’t take for granted every single moment that I get to spend with this little guy. Life is so very fragile. That’s something that I have learned first hand at work. Things can change in an instant and we often have very little say in the matter. Every burp, every cry, every gas-induced grin, every painful breastfeeding latch, every open-eyed zombie-like nap this kid takes is a blessing in which I am so eternally grateful to partake. I don’t take this time for granted. I know it will pass in the blink of an eye and be replaced with something equally amazing and awe-inspiring.
Boy, am I fortunate.
The last few weeks I have come to appreciate all that I have in my life. As people offer their advice as Josh and I embark on this crazy adventure called parenthood, one piece has stood out for me more than the rest. Don’t blink, because it all goes by so fast. Boy howdy…I can’t even believe this kid has gained 2+ pounds in only 3 weeks. So I want to express the fact that I am not taking any of this for granted.
I don’t take for granted that I have a beautiful, healthy, thriving baby boy. Many, and some that I know personally, do not have this blessing and I have never stopped being thankful for his health.
I don’t take for granted that I have an adoring, compassionate, aware, loving, thoughtful, generous, doting, empathetic husband who is doing everything in his power to take care of and provide for his family. I don’t know how single moms do it, because I have the best teammate a girl could ask for. If he could do more, he would. I had a friend mention to me that her husband “doesn’t really like infants” but now that their daughter is 3 he’s really starting to spend more time with her…WHAT?! I should really thank her because it wasn’t until she made this little throw away comment that I realized just how fortunate I am to have a husband that wants to be involved in every little minute detail of JP’s life to date. He’s amazing with JP. He’s a natural. And he is enjoying this whole process right along side me. And what’s more, he’s there for me when my emotions/hormones get the best of me and I get overwhelmed. He’s my rock.
I don’t take for granted that I have health insurance. And fantastic health insurance at that. Having JP in a state of the art hospital with all the best-trained doctors and nurses, even the machine that goes “PING!!” didn’t put us into debt and won’t ruin us financially. We have the means to take him to regular Doctor’s appointments and keep him as healthy as we are able.
I don’t take for granted the intricate and vast network of family and friends that care about Josh, JP and me. We are not in this alone. I’m grateful for the village that is helping to raise our son.
And finally, I don’t take for granted every single moment that I get to spend with this little guy. Life is so very fragile. That’s something that I have learned first hand at work. Things can change in an instant and we often have very little say in the matter. Every burp, every cry, every gas-induced grin, every painful breastfeeding latch, every open-eyed zombie-like nap this kid takes is a blessing in which I am so eternally grateful to partake. I don’t take this time for granted. I know it will pass in the blink of an eye and be replaced with something equally amazing and awe-inspiring.
Boy, am I fortunate.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
So many firsts ...
I think most people that know us know that we're going to breastfeed JP as long as is feasible. We're targeting to go well more than a year, and we have an excellent example to follow in Le and Guy, with Mary Mae. But to do that, we have to figure out the breast pumping thing, because Lyzz goes back to work January 1st (maybe the 2nd :)). So tonight, Lyzz produced 2oz of milk via the pump, and presented it to me in a bottle when I got home from softball.
Ya'll - I fed my kid tonight. You want to talk about an awesome feeling. It was the most incredible boring old 2oz of milk you've ever seen. Just a huge step for JP, for me, and for Lyzz.
One other update. JP is 8lbs 3oz today. That's right - another full pound in the last week. That's some GOOD milk!
Ya'll - I fed my kid tonight. You want to talk about an awesome feeling. It was the most incredible boring old 2oz of milk you've ever seen. Just a huge step for JP, for me, and for Lyzz.
One other update. JP is 8lbs 3oz today. That's right - another full pound in the last week. That's some GOOD milk!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Mothers are incredible
When I was young, I knew that my mom was awesome. She made sure I had a good lunch, she drove me to baseball practice, and she took me to fun things like movies and stuff. When I got into my teenage years, I began to understand more about the role moms play in the life of a young man. She was my steady counsel when I had questions. She continued to make sure that I had a good lunch. She understood that I couldn't always articulate what the heck it was my hormone-addled brain was trying to say, and she patiently waited while I got it out. I also saw what it took for a woman to skillfully blend having a career with being a mother. When I went off to college, I realized that my mom, in addition to being all those things I knew already, was also one of the smartest women I'd ever met. It also hit me like a brick how many things my mom had given up for my childhood, and how she's done so willingly and without regret. I thought, at this point, that I sort of knew the scope of being a mother, as I'd experienced it (albeit from one specific perspective) my whole life.
Turns out, I'd missed out (well, more like forgotten) a CRUCIAL part of a woman as a mother, and that's the fantastic dedication, patience, fortitude, emotional stability, and selfless nature that it takes to care for a newborn. Lyzz is simply incredible, ya'll. For everyone out there who's reading that's been through what we're going through now, I'm not telling you anything you don't know. But this is all new to me. JP nurses ALL THE TIME, and Lyzz is his sole source of nourishment. He literally cannot exist without Lyzz. I didn't comprehend the pressure that responsibility brings with it until now. And my wife is handling this with the (apparent) ease of a natural; it's like she was born to do this.
Mom (ALL moms) - thank you.
Lyzz - you're awesome.
So much has happened in the last week. It feels like just yesterday that we brought home this little bundle, and he's already gaining weight, opening his eyes and engaging with the world, and hating bath time. That's pretty much the trifecta for a 3-week old. Oh, don't forget gas. He's got plenty of that :).
We had pictures taken a week ago by a local professional photographer who's trying to build out her pictures-of-newborns business, and she brought over the proofs for us to look at today. One of the pictures she took was, very literally, the best picture I've ever seen. It made Lyzz cry. When we get copies, I'll be sure to post one (like you'll be able to avoid seeing it, in this digital age). The finished pictures are just going to be fantastic. Grandparents, start your checkbooks!!!
I leave you with my favorite on-going feature - THE MANY FACES OF JP.
Today ... he ministered to millions in india and throughout the world. He spread god's word, and worked in his humble stead for life. He is - mother theresa. (as lyzz says - wow, no pressure).
Turns out, I'd missed out (well, more like forgotten) a CRUCIAL part of a woman as a mother, and that's the fantastic dedication, patience, fortitude, emotional stability, and selfless nature that it takes to care for a newborn. Lyzz is simply incredible, ya'll. For everyone out there who's reading that's been through what we're going through now, I'm not telling you anything you don't know. But this is all new to me. JP nurses ALL THE TIME, and Lyzz is his sole source of nourishment. He literally cannot exist without Lyzz. I didn't comprehend the pressure that responsibility brings with it until now. And my wife is handling this with the (apparent) ease of a natural; it's like she was born to do this.
Mom (ALL moms) - thank you.
Lyzz - you're awesome.
So much has happened in the last week. It feels like just yesterday that we brought home this little bundle, and he's already gaining weight, opening his eyes and engaging with the world, and hating bath time. That's pretty much the trifecta for a 3-week old. Oh, don't forget gas. He's got plenty of that :).
We had pictures taken a week ago by a local professional photographer who's trying to build out her pictures-of-newborns business, and she brought over the proofs for us to look at today. One of the pictures she took was, very literally, the best picture I've ever seen. It made Lyzz cry. When we get copies, I'll be sure to post one (like you'll be able to avoid seeing it, in this digital age). The finished pictures are just going to be fantastic. Grandparents, start your checkbooks!!!
I leave you with my favorite on-going feature - THE MANY FACES OF JP.
Today ... he ministered to millions in india and throughout the world. He spread god's word, and worked in his humble stead for life. He is - mother theresa. (as lyzz says - wow, no pressure).
Thursday, September 9, 2010
He's HUGE!
Well, not really. But we did get some awesome news from the doctor today. Not only is JP back to his birth weight (the normal 2-week milestone), he's actually surpassed his birth weight by more than a pound! He was 6-5 at birth, and he weighed in at 7-8 today. That's some good milk!
We're really starting to settle in to a routine. JP goes to bed much easier when he's had a bath, so we do that every night at 830. Mom and Dad end up enjoying a little bit of quiet time, and then hitting the sack right afterwards. We're almost through the second season of The West Wing, which we have been watching as we eat dinner (and sometimes as JP eats dinner). He's still up every 2-3 hours throughout the night, but we're dealing with it. It helps mom in the afternoon to grab a quick nap once Josh can break free of work. We even had lunch as a family today, out in public.
Here's something I've been waiting to do. I'd like to introduce you to the many faces of JP ... (insert dramatic movie-guy voice here).
We start with a little boy who's pretty chill ...
But you know and I know that doesn't last long ... very soon he demands your attention. He's dramatic, he's glamorous! And he's tired of dealing with the common folk.
These are not the droids you're looking for.
To complete the series tonight, I'll borrow Lyzz's line ... do you happen to have an Opera House I can haunt?
We're really starting to settle in to a routine. JP goes to bed much easier when he's had a bath, so we do that every night at 830. Mom and Dad end up enjoying a little bit of quiet time, and then hitting the sack right afterwards. We're almost through the second season of The West Wing, which we have been watching as we eat dinner (and sometimes as JP eats dinner). He's still up every 2-3 hours throughout the night, but we're dealing with it. It helps mom in the afternoon to grab a quick nap once Josh can break free of work. We even had lunch as a family today, out in public.
Here's something I've been waiting to do. I'd like to introduce you to the many faces of JP ... (insert dramatic movie-guy voice here).
We start with a little boy who's pretty chill ...
But you know and I know that doesn't last long ... very soon he demands your attention. He's dramatic, he's glamorous! And he's tired of dealing with the common folk.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
As parents ...
I'm coming to realize that there are several layers of awesome involved in having a child. There are those obvious, external layers - he's freakin' adorable, he smells good, and we sure have some proud grandparents. But as Lyzz and I start to come out of our newborn tunnel vision, some deeper layers are becoming clear to me. James Philip has only strengthened the bond between my wife and me. I've been lucky enough to marry a woman who doesn't hold it against me that I can't breastfeed, and who isn't afraid to ask for help when she needs it. A woman who knows that a down payment of an extra hour of sleep goes for miles and miles, and I'll do anything to repay that kindness. A woman who acknowledges that I'm working my butt off to pull my weight as we figure out this new life. A woman who has doubts, fears, and uncertainty about what this kid means for the rest of our lives, but who also trusts me enough to open up and talk about those doubts, fears and uncertainties with me instead of bottling them up inside. I have the same doubts, fears and uncertainties, and she helps me deal with those, as I hopefully help her. That open and honest communication gives me great peace of mind that our union is a strong one, and that JP just serves to highlight that strength. I'm overjoyed to have him with us, not just because I feel more complete now than I did two weeks ago (I do), but because he's proven to Lyzz and I that our family is just that.
Forgive the ramblings ... we just had a really good evening, all three of us.
Forgive the ramblings ... we just had a really good evening, all three of us.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
JP's first bath
I don't think we scarred him for life, but given his response to his first bath we very well might have. This was last Monday night (I think), but I wanted to post it as a separate post so people could see it. As an aside, some videos will be via YouTube, and some will be directly on here (blogger). When I tried to upload this video to blogger, the upload failed. I'm betting the file was too big. Regardless - enjoy!
JP's First Bath
JP's First Bath
Saturday, September 4, 2010
A day in the life of an 8-day old ...
What does one's day involve when one is 8 days old? (or 7, or 9 for that matter) Well, it involves visits from people who want to see the kiddo and make sure mom and dad are doing ok. On Tuesday, we had a visit from the crew at Station 6 (lyzz's station when she's in operations). Here's the whole gang.
A few days later, Nana and Poppy stopped back by and brought Josh's grandpa Donelson with them. It's very cool to see four generations of Donelson men in one place.
Josh's Grandmother Runte also stopped by, along with Aunt Judy and Mike. These are some really cool pictures, with four generations of the Runte family (sorry for the red-eye, no time to correct the photo).
Then, on Saturday, we had to get ready for the Longhorns game. JP really doesn't have a choice in this matter, but he was game!
Lastly, sometimes you hear someone say (or type) something that just makes you crazy. When you hear (or read) that, give them a dose of JP's facepalm!
More later, much love to everyone.
A few days later, Nana and Poppy stopped back by and brought Josh's grandpa Donelson with them. It's very cool to see four generations of Donelson men in one place.
Josh's Grandmother Runte also stopped by, along with Aunt Judy and Mike. These are some really cool pictures, with four generations of the Runte family (sorry for the red-eye, no time to correct the photo).
Then, on Saturday, we had to get ready for the Longhorns game. JP really doesn't have a choice in this matter, but he was game!
Lastly, sometimes you hear someone say (or type) something that just makes you crazy. When you hear (or read) that, give them a dose of JP's facepalm!
More later, much love to everyone.
Friday, August 27, 2010
36 hours old, and doing great
This parenting stuff is hard. So much to learn but I believe completely that he's getting good at telling us what he needs. All we have to do is listen. JP's first full day on earth saw visits fromo nanna and poppy (donelson), grandpa and gramma forsyth, and grampus and Grammy (cobb), as well as several friends and family. Kiddo is eating like a king, and mom is a trooper.
Last night we realized the value of a good burp, too. Kiddo was feeding well, and ate at 9, 10, and 11. He had been sleeping well after feedings, but as midnightbrolled around jp just continued to be fussy. I paced with him while mom dozed, but he kept fussing. Mom woke and he took another bit of a feeding, and then mom began to pace with him, too. All of a sudden, he let out four burps that would have made any firefighter proud. Literally mounts later, still in lyzza arms, he was zonked out. He slept until his assesment at 2am, fed again at 3a, and then slept until about 645 or so this morning. Mom and dad very very thankful :). So the lesson was - burp hard :).
At some point I'll figure out how to get pics and such up here. We've got a great video of his first sponge bath at 2hours old, too. For now, all our love.
Lyzz, Josh and jp
Last night we realized the value of a good burp, too. Kiddo was feeding well, and ate at 9, 10, and 11. He had been sleeping well after feedings, but as midnightbrolled around jp just continued to be fussy. I paced with him while mom dozed, but he kept fussing. Mom woke and he took another bit of a feeding, and then mom began to pace with him, too. All of a sudden, he let out four burps that would have made any firefighter proud. Literally mounts later, still in lyzza arms, he was zonked out. He slept until his assesment at 2am, fed again at 3a, and then slept until about 645 or so this morning. Mom and dad very very thankful :). So the lesson was - burp hard :).
At some point I'll figure out how to get pics and such up here. We've got a great video of his first sponge bath at 2hours old, too. For now, all our love.
Lyzz, Josh and jp
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
And so it begins
Posting from my iPad in the labor and delivery room. At seton central in Austin, tx. We've been here since about 4am, and are making slow but steady progress. Soon we'll be able to introduce the world to our son. Already had visits from grandma cobb and nanna and poppy donelson, and granddad and Sharon are on the road headed this way - they should a get here by 6 or so. Very exciting indeed.
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