Yes....

 That is what you think it is. 

Henry!!!

**If you were mesmerized by that beautiful smile, and missed the color change on the floor, let me draw your attention to that schmear of mustard-yellow poopie beneath my baby's feet!   

Snapshots of Henry

I'm loving this little Henry boy and all his sweet pudginess.  I'm logging plenty of holding hours during feeding times (and between them too.)  I'm also in the newborn fog that comes with the territory as our whole family is getting acquainted with another member.  I forgot how difficult and exhausting it could be to nudge a wee one onto a feed/wake/sleep schedule.  I've had more than a few nighttime settle-the-baby moments where I'd have rather been sleeping!

But what a cutie!  Who happens to be losing hair faster than you can dial Hair Club for Men.

And whose eyes are still learning to focus together. Heh heh. 

His cord fell off early, but his belly button still hasn't completely healed.  I noticed a very small amount of dried blood with diaper changes.  It's definitely not infected, but I'm keeping a close eye on it.  I tried some Curious George bandages one day, but his skin reacted to the adhesive, just like his mama's does, and made the situation worse.  I'm now keeping it as open to the air as possible, which means folding down the front of his diaper to let it breathe.  Poor sweet baboo.

He's making mouth movements that are precursor to smiles.  I'm still waiting for the real thing!  I look deep into his eyes to coax one out of him, and he gazes back...at the lights behind or above me.

Until then, I'll settle for him taking good naps. 

Oh, yes, and buddy boy was up to 9 lbs, 4 oz., at his 3-week weight check. 

Gifts for My Newest Nephew

I love living in the South, but I sure miss my family back in the Midwest, especially when new babies arrive! Fortunately, I got to greet my brand new little nephew Deacon Liam over Christmas. He sure was a sweetie, and I think he still his, although he probably needs some Aunt Joyce kisses to keep him in line.

This was my welcome gift to him:


And a follow-up gift in the mail, because things got too crazy around Christmas to finish it then:

Dress for Bella

Here's a little dress I made for a friend whose baby girl is due in February.
In my typical last-minute fashion, I was sewing on the buttons as Jason drove to the party. (The little Swiss Army knife scissors in my truck's console has been a lifesaver on more than one occasion.) I've made this pattern before, but it has a few problems. I was extremely satisfied with myself for figuring out some of the kinks, one being that the collar always stuck up funny, and another that the sleeve hems looked frumpy.

Sometimes I am timid to give handmade gifts because I'm afraid they won't be liked. Hit or miss, I still love to make things, and when I make a gift, I'm thinking of and praying for that person. At any rate, I look forward to meeting little Bella some time next month!

Saturday

Our day began with junk food cereal and Tom and Jerry cartoons, both Saturday morning traditions around here. For the record, Marshmallow Pebbles cereal is a little too junky for my taste. I felt queasy for a long time after my bowl full.
When Jack woke up, his first words were about needing his "scoon." I peeled back the covers in his crib and found my slotted serving spoon, which apparently was his choice sleep aid last night.

I had a hard time leaving last night's memories behind. The moment the hospital came into view, dizzying emotions slammed into me. The parking lot where Jason and I had walked to get my contractions going strong was torn up, making way for new construction. A small blessing.

We visited the labor and delivery wing and dropped off a beautiful white poinsettia for the desk. They hadn't forgotten us.

The grief counselor that had worked with us was finishing her shift. I handed her a blanket I sewed after Quinn was born, along with Quinn's birth announcement, to be given to the next mama that needs it.
And we held Bryce. And it was hard, but it was good.
We felt God's peace in those moments. We still trust that his peace is always near, even when we choose to ignore it and give in to despair.

December 9

What an emotionally tumultuous day. 3 months ago, we held our precious baby for 1 hour. We're left with a few pictures and memories. We don't have baby spit-up on our shirts. We don't have sleepless, newborn nights. The few rattles scattered on the floor are cat toys.

But we have a God that is good. Our future lies securely in his hands. Nothing comes as a surprise to him. Before Quinn was born, he knew her. He wrote the story of her life, and he wrote himself as the main character. Our arms are aching to hold her, but we know she is safe in heaven.

We swallow hard as we realize God has other stories for other people; it is no use to rant and rail. Our peace lies in accepting the path he chose for us, learning from his Word, and running into his presence.

And so we welcome with joy our sweet nephew, Bryce Andrew, born today, December 9, at the same hospital as Quinn. We plan to meet this new little person tomorrow afternoon. Congratulations, Brent and Janice!