...strike a pose

At just 8 days old, Denym had his first photo shoot. A good friend of mine from high-school now has a photography business and takes amazing photos. She gave me a great deal on a session that I just couldn't pass up. Jake gave in because I asked if it could be my first Mother's Day present.(along with some dove chocolate and a totally awesome towel...)
 
 He was not very cooperative. I fed him twice while where there there trying to get him to be calm and sleepy. I guess it was all just too new and weird for him,  but she still managed to get lots of great shots. 

He opened his eyes just a few times.

 Some of my very favorite ones were while Jake and I were trying to pacify him.   
 
 And she had some fantastic props - mini leather chair for the win!

This is my family. I am so glad I ventured out to get these done while he was still brand new.
To see more of this photo shoot click here.

...make a grand entrance

Friday, May 4th, I awoke around 6:00 a.m. with some beastly contractions."This has got to be it," I thought. I was excited. My mind ran away with me as I made sure my hospital bag was packed, threw in a load of laundry, woke up Jake, and jumped in the shower.

Jake went to work, but my little sister was there to help me with all the odds and ends. It was an intense morning for me as I tried to get ready between contractions. But I finally gave up, braided my hair wet, and called Jake with an urgency in my voice saying, "It's time to go!"

We left for the hospital about a quarter to nine and he wheeled me into the LDR about 9:30. Upon arrival the nurse checked things out and announced that I was already dilated to an 8! Apparently I had waited a bit too long to go in.

With the help of the Hypnobabies program, the birthing ball, the nurses, ShaNae, and my seriously studly husband, I labored until noon. Another 45 minutes of pushing and our little boy was born!

Denym General Free born at 1:12 p.m. 

6 lbs 15 oz and 20 inches long.

The nurses brought him back to me and lay him on my chest while Jake spread the word via text message. I cuddled this little person close and I whispered "His name is Denym." Then immediately looked up at Daddy and corrected myself - "Can his name be Denym?" I got an agreeable nod.

In the days that followed we learned so much about our new tiny human. At the hospital, he got his first diaper change, his first bath, and the usual battery of tests done to make sure all was well. Mom rested up those two nights, while Dad took on the brunt of the new challenges.

 

Denym, when we finally got you home it was so good to have you safely there with us. We were in a continual state of awe as we held you and studied your itty-bitty features. It was a smidge overwhelming to know that we were now soley responsible for your well-being, but we are so grateful for the chance. We can't believe you are ours; A head full of black hair, squinty curious eyes, a dimple in your ear, and oh how we love you Denym. I will be forever grateful for the experience of your birth, my bugaboo. Because of you, I know I am strong and can do anything. I want so many things for you - Most of all, that you will find the person inside of you that God intends for you to be.

Welcome to the world little man - we love you fiercely! 

...take over the guest room

As I contemplated how to transform our guest room into a nursery, I had to take into consideration the fact that we might be selling our house in the near future. I figured I should probably not go too crazy with colors and decor that others might not appreciate. So I decided to go with a brown/tan color scheme. We painted one wall a rich dark brown, and it looks great as an accent wall, while the other three walls are cream.

A cousin of mine graciously made the vinyl quote for me of the scripture Matthew 19:14 "But Jesus said, suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; For of such is the kingdom of heaven."

I wanted the room to be peaceful and kind of a quiet getaway - because I knew I would be spending a lot of time there. I incorporated pictures of Christ with children throughout the room - most of them in Sepia.  I made these picture frames to match each other and bring a fun crafty element into it.

There are so many PERFECT pictures out there that depict Christ interacting with little ones, but I finally settled on this one because it was a little boy, and because I thought it would help me remember to smile during 3am feedings and diaper changes.

 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. ~ Luke 2:40

This last piece is called "The Grace of God" by Jay Bryant Ward. I bought a pretty good sized print, because it really touched me. At first glance you assume it is Christ teaching a little boy to pray --- but actually, the artist intended this to be an image of Joseph with Jesus. I just thought it was really neat.

We have so many hopes and dreams for our little man; both spiritual and temporal. All these pictures help me to remember how precious his little soul is, and how important it is that we teach him to be a good person. If we are blessed with more children, my plan is to buy a similar piece of artwork  for each one when they are born.- and it will be theirs to take when they leave the house.

Hope you like your new room baby free! It's ready and awaiting your arrival!