Samuel is now past the 5 month mark and our lives are settling into a routine, which has been really great. I am taking care of Samuel in the mornings, until around noon so that Bec can work and then we switch off. So far it’s been going well, and besides having to coordinate our schedules when something comes up that I have to do in the AM or vice versa for Bec, I see no reason we won’t be able to keep it up.
One of the great joys I’ve experienced spending mornings with my son is how much I’ve understood the Gospel in a new and deeper way. I look at him and admire his face, all his different little expressions. I think pretty much anything he does is amazing. I feel like I can relate much better to the love that our Father in heaven feels toward each of his children. Samuel has no clue about the love we feel toward him or the things that Bec and I do for him to take care of him, and yet that doesn’t make a difference for me. In fact, my love for him grows deeper every day, even when his poo leaks onto my pants or he pukes down my back (for the fifth time).
Another thing that’s been sinking in for me is the reality that Jesus was a little, tiny, helpless baby that cried and giggled and crapped his diaper and peed on Mary. He was a real, vulnerable creature that grew up to be the man I read about and worship. It’s pretty awesome to think about that while staring at Samuel’s little feet, while feeling his softer-than-anything-I’ve-ever-felt-before skin, or while hearing him rip a good one in his diaper.
It’s been hard finding regular time with God each day in prayer and meditation on His word (I’m definitely not a very disciplined person), but my mornings with SJ have made up for that, at least in the short term, by keeping my heart soft and the praises flowing. We usually have concert time, where I play my guitar and singing for Samuel, which he loves (which is obvious from the mesmerized stare on his face). Its been great practice for me and renewed my desire to finally learn some new songs. So far I’ve been learning some Radiohead songs which has been fun (Karma Police, and starting on Paranoid Android).
I am grateful for God’s hand in my life right now and the joy that comes with being a dad. I am grateful for the love He has for me, even when I don’t realize it or appreciate it, or even when I reject it. This is a sweet time for us as a family, both of us being able to work from home most days and getting to soak up and enjoy our ridiculously sweet and adorable child. I am grateful for it.
It’s been a while since I’ve posted pics or given any updates on him (hint: if you want to see more regular photos, find me on Facebook where that’s pretty much all you’ll get!), so here’s the rundown on Samuel’s changes in the last few months:
- Baptized on April 4, Easter Sunday
- Consistently slept through the night (7-8 hrs) at 8 weeks old
- Traveled to Merlefest, Charleston, New Bern, Blowing Rock and Boone!
- Rolled over from back to front at 4 months old (but has forgotten how to roll back over)
- At 4 months, weighed in at 16 lbs, 12 oz, exactly double his birthweight
- Found his voice with lots of yelling and screeching
- Started on solid food at 5 months old (rice cereal for now)
- Now eating only 4 times a day
Awwww, I love this Nathan. I’m so happy for you and your wife in having such a wonderful baby. You can really see the curiosity and inquisitiveness in his face. What a cutie! I hope you are well and staying super busy (seems like you are).
What a tender heart nathan. I am so proud of you guys, the love between you and evidence in lil sj! How blessed I am to have you as my family!
HELLO NATHAN. YOU MAY OR MAY NOT REMEMBER ME. I WAS THE OLD GUT WHO TOOK CARE OF BUILDING MAINTENENCE AT SOUTH BARACKS WHILE YOUR DAD WAS THERE. YOUR FATHER IS A WONDERFUL PERSON, AND IT SEEMS YOU’E FOLLOWING IN HIS FOOTSTEPS MOST EXCELLENTLY. JUST FROM LOOKING AT THE PICTURE OF SAMUEL, I CAN TELL THAT YOU AND BEC (IS THAT REBECCA?) ARE REALLY RAISING HIM RIGHT. IT’S QUITE IMPOSSIBLE TO GIVE A LITTLE BABY TOO MUCH LOVE AND ATTENTION. KEEP IT UP, AND YOU’LL HAVE A REALLY INTELLIGENT, SECURE AND DELIGHTFUL YOUN MAN FOR A SON IN ABOUT 20 YEARS. CHILLDREN AT SAMUEL’S AGE ARE LIKE SPONGES IN THEIR LEARNING ABILITIES. FAR TOO MANY PARENTS AREN’T AWARE OF THE DAMAGE THEY DO TO THEIR YOUNG CHILDREN BY PRETTY MUCH IGNORING THEM EXCEPT FOR FEEDING AND DIAPERING. GENIOUSES AND SAINTS ARE RAISED THE WAY YOU TWO ARE DOING IT. YOUR DAD, JOHN, SENT ME YOUR POST. I’M GOING TO THANK HIM RIGHT NOW!!!