a little photoshoot....

Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We made a journey with our almost 6 week old and I was a little apprehensive, however he was a jewel. We started our journey at 4:30AM on Tuesday morning making our way towards Hendersonville, NC. We hoped he would sleep as much as possible & he did. Channing didn't rise until 7:30 which was right on time with when we wanted to stop for breakfast. After a break, we continued our journey and he didn't whimper until we turned into the neighborhood. We spent some time with the Berry family where Channing got lots of love from his sweet cousins. It was a whirlwind visit with lots of visitors to see Channing and lots of outings planned by Mama Nissi. We were exhausted by the time it was over for sure. We then headed to East Bend to stay with Channing's Mimi for a few days. We had a great time and enjoyed the yummy Thanksgiving foods that momma remembers from being a kid! Overall it was a pretty great Thanksgiving & we had SO much to be thankful for!

6 weeks old on Thanksgiving Day!

Turkey Day Cousins!

Nana getting some lovin'

Mimi with her sweet Channing

Don Don checking him out for the first time.

A family of 3!

3 handsome John's! Papa John, Daddy John & John Channing

Sweet Cousin Love

Sweet, carefree Allie

The Berry Crew

Ella loves Channing so much! She would say, " Is Channing your baby?" " Yes" I would say. ""He's so cute!" she would respond. I just love her.

sweet cousin time.

I love being his mommy! There's nothing like him sleeping on my chest.

zonked out!

I'm ready mom and cute to boot!

God continually teaches me new things through this kid. First, I feel like I have felt a love that has never entered my life before. It's amazing how sweet motherhood is. It was well worth the wait. I would never and could NEVER give up this precious gift. Second, I realize I would do anything to take an ounce of pain away from this sweet boy. This week Channing has had a virus and it's been hard to hear him squeal in pain and not be able to do one thing about it but hug him & love him with all that is within me. Even at times that was hard because I was so tired but I realized I can always find more when it comes to this little guy. Third, ALL the " I WILL NEVER" comments you made to yourself BEFORE you were a parent, were made out of complete and utter stupidity. I used to think I would NEVER go out of the house without having had a shower for two days....ate those words. I used to think I would NEVER take my kid in the car simply to get him to go to sleep...ate those words. Unfortunately the list goes on and on and I can joyfully laugh at how dumb I was before becoming a parent. Fourth, there is so much more to learn!

I'm making every effort to embrace each and every moment with this kid but I barely feel as if I can keep up. It is going by much more quickly than I would like. I love this little fella with all that is in me. I feel so blessed to be chosen by an amazing GOD to be his mommy. I am so thankful for the honor and the privilege.

Here's some sweet pics of our little gift of joy this week.

such a kissable little face

noticing his mobile on his swing for the first time

totally holding that neck up on his own

strong grip on daddy....I'll never let go!

There is nothing sweeter than to see the man you first loved hold and love on your second love.

mommy's blue eyes

ready for our walk...look how big it is!

Another Great Week

4 weeks have flown by. I feel as if I've blinked once and he's grown into a one month old. It has been the most fabulous four weeks. I'm so grateful for the amazing blessing God has given us. We wake up and can hardly believe it. John still looks at me and says " We're parents!" as if somehow over night it might have changed. We are so in love with this little boy and an increased love for a Savior that could give up such a precious son for us!

Sweet Blue Eyes

John's parents came to visit. Channing loves time with Mama Nissi & Papa John.

Papa John & baby John

continuing to grow...