Things are Good, But Mommy is Sick...

I should tell you that I have my Mimi hooked. She's wrapped around all of my little fingers. She had her first sleepover with me last night, and Mimi took great care of me. Every three hours, she was up giving me my bottle and making sure I had my pacifier. She talked to me and loved on me all night long. She's still here at my house. Mimi's here a lot, and that's really good for me. She just hugs me and never wants to put me down. You should see her face when she holds me; she's the happiest Mimi in the whole world, I think.

I guess you want to know why my Mimi stayed the night with me, at my house. Well, my Mommy is sick. She didn't feel very good early last night; she kept saying she was cold, but everyone, including me, knew it was really hot in our house. So, my Daddy took her temperature, and Mommy had a fever. Daddy was exhausted from working yesterday, so Mimi stayed so Mommy and Daddy could rest. That's all Mommy has done today... Sleep, sleep, sleep. She and I are more alike than we thought.

I'm being taken good care of, you don't have to worry at all. Even now, I'm falling asleep in my Mimi's arms, and Mimi is smiling ear to ear. Life for me is good.


My Mimi after Feeding Me


Mimi Loves Holding Me

Daniel is 9 Days Old...

How exactly is that possible?! Everyone has told us to enjoy each minute because babies grow up so quickly... We believe it now that we have our own. Daniel looks quite different already. His hair is lightening up, his eyes are brighter and wider, his cheeks are chubbier, and his squirminess continues to increase before our eyes.

We didn't write about his first week, but on Monday, he was a week old. He's done so much in just a week; we'd like to share it all with you...


Thanking Mommy for a Good Meal


Loving on Daddy


My First Walk and First Time in My Stroller


The Way I Always Sleep


With My Grandpa


My First Camo Shirt, Ready for Hunting with Daddy


Taking an Evening Nap with My Daddy


My Big Grin for the Camera

Daniel is Wide Awake!

Our first family photo at home


It's 10:56 p.m., and Daniel is STILL awake... Seems as if we're getting less and less sleep these days, but it's moments like these, as he breathes heavily and looks up at me with his beautiful baby blues, that I realize how blessed we are.

We haven't written much as you can tell... We got home and Daniel set in! We've been learning so much about what it means to parent a child. It's the most exhausting yet rewarding thing God has ever allowed us to do. We have watched as Daniel slept through most of his visitors at the hospital, to now, 7 days later, where he will barely sleep a wink for us! Daniel has slept soundly for every single visitor, but when it's just us, he's wide-eyed. I know it sounds as if I am complaining, but seriously, he's amazing... We're blessed... What more can we say?!

Daniel actually sleeping for Mommy and Daddy...


Daniel's Great-Aunt Cathy came to visit...


Mimi loving on Daniel...

The Pediatrician and The Pain

As a young woman, I never took it literally when I read in Genesis 3 about the Lord's promise to women. He clearly says, "I will greatly multiply your sorrow in your conception; in sorrow you shall bear children..." GREATLY MULTIPLY. I totally understand that concept now, having just given birth to my first child four days ago.

However, I don't think that I realized that the pain wouldn't just be during delivery. The contractions beforehand were excrutiating, the hurt just to receive an epidural was insane, and delivery itself had to be what they meant when they created the word, "pain." But, that verse in Genesis doesn't tell you what happens afterwards... Maybe it does in some ways, but the pain you feel as a parent has only just begun.

We took Daniel for his first pediatrician's appointment today. It's the most difficult thing watching your child ache, seeing him squirm and squeal, and hearing his cries for help, knowing there is nothing you can do. It's all a part of life, and as he cooed his way through having his blood taken, after being poked, prodded, and pulled on, it was an overwhelming sense of pain that I felt.

Pain because I knew this wouldn't be the last time he would hurt. There will come times when he aches, and I will not be able to heal his hurts. From that first fever to his first skinned knee, to his first broken heart and his first realization that he is lost, I cannot stop pain from coming his way.

As I endured the pain of delivery, I never understood that my heart could hurt worse than any contraction or push I might attempt. I imagine this is the sorrow and pain God felt when He saw His Son dying on the cross... Can you even fathom what God felt? I don't think I can, but as I saw that Garfield band-aid across Daniel's tiny foot today, I pictured it. I imagined the pain He felt. I attempted to understand the love the Father had for His Son. Because, friends, I have it. I have more love than I ever thought possible for this little boy, and I am thankful for the pain because it means having him.

By the way, everything looks good. No weight loss, no jaundice, no fever... Just a healthy, little gift from God.

Here he is, all ready for the doctor!


Daniel didn't necessarily like the doctor!


Daniel's treat when he got home from the doctor: his first time in the swing!

Our First Visitors at Home

Sleeping Peacefully


Working with Daddy


Daniel's First Friend, Addy, Came to Visit


Amanda Was SO Excited to See Daniel

We Made It Home

My First Time in the Car Seat, Leaving the Hospital


My Daddy Loves Me SO Much


One of Daddy's First Times to Change Me


Taking a Nap with Mommy on the Couch


Enjoying My Bassinet

Preparing To Go Home

I'm Ready to Leave


My Going-Home Outfit


My Mimi Always Wants to Hold Me


I Napped with Mom the Day We Left


My Long Toes and Precious Foot

Burning Eyes- Do you know the feeling?

It's overwhelming... Can you believe that God would entrust such a helpless little baby into our care. I can barely believe it, but it's real. Hopefully in a few hours, we will be dismissed to the comforts of our own home. Then, the real work will begin. No more nurses or doctors at your beckon call, so I guess the natural parental instincts will kick in.

I think they already have. About 2-3 this morning, he could not get satisfied. He proved to us that he had a good set of lungs. As a result, my eyes are burning a little this morning. Now, I understand a little more about how my parents couldn't sleep when I had not come in during my high school years. Apparently, sleeping patterns will never be the same. I'll take burning eyes any day, because my heart is enflamed with love for this little child, Daniel.

Thanks for keeping up with us and praying for us in this journey. The best is yet to come. We love you all!

Brian, Jenna, and Daniel

Walking in the Newness of Life

I am learning a lot already. On a funny note, I always told everyone who had children that I did not want to change a diaper until I had my own. Well, Jenna is letting me get plenty of experience already. It takes me about 10 minutes, one diaper, and 6 or more wipes to accopmplish the task. Daniel Benjamin's second day has been incredible. He seems to be changing in small ways already, and it is slowly sinking in that life will never be the same.

It reminds me of my walk with Jesus Christ. After being born again at 2:20AM on April 7, 2003, life, though full of many obstacles, has never been the same. I was adopted by the Heavenly Father, brought to life through the blood of His Son Jesus, and delivered from darkness to light through the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit. Life is great knowing God and being cared for by Him. By His grace, Jenna and I are excited to share God's grace and the abundant life we have in Christ with this little boy, Daniel Benjamin.

Thanks for all the love and support you have shown to us. We love you!

Brian, Jenna, and Daniel

Our Gift From God

Sleeping at the Hospital


My Puppy Dog Mittens from My Great-Aunt, Christy


Sleeping with My Arms Up


Thank You, Christy, for My Warm Mittens

Family Photos

My Mom Was in Awe of Me


Sleeping Soundly


My Daddy is Smitten with Me


Uncle Andrew and Aunt Jessica Couldn't Get Enough of Me


Sleep is So Nice

He's Here...

Daniel Benjamin arrived April 20, 2009, at 3:53 p.m. He weighed 8.8 pounds and measured 21 and a half inches! He's adorable, of course, I'm a bit partial. Learn more about our latest blessing from the Lord here.

Thank You All...

He isn't quite a day old just yet, but I cannot tell you how immensely excited we are over this little boy. He spent his first night in the nursery, and (after 23 hours of labor and no sleep) Brian and I were able to sleep soundly. Of course, Daniel came in a few times to see his momma, but he was just so sweet each time. He hasn't cried very much, but I imagine he'll find his voice soon and make sure he's heard. I am sore and exhausted, but I haven't found much time to sleep, looking forward to seeing Daniel's sweet face.

I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who has called, texted, emailed, and stopped by the hospital. Your love and support of our family has been incredibly overwhelming and humbling, and we deeply appreciate all you have done for us. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we continue on this fantastic journey. We love you all, and cannot wait for you to meet our blessing, Daniel.

Love and Blessings,
Jenna, Brian, and Daniel

Daniel's Visitors

Say Hello to Daniel Benjamin!


Momma Holding Daniel for the First Time...


Daniel Drew in a Crowd...


Daniel with His Great-Grandfather, Pop


Daniel with His Grandpa

Daniel's First Day

Aunt Jessica waited patiently to hold Daniel...


Mimi was all smiles...


Daddy and Daniel


Daniel and His Family...


Dr. Nason, Daniel, and Daddy


Daniel getting checked out by the nurses after delivery...