Eight months ago...

Born 12/28/06, 3:23 pm

Emerging from the womb

Getting cleaned up in the OR

It's so bright out here...


Wow...to this day, it has already been eight months since Payton's arrival (12/28/06). Glancing at these pictures, it occurred to me how rapidly Payton has developed physically and cognitively--he is acutely aware of his surroundings (whining whenever mommy leaves his line of vision), more assertive in his movements (complaining whenever we redirect his movement from impending harm...there's got to be a spiritual illustration in there some where), greater strength and dexterity (enough to painfully pull on our hair), and so forth.

For us, Payton's development are visible reminders of God's graciousness and occasions for thanksgiving. Through the lens of our faith, we affirm that it is ultimately God who gives, takes, and sustains life. As such, we praise God for his graciousness in sustaining Payton over these past eight months. Still our greatest hope for Payton is that his appetite for the things of God will mirror the rapid development of his mind and body. For those who share in our allegiance to Christ, we hope that you might join us in praying that Payton will grow to embrace God's kingdom.

Payton--Eight months old

Getting an early start

Here's Payton doing his pull-ups at daddy's office. Check out those guns!

Auntie Fay

HAPPY (belated) Birthday Fay!
Hope to see you guys soon!!

Bed Hogger

When Payton was 2-3 months old, he had pretty bad acid reflux, so he woke up alot at night. This is when I discovered, I would get more sleep at night, if he just slept in our bed (so I didn't have to keep getting up to check on him in the crib when he cried). Well, since he's a little older now, he thinks that our bed is his bed. So, anytime we put him in his crib he screams/cries like we are torturing him. About 2 weeks ago, I decided I just needed to be tough, so after he fell asleep on our bed, I put him in the crib. When he woke up screaming at 2 am, I did not respond to him. He sobbed for an hour and 15 minutes. And I have to admit, it was torture for me and I cried too. He eventually cried himself to sleep. The next night, again, same routine but about half the time of crying. And then, he got sick (runny/stuffy nose), so he seemed so miserable that we decided to give him a break (i know, BIG mistake on our part), and let him sleep in our bed. It's been almost 10 days and he still has a runny nose, the doctor thinks it's allergies. So, really we are back to square one regarding the whole bed thing. If anyone has any tips on how to make your baby like sleep in his own crib, please share them with us! :)

Cousin Christen

Happy 4th Birthday Cousin Christen!