Bellybutton!

 
On Thursday I wrote that the tenacious cord remnant finally fell off. Witness "the belly!"



Unfortunately, witnessing her own adorable belly'n'button presents some challenges for dear little G.

:)

God's blessings in scripture

We're finishing up the birth announcement today - the physical version that we'll send out via USPS. Lisa had fun putting it together, and we've had a lot of fun capturing memories during these first weeks to help us savor the sweet beginnings of our life with Gabriella, and someday share the photos and writings with her so she'll understand how much love was waiting for her when she arrived in our arms so early in the morning on March 6, 2008.

As a father I have been increasingly convicted of the necessity to be deliberate in raising our children. Really, as parents we must be deliberate in setting goals for our children's values and loyalties. Of course, these goals mean little without a plan for instilling said virtues, so the work has only just begun. For me, one step along this path is to dig into and understand the promises God has given us in His Word, and selecting one of those to anchor Gabriella's life and upbringing in. So far I've found these:

Deuteronomy 7:9 ~ Jeremiah 29:11 ~ Psalm 91:10 ~ Matthew 19:13-15

Jeremiah 29:11-13 is taken from God' communication (through Jeremiah) to the exiles Nebuchadnezzar took from Jerusalem to Babylon. I recommend reading chapter 29 in it's entirety, as it provides some insight into the way in which God's plans and commands don't necessarily fall in line with what WE might choose to do. The "turn the other cheek" adage is vividly illustrated as he commands the Israelites to work and pray for Babylon's well-being.

[from the NIV]
This is what the LORD says: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Though this was originally communicated to the Israelites in the context of their Babylonian exile, I pray that Gabriella will be inspired, led and instructed by the promise and admonition in verses 11-13.

Fotos - Shooting Three-outta-Five: The Album

From (Mostly) Thre...

Here is our sweet little angel, patiently biding her time during the hour that we spent "pursuing the perfect picture" of two week old Gabriella and her brothers. Culled from the plethora of pictures that I shot with an attitude somewhat wanting for patience and grace, here are a dozen photos in an album (presented here as a slideshow):

Family Fotos

From Easter 2008 Album

This past Easter we enjoyed a wonderful day with K's parents and grandma, and and we took advantage of the time with family to capture some family-of-five fotos (erp - We have 3 kids now!).






We also remembered to take a new 4 generation pic with the newest granddaughter.



Hmfph! Look how those grandparents are getting their granchil'en all wound up!

Ahhhh - her first tears.

The heartstrings are pulled ever so much more intensely when a crying infant produces tears.

Today, Gabriella hit that milestone.

Whoa! Today is a big day of firsts. This afternoon G's cord finally fell off, much to J's satisfaction.

And, she experienced her first robot space rocket ride today (pictures to follow?).

Pursuing the "perfect" picture.

Today we decided that the time had arrived to shoot a photo of all three of the kids to use on the birth announcement. After an hour of clicking and adjusting and moving bodies and trying to direct two young brothers with a vigor that would send the most experienced model packing, we had over 200 shots to sift through in hopes of finding "the one." This isn't that elusive "one," but it's a fun picture and you can even see Gabriella's eyes!

Update 3/27/2008 - I uploaded a small album of pictures from this "shoot" today: Shooting Three outta Five

Bathtime... March 12

 

I can't quite figure it out. I'm certain that I was amazed at both Ben and Josiah when they were babies, yet I don't remember them being this tiny, or this mesmerizing. Perhaps it's maturity, or some sense of regret that fuels my intense desire to relish Gabriella's infancy -- because I now know for certain that time and childhood fly too, too rapidly by.

 

She's a sweet, sweet baby. Not so happy with the bath itself -- once she's clean and rinsed and bundled up tight, Gabriella seems to enjoy having her hair washed.

She's got - Personality :)

Gabriella is a VERY good sleeper. She makes us sleepy too.

 

Mommy loves 'Ella.

Bunny for Bunny

You might have noticed this picture of 'Ella enjoying (?) being dressed up in a very sweet and cuddly bunny-themed outfit.

This bunny cuddly (sweet gift from DKAM) works a little better -- and probably won't engender cries of, "What were you thinking?!" from G when she's older :)

Home sweet home

I've been home for awhile now and they tell me that I'm almost SIX days old! ("gulp!" interjects daddy).

Nothing too humiliating has happened (other than the fuzzy bunny suit and an ongoing fascination with my poops). I did get a shot in while daddy's guard was down; he'll think twice about leaving my bottom uncovered! My days are full of sleeping, eating (I'm very good at this), asking to eat (WHAAAA!), filling my diapers ("NOISILY," adds daddy) and even spending a few minutes looking around at my big new world. The big people in the house are enjoying ME (of course) and the tasty supper-time vittles people have been bringing by for the past few days.

My Auntie S came to see me in the hospital on Saturday, but I had already left. I guess she caught an operation while she was there, but she's OK now (thank you God!).

Rumor has it there are some anxious folks out there who want to see how much I've changed in the past few days. Fortunately, mom and dad haven't ceased with the infernal clicking and flashing in their effort to document my every mood, expression, and outfit (costume?), so daddy just added more pictures to my online album.

YAWN! Click below to visit a new album with pictures from the past few days.

Gabriella Homecoming and Fuzzy Bunny

Time for sleepies. Love,
Gabriella
(Ella for short)

Photos Galore!

We've taken more than just a couple photos in the past two days. Here's a slideshow, linked to the Picasa online photo album:

Events to expound on:

* Josiah, "How did the baby get out?" and exploding tummy concernes
* Lisa - amazingly rapid recovery.
* Ben - beaming at school
* G - a sweet, determined little bundle o' love
* FLASH! Mommy's heart stolen by newborn daughter.

Smilin' for Daddy

Gabriella has been so alert today. Lots of open-eyes time. Smiles too, so I'd like to think :)

And then there were five

Visiting Gabriella

Gabriella received her first family visitors this morning.

Introducing: Gabriella Grace

Gabriella - "Devoted to God"
Grace - to honor Grandma Charis
Note: "Charis" is a word from the Greek New Testament meaning "grace."

Vitals
* Born: 2:59am on March 6, 2008.
* Weight: 8 lbs 6 oz
* Length: 20.5"
* Head: 14"

Very alert and wakeful and ready to eat right away after birth. Eyes were wide open and searching. She's very aware of her hands (which had a tendency to interrupt her eating) and has a strong grip. In the photo, she's saying hello and grabbing onto Lisa's finger.

Baby and mom are doing great. Dad did his best to support them through the process.

(added 5/7/09 - some relevant links: Anticipation, Gabriella - the early days)