Lonely tonight, but making my way through

I don't know how it's possible to GET lonely with an almost 4-month old in the house, but it happens and I'm left to the sometimes sad thoughts that enter my head.

My fellow blogger friend who just had her 4th baby one day after Andrew recently posted that being a mom has made her so sentimental. I agree COMPLETELY! I am a blubbering mess just thinking of him and the people he makes me daydream about (most recently Daddy who's away or Grandma and Aunt Beth who I wish lived at least only one state away and not four.) Of course I am an emotional person before motherhood and now it's in full force. I don't know how you couldn't be a sentimental wreck having a newborn. Is that possible?

Of course it really all started during pregnancy. I will always remember sitting in Andrew's nursery a few weeks before he was born, folding clothes and diapers. I casually swung a cloth diaper over my shoulder (just to try it out!) and I was in tears thinking about having my baby there on my shoulder.

Oh, it's so wonderful and these are the moments I have to remember when I start to feel lonely or sad. How can you be sad, Lynn? Look at all you have!

Our Little Man - Weeks 13 & 14

Another nickname from Daddy. He sure is growing into a little man already! Just wanted to share some more photos.

Summer days

It’s been busy around here since we’ve been back from Illinois. We had to say goodbye to Jeff for a while on June 30, but he got to visit us last Sunday through Tuesday. I know Andrew loved spending time with his Daddy if even for a short time. Luckily he showed him how he all out giggles now and of course gave him lots of smiles as he always does. Daddy calls him his sweetheart and he sure is. Sometimes my eyes just well up with tears as I look at a nursing, sleeping or even giggling Andrew and think about how lucky I am.

I have to keep reminding myself how these days, weeks and months away from Jeff will go by fast and Andrew will keep me super busy.

I’m back to work part time and nanny Jess is doing well with a sometimes fussy Andrew. He is still dealing with some reflux issues I think, but it’s trial and error trying to figure out how to make him the most comfortable.

Andrew had his first time in the pool on Tuesday and he liked it! I figured he would be OK with the water, because he’s always liked baths. Luckily I found some swim trunks and a matching shirt on clearance at Kohls. They are so cute! He just needs some sunglasses. He wore a blue camouflage hat that was a little big, but did its job. I think Kellyn either bought this or passed it down from Trent.

We went shopping this afternoon…pajamas, mobile, socks and Baby Einstein toy for Andrew and skirt and tank tops for Mom at Kohls. Topped it off with a Strawberry Lime Chiller from Sonic. My favorite drink lately. Good Saturday so far!

My Baby Sister's Wedding

We had such a wonderful time and our time spent in Illinois was bittersweet as Jeff is off to training in Kansas before his overseas deployment. Here are some highlights of the trip...

Jeff and I enjoying the rehearsal dinner at Avanti's (my favorite Italian place in central IL) Jeff had the pleasure of sitting next to the very talkative pastor :-)

Decorations almost complete at the reception hall. Beth loved her chair covers!

Andrew waiting for his big moment as ring bearer!
Daddy was so good with Andrew during the wedding.

Beth and Bryson on the party trolley going to get pictures in Glen Oak Park.

Me and mom enjoying the dance floor.

Our friends from college (Andrew was with Grandma)

Our First Family Photos

Yesterday we took Andrew for his first professional portraits! It was rushed and frantic and he felt this tension and eventually said enough is enough people! No big smiles like he does at home when Daddy is talking to him and squeezing his cheeks, but we still got some adorable shots. Here are some of my favorites..

Mommy and me

Andrew really needs to get some more photos with mom and dad. Here's one with me for now. He is 9 weeks old and growing into a little man already!

Simple pleasures

Andrew has us in awe everyday and even when we're frustrated and tired and don't know what to do, we always get back to the place where we say, "wow, he's such a wonderful little boy--what would we do without him?" I feel like everyday I'm learning something new about him, about me and about our family. Having a child really gives you a different perspective on life.

Today, it's been 2 months since our little Andrew Thomas arrived in our world. What a blessing! I can't say it enough. I anticipate bigger smiles (yes, he's smiling at us now!) more cooing, screeching and crying (yes, crying!) because it means he's learning how to communicate with us on a different level every day.

Tonight, he's even sleeping in his big boy crib--so far! Hopefully he will easily transition from the play yard in our room. He might, but I don't know if we will. It won't be as easy to check on him at night and make sure he's breathing! Ahhh...sleep. I love when he sleeps 5 hours straight like last night.

"Now we lay him down to sleep
We pray the Lord his soul to keep
Guard him Jesus, through the night
And wake him with the morning light.
Amen"