This past Sunday we met up with friends in Felton for breakfast at Rocky’s Cafe — one of our favorite breakfast spots! Because we were going to Felton, I put a little flannel on Jace. And what do you do with a baby in a flannel in the Redwoods?? You take a million pictures. Hahahahaha
On Easter Sunday we went to church for the first time as a family. It was so special. Our church brought together all 4 gatherings for one big service at the Civic Center downtown. Not only was it resurrection day {he has risen!}, but we got to celebrate together as a whole church, no split services. It was a pretty awesome morning — the Civic Center was bumping with great song, prayer, worship and performances by Wanda Jackson. The message of the day? God is the light. May we continue to follow him and learn from his teachings and share his love with those around us. Lately I’ve been feeling like the world is coming down on my shoulders, so this message hit hard. No bad day or insecure thought is really that big a deal when you have God by your side. There is always light, thanks to what Jesus did for us. Hope you all had nice Easter with your loved ones!
John 8:12 — Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”
They weren’t kidding when they said babes go through a 4th trimester. Little boy is going through this stage where he is happiest when he is held or swaddled super tight. As I’ve said before, some days are easy, and some aren’t. On the not-so-easy days, I try to lay him down, he cries. Put him in the swing, he cries. I try tummy time, he cries. So, I hold him. It really zaps you, but I can’t let go. And I love to sleep with him, and snuggle. It’s really too much sometimes. These tears of joy are here to stay. I’ve been trying hard to start sleep training, by pushing the time between feedings and keeping him distracted and more awake during the day. Still working on it! One night he slept 7 hours. It was miraculous.
This -mester I’ve been living on the pre-made salads from Trader Joe’s, LUNA bars, greek yogurt, egg scrambles, fruit, steamed veggies, and a lot of meat. I’ve never paid so much attention to what, when and how much I’m eating. This breastfeeding thing is exhausting at times. I feel like if I’m not eating between feedings I’m not producing anything. Oh, and water. I sort of have to drink a lot of it, or nothing’s coming out. So much to think about in a day! And going out is a whole other issue. Must coordinate to pump or breastfeed before I go to the gym, or out with friends, or they hurt! And I don’t need any more stretch marks if you know what I mean. I just pray they go back to somewhat normal after I wean him off this summer. I sure want something left after all this.
While I rock baby boy to sleep I read, or I read on my patio or in beed while he sleeps, or at 1am when I can’t fall back asleep. I’ve finished 4 books so far this year: Ender’s Game, Maisie Dobbs, Heft, and The Tools. Reading Someone right now, and really hope to keep this reading momentum going. Have also been reading all the magazines I ordered. Love getting them in the mail and flipping through while I have lunch. Happiness!
Working out again sure feels good. I’m sore most days, and my knees hurt, but I gotta fit into my jeans again, or else what am I going to wear when I go back to work?! My maternity clothes?! On the bright side, I’ve joined a little mommy walking club {yay}. And taking long walks along the beach with Jace once a day is the best. The air, the waves, the sunshine, the smell of sunblock. . . heaven!
Other than all that, this “4th trimester” has been rather blissful. Most evenings Rob and I can eat dinner together and talk about our day . . . and what we love most about our son. I have some bags under my eyes and my stomach still gets in knots sometimes, but that will go away eventually. Trying to keep it together and things easy-going, so little boy will be easy-going. Will be weird going back to work at the end of this month. Work? What is THAT?! My current work day has been kissing Jace and squeezing his chubbo cheeks! And planning little things for us to do on the weekends as a family, making meal plans, working out, cleaning, etc. Maybe this is what stay-at-home-mommas do. Because if so I could totally get used to this. But, we live in California, and it costs an arm & a leg {& an another arm} to live here. So, Momma’s going back to work.
And to you out there reading this here little blog. Thank you. I appreciate your comments and emails and gifts. Sending you a virtual hug!
When I was putting together Jace’s baby book, I got to the naming page and it prompted me to transcribe the meaning behind the name “Jace”. So, of course I Googled it, and it means: a healing. Then I read on to discover this:
{Image via Dogeared’s Instagram}
Our Jace is 2 months! He is such a happy baby . . . but when he’s hungry or wants to be held, you will know it. He is already wearing 3mo clothes, loves the rattle, finger puppets and his new swing. He’s using his little voice a lot, and just wants to be held and snuggled. He enjoys lunch dates with the ladies and time with family. Sure doesn’t mind being passed around. He farts like crazy — when he sneezes it’s pretty much guarenteed he’ll fart too, ha. His legs are always kicking, and his eye contact is better than ever. I love that he recognizes us now and when he does he gets this cute little smile/smirk on his face. It’s the cutest darn thing. Our daily routine is getting a tad easier. He gets fussy around the same time every day {usually when Daddy gets home, sorry Rob!}. . . but he’s sleeping in 3-4 hours stretches at night. Crazy to think how much I enjoy and feel replenished after just 3 hours sleep. Not sure what I’d do with 8 hours of sleep now. And I’m just going to say it. I’m so flippin’ happy. This little boy, his little body and noises and eyes and toosh. . they melt me. I can’t stop kissing him.