They say it's only gas...

"A smile is a language that even a baby understands." -unkown

Mr. Chubby Cheeks

Here is Mr. Chubby Cheeks after we got home from his 2 week check-up on Wednesday afternoon. I say "Mr. Chubby Cheeks" very lovingly, of course. I think it's so cute that he's filling out and has some little neck rolls, etc. now. The first picture is purely to show off his cool new lizard blanket--he may not love it yet, but I have a feeling he will--and I already do! Jacobi weighed 8lb. 5 oz., which is 13 oz. above his birth weight! The Dr. was very happy. He said, "he's perfect, but I don't have to tell you that, do I?" I told him that we already knew he was perfect, but it's still nice to hear so keep telling me!

He's doing great--still thinks he needs to eat every 3 to 31/2 hours, even at night--which means I get 2 or 2 1/2 hours of sleep at a time, but I shouldn't complain because I usually get a nap in with him at some point during the day and that helps a lot! I should probably be doing that now since he's sleeping...but anyway! He's drinking 4 oz. at each feeding, or sometimes a little less, I guess that's all the "stats" I have right now. Just wanted to post a quick update! Of course, now I have nothing else to talk about besides Jacobi so that's probably about it as far as blog topics for awhile. :)

Forever Family

Us with Lara, our wonderful social worker who has been there for us in every sense throughout the process.

Us with Judge Duncan.

Picture of our family taken after meeting yesterday.

We are now a "forever family"! This morning at 8:00 a.m. (ugh) we went to the courthouse and finalized Jacobi's adoption. It was just us, our social worker, attorney, and the judge in the judge's private chambers. Very small, comfortable, quick, and effective! The attorney asked each of us some basic questions about us and some about our adoption journey, then if we wanted to adopt Jacobi, the judge signed the papers, we took some pictures, went downstairs and filed with the court clerk, and left! We were back in the car by 8:40 and that was after visiting for a little bit...so it really was quick! We celebrated with breakfast at Java on the Square, where Ryan used to work, which is right near the courthouse then Ryan headed to work since he's got a class every day this week.

Jacobi is doing great! He is still eating great and seems to have his days and nights figured out. His awake times are during the day (usually) and he sleeps 3-4 hours at a time at night between feedings. Ryan and I are still trying to adjust to the broken-up sleep of new parenthood, but other than that we're doing great also! When I think back, it's really been a very busy last 2 weeks. I enjoyed a nap on the couch with Jacobi laying on my chest this afternoon--he loves to be cuddled and I love doing it, so we were both happy and slept great with the rain coming down outside. It's true when they say you should "sleep when the baby sleeps." Things have been so busy with visitors, etc. that I haven't done that near as often as I should have. Some evenings I'm ready to just crash...so I'm going to get better at the nap thing during the day. :)

It's wierd to think that the adoption procer--we've lived and breathed it the last few months and now the formal part is finished. Of course, we continue to stay in touch with Aries, Jacobi's birthmom, but that doesn't seem like part of the process anymore. She's a friend and one who has made and amazing and unselfish sacrifice that allowed us to build our family and live our dream. We now know with clarity why things have happened the way they have the past few years for us; we were meant to meet Aries and have Jacobi as our son! Amazing and Wonderful! :)

6 Days Old

Here are a few pictures daddy took this morning of Jacobi at 6 days old.

He's already growing so much and we know it won't be long befrore there's meat on those long, skinny limbs. :) He's thriving on the donated breastmilk and although we don't know how long it will last, we figure any amount is better than none!

Notice the cute, cuddly cloth diaper (Kissaluv brand)--we started that last night and love them--no leaks since we began! Pampers and Huggies can't even compare and won't be getting much of our $!!!!! Also, the very alert look on his face and the way he's holding his head up--he's been doing that for a few days and loves to look around when you hold him on your chest. He also smiles--we have yet to catch it on camera, though. When mommy kissed his chin today, he smiled..two different times! I know they say it's gas, but we're not buying it. :) Do we sound like proud new parents or what?!

Pictures!

Here are a few pictures; I know you've all been waiting and sorry to keep you waiting so long. Our time is filled with feeding, changing, loving, and cuddling Jacobi now--and time on the internet just isn't as important any more. :) It's amazing!!!! Jacobi's first Sunday meeting, pot luck lunch, and gospel meeting went so well--he slept most of the time and ate when he needed to; no fussing at all! Ryan promises to take some new pictures tomorrow when he has sunlight to work with. :)

These have been taken since Friday, just to give you a reference point. The pictures are nice, but he's so much cuter in real life, trust me! :) And yes, those cheeks are every bit as kissable as they look! Sometimes he wrinkles up his forhead when I kiss him like "awww, come on mom, you're embarassing me"...but it doesn't stop me now and probably never will!