The Culprits

I don't mean to assign blame, but I need a scapegoat. Here is who is to blame for me not posting for the past week. Two of my favorite people, Kathy and Megan, came to visit us last week. I was having so much fun visiting with them that I didn't ever get around to posting on the blog. My apologies; I'll be back on track this week. 

What a Difference a Month Makes

Jack turned one month old yesterday. It's amazing what a difference a month makes. The picture on the left is the sleepy baby we brought home from the hospital. The one on the right is the aware little guy we see today. At one month, Jack is beginning to interact with his toys, and he loves to play with Mommy and Daddy. In fact, were those real smiles that Jack was flashing at his mommy this morning? 

A visit to the pediatrician yesterday proved that Jack is growing. He weighed 6 pounds 14 ounces at birth. Now he weighs 8 pounds 8 ounces. He has moved into the 25th percentile. 

What does Jack have in store for us in the next month? May I place an order for more hours of sleep?

Introductions

My nieces and nephews have played very important roles in my life. I know my interactions with them over the years have made me more comfortable in my role as a new mother. I was able to introduce Jack to some of my favorite people this weekend. 

I've been looking forward to introducing my niece, Megan, to Jack. She arrived with Kathy on Saturday. We are so excited that they are here!

Rachel, Linda's daughter, met Jack in the hospital, but she waited until Saturday to hold him for the first time. She looks like a natural. Can anyone say baby-sitter?

Linda's son, Charlie, came home from Western Kentucky University to meet Jack and attend his baptism this weekend. It's hard to believe that Charlie, my oldest nephew, is twenty-two already. He's all grown up. 

Jack's Baptism

Jack was baptized yesterday. There was a nice ceremony, and then we had brunch at Grandma Jane's. Everyone in my family looks forward to occasions when Jane cooks. In fact, as Rachel walked into the house, she said, "I've been looking forward to this all week." Jane really outdid herself. Everything was yummy! It was so nice to see our family and friends, knowing that they would be a critical part of Jack's life as he grows. We feel fortunate to have so many supportive people in our lives. 

Hands and Feet

There is something enchanting about a baby's hands and feet. Jack takes after his daddy in both departments. He has long, beautiful fingers and long, lean feet. These characteristics don't come from my mix of Thorn and Bruns genes! No offense to any of the relatives who managed to come away with long fingers and toes. I'm just jealous.

I wasn't one of those mothers who immediately after giving birth started counting fingers and toes. I don't know if it was because I knew it was out of my hands, because it just didn't matter to me, or because I was just too exhausted! In my eyes, he was perfect whether he had ten fingers or eight. 

One of my friends told me that I have a beautiful baby. I told her that in my eyes he would be beautiful if his head was attached to the other end! I guess that is the beginning of a mother's unconditional love for her child. Fortunately for Jack, all of his anatomy is in the right place. But I'd love him even if it wasn't.