Being a new parent it is easy to look ahead. I have heard that after the first three months it gets easier since they cry less. And also it is nice when they turn one since they are much stronger by then. And according to my mother-in-law at 16 months because they are really cute then.

However, God has taught me something important this week. In BSF we are looking at Ch 8 of Romans. According to BSF it is arguably the best chapter in the Bible. Romans 8:28 says that “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good, for those who love God; for those who are called according to His purpose.”

At times I find myself looking ahead as well mainly because I like to have control over my life. And when you have a newborn it changes things. I can’t always run at a certain time, or even if I did I might not have gotten the sleep I wanted. In addition, there are more concerns and responsibilities (usually not what a guy wants). However, studying this verse gives me comfort that in all situations God will cause me to grow more in the likeness of His Son. Parenting can add some wrinkles in one’s life, but this will allow one opportunities to grow and produce spiritual fruit e.g. patience. I have learned to enjoy the time I get to spend with k now despite her cries. I love it when she is peaceful and she looks at me. But also I enjoy it when she cries and I get to use my fake Italian accent to try to calm her down.

I made these announcements for D to pass out at work. They are tubes of mini M & Ms covered in wrapping paper. I’m still working on the announcements to send out to family and friends.

k’s First New Year’s Day

For the past couple of days, k has decided that she prefers to sleep during the day and cry at night, making two very tired parents. She has also started to snort when she is hungry–not very lady-like. Tonight, her umbilical cord fell off. She has an innie!

We thought it would be too gross to post a picture of her stump. 🙂

So, we made it through the first week. On Thurs. I had to return to the hospital to sign the paperwork for k’s birth certificate. It was weird to walk through the hospital hallways again, this time as a mom. (Before I went into labor, the doctor had me walk up and down those hallways for two hours to see if I could jumpstart the contractions. I ended up with blisters on my feet!)

Here is k in front of our penguin themed Christmas tree. Christmas was kind of a blur for us since we were so exahusted that day. k was able to meet her great grandma though, so that was special.

It seems that when k is not feeding, she is napping. The times in between when she has her eyes open are pretty rare. Here is one of those times.

Nap Time

On Wed., Uncle Kevin came over and brought us lunch, made fried rice, and showed D how to install GFCI outlets. For the past couple of days, k has also been able to spend some time with her Uncle Simon and Aunt Jackie who flew down from Sacramento. I think k is enjoying all of the attention!