More Photos of Evaneezer

Oh so handsome
Ready for naptime
Pete and Re-Pete
Mama Cheri and Evan

New Photos of Little E

Bath time's not so bad after all...Evan's new belly button
Just hangin' out
Who is this?
Lookin' cute for the camera

My Two New Loves...

My two new loves are being a mother and taking pictures of my handsome little man. Becoming a mother for the first time was the most humbling and uncertain experience I've ever been through. But now that Evan is here and he's healthy, I've realized that even when it's 2 a.m. and he's up wanting to eat (again), my deep love for this little man takes over. It's then that I realize that it's my job to make him strong and independent and that God has given him to me to guide and watch over, just as God guides and watches over me. I understand God's love for his children even more than ever now, because my love for our little boy is just a reflection of God's greater love for myself and all of us. That's why little miracles like Evan exist; they're a gift of something pure and beautiful from the Father who loves us all.

Church with Evaneezer...

We went to church this evening and sat midway down in the auditorium; of course, there was a sizeable crowd and plenty of people sitting all around us. They were all commenting on how cute Evan is and how sweet...the usual stuff. (Don't get me wrong, we appreciate all the compliments, but this is not the point to my story.) So, we're sitting there and Evan is being a little angel cuz he knows God is watching extra close when he's in church. He was all wide-eyed and looking around and being so quiet! I was really impressed with him and thinking that maybe JR and I do have some parenting skills after all, when the bomb went off and not figuratively speaking, either. It went off in his pants and I am certain that everyone within a twenty foot radius heard it. As if that wasn't enough, every other part of his body had to chime in. He burped during the prayer, sneezed four times, and then gave himself the hiccups for about fifteen minutes. Then he had projectile spitup that landed all over Mommy! Yay. So, out we went to the nursery so that I could change him and clean myself up. He really did a nice job of getting himself dirty! It was halfway up his back and took about ten wipes to clean him up. And oh yeah, on the last wipe (he just couldn't allow himself to be clean for a second) he tinkled straight into the air, all over Mommy's hands, his onesie, and the changing table. (I think he was just showing out for Nathan and baby Benson, who happened to witness the ugliness.) And I have to mention how happy he was that he emptied himself; he was peaceful as ever as we left the nursery, and Mommy was a mess. It's Daddy's turn next time!

I'm in love with my baby...

We have the cutest baby ever! It's hard to resist holding him every second of the day, but we are trying not to spoil him rotten. I know he has to learn to self-sooth and fall asleep on his own, etc, etc, but I really can't keep my hands off the little booger.

For the first time, someone told us the other day that he looks like me rather than JR. I don't see it. (Except for his complexion; he's fairer than JR.) His looks have already changed since his birthday. He's filled out a little and he has lost some of that sleepy look. He is definitely awake for longer periods of time now. He slept from one a.m. to six a.m. last night! I was elated! That's the longest stretch of sleep I've had since July 30th.

His first appointment with the pediatrician was last Thursday, and he gained a pound in a week. I thought that was alot. He was 7 pounds, 7 ounces. I imagine he's close to 8 pounds now. The doc said he's completely healthy, although he is eating about an ounce or two more than other babies his age. He has his Daddy's appetite. Now we just have to figure out how to liquify a ribeye and he'll be a carbon copy of his dad. :)

I was a little sad at the beginning of this week. JR had to return to work and I really missed him (especially when it became my sole responsibility to get up with Evan). Our two weeks certainly passed by quick. I know that we are lucky that JR had two weeks off; I don't know if all Dads can get by with that. So now it's just me and Evaneezer at home all alone. We're having special Mommy/Baby time before I have to return to work on October 1st. I do miss being around grown-ups and will probably be speaking baby when I return to work, but I don't want my time with Evan to end. It's just too wonderful.

And More Photos...

Mama Cheri and Lola Papa Lyle
Proud Great-Aunt
Proud Uncle Blake
Evan's First Close-Up

More Photos...

Hello World!
Love at first sight
Daddy, Mommy, and Evan
Mommy and Evan

Photos of Evan

Here are some photos of Evan's first two weeks with us. He has his Daddy's nose, ears, and appetite!

He's here at last!

Evan is here at last and we've survived our first week at home together! JR and I are expectedly tired but blissfully happy with our little family. We refer to him as our "second love" and he really is that. Becoming a Mommy and Daddy is truly the most life-altering but fulfilling experience ever. I never had a full understanding of a parent's pride until now. Evan blew a raspberry at me the other day and I thought I would burst with pride about how cute he is (with full knowledge that every other baby in the world has done the same thing, but he's my baby and that's altogether different).

I have to mention how grateful we are to all our friends and family who have supported us during this time. We deeply appreciate the visits, gifts, meals, and the genuine affection you have all shown our new baby boy. He has no idea how many people love him, but we do, and we are humbled and blessed. Thank you, all of you.