Taking advantage of our time together

It has been a blessing for me to be able to stay home and just be a mom the last two months. The first month the three of us spent it together. We were fortunate to have Jason home as we bonded as a family. Not many jobs allow dads to say home/work from home for that period of time. Thank you Sage Hill! I know Jason got a little stir crazy towards the end of his four weeks off, but I don't think I could have done it without him (I'm sure I could have, but wouldn't have wanted to). He took care of us and did all of the things that I couldn't do, because I had a baby attached to my boob all the time.
At almost 8 weeks old I can't believe how much Grace has changed and how our lives have adjusted. I feel comfortable going out of the house for hours at a time, and not worry if she gets hungry while we're out. We have now managed to get feedings done in 20 minutes vs. over an hour.
The aspect that I love most about staying home is, not only do I get to be there for our daughter, but we get to spend time with people like never before. Relationships are so important. Our lives were so busy and that has definitely changed. We're learning to slow down.

- I have never felt as close to my sister-in-law Carrie than now. I call her constantly with questions, since she knows so much having three kids of her own and being a nurse for 6 years. I've had so much fun with her, and I love that our kids will grow up together. I love you Care!
- Going to visit my mom at work so she can show Grace off to her friends.
- Spending time at my in-laws house A. they live 10 minutes away, B. Grace needed to get to know her Nanny and Poppy before they left for Africa for 16 weeks (see their blog to the right), C. I needed a helping hand every once in a while, D. We needed a place to stay while our house was being painted.
- Spending afternoons with my friends Nicole, Brooke, and Shannon.

I'm taking advantage of the time we have together. I know it will be difficult for me to go back to work, but I will have the flexability in my schedule to continue building relationships and spending time with the people I love. I thank God for my family and friends.

All smiles

I promised pictures of Grace smiling, so here they are. Jason came home from work today and got her to smile. We are enjoying every phase of Grace. She is more awake and alert throughout the day, and is cooing away! I love our daughter.

A few good pics

Jason hanging out with his little girl after work. Both Grace and I look forward to having Jason home. We miss him througout the day.
She loves daddy's voice!

Holding her own pacifier. So cute!

We are now getting smiles out of Grace on a daily basis. It's the greatest thing ever. Now I just have to capture it on camera.

First of many

Grace is just now getting over her first cold. It's so sad to hear your little one cough with all of her might, trying to dislodge the junk in her chest, and finally give up. She was not herself the last two weeks. You can see it in her eyes in the picture below. She wasn't sleeping or eating well, and wanted nothing more than to be held. Who doesn't want to be held when they're sick?

My poor little girl

Like father like daughter.
Grace being an angel as dad gives her her breathing treatment.