This Time Around

Sawyer is now 3 months old as of February 20th.

Having Sawyer in our lives has added a happiness to each of us that radiates for miles around. We thank our lucky stars each and everyday for every blessing that we have been given. Philly and I have truly been blessed time and time again.

Something that runs through my mind over and over again is how different I am having a baby today, at 31, than I was eleven years ago, at 20. Of course there are many reasons for those differences. First, I have already been through it. Those first time jitters are gone. Spit up doesn't bother me any more. How about the first time that you stick your finger in baby poo? Oooo gross! Doesn't bother a bit these days. It washes right off and it doesn't kill you or make your skin melt off. 

 Also, I have had so much practice with my childcare kids. I have heard what works and doesn't work form other mom's who have been through it already. 

Eleven years post first baby, I now know how extremely quick the years go by. I can't exactly slow time down but, I can take the time to enjoy life more.

The little things that are so easily over looked and the joy missed like playing with tissue paper, boxes, wooden spoons, dirt, sand, and wearing daddy's great big shoes, all really get to my heart these days. I did enjoy these things while Ely and Amaya were tiny. But, years gone by, I know now what I have to look forward to. 

I will be following my instinct more and taking advice less. Like starting cereal feedings... because it's really ok that we didn't wait until the recommended 4 to 6 month mark. It's no big deal if he doesn't like tummy time or if he is now out growing some of his 6 month clothing already. Sawyer will be just fine. These mile stones are not going to cause destruction if we don't stick to the book.

I will work less and play more. On the changing table, play mat, bath tub, at the park, wherever it may be. That's what kids do! Play time is the best time to teach children things we want them to know,things we want them to do, and things we want them to change. So when you see my house a mess, just know that we must have been playing lots lately.

I will be getting up close and personal, holding my baby as much as possible, taking a million pictures, listening for every coo as it becomes a real word. Sawyer stays right with us at all times. No more of that, "Let them cry themselves to sleep because crying is what babies do." I will hold him, rock him, sooth him in any way I can. Crying means something doesn't it?

I will share my baby with others. Babies are rare. That's why people are so crazy about the little things. You see toddlers and school age children often but the baby stage... only one year long...seems almost unfair doesn't it? They are only this little for a brief moment and when it's gone there is NO WAY to get it back. I love seeing other people love my baby.

My friend Lisa

My friend Angelique and her daughter Chloe

Phil's niece Emily, mom, sister Jeanie, and niece Sarah

Grandma Jinner

I will put fun clothing on him that he loves as well. Poor Ely never owned a pair of Bob the Builder shoes or a Monsters Inc. t-shirt...only pajamas (although he wore cowboy boots with basketball shorts quit often.) I was so concerned about him coordinating and looking stylish in the public eye. Bottom line is that it is only a few shorts years he will want name brand clothing and the newest high dollar shoes. I will let Sawyer be little for as long as I can stretch it out.

I will be proud of every new accomplishment that he achieves. He may not get there the way that I think he should, or take the route I want him to take but, he isn't me. Sawyer will find his own way.

finally enjoying tummy time

already strong enough for his exersaucer

figuring out how to get a hold of those toys hanging above him...

and how to pull the whole bar down.

As these little hands accomplish many tasks, help Sawyer crawl, pull items out of my cabinets, make huge messes with food all over my floors, smudge my mirrors and windows, I will say, "Thank you for this experience!" It's not just my experience... It's Sawyer's as well. I will use my hands to hold him a little more, for a little longer.

As people told me while I was pregnant with Ely, "Cherish every moment because it goes to fast." I thought, "Ok, I have heard that enough... I get it." But truth be it, you don't get it until you go through it. It's not that I regret the mom that I have been to Amaya and Ely. The only reason I know to hold on to each moment is because I have watched the years go and with no way to control the speed of time.

 Picture taken early this morning. I can't get enough of this trio.

I do know for sure that this time around, I will be making everyday a wonderful experience,

Jen

What's New?



Lots of things are new with our new little man around.

We have all been enjoying the fresh prospective that Sawyer brings to our home.

Recently Saw has been grasping his toys. How much fun! He is starting to play. Yippee! And you know we love every precious minute of it!

How could we resist happiness when we are witness to this kind of a thing each day...

"I just want to hug you duckie."

"And give you a big sloppy Sawyer kiss."

"And lick you because you might taste good."

"Alright, let's chill."

"Maybe...

one more little hug."

Sawyer has been eating the time out of his hands (hungry or not.) By the way, this boy would eat every hour if we would let him. We compromise with every two hours for now unless he is extremely hungry.

Super Bowl Sunday, we discovered that Sawyer like Beyonce. With all of the movement on the screen during half time, I found his daddy's eyes fixed to the TV as well.

Our boy loves to be changed.

Ready for bed in his NFL jammies that he got for Christmas from Uncle Pat and Aunt Lori.

He also loves baths.

Weekend naps with his big brother is another favorite.

Spinning this wheel brings a lot of delight.
"I'm gonna get it."

"Now I gottcha."

"Hang on... I am concentrating very hard. If I grab with my right hand..."

"How do you work? Why do you stop moving?"

"oaahhoah you make me so tired Mr. Wheel."

"but you make happy too... it is a confusing relationship."

Sawyer weighed in at 13lbs. 15 oz. on Saturday at his doctors visit.
He is 25 inches long. Very healthy and we are very happy about that.

It's no wonder that he is wearing 6 month clothing.

ELEVEN

Ely turned eleven on Sunday, February 3rd! It is unbelievable how fast time goes. It almost feels unfair at moments but, we can't worry about that. We have to take what we get and enjoy every day.
So what does being eleven mean for Ely?
It means being in to music more than ever. (He recieved an Ihome for his ipod.)

It means becoming intrested in clothing and actually wanting to match. Has anyone noticed this kids crazy hair? I am hoping this is a phase that passes quickly. He doesn't want me to do anything with it.
It means having a deeper voice as his "man voice" (as Ely calls it) approaches.
It means finding who you are a bit, being able to put your self in others peoples shoes, and standing up for your friends when you know they are right.
It also means more responsibilites around the house and having more expected of you.
Eleven also means that mom and Philly are not as cool as they were before and we can actually be quit embarrassing at times.

Just posing for a pic. with my boys.

Here is to the 'year of eleven' and all of the fun it will bring!

Happy eleventh birthday Ely!

Love,

Mom