1 month..who knew

Who knew 1 month could pass by SO quickly...especially on such little amount of sleep :). Jared went back to work today and Eli and I began learning what our daily "routine" might be like with just the two of us in the house! We had some trial runs last week when Jared was at Boys State here's a link to just one of the amazing things he gets to do while helping 500ish junior high school boys learn about leadership and government in just 1 short week! Enjoy Call Me Maybe-BSTalent Show 2012
 
I (Beka) have learned...
* to take the quickest showers known to man...or woman :)
* that Eli doesnt mind if I have time to brush my teeth at 7:00am or 10:00am or not until bedtime..he still loves me
* that breastfeeding really does get easier even over just a few days/weeks
*that breastfeeding in the car...in an auditorium...and away from the house isn't as intimidating as I once though it may be
* that Eli has the greatest smiles...haven't caught the awake smile on camera yet but will soon
* that 5 more minutes to finish any task gets taken away by his needs immediately...he has no sense of time :)
*that I am a great mom even in the moments I want to look at him and cry because I'm exhausted and just want to close my eyes and rest he reminds me that he is a gift and it is my job to respond and build that trusting relationship!
*that Eli LOVES...I mean LOVES music, noise, sounds and peace and quiet come when we are all sleeping at night time.
* that watching church online while rocking my baby boy is a fantastic way to spend a Sunday morning!
*that Jared and I are the best pair of parents for our baby boy...we tag team like professionals!
* that Kobe our dog-child is the BEST big dog-brother ever! He has adjusted so well, loves his baby brother so much, and is the best protector around :)

Dusty and Julie of D& J Smith Photography caught this special moment :) More pictures from our session with them will be up soon!

I (Jared) have learned...
more in the last month than I have in the last several years.  Many of you may have to reference your husbands/boyfriends for this, but I have learned that having an infant and becoming a new dad is like golf. 
All at the same time, it's fun, exhausting, exciting, and challenging.  As soon as you figure out the smallest things, you feel like you're a pro....then minutes later, you realize you're only an amateur.  Parenthood is all about patience, persistence, and partnership. 

We have been reminded that laughter...even at the smallest things is the best medicine and cures many things! We are thankful for all the support, love, and laughter brought to us by our dear friends and family!

With Love & Laughter
Jared, Beka & Elijah