First-Born Sons

John Thomas' first full week home was a learning/adjusting period for all of us. I learned that having help from family and friends is one of the greatest gifts in the world. My mom stayed with us this week after Jason went back to work. Thank goodness, because I totally took for granted taking a shower, drying my hair, putting on make-up, checking the mail...
Saturday, Jason's parents (Grandma Molly and Grandpa Danny) came in to meet their new grand boy. They both fell in love at first sight. An interesting aside is that Jason's dad is the first-born son, Jason was a first-born son and John Thomas is a first-born son.

You may notice not one, not two, but THREE wet spots on Jason's shirt. That's right, John Thomas squirted dad three separate times during the course of bath time on Saturday. I'd say it's only the beginning of the body fluids we'll be covered in over the next several years.

Here is our little cutie taking his maiden voyage in the swing (thanks Mimi, Jen, Katie, Cara and Mere). He loves it!

Molly (Jason's mom) is going to stay with us the rest of this week. I am already thankful. We got to go to Home Depot today and buy some flowers. She also made a mean chicken casserole for dinner tonight. I don't know what I'm going to do when all my help goes home.

I think Chester is trying to find other ways to occupy his time, since his mom has been so busy. However, when John Thomas starts crying, Chester starts bringing him toys in an attempt to pacify him. The record so far is three toys (frisbee, bone and squirrel). I hate to think of a 5 toy fit.

Hello World!

As most of you have undoubtedly heard, John Thomas came screaming into the world thirteen days early, on April 14th at 10:40 p.m. He weighed 6 lbs. 10 oz. and was 21.5 inches long. It was easily the most wonderful day of our life!

I realize this is a face only a parent could love, but he truly is the cutest thing I've ever seen. I know I'm overly emotional/hormonal but I've written him a letter I'd like to share.

Dear John Thomas,

I loved you before you were born. The day I saw the "+" sign, I was positively enamored. The first time I heard your heartbeat was music to my ears. What a joy to watch you grow from a lentil to a lemon and feel all the nudges and kicks along the way. I was counting down the days before we'd meet, but like your mother, you must have grown impatient. You made your grand entrance in record time. How blessed we are to have such a precious gift. You are our love. I can think of no greater proof of God than your sweet face. Welcome to the family son.

All my love,

Mom

Jason has been truly AMAZING. He has changed almost every diaper, he helps me feed, runs errands and is the most supporting and loving father and husband I could ever wish for. John Thomas is surely a lucky little boy. These last four days have such an adventure and I can't wait to watch our family grow and make all sorts of new memories.

I'm pretty sure this is the best I've looked in the past four days. We've had some visitors and company and I hope they don't mind the "all natural" look of no make-up, pj's and unkempt hair. Hopefully I'll be able to pull it all together before too many days, because I'd hate to scare the baby. Thank you to everyone who came by, brought food and held our sweet baby boy.

Mom got to come to the hospital on Wednesday night. I'm pretty sure he's already got her in the palm of his oh-so tiny and cute hand. Not only is he their first grandson, he was born only days before her 60th birthday. I know she was happy with her gift from us this year. Happy 60th Birthday Grandma!

Chester is still trying to figure out how he is going to fit into the picture (so to speak). I think it'll take a little time for our first stinker (Chester) to adjust to having to share Mom and Dad's love with the new cutie on the block. As long Chester can still lay on the couch and gets a little love here and there, he's going to be just fine.

Spring Fever

This week was absolutely fantastic! I was home for Spring Break all week. I managed to make a major dent in a serious to-do list including: finishing the nursery, washing the car, trimming the hedges, walking everyday, writing nearly 40 thank you cards, grading essays, spreading grass seed, lesson planning for my maternity leave, working on a base tan and going to the doctor twice. Speaking of, our last ultrasound was on Monday and John Thomas is positioned head down, over 20 inches long and weighs approximately 5 lbs. 15 oz.

We spent the weekend with my mom and dad. As usually, we ate well, played bridge and spent lots of quality time together. It was a restful and rejuvenating weekend. By the way, we prepared everything on the platter except for the broccoli salad. It was yummy! Good luck on your interview tomorrow dad!

Another perk to having the parents over for the weekend is the extra set of helping hands. Dad and Jason spent part of the day on Saturday tilling our garden and getting it ready to be sown.

Chester also likes it when mom and dad come over because they bring his best friend in the whole world, Ozzie.

The neat thing about dogs is they can play tug-of-war for thirty minutes, growl at each other and after it's all done, they want to start all over again.

Jason made a day trip to Nashville on Sunday to participate in the Christening of his God daughter, Stella Vernon. Not only did he have a great trip, he also brought home all sorts of baby gifts from some of our Nashville friends.

I think Chester might be missing his BFF (bestest fury friend) or maybe he knows that Spring Break is over and mom has to go back to work tomorrow. I'm sure a good nap and a puppy treat will help him cheer up. As for me, only three more weeks of work before we welcome home John Thomas!