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).