Payson Canyon

With the boys in Idaho Falls this week, it has allowed me to completely focus on adjusting to being a mommy. Jonas is such a good baby. He suffers from a bit of reflux, which causes him to be fussy sometimes, but other than that, he is generally pretty calm and content. Still, it has been an adjustment for both of us. We are still trying to figure each other out and establish somewhat of a routine...all with little to no sleep for me. On top of it all, I've had a touch of cabin fever. It's hard to even want to go out because I'm so sleep deprived. Plus, I don't want to expose Jonas to any unnecessary germs. Moreover, it seems that nursing an infant is a full time job! By the time he finishes nursing and I get him to sleep, he's ready to wake up and start the process all over again. Yet, I wouldn't trade any of this. Jonas is a dream come true and has been such a joyful addition to our family. I can't imagine our life without him. As much as nursing has been a bit uncomfortable at times, I love holding his little hands and watching his funny little facial expressions. Those moments aren't going to last, but the memories will. As much as I have longed to be able to sleep through the night, I cherish the connection I feel to my son as I tend to his needs. Sometimes that may feel a bit overwhelming, but I have an amazing support system to help. While I have been concerned with Jonas's health and well-being, Jeff has been concerned with mine. Today was no different. After finishing up a few work items, Jeff came home, grabbed Jonas and I, and headed up the canyon after getting a bite to eat. I loved the hour or so we spent at a little park in the mouth of Payson canyon. I needed to be outside, and I needed some time with Jeff. He has been my lifeline through all of this. Work and church responsibilities often pull him away, but when he's home, he's present. He's with us. He grabs Jonas from me and gives me the break I need. Jonas couldn't have asked for a better father...and I couldn't have asked for a better husband. Thank you for loving us both!

Jonas loves car rides.

Jonas has such a sweet little smile. He likes being outdoors.

My two loves.

Precious moments

Since Jonas was born my life has been filled with so many more precious moments. He has taught me how to slow down (even though I need a daily reminder) and to enjoy the small (no pun intended) things in life. I love waking up to his sweet little face. I adore watching all his facial expressions as he's dreaming. I thoroughly enjoy putting him down on a blanket and playing with him. I fall in love with him every time he looks at me. My favorite moments are when he falls asleep in my arms and I can feel the gentle rise and fall of his chest. I just can't get enough of my precious angel boy. I never knew how much a heart could stretch and how instantly a mother can love. Life has never been better.

Waking up to this sweet face makes me smile.

Look at those kissable cheeks! I love it when he falls into a milk coma after eating.

Daddy put him in the BIG bed...not sure what he thinks about it.

Love his little Superman pose...up, up, and away!

This picture just melts my heart. Jeff is the best daddy!

Two of my greatest loves!

Newborn pictures

Today Jonas had some newborn pictures taken. He was one week old. I had set this up awhile ago and scheduled it once he was born. I really like the photographer's work, but Jonas is his daddy's boy...which means he doesn't like pictures. To be honest, it was more stressful than I anticipated. I could tell by the end of the session that Jonas was done...and I was done too. Poor little guy. To be honest, I cried a little with Jonas as he cried. I didn't realize it would be so anxiety provoking for either one of us. Still, the photographer was super patient, and I think we got some good pictures. Hopefully his 3 month photo shoot will be easier! Here are just a few photos she edited.

The Navy hat was my grandfather's during WWII and my dad eventually served in the Navy as well. I thought it was only fitting to include some of Jonas's history in his pictures.

I love Jonas's little smile in this photo.

Idaho Falls

Summer is finally wrapping up! I can't believe how quickly the summer has flown (although a couple weeks ago, I would have said it was dragging on as I anxiously awaited Jonas's arrival). The boys have had a blast this summer in spite of my inability (and complete lethargy) to keep them entertained. Most of their entertainment has come from amazing aunts, uncles and cousins who have taken them to do fun things while I kept my swollen feet (and over-sized belly) propped up at home. This week was no different (minus the belly and swollen feet). This week Dallin and Danny headed to Idaho Falls to enjoy a week with Stan, Kristi, and their family. They spent the week playing street hockey (their new favorite game with the other Southwick boys), going to the Idaho Falls rec center, playing nerf wars at the house, and so much more. The day before they came home, Stan and Kristi took the kids to Lava Hot Springs. A couple summers ago, I went there with Nichole and her kids. It is a really fun place with a crazy high diving platform! The boys loved every minute of it! Thanks Stan and Kristi!

Meeting the family...

Over the next week, Jonas met many of the other people who were anxiously awaiting his arrival. Dallin and Danny were among those the most excited! My parents were with us at the hospital when Jonas made his appearance. Mom was the first, other than Jeff and I, to hold our little angel. Dad waited a couple days. He is so funny! Dad thinks he might break the newest of newborns. However, by the end of the week, he was actually asking to hold Jonas...on occasion. Laurin was the first sibling who arrived at the hospital, followed by the boys. It was heartwarming to watch the kids welcome their newest little sibling. I know it was never something any of them imagined would happen, but they have fallen in love with him...and I know he'll feel the same. Amber had to wait until the day after delivery to meet Jonas. Aunt Katie, Uncle Scott, and Grandpa Rodney were among the others who visited Jonas while in the hospital. More dropped by the house after we were home including Grandma Penny, Great-grandpa and grandma Thompson, Aunt Trudy, etc. Here are some pics I remembered to snap over the week (for once I didn't always have my camera ready...postpartum brain!).

Grandma Martie

Papa

Grumpy

Grandma Penny, Grandma and Grandpa Thompson

Dallin, Katie, and Danny

Sibling love! Love this picture.

Amber and baby J

Proud Daddy bought a box of "It's a Boy" bubble gum cigars to hand out. Here are all the boys with their "cigars"...including little Jonas.

Eagle Scout

Tonight Dallin officially became an Eagle Scout. He had his Eagle Scout board of review. Dallin spent most of the day reviewing all his scout material in preparation for the board. I think by the end of the day I could recite the scout law and oath. I am super proud of Dallin. He worked hard to get to this point and he earned it! Way to go Dallin!

First bath

Today Mommy gave Jonas his first bath. It was a bit of an adventure. Definitely something that will be refined with time. Jonas wasn't too excited about being exposed, but he loved having his hair washed. I think he's like his mommy in that he enjoys having his head massaged. As I was washing him, I just couldn't get over all of his tiny, perfect features - his two little hands with long fingers, his long, skinny feet, his beautiful blue eyes, his cute little nose, his tiny little ears. The creation of life is truly amazing. It is incredible how the body is able to produce another human being...and to have that child turn out so perfectly. There is not a day that goes by that I don't express unending gratitude for his perfect little body. I know it is truly a blessing...he is truly a blessing.