Another Week

I still have intentions of writing a more reflective post soon, but I haven't had time to sit and work on it yet. Sometimes I wonder where all my time goes, and then I remember the little alarm that seems to go off in Asher's tummy every two to three hours, requiring me to sit down and give up the use of at least one of my arms. I'm definitely not complaining - I love the time I spend feeding Asher. I never tire of watching the different expressions he makes and listening to his little noises of contentment as he eats. A lot of my time also goes into laundry and general cleaning, though I have to say I cherish those moments a little bit less...

Anyway, I'm past due for posting more pictures, so here's a selection from the last week. Enjoy!

Eyes wide open during tummy time.

Snuggled in the Moby wrap and ready to walk the beach.

Visiting with friends Caleb and Ann.

Mark bouncing Asher on the exercise ball in an attempt to keep him from fussing.

Asher's first lesson from Dr. Daddy.

Syd is making friends with Asher, though this picture makes you wonder who's in charge here...

Asher's first party - evidence of the baby boom we've had in Maine over the last 18 months, and two weren't even there.

Asher's first attempt at a bottle - not his favorite way to get his milk, but he tolerated it.

Playing with a new toy with some help from Daddy.

Asher hanging out in the evening - he looks a little skeptical.

Fun times in the bouncy chair.

Hanging out in his jammies - not yet a morning person.

Taking a snooze - those cheeks get chubbier by the day!

Lots of Pictures

I've just uploaded several pictures but don't have time to write much as Asher has decided it's time for his next feeding. I did promise to include a special message from Thad to Sam, though. Sam, Uncle Thad says "Eat your heart out." You can take it up with him.

I'll be back with a more thoughtful post soon...

Time for Granddad to leave - having a good-bye moment.

Asher posing with the roses Daddy sent to Mama as a happy baby/happy Valentine's Day gift.

Asher with the flowers Grandpa Mac sent him as a happy birthday/Valentine's Day present.

Aunt Erilynne and Uncle Thad come to meet Asher for the first time.

Asher loves Aunt Erilynne.

A group shot.

Thad felt like he was coming down with something, so he didn't hold Asher and we made him have a mask on hand. He refused to wear it over his mouth, but tricked Mark into posing for this picture.

Asher snuggles in with Daddy in preparation for his first hike.

Asher snuggling with Mama.

Asher snuggling with Memere.

Mark making sure Sydney doesn't feel neglected now that there's a baby living in her house.

Sydney wants to continue being the cutest one. :)

Mark reading Asher "Go Pack Go," the storybook written for young Packers fans.

More snuggling with Daddy.

Mark and Asher show off his clever t-shirt.

Mark says Asher looks like he's giving a wink and a smile in this picture.

Sleeping baby with delicately crossed legs.

So peaceful.

Another sleeping shot.

Such a sweet face.

Lots of Pictures and a Little Rambling

I'm not sure how an entire week has passed since my last post - where does the time go? I guess much of it is being taken up by a little boy who wants to eat every two to three hours and seems to need a diaper change every time I turn around. Hopefully I'll hit a stride soon and get better about communication in general. I have a long list of e-mails I'd like to send...

All is continuing to go well here, and as life has settled down a bit, my mind has started to do more processing and I'm working through bits and pieces of this experience of having a living child after more than 16 months of being parents of a stillborn son. Of course, this processing is the kind that will last for months and years, if not the rest of my life.

I have been distinctly aware of my perspective on time in the last two weeks. I have vivid memories of how I felt in the days after Noah was born, when each day felt like a week. Logically, I knew time would ease the pain somewhat and bring me to a place where I was better able to cope, and I desperately wanted to fast forward my life. Now, I am aware of how quickly Asher is already growing, and I want to be able to slow time down to savor every moment I have with him.

I would like to write more, but there is a hungry baby calling and I'm hoping to sneak in a few hours of sleep once his belly is full. So, for now I'll just wrap this up with the pictures I uploaded earlier today.

Asher with his fruit truck from Great-Uncle Thad and Great-Aunt Erilynne.

Asher meets the Cowgur family.

Asher's first Super Bowl - he slept through most of it, but at least he was representing Packer pride.

Quality father-son time.

Wide awake and ready to roll.

Cuddled up and snoozing.

Doing some floor excercises.

Practicing tummy time - so far not a favorite...

Sydney is very interested in this squeaky new addition to the family.

Friends? Maybe...


Hanging out in the recliner.


Heading on to the beach for some excercise.

Walking the beach - the weather has been amazingly beautiful lately, which is rare for a Maine February.

Asher's First Week

I know many people have been waiting to see more pictures of Asher, but time seems to keep disappearing out from under me. I'm certainly not complaining - I can't describe the joy we've experienced in getting to know this little guy over the last week. Soon I hope to be able to articulate how incredibly blessed we feel, but my brain is still in a bit of a haze so that will have to wait for another day. For now, I'll just go with the "a picture is worth a thousand words" theory and post some images from the last week...

Getting ready to leave the hospital in his new Packers outfit.

Arriving home for the first time.

Reading a book with Granddad.

Another reading shot - the making of a book lover.

Taking a nap on the couch with Daddy.

Trying to get that finger in his mouth - it's harder than it looks.

A big yawn while trying on his Bolivian hat.

Asher's first sponge bath - he didn't exactly enjoy the experience...

All clean and dry.

Asher goes to the beach.

Snuggled up in his carseat.

Just hanging out with Mama.

Wide awake after breakfast (can you call it breakfast when you eat every few hours around the clock?)