Six Weeks

Our darling daughter is six-weeks-old today! 

The early weeks are a blur in our memories..good thing we have photos! 

I'd bet weeks two and three are most blurred for Jonathan. He was working a lot and not sleeping much. Some of his co-workers have commented to me how rough he looked dragging into work some mornings. 

Jonah is just as smitten with her now as he was the first week. He loves hugging and kissing her. Every now and then he asks me not to get her (when she's crying for me), but usually he just jumps in and "helps."

meeting a great

Last weekend I loaded up the car and headed to Mom & Dad's. This was Miss Elizabeth's first trip to Arkansas. She sure did make a debut!! (lots of screaming). 

She also got to meet her Great Grandpa Brewer.

You may remember, from my earlier post, Elizabeth shares his birthday. 

They sure are a sweet pair! 

Our Final Week

Well, today was the day we've been anticipating. My last day working as a nanny. None of us was very eager to build it up too much. It was fairly low-key, actually. 

In the days leading up to the last day I let each kid have their day to pick what we did. It worked out perfectly and we had a pretty good mix of activities! 

Molly was first, because she left us early to attend church camp. Her choice was to see a movie:

The movie was very cute. Jonah kept asking if we could watch it again at our house! 

After the movie we went to Sonic for slushes! 

Next was Madeline's pick. 

We tried out a (relatively new in town) pizza place. 

We were very pleased with it. If you live here and haven't tried it, you should! 

Ben's choice was swimming. 

At first I told him he might have to re-think that. I didn't know if I'd feel up to it in the blazing temps we'd been having. But, when the day actually rolled around it wasn't too bad. AND we got to see my sister (since she has a pool in her neighborhood). I prefer a good neighborhood pool to the public pool any day (even if I have to drive 30 extra minutes). 

I took my camera with me today. But, as I mentioned before, we were all pretty melancholy today, and not really in the spirit of taking photographs. 

I have had an incredible time being "miss amy" and I know that will always be a part of my identity...even if it is not my actual job title. I look forward to the role I play in their lives as they grow older. I want to be like a fun aunt or trusted confidant. I plan to make a point to be an active presence in their lives for as long as ....well, forever!  Jonathan and I feel very blessed to know this dear family! 

Three More Days...(aka, a very long post)

Three? Really? Only three more days of working in the job I've had for NINE years (ok, very nearly nine years...but let's not get too technical). It has been the best job I've ever had.

I may or may not go on for a while here...some things can not be said in only a few words.

It has been the perfect fit for me, for them, truly a blessing on all sides. You know the phrase, "Thank God and Greyhound..." Well, I say Thank God and Dawn! She and Jimmy were very instrumental in connecting me with this sweet family that moved to Branson in 2003. Little did I know I'd stick with them for so many years. I was only looking to fill the time (and bank account, truth be told) until marriage happened for me. Then I fell in love. (with this family...Jonathan came later) Once I did get married I thought maybe I'd just stick around until I had kids of my own (though, I still consider these three my own in a way). Then, when little Jonah did come along, well, it just seemed to work out for me to keep "working" and take him along with me (another win/win). Now that we're adding to our family again...and um, the other three are um...well, not so little anymore.... it just seems like the time has come to make this final transition. 

I can not believe the day is coming...I don't think my brain has comprehended what a change this will be. I'm sure, what with the new baby coming and all, that it will take some time for me to fully realize how different life will be for me (and my family). Some aspects will be really good, and some, inevitably, a little bit sad. 

I sure do love these people. With my whole heart!

 Silver Dollar City, 2003

Honor America, 2004
(to me this is one of those pictures that says 1,000 words...it is one of my all-time faves. this was also the day they told me there was a new sibling on the way)

Baby Benjamin,  2005

winter 05/06

 Summer, 2006

May 19, 2007

Summer 2008

Fall 2009

August 2010

Summer 2011

Last Week (summer 2012)

I'm gonna miss spending regular time with these darlings, but I keep reminding them (and myself) that nobody is moving away. They and I live nearby. There aren't even any stoplights between my house and theirs.

And if you made it through all of that, you must really care about me and/or these kids. And you may be a little teary-eyed right now!


The End.

A Berry Good Time

You may remember the post about my grandpa's early birthday celebration. Well, that same weekend my mom, sister, Jonah, and I took a 4 hour road trip to attend/help throw a baby shower for my cousin who is expecting a baby girl the same week as I am expecting Elizabeth. 

Now I'm just over sharing. That isn't even the reason for this post. Except to say that we were very busy that weekend and jammed in a ton of adventures! 

On Sunday we were back in town (well, Mom's town) and met my dad at his work for lunch. After lunch Mom and I were driving back to her house and decided to take a little detour. To see if we could find any blackberries. 

It was a hoot driving down back roads and pulling off into the bushes to try to find the best berries.  It was not only a fun adventure, but a productive one as well! 

above, jonah is picking some berries. 

below, the big guy riding in the seat (unbuckled) along the dirt road from bush to bush. 

And then, Grammy and Jonah worked together to make a BLACKBERRY PIE!! 

It was delicious! 

(and worth the time it took to bake and cool)

Expanding Horizons: Cultural Edition

Jonah had his first experience with some good old fashioned soul music. We recently went to a cookout at a friend's house. A few of the guests were showcasing/entertaining us with the church music of their Mississippi childhood. As they sang, they were snapping and clapping the background rhythm. Jonah wandered over next to one of the fellas and tried to snap too. It was the cutest little moment, watching him become comfortable with a stranger because of music.

Dear Jesus,

Jonah has been more and more vocal with prayer time lately. He has been asking to pray from time to time, and will repeat a prayer we prompt for him. Tonight Jonah prayed his bedtime prayer all by himself. It was one of the sweetest moments ever!!

He said: "Dear Jesus, thank you for a day, thank you for Ewizabeth, thank you softball game. A-Men!"

Playing at the Ballpark

Jonathan is playing on our church softball team this year. Jonah and I like to tag along to the games. The ball field just so happens to be at a park with a nice playground, so we take full advantage. Jonathan likes to get there early to warm up, so Jonah and I play at the playground until game time. 

The slide is his favorite. 

But, watching the game is not torture for him:

Last week he was the BEST little cheerer in the stands. He was cheering at the top of his lungs for each and every member of the team when they got up to bat. This week, he had a little buddy to play with and got distracted, but he was still very cute and had a great time. 

After we got home and ate a bite of supper Jonah wanted to watch a little Veggie Tales. He very lovingly invited Jonathan to watch with him, and then lovingly commanded Daddy to lay on his tummy like Jonah was. 

They are my favorite duo.

Just Monday

It's just a plain old Monday around here. Nothing fancy. Shoot, rarely do we get fancy. However, plain does not mean dull. 

There are so many funny and cute things that Jonah is saying these days. I really should write them down through the day. I WISH I could capture all of our conversations on video, but it happens so quickly, I would do good to just get it recorded on paper. Some of them are only funny in the moment/context in which they happen. Others, like today, are just so sweet and cute that I must share!

Jonathan got the chance to substitute teach at the local high school today. So, he came home right as Jonah and I were leaving. And then he headed out to the ice cream parlor soon after.  (translation: we only saw Jonathan for a few minutes today) In those few minutes Jonah very simply, yet completely, stole our hearts and made us laugh. 

               Jonathan: Jonah, do you know how much Daddy loves you?

               Jonah: SO much!

               Jonathan: Jonah, do you know how much Mommy loves you?

               Jonah: Too much!

some days are like that

Some days there is only one way for me to get anything done around the house. Now, don't let that fool you. There are many many days that very little is even attempted. However, there is the rare occasion that I MUST get a bit of housework done and my little sweetie just can't comply. SO, I work around it.

Do you see his pitiful runny-nosed face? I want to reach into the picture and wipe his nose. 

As you can see, Jonah wasn't feeling the best yesterday. So, I strapped him on and went about my work. He soon grew tired of the sling and decided he didn't need to be held anymore. 

He and I are both getting bigger (yes, I think I'm finally growing a baby belly). So, I know the day I can no longer lift/hold him is coming quickly. Until that day, I will work in all the holding I can. 

Mama, Ah-mere!

This afternoon I was getting ready to go to work. I had just left Jonah who was in my room playing with colored pencils and a notebook when I heard him call to me, "Mama, ah-mere!" (mama, come here!!)

So, I went. 

And then I quickly turned around to get my camera.

Yes, he is sitting amidst our unpacked luggage!

translation (in case you can't follow him): six, six, six, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleben, tummy, one, three, four, five, six, five, six, six, six, six, one, three, four, five, two, five, five, six, one, i drop it

Giving Thanks

Well, it's Tuesday. I can't believe it's been a whole week since I last wrote on this little blog. And then, on the other hand, it feels like it's been two weeks! 

We have been busy, as I am sure many of you dear ones have been too. 

We joined the Atkins family for Thanksgiving. The crowd was 13 people fewer than normal, but  it still felt pretty large. (there are normally nearly 50 people there...in a small farm house.) I love the people who we see at Thanksgiving each year and I love the traditional game of Hand and Foot. (if you've never played before you should...just don't play with us!)

I  caught a couple of pictures...one of which has less to do with Thanksgiving than  it does with a recent birthday!

Cooking with Grandma Atkins

(cranberry bread)

the Nerf football with Chiefs helmet and jersey from Aunt Melody! it was one of the highlights of our visit. he LOVES it! (and so stinking cute when he'd throw the ball...the helmet would fall down over his eyes.) can you see the chinstrap over his nose?

Hugs with Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Atkins. And Tiger, my sister-in-law's favorite dog who she lovingly nicknamed 'underfoot!'

James Andrew Atkins

As I mentioned the other day, Jonathan and I went to visit Daniel and Riss. 

We had a really fun visit with them. We just hung out, went for a walk, and ate some really good food. Typical for one of our gatherings. Oh, wait, that walk...I should say more about that walk. You see, Riss was a couple of days overdue with that sweet baby. I'd teased her about packing a bag and walking to the hospital, so that by the time she got there she'd be in labor! Well, we went for a walk around a nearby lake instead. Jonathan kept wanting to go further, but there was seemingly no end in sight. So, we talked him into turning around...and since no water had broken...I guess Jonathan thought there should be some sort of awkward water situation, so he stepped into a huge mud puddle that covered his foot up to the ankle. 

We went on about our visit-as-usual. 

Jonathan and I were planning to return home first thing (if 9am can be called first thing) Sunday morning. Then we got the phone call. It was Daniel. She was in labor...and had been at the hospital since 1am. (he also alerted me to a text message he'd sent much earlier which read: 'the water broke we are going to the hospital riss says to say thanks')

I have never before been in the waiting room of the hospital when a new baby has been born. There was a lot of anticipation. You see, my sister-in-law decided to go the old-fashioned route and NOT find out the gender of the baby she carried. I have known a handful of people who have made that choice and it is always SUCH fun when the baby is born to finally find out! (makes the pre-planning a bear, but totally worth it in the end) So, there we sat in the waiting room, going back and forth with reasons we could believe it was a boy, or a girl.  Each time the big door opened we were all on alert to see if it was Daniel. When he did come through the door...declaring that Baby James was here...it was THE SWEETEST thing! 

I loved being there for that moment.

Auntie Amy and Uncle Jonathan 

This is right after he told us the news...that is my i'm-so-excited-i-can-hardly-stand-it face. 

And here is baby James. 

James Andrew

8lbs. 5 oz. 23 inches

 Sunday, November 13, 2011

10:45am

Did you see that length? I don't know that I've ever heard of a baby being that long...at least not one that came out of a mama who is barely over 5 ft. tall!! His legs are nearly as long as his mama's already!

He had quite the time getting out into the world. The Dr. used the phrase "tight fit" and there was a vacuum involved. The tight fit is believed to have caused him to have what was discovered to be an acute phemothorax (air between the lungs and rib cage). He came out gasping a bit. Shortly after birth he was transferred to another hospital with a NICU. They took care of the problem easily, but he has to stay there through the duration of antibiotics. 

This is very hard on his mom (and dad, i'm sure). 

They are totally in love with the new guy! I am so happy for them and for our family.

Bath with a GLOW.

Well, I just keep thinking about all those birthday pictures sitting in the files, waiting to be uploaded. I still feel overwhelmed by them, so they will sit a while longer! (there are so many good pics...and I haven't yet figured out my "angle" on all of them.) Someday...hopefully before the month is out! 

Anyway...back to the bath. I did something fun the other day. I found some glow sticks on clearance at the store. I put them in a bubble bath for Jonah and he LOVED it. He had so much fun with it!!  Bubbles really make the difference, too. They add to the "glow" factor...spreading the light around! 

(don't worry, I didn't let him put them in his mouth)

And if that isn't enough fun for you...just look at him on this video:

The package came with 10 sticks. I've only used four of them so far (two at a time). To tell the whole truth, I really wanted to put all 10 in there at once. I would love to see it with two packages!!! (I like colorful things).

Here's Looking at Sweetness

Happy Wednesday, Everyone!

It's a BIRTHDAY Post!

Can you read between the lines?

It isn't Jonah's birthday...yet. 

(that is just our stock birthday photo...used for many many happy wishes)

So, who is having a birthday?

This guy:

It's a BIG birthday. He's entering a new decade today!! 

He is celebrating in a BIG way... in Hawaii (with my mom and sister)!! 

(someone was kind enough to snap this photo of him talking to me when I called to wish him a Happy Birthday...isn't that sweet?!)

We sure do love him! He is the BEST daddy a girl  could ever hope for! 

And the best grandpa too!

The Many Faces of Jonah

he is such a good subject. i just couldn't decide which was the best, so i put them all together and THIS is what i got. i love it! love him. 

the end.

Best Buds

one of these little guys has been at summer camp all week.

(his first summer to go, and it's kind of a big deal)

and he is going to TX all next week. 

i think the other little guy is in withdrawal. he needs some time with his buddy.

i think i am in withdrawal as well. i miss my buddy!

Hiding Out

My life has been rather busy this past week. I know I've mentioned that a couple of times. The other day we were out a little later than normal. Jonah had fallen asleep on the way home. I gently pulled him out of the carseat. He stayed asleep on my shoulder. I carried him into his room and began the inner debate...do I change him into pajamas? Do I change his diaper? Or do I just let the sleeping baby lie? I carefully removed his shoes and sat down in the rocking chair to think through my next move. 

I found myself sitting there thinking about all the things that were on my to-do list. And I decided right then to sit a while longer with my sweet sleeping baby. I was "hiding  out" from the rest of my week and soaking up the precious moment with my boy. 

I ended up placing him in the crib with his clothes and diaper untouched. He cried out once and then promptly went back to sleep...and slept for 10 more hours! He was one tired dude. 

Jonathan and I stayed up late tackling part of that to-do list, so it was nice that Jonah slept a little late the next morning.