Jake's first road trip

Monday was Jake's first official road trip. Since it was a B-E-A-U-tiful day and there probably won't be many more like it and he had a great night of sleep, we decided to meet my mom and her neighbor in Holland Michigan for some shopping. Jake did great on the 1.5 hour car trip -- he pretty much slept the whole time. He very much enjoyed the stroller ride through the outlet mall that had about 4 stores still open. But best of all, he enjoyed seeing Nana (or maybe she really enjoyed seeing him!). Either way, it was great to know that he's a good traveler!

On other Jake news, for the past two nights, he's eaten at 9pm, 11-12ish and then not again until 4am and then again at 7am. So Joel and I have been getting much more sleep than we anticipated. What a great baby!

(I know... I'll have to post some more pictures later.)

Jake's second doctor's visit

Jake went to the doctor yesterday. He did great the whole time --- never cried! He now weighs 9lbs 4 oz --- up 12 oz from last week and is 22 1/2 inches long. I can't believe that in one week he gained 3/4 lb and grew 1/2 inch. It just reminds me that he won't stay little long!

This week I've been working on getting Jake to sleep on his back flat in his crib and trying to help him learn to sleep on his own. I had one successful attempt yesterday. I laid him down still a bit drowsy in his crib and he was able to lay there, look around and be content until he fell asleep. Today I was also able to get him to put himself to sleep both in his bouncy seat and his crib. However, I wasn't so lucky last night! About 2am I put him in his bouncy seat after he finished eating and he slept for about 1/2 hour. When he started to cry, I picked him up, put him on my shoulder and he immediately stopped crying. So I went out and laid in the recliner with him --- we both feel sound asleep until 5am! But at least we're making progress during the day!

Jake Photos

Jake's first week at home

Things have gone pretty well for Little Jake since he's come home from the hospital. The first two nights were a little rough --- Jake had some stomach issues, but since then he's done quite well at night. He usually sleeps for 2.5 -3 hours at time, so I'm able to get some rest at night. Plus Joel has kindly taken baby duty from about 9pm to midnight so that I can sleep then.

Here are some highlights from Jake's first week at home:
Wednesday: First doctor's appointment
Thursday: First stroller ride while walking Dungy and Stokley
Friday: Went grocery shopping with Mom and Dad (he made it through Aldi, Horrocks and Walmart)
Saturday: Nana came to visit me again and we went to Riverview to hear Daddy sing and lead worship
Sunday: Went to Target (he likes to ride in the car)
Monday: Went to the post office and then to rescue Dad who had locked his keys in the car

I'll post more pictures tomorrow, but I'm too tired to do it tonight!

Love is really Patient

After my little emotional episode on Friday night, God granted me my wish. I woke up about 1am, went to the bathroom and felt a little "pop". Without feeling any contractions, my water broke and Joel and I were on the way to the hospital by 1:30. When we checked in, my contractions were right on top of each other and very strong. I was dilated to 3. So they moved me into a room and soon I had my epidural (I totally recommend them). I feel asleep and the next thing I knew the doctor was checking me and I was ready to push. 1 1/2 hours later at 8:40 am, Jake William Smith came into the world weighing 8 lbs 14 1/4 oz and measuring 22 inches long. (I knew he was going to be long when I heard them say the head had crowned and I could still feel his feet in my ribs.) We are all doing quite well and at home now!

Love is Patient

I'm starting think God got it wrong on this one. Love isn't patient. I'm almost four days overdue with Jake, whom I love very much. And my patients are wearing very quickly.

I think being overdue is one of the cruelest ways to learn to be patient. I know it's only been three whole days since his due date, but I really want to hold him. I know he's coming..... you think I'd find comfort in that. But nope, I want to hold him NOW!

I was doing pretty well until tonight. I told my parents both goodnight and went upstairs to take a quick bath and head to bed. As I stepped into the bath, my pregnancy emotions totally overtook me and I just cried. I just want to see Jake's ten little fingers and ten little toes. I'm tired of guessing what color eyes or hair he'll have or how much he'll weigh.

But then I got to thinking about the two Riverview moms who lost their babies this summer and I thought, my waiting a few extra days is nothing compared to what they are continuing to deal with. So I pulled myself out of my pity party and decided that I can learn patience.


Love is patient. Love is patient. Love is patient. Love is patient. Love is patient.

D - Day

Well, today is Jake's due date, but we have no Jake yet. I went to the doctor this morning and Jake's ready to roll, but my cervix isn't quite yet. So hopefully within the next few days he'll be coming. If not, I will be in shape from all the miles that my mom and I have walked.

I'll try to keep you updated until the time comes!