Lessons from a seven pounder

Lesson #1: Cuddle Much

It is amazing what can be packed into a 7 pound package. I have a cuddle bug on my hands. My first weeks with Lawrence in my life have reminded me that I need to sit and be still. And oh what a challenge this is for me. I can’t hardly sit and watch a movie without folding laundry, going thru the mail, sleeping, or all of the above! This little man can hardly sleep without cuddling up on either Corey or myself. This means many hours of sitting very still.

As bad as it sounds, this is a little hard for me. I have been taking care of myself and a self sufficient husband until now. These days I sit and nurse for at least 7 hours a day. I sit and “nap” day and night. I sit and rock back and forth. This is so not natural for a girl who doesn’t sit. But I love feeling Lawrence’s little body curled up in a ball and resting on my chest.

Isn’t it ironic that one my challenges with Lawrence coincides with one of my struggles as a Christian. The Lord longs for me to sit and be still. All He wants is my time and attention. And that is the hardest thing for me to give. I love to serve, I love to worship, I love to help people, I love to provide for my family, I love to give financial support. Those things are easy for me to give. But my time - that is precious. The Lord longs for me to give Him what is most precious to me. And that is what I will give Lawrence and what he needs most from me right now. I will appreciate the moments that we have all cuddled together on the couch where I can hear his every squeak, breath, and toot. Those times are pretty precious.

Lesson #2: Sleep Fast

We are learning to sleep fast in the Bevan household. When it is your turn to sleep then it is: PJ’s on, teeth brushed, lights out, eyes closed, and you’re off -- in a matter of minutes. This is precious time and it is not to be taken for granted. Corey usually takes one nighttime session for me so that I can sleep in our bed (alone). This gives me anywhere from 2 to 4 hours of good rest. I am so grateful for that time and thankful for the fact that I can usually sleep fast.

Lesson #3: Shower Little

Ok, not really. I do usually work a shower into my day. Although it is pretty tempting some days since it is usually a toss up between taking a shower or a nap. And I won’t lie, some days the nap totally trumps the shower. So be sure to call before you come by :)

Pictures!

Insanity

At moments I feel that I am going insane. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Although fully aware of this definition, exhaustion prevents me from thinking any further and changing things up. If I seem a little loopy next time you see me, I appreciate any grace you can afford and simply plead insanity.

Phone Number

I wanted to let you all know that my phone number is changing. I am finally converting to a Kansas area code and a Verizon plan. My new number is 316.347.0176. It is now active and I'll likely cancel my Colorado number on Monday.

My Little Man

I apologize for being so tardy in posting new pictures of my little man. Somehow I've been caught up in this new life. My days are now based around 3 hour increments that occasionally allow for a nap or an email. But as soon as I think I'll have some predictable time for me, then Lawrence decides that he needs some quality time with me instead :)

This is me on my 2 week birthday.

I am now busting the scales at 7 lb 7.5 oz

My favorite place is on the couch with my Pa. Morning, Noon, or Night!

Check out my bulging biceps that I got from my mama!

This is a momentous occasion of me taking a nap in my crib. Mom doesn't normally put me on my head to sleep, but must have been desperate this time.

AND GUESS WHAT - I did this whole post and he's still sleeping! Should I eat breakfast, brush my teeth, or water the plants... If I move fast I can do all three!

Fresh Summer Recipe

I tried this new recipe the other day and found it to be a little unexpected and tasty. I thought I would pass it along for those summer BBQ's that are coming up. Of course I also tweaked it after making it once, as I usually do. Have a taste!

Pineapple Salsa

1 finely chopped fresh pineapple
2 finely chopped cucumbers
1/4 cup lime juice
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
2 T minced fresh cilantro
3 chopped jalapeno peppers (I would do more, but I like the spice)
1 garlic clove, minced (I cook with minced garlic in a jar and it is super easy)
1 t sugar
1 t grated lime peel (I skipped)
1/4 t salt

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Cover and refrigerate until serving. You can serve it on top of grilled meat or with tortilla chips.

Signs of PrOgReSs!

The Bevan household is full of progress! So glad for that! I am now 38 weeks prego and feeling as good as possible. I really am thankful that I am still able to be as active as I am. I could really tell that my body is “changing” in my hydrobox water class last week. Fortunately for Corey, I am not able to kick as strongly or as high. Yea for progress! Each week the teacher looks at me with a glimmer of fear in her eyes and a smile on her face as I bounce and punch thru her class. I am ok with hydro-kicking myself into labor as long as I don’t make a scene at the YMCA. I think they would prefer that as well.

The doctor has checked me the last few weeks and given me the stats – 1 centimeter, 70% effaced, and -2 station (Sorry if that is TMI). But it is progress! Being the numbers person that I am, this really excites me to get these updates. And I figure I have 10% of the work done with little more effort than a few contractions, a little back pain, and a lot of potty breaks. Not bad progress ;) I’ll find out tomorrow how hard my body has been working the past week.

As of this weekend we have moved back upstairs and our bedrooms have been put back together. Big cheer for progress! Corey has worked so hard at getting everything finished (with a lot of help from our family). Now I get to do the fun stuff like decorating and organizing and cleaning! Although in the meantime the oven has been cleaned, the pantry reorganized, and the serving dishes moved and rearranged. I suppose that could be considered unnecessary progress -- but do not tell a pregnant lady that.

And finally… the bag is packed! Although this process started weeks ago, I think that I was procrastinating the inevitable while living in denial. But I’m over the mental block, and making progress!!!