Reflections

Braden was weighed again today and was 9 lbs. 1 oz. This weight gain thing is extremely exciting for us! Every day, seeing him thriving, doing so well, it is so gratifying. We find that as we relax just a little bit more the further we get from his surgery and hospitalization that we are spending significant time reflecting on the whole experience. It has really been more than our minds could process at the time. We have been able to consider our faith in Jesus, having been tested in such a gut-wrenching way and can testify that He really is faithful, even when we don't understand what we go through or why.

Baby Braden continues to lead a rather quiet life. He doesn't go much of anywhere and the few times he has gone out, I have been so stressed out by complete strangers or kids coming up to touch him I can hardly imagine going places where I know people. It is difficult to have such an adorable little pumpkin and not be able to show him off, but why do people insist on touching babies' faces and hands? Everything goes in the mouth and that's how germs are spread. It is awkward to have to guard him so closely, so we just stay home! I keep telling myself that this is just a season and that he depends on us to protect him while his immune system builds up. I remember in my research hearing about a similar baby whose mother remarked "ours was not a pass around baby". That is our Braden too. We are trying to find that balance between not being overly fearful and just using the good brains God gave us.

Our little guy has been learning some good lessons lately about the joys of having three big sisters. First, if you even make a peep, or grimace for that matter, there is always a sister to shove a pacifier in your mouth. It is actually good entertainment to see how many times it can be spit out (because you don't really want it) and have it promply stuffed in again. Also, sisters make you sparkle. Since everything the girls own has glitter on it, baby Braden sparkles with glitter dust constantly . . . on his head, cheek, nose. He'll love that when he's older. Just wait till they talk him into mascara on his beautiful long eye lashes! Last, sisters are very entertaining. Rachel does a mean version of Mana-mana (How DO you spell that?) from the first season of the Muppet Show. She sings it over and over for Braden (dances too) as he swings. All three hover and sing and talk in little squeaky voices to make baby smile. He makes them work for it because it really is entertaining and what else does he have to do?

Braden celebrated his first Valentines day by wearing a big heart bib declaring it. He missed out on the heart shaped pizzas and yummy hot chocolate fudge cake but I think he enjoyed himself. We are all sincerely enjoying all the family time this slow season is providing us with. Life is good and we keep looking for opportunities to celebrate each day the Lord gives us.

-Jenni