A Baby Shower & A Visit With Santa

I can't believe it has been 4 weeks already! That's just crazy! This week has been interesting to say the least. The little bell from your circumcision finally fell off, I think that has been a relief for all of us. Since that thing came off you have been a much happier baby!

You got put in time out a few times this week. The first time you went to time out was because you would not stop crying. Mom tried literally everything to get you to calm down but nothing would work. She finally put you in your rocker and just had to walk away. You stopped crying after about 10 minutes and then Dad walked in the front door. As soon as the front door opened you resumed crying for about another 10 minutes. It was a bit stressful for everyone.

We went to your baby shower this week. You were so good while we were at the party! Monica showed Daddy some tricks and tips for how to better get along with you! You came home with some new clothes, toys, and diapers- it was great! We're so glad to have people in our lives that love and support not only us but you too!

One night you signed "I love you" to Mommy and Daddy. It was sweet! We don't think you knew what you were signing- one day you will though.

You learned that you like taking baths- you take after Mommy in that respect. You sprawled out in your bathtub and let Mommy and Daddy pour warm water on you. You loved it! One night while in the tub you launched pee up into the air and it landed all over Mommy. Good job buddy!

We also learned this week that you aren't the only one who pees their pants, Daddy does too!

Toward the end of the week we went to the Santa Clara 3rd Ward's Christmas Party (that's our old ward). All of our friends were so excited to meet you! You got all kinds of cuddles and loves! You were the youngest person to sit on Santa's lap that night.

Luke with Bubba.

Puberty

I love sharing stories about my younger brothers, they say some of the funniest things! This was a recent conversation that took place.

Nathan- Was proud that he had 13 hairs under his armpits. Yes, he counted each hair.
Brendan- Made a comment that Nathan was going through puberty.
Background- Each winter my Dad grows out a beard.
Russell- Having heard Brendan and Nathan talking about puberty remarks, "Dad, you have puberty on your face."

Circumcision & Bodily Functions

It's been three weeks since you came into our lives, time is passing by far too quickly. This past week was rough. Mommy and Daddy took you in to be circumcised- we really didn't want to, but knew it would be better for you in the long run. You didn't much care for the doctors office, it was cold when they made us take off your clothes to be weighed. After that Daddy wrapped you up in a blanket and held you close until it was time for your procedure. We prayed for you that things would go well. We heard you crying from across the building and it broke our hearts, Mommy cried too. When you came back you had tears streaming down your face, this was the first time Mommy had seen you cry with tears. You were pretty somber the rest of the day.

The next day you whimpered the entire day, Mommy felt so bad for you. Don't worry though, you got Mommy and Daddy back by keeping us up all night with your crying. Daddy was so tired the next day he didn't go into work.

Besides going to the doctor, you played for the first time on your playmat. We were so excited to watch you play and grab the rings! We tried putting you on the playmat another day this week and you really enjoyed it until you saw the "green frog" and freaked out.

You also discovered that you have ears this week. You like to put your hands above your head and while doing so you happened to discover that you had an ear. You grabbed your ear and pulled on it, this hurt and you began to cry. Not realizing that it was you who had grabbed your own ear, you pulled harder on it and cried louder. Daddy had to pry your hand off of your ear, he thought this was pretty funny!

You successfully peed on Mommy twice this week. And launched six inch poops at Mommy and Daddy while we were attempting to change your diaper. Good job Bubba! We are glad to know your bowels work.

We also managed to catch you sleeping with one eye open.

The Importance Of Sharing A Testimony

I recently read an article by President Spencer W. Kimball. In this particular address President Kimball talks about how the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles meet with the General Authorities each month in the temple. In the temple they express the love they have for each other and share their testimonies.

President Kimball said, "Why do the General Authorities need a testimony meeting? The same reason that you need a testimony meeting. Do you think that you can go three, and six, and nine, and twelve months without bearing your testimony and still keep its full value?"

He continued by saying, "Don't you sit there in your fast meeting and cheat yourself and say, 'I guess I won't bear my testimony today. I guess that wouldn't be fair to these other members because I have had so many opportunities.' You bear your testimony. And one minute is long enough to bear it."

This address caused me to pause and reflect on my own life. How often do I share my testimony? I share it quite a bit in classes and with my husband. But how often do I share my testimony publicly over the pulpit? Not very often. Why's that? I'm afraid I will get tongue tied and say something dumb. I quickly discovered that this is an area of my life that could use some improvement. If the leaders of the Church are sharing their testimonies as often as they are, and the prophet has said that we need to be sharing our testimonies more frequently, it must be important. 

Flying Solo

It's been two weeks since you were born, the time seems to be flying by. Today was our first day home by ourselves, Daddy had to go back to work. You didn't like not having Dad around and were very difficult for Mom. When Mom went to change your diaper you were peeing and peed all over her hand. You were fussy pretty much the entire day and refused to sleep, normally you sleep most of the day. Mom tired everything to soothe you, but you wouldn't have it. Mom cried. Eventually you fell asleep for a whopping 20 minutes, Mom was relieved.

This week you learned how to grip things, you discovered Mom has hair and you like to grab it, you are learning to look around and hold your head up. You learned how to lay on your side and are learning how to sit up. You gave Mom her first kiss. You started sleeping with your eyes open and snoring, just like Dad. You like to grunt. You poop a lot and have had many blow outs this week- we have become diaper changing pros. You umbilical cord fell off this week too- that was a bittersweet moment for Mom, it was the last thing that tied you to her and the womb.

And Dad brought home a monster sized Christmas tree. He was super excited about it! It's the largest Christmas tree we've ever had.