5lbs 15 oz

I went to see baby Aubrey yesterday and she is absolutely beautiful! Looking back, the unbiased Mommy in me can say that my Ethan was born with a jaundiced little squished up face, but at that time I thought he was the most handsome and perfect baby God had ever put on this Earth. Now I know that he didn't become the most perfect and handsome baby until now. Little Aubrey does not have a squished up face and is not jaundiced. She weighs 5 lbs 15 oz and is so tiny. What is amazing about this is that this is the exact same weight Ethan was when he came home from the hospital and even though it was only 4 months ago, I can't remember him ever being that small. Aubrey fit in 1 arm and although I am sure that he did, too, it just seems like it was so long ago. I just can't believe that he has grown so much in such a short time. Isn't it funny that even though my last post had a picture of him in his carseat when he came home from the hospital at that same weight, it took holding little Aubrey for me to truly realize how much he has grown! Is it crazy that I am already thinking how sweet it would be to have another one that little again?!?! Way too soon, I know!

This Is It

Ethan arriving home from the hospital at 2 days old.

Ethan at 16 weeks getting dressed after bathtime.

My baby boy is 17 weeks old today and this is it. My final day of being a full-time Mommy. This has been the most wonderful almost four months that I have ever known. There is a joy and happiness like no other that comes with parenthood. Each day is a new adventure watching Ethan grow, laugh, and be fascinated by his surroundings. He is perfect in every way and now I completely understand the rude people that I have heard say, "Oh, if you don't have children then you can't understand." I couldn't imagine ever saying that to someone, but there is some truth to it. Before he came along, Ben and I were different people and I must admit that we allowed our jobs to create our identity. Now that Ethan is here my world has been forever changed and as much as I love being a teacher, that title no longer holds my identity. Ben and I both wake up every morning and our first thoughts are about our son.

I must admit that I have done a lot of growing up with Ethan over the last few months. When he first came home from the hospital, he was so tiny and I was a little afraid of how I would handle being a new Mommy. But in the weeks after he was born, a new confidence and pride developed knowing that I was the person he relied on more than anyone else in the world. Of course, being the sole provider of his nourishment might have a little to do with that. The love that Ben and I have for this precious baby that God has allowed us to care for and raise is indescribable.

Ethan and I spend our days playing together, talking to each other, reading books, and dancing together. It is so sad to think that Monday morning will come and someone else is now going to have all of the time that up to this point has been Mommytime.

Pumpkin Patch

I'm a little late getting these posted, but we ventured out to the Pumpkin Patch on Halloween morning with Leigh Ann and Alex. Trying to get the perfect timing between feedings and naptime is not easy, especially when the first Pumpkin Patch that you visit had NO pumpkins. So, we load back up and try another Pumpkin Patch. This one was much better! After trying to figure out how to prop up a baby that is too little to sit up by himself, Ethan finally got tired of giving smiles, but he was very interested in all of the little pumpkins.

I was really hoping that he would lean up against the big pumpkin behind him for just a few seconds so Daddy could snap a quick picture, but not so much. It's amazing how easy it is to get them to do things at home, but when it is showtime all is forgotten!

And this was the way our morning ended...a little tired of everyone messing with him. That's what we get for thinking that a picture with him and Alex would be just precious. He was asleep in my arms before we even got back to the car. Alas, no terrific Pumpkin Patch pictures but we will try again next year.

The Stare-down

The other day, I caught this picture. I was cracking up! It was hilarious watching Ethan and Lucy just stare at each other. You could just see their thinking. Ethan...Wow, I can't wait to get a hold of her! Lucy...So I guess he's not going anywhere and I have to get used to him taking up all of Mommy and Daddy's time.
It's great watching the two of them start to connect to each other. Lucy loves to come up and lick him and every time Lucy walks in front of him, Ethan just stares at her.

This is the most perfect age! Ethan is starting to reach for things and play with his toys(with help, of course). The other day, he was "playing" his piano all by himself! Everything is so engaging and he gets the giggles all of the time. His little face lights up and he is so excited at the littlest of things. He is talking all of the time and now he loves to grunt. I LOVE hearing him talk, it truly is the best sound that I have ever heard!

The Best Sound Ever

Ethan and I were having a conversation the other day...of course, it was more of me talking than him, but I promise he said the word "Ever!" He was a little slow to get going and I was a little slow getting the video started because I missed recording the first half of our conversation, but here is my baby boy in all of his preciousness!

It's times like these that I begin to panic at the thought of returning to work in three short weeks and missing these moments that I now get to share with him every single day. What was I thinking when Ben told me to turn in my resignation after we came home from the hospital with our little bundle and I said "Oh no, I couldn't do that, I love my job!" I do love my job, but now I have another job that takes priority. The Mommy Balancing Act is about to begin.

This is when Mommy has time...

As you may have noticed, the number of times I have updated our blog since Ethan was born has been slim, but now you understand when I have time to work on it. These moments are rare, but sometimes it's worth it to ignore the dishes and laundry and have some computer time all to myself!

Georgia Fan Already

Our little man is already rooting for the Georgia Bulldogs, making Daddy a very happy camper. Nothing beats watching the game in Dad's arms! I don't know what it is, but he is fascinated by it all. Next up...going to the game at Sanford Stadium, of course!