5.23.2010

Dear Nathanael (one month) & Mr. Bear

Dear Nathanael,

Today you are one month old! You have grown so much in the past few weeks. You must weigh close to ten pounds now (though we'll find out in a few days), and you are definitely much longer as you almost don't fit into your newborn clothes anymore! We graduated you to a larger diaper this week as well. It's amazing to watch how fast you are growing. Your daddy and I treasure each day with you as you truly are an amazing "Gift from God."

Your facial expressions make us laugh and melt our hearts, and we love seeing you stick out your tongue. You love your evening baths, and you make us laugh with all your flexing and kicking when we have you on the changing table. We think you are so close to smiling now. It's almost as if your eyes are smiling, and you're not quite sure yet how to form the smile intentionally with your lips. You do well with tummy time on the most part, and you're quite good at following objects with your eyes.

We have been taking walks together almost every day. You are often alert and intrigued by everything around us for the first 15-20 minutes before being lulled to sleep by the jiggling stroller. We marvel at how well you seem to sleep through all the noises!

Daddy and I are adjusting well to parenthood. We still have difficulty in helping you get to sleep in the late evening hour, but even in the frustration of watching you become overtired, we find joy in the additional time to rock and hold and love on you. Thankfully, you usually fall back asleep extremely well in the middle of the night!

You are eating quite regularly every 2.5-3 hours now, and you sometimes even make it 4-5 hours between feedings once at night. But you are a very, very, very slow eater. I think you learned that from your father. :) I guess it's a healthy habit. I tell myself that the extra time it takes you to eat just means that I get to hold you longer.

Daddy and I have enjoyed involving you in our life. We've taken you for a walk on the Minute Man Trail (one of our favorite places to walk and bike nearby); you've hung out with us in the backyard; you've joined us at church and community group for a couple weeks now; you have helped us grocery shop (okay, maybe you didn't help, but you were cute); and you've met many of our friends and co-workers.

We love you so much, Nathanael, and pray for you every day. Your life is an answer to so many prayers, and we are excited to see how God grows and matures you through the years to use you for His glory. We pray that he instills in you a heart that follows hard after Him.

Lovingly,
your daddy and mommy

Nathanael Alim - 1 month old

And a couple outtakes...

2 comments:

Joann said...

Oh, my, I love the bear comparison! It shows how much he's really growing and changing! I just want to hug that boy!

Anonymous said...

Boy, is Nathanael ever growing! Aunt Ann