10 Things I Couldn't Fathom Just Two Weeks Ago

I'm sure Isaiah is learning a lot these days, at least he really seems to be soaking in those Baby Einstein books I'm reading him. But I'm the one who's come to grasp all sorts of things in a whole new way. Here are just a few of the things that confused me to no end until about 2 weeks ago, when everything got flipped upside down as this new tiny life intersected with mine.

1. Labor and Delivery. Oh my! Apparently you can hear approximately 7,457 stories of other people's birthing trials and tribulations, read the books, and "prepare" as best you can, but there's no way to predict what the most intense experience of your life is going to really be like. And with every expectation, you're just setting yourself up for potential disappointment. For other first time moms-to-be, I'd say, be ready for the worst, then maybe you'll be pleasantly surprised. Or be smart and get an epidural. By all means, don't believe the hypno-birthing folks who say it's not pain it's just pressure. Unless you're just a whole lot better at hypnotizing yourself than I am.

2. Recovery. I just want to apologize for any insensitive remarks or expectations I had for post-partum moms in the past. I had no idea. Seriously, I've been a mom for more than 4 years, so I know a couple things about parenting. But adoption does not come with stitches, a peri-bottle, frozen padsicles, pain relief sprays, restrictions on driving and walking the stairs, drastic physical deflation, or hormone fluctuations. I kinda thought you were just up and around the next day. I think in the book "The Good Earth" she just had a baby and went back to working in the rice fields. I've got to stop basing my reality on books.

3. That there could be anything more cuddly than a puppy. I mean really, that still seems crazy to say out loud, but I think I'd take a snuggle with my little man, over any furry four legged friend these days.

4. Why people are always kissing, and wanting to "eat," baby cheeks. That was just kinda weird and extreme, until I myself fell into the trap and started kissing these oh-so-soft little cheeks every chance I get.

5. How these two sentiments could be simultaneously felt by the same people: 
"I haven't slept in weeks. I can barely remember my own name. Shower, what's a shower? I do nothing but feed and clean up after this little one." 

and 

"Time slow down, don't let him change, he just can't grow up!"

If you want them to sleep through the night, why wouldn't you want them to grow up? Our nights are not too bad and if I am sleep deprived it's mostly because I stay up all night staring at him, but I totally understand the second sentiment now. I'm completely unprepared for him to grow or change in the slightest, he must remain exactly this tiny and perfect forever...

6. Bed sharing. Why in the world would anyone want to bring a little munchkin into their marriage bed, to wedge someone else in between you and your best friend, to pee and poop all over the place uncontrollably. I never thought I would be tempted in the slightest to bed share or even co-sleep, but well, I am, we do... We're working on it, it's not a long-term situation, but it's easier, and cozy, and oh so sweet. Just one more reason I should never judge anyone until I've walked in their shoes. Someday I'll learn this lesson, maybe.

7. Why anyone would want to wake a sleeping baby just to look at him. It seems like people go to such great lengths to get these children to sleep, then they just want to waste all that hard work a few minutes later. We haven't struggled yet to get ours to sleep, as newborns are sleepyheads. And I haven't wanted to wake him up prematurely yet, as his faces are nearly as cute when he's sleeping as waking, but I can understand this a little better now, since I have to stop kissing his cheeks while he sleeps.

8. How I would just melt every time I saw him. Missing him when others hold him. Giggling like a school girl randomly when staring into his delicious face, and asking Jon if we can keep him multiple times a day.

9. Receiving so much would make me feel so helpless. I fully believe it's more blessed to give than to receive, hence God's been teaching me a lot these past few days and even months about graciously receiving from others. From baby showers to meal delivery, we've been spoiled rotten by many of you who have loved our baby right along with us. And now, friends and family bring incredible care and recovery packages, celebrate Zy's birthday with cinnamon rolls, clean our house, do our laundry, shop for us and lavish us with goodness. Angie has been the great big sister she hoped to be, helping with diaper changes, playtime, bathing, and all variety of other household chores to pitch in. And Jon... Jon has gone non-stop since Isaiah was born, cooking, cleaning, bringing me everything, meeting my every need as I'm mostly restricted to our upstairs bedroom to feed the hungry guy and recover for another few days. I look forward to being a little less dependent soon, but for now, I hope others are blessed to be such blessings to us.

10. Just a smidgeon of the love God felt when He said this about his precious son, Jesus, "This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased."

First bath after his umbilical cord fell off.

Here's a little photo shoot from today, for those of you who have so generously asked for more photos. 

His shirt says "Mr. Irresistible." Pretty much sums it up.

"Wait, be sure to get my good side!"

Give us your best monster snarl.

Now do "Shock and Horror."