Growing like a weed - only cuter :)

Our little River is growing like a weed, only cuter :) We had our 1 month check-up yesterday and I was in shock when the measurements were read! She also told me that River is acting more like a 2 month old than a 1 month old in terms of eye movement, strength, talking and all around development. Forget being the President or playing for the NFL, that did it for me! One proud Mom :) I know you probably don't care all that much, but for people like my mom I figure its worth writing about - here are the measurements from yesterday:

1 week check-up: 20 inches long & 6lbs 8oz
1 month check-up: 23 inches long & 9lbs 9oz

If that's not growing like a weed, I don't know what is!! 3 inches and 3lbs 1oz...I was so impressed by my little man that I took the time to try a spoonful of my milk last night (I know, probably something you also don't really care to hear)...it seriously tasted like sugar filled cream...all that was missing was the coffee. No wonder the little guy wants to eat all the time! How nice to be a baby :)

I had no idea what a gift it would be to actually have River in my arms. I've mentioned it before, but to see Sarah in him makes it that much better. It's also been so nice having people comment on how cute he is or how peaceful he is (they don't see him getting his diaper changed some days!) - but without fail comes the dreaded question, "Is he your first?" The scenario from there is the same every time (some responses vary, but mostly the same):

Me: No, he's not our first.
Curious bystander: Oh! How old is your first?
Me: Actually, we had a little girl and she died a year ago April.
Curious bystander: (with the 'Dang I feel like a fool, why did I ask that stupid question' look on their face) Oh, I'm so sorry.
Me: Thanks. We wouldn't trade her or the experience for anything in the world.
Curious bystander: Ok, have a great day (as they walk away awkwardly)

I find myself immediately in conversation with Sarah as I walk away from these encounters - "You were/are worth it! We wouldn't trade you for anything Sarah...we just wish you were here."

Such is life...I can't wait until River is old enough to understand all of this. I can't even fathom the joy my heart will get hearing his sister's name come out of his little mouth. Family will take on a whole new meaning :)

Send us rain

A friend's blog reminded me of a song that has kept me going in some of the most difficult times, thought I'd share the link. Thanks Doris, for the reminder :)

Little Olives

1 month old & trip to CO

Fairplay, CO flyfishing with River in tow :)

He's smiling!

Flyfishing with my son :)

He's growing! 8lbs 6ounces and 23inches long now :)

Bath time

Big Thompson River for my little sister's wedding :)

Handsome father and son at the dress rehersal :)

Sorry its been a while since the last post. Those of you who have ever had a newborn can probably guess why :) Not as much time on your hands as before! We just got back last night from 10 days in Colorado visiting my family, fly fishing and attending my little sister's much anticipated wedding!! We had a blast! It was so much fun to show River off to all the family and friend's who have been such a support through the last couple years. People who have been praying for us so faithfully with all that happened with Sarah...it felt like he was a promise fulfilled in their lives just as much as in ours.

We also spent about a week on the river doing some fly fishing, a family favorite. River caught his first fish...well, he was in a sling as we caught the fish, but hey...it still counts! It was so healing and relaxing to be deep in the mountains with nothing but the sound of the river for miles around. Nothing like it.

River has been going through a bit of a growth spurt as well. He's outgrowing clothes like nobody's business and he's also nice and fussy at night, which leads to LONG nights for me and a quick move to the couch for his daddy. Joseph needs sleep for work everyday, so I've been up most of the night with him as he tries to decide whether he wants to cry or sleep or eat some more...its been draining, but totally worth it. He's started smiling a lot more and also laughing in his sleep, which has to be the best thing I've ever seen or heard! I see Sarah in him more and more - whether in his physical features or in his personality - I love that he has a big sister :)

Okay, he's waking up from a nap so I should get going...but wanted to post so you don't think we've fallen off the face of the earth! More to come soon!!