Overwhelmed

Having a newborn is certainly overwhelming. Constant feedings and diaper changes, especially those at 3 a.m. make life a little crazy. But I think we are getting better at it with each passing day, and we are slowly but surely on our way back to normalcy.

I have also been overwhelmed in another way that I wanted to share. I have been taken back by how much help and love we have received from church family, friends, and family since Ashyr's birth. I haven't had to cook one single meal or buy groceries for two and a half weeks, nor will I have to for some time because people just keep bringing food our way. That has been a HUGE blessing. Not only that but we've been given diapers, baby supplies, and lots of other practical items so we don't have to purchase them ourselves. Also my mom and church friends have been awesome about being there for me when I have had baby questions. I am thankful for their opinions and advice I know I can trust. Although life with a newborn is definitely overwhelming, so many people have made it bearable.

With all that said, I want to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who has been there for us during this time!

2 Weeks Old

Isn't he adorable? I think so too.

Weekend Debut

Ashyr had a big weekend. He got to meet both sets of grandparents and attended his first Sunday at church. It was so nice simply spending time together at our apartment with our families who spoiled us with yummy food and more baby gifts. We even managed to all go out to eat twice with a newborn. Amazingly enough, he never cried out in public! We couldn't have asked for a better time this weekend. Thank you to my parents, Grant's parents, and Aaron and Jen for sharing it with us!


Grandpa and Grandma Sutton


With Nonna Yost


Sound asleep in my arms

Firsts

I am stumped by myself at how monumental each of Ashyr's little "firsts" seem. He had his first car ride yesterday and wore his first outfit (seen above). I wasn't expecting to break out in tears! Those are only two of them. It hit me with his first bath, first diaper change, first feeding, first smile. I have a feeling it is just going to be this way about EVERYTHING. Oh well, I should just try to soak it all in since I know it will go by so fast.

He has a big weekend ahead. First time seeing both sets of grandparents and first time to church.

Hope to have more pictures soon. We have been trying to take it easy all week as we adjust to this new way of life.

Home Delivery

Well he's here! Ashyr made his grand entrance into the world on Monday March 14th at 9:40a.m. And he arrived right in the comfort of our own home. This was NOT the plan. My labor went incredibly fast (which I am quite all right with) so we didn't have time to get to the birth center. Fortunately, our midwife was able to make it to our apartment to deliver the baby in the nick of time. He weighed 8 lb. 2 oz. and was 20 inches. We are so thankful for this sweet little blessing!

39 Weeks

I am hopeful this will be my last pregnancy post. Besides, you can't really tell by the pictures that I am getting bigger. Contractions are starting to become more frequent and stronger, but my midwife reminded me that doesn't necessarily mean a baby will come right away. :( She said these warm up contractions can drag on for weeks. It all just depends on when he is ready to come. While she was measuring my tummy this morning, she could feel one happening that very moment which was kind of neat.



Week 39: A mini watermelon. Measures about 20 inches long and weighs a bit over 7 lbs.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy Birthday to the best Mom ever! I hope you have a fabulous birthday today--I wish I could be there to celebrate with you! Love you very much!

Journaling

About a week ago, I started journaling again after a relapse of over a year. I was extremely consistent throughout college and into the first few months of marriage, meaning I kept one for over five years. Personally, I found journaling to be very therapeutic, so I can't believe I have neglected the activity for such a long period of time. Nor do I know why I ever quit in the first place! I am also kind of kicking myself for not keeping one throughout my pregnancy, but at least I can after the baby is born to record all the big moments as he grows up too fast.

After I completely get over perfecting penmenship and readability (which sometimes hinders me from expressing my true thoughts) I find the habit to benefit me in a lot of ways including:

Reduces my stress levels
Gives me better focus by clearing my mind
Gauges personal/spiritual growth over time
Captures life's moments so I don't forget
Allows me to be totally candid

Well, I feel like I am journaling about journaling right now, sorry about that. Anyway, maybe if I am brave enough, I will share excerpts from my journal at times on my blog--no promises.

38 Weeks

Last night while lying in bed I had my first Braxton Hicks contractions. I wasn't 100% sure that is what I was experiencing since there have been so many strange feelings and sensations during pregnancy. So, I explained to my midwife this morning at my 38 week appointment what I felt last night, and she assured me that they were in fact Braxton Hicks contractions. That excited me.

This morning we got our car seat installed. I liked looking in the back seat and seeing it there. Also excited me.



Week 38: As far as length goes, he's like a leek- about 19.6 inches. Weight is nearly 7 lbs.

Take My Life and Let it Be

We sang one of my favorite hymns at church Sunday. It has been in my head all week and I have even played it on the piano every day since. I just love these lyrics as they easily express the way I feel inside. Do you have a certain song like that?

Take my life, and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to thee;
take my moments and my days,
let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my hands, and let them move
at the impulse of thy love;
take my feet, and let them be
swift and beautiful for thee.

Take my voice, and let me sing
always, only, for my King;
take my lips, and let them be
filled with messages from thee.

Take my silver and my gold,
not a mite would I withhold;
take my intellect, and use
every power as thou shalt choose.

Take my will and make it thine;
it shall be no longer mine.
take my heart, it is thine own;
it shall be thy royal throne.

Take my love; my Lord, I pour
at thy feet its treasure store;
take my self, and I will be
ever, only, all for thee.