Cousin Lovin'

I was so happy to get to have Mason and Sabrina over for a visit yesterday morning. These are Jason's little cousins (Shela's kids) and that makes them Christian's second cousins. I just love these kids. I lived with them for 5 months so I miss them even more than I used to when I don't see them. Children under 12 were not allowed in the NICU unless they were siblings, so they grew to know and love Christian through pictures and our stories. They were so anxious to get to meet him in person. These kids adore Christian and he loves them right back. It really is sweet to watch them interact with one another. Sabrina is a little "mother hen" and she calls Christian "Honey" in a high pitched tone. Mason brought his bear for Christian to play with. Is there anything more precious?

Big boys eat carrots!

I have slowly started introducing different baby foods to Christian in addition to his rice cereal with apple juice. I think he has a sweet tooth, like his mama, because he devoured the peaches, pears, and apples, but he is not too sure about these carrots. He was a good boy and ate about 6 bites. Not too bad for the first try!

It's Teething Time

I am so happy to report that our little guy has 2 teeth coming in! Last week was a somewhat rough week for Christian. His first tooth broke through on Monday and his second tooth came on Wednesday. If you look close at the picture you can see his little teeth. I must say that even Christian's fussiness was extremely "mild" in comparison to what I had expected it to be. Jason reminds me that we have an "extraordinary boy" (as if I needed reminding!) and that he has already been through (medically) more than both he and I combined. Actually, he has been through more than any one person that we know. Christian always comes out smiling.

It is amazing to see him have those crocodile tears and still pull off that million dollar grin. His eyes tell me that he already has a wise soul. He comforts ME. I believe that God keeps his hand upon our shoulder when we are in despair. I believe that he held my son close and rocked him gently through the most terrifying times in his life. When I look at Christian I see a child who is filled with joy and peace, God's love. I believe he knows he is a child of God, and that my friends, is definitely something to smile about!

Home Improvements

This weekend I took care of a few things on my very long list of things I need to get done around my house. Do you have one of those lists? Mine is never ending. :)

#1. Paint the ceiling fan in the kitchen. When we moved in our ceiling fan had these hideous stenciled flowers on them that I have always loathed. So, after looking at them for the past three years, I have made them disappear...forever. Yaaay me!

Before:

After:

#2. Deep clean my stove top. You know when stuff boils over and it makes a hideously disgusting, burnt, crispy mess on your stove top? Well mine was in serious need of a makeover. It is not a good sign when you turn your stove top on and burnt noodles catch on fire from the last spill over. Hmmmm.....can you say "911?"

Before: Please be kind and don't judge too harshly. :)

After: You would have never known!

#3. Clean out my hall closet. We have a serious lack of closet space in our house. It is one of those things we did not even consider when we bought it because we were just so happy to be getting out of an apartment. As you can see by the before picture I was not utilizing the space that we do have. Jason said he would "dis-own me" if I put these pics on my blog. :)

Before:
After: Ta da! I feel so much better. It is amazing how good having a clean closet can make you feel!

My Silly Boy

Christian weighed in at 12 pounds 9 ounces yesterday! He is growing like a weed.

Christian's Favorite Things

I love watching Christian sleep. He looks just like an angel. Lately he takes brief "power naps" throughout the day and then sleeps all through the night. Just like a big boy!

Christian's favorite things right now are:

1. His Turkey which he loves to sleep with. It's really soft and he likes to hold the wings in his hands.

2. His excersaucer that he likes to go wild in. He moves all around and pounds on the buttons that play music. He is very musical these days!

3. His pacifier or "binki-wink" is what it's called in our house.

4. His Daddy (doing anything) but this last weekend Christian wanted nothing more than to help daddy "win" his xbox game by helping him push the buttons. :)

5. Bath Time. Christian absolutely LOVES his bath! I put in his rubber ducky but he is hardly interested in it. He is more about laying back and enjoying his soak!

Christian on the 4th of July

This was Christian's first 4th of July and we spent the afternoon at a BBQ with some friends and then we played at home till it was bedtime. We did not go to any fireworks show this year as Christian goes to bed before it gets dark but we will go next year.

Here are a few pics of Christian showing how much he is proud to be an "All American Boy!" (courtesy of his aunt Tami, of course)

Jason wanted to show a little patriotism as well....

Christian is 8 months old!

I can't believe my little guy is 8 months old. This morning he weighed in at 12 pounds 5 ounces and last Wednesday he was 23 inches long. He has come such a long way from the 1 pound 12 ounce, 13 inch baby that I gave birth to just 8 months ago.

Christian is living proof that our God is a God of MIRACLES!

Thank you Lord for blessing us with such a magnificent child. He brings joy to so many people, some who we will never even meet face to face. Our hearts are spilling over with love and happiness. We see you, Lord, in every smile, feel you in every breath, and praise you, Lord, everyday of our lives. Thank you for giving us strength to make it through the difficult times. Thank you for choosing us to be Christian's parents. Thank you for being such a loving and graceful God....a God of miracles. Amen.

Here are some pictures of Christian just a few days old:

Here are some pictures of our sweet boy now: