Firsts continue

Claire was 3 weeks old yesterday and it's already moving quickly. We had a great visit to the pediatrician and she's up to 8# 4oz and already grown 1/2"! She's a healthy baby and we thank the Lord for that. Each day we learn something new and try something new. Over the past 7-10 days she has gotten her first manicure by mommy(doing while sleeping is the way to go!) First time playing in her monkey gym and kicking and stretching a lot; Her first outing was to Dave's Deli on Saturday when Big Daddy (Cathy's dad) and Uncle Robert, Aunt Andrea and Cousin Brodie came to visit (She slept the whole time). She had her first shopping spree on Sunday to Babies R Us and did well as long at the cart was moving. I got up the courage to take her out solo on Tuesday to go pick up her birth certificate and we made a breeze through my office to meet the Spain Rehab Staff. (I had a "moment" when I saw her birth certificate with our names as her parents on it!). She did great and I loved showing her off! Jeff and I had our first time away from her for 45 minutes to take a walk while my friend Jenny watched her. It was good for us to catch up. Mommy put her old shorts back on for the first time in 6 months! A little snug but feels good! Claire got in her Baby Bjorn and in the stroller...mommy had to figure out how to load that stroller in the car and learned it's best to take it vs. carry the car seat too far.

We are enjoying her smiles and looks and even her cries. I have learned a deeper meaning to what God means when He wants us to be His vessel of the gospel. I am a vessel of nutrition and comfort for this baby girl. I really don't do much but prepare myself and then let her drink! She does the rest. Same with God...be prepared to be used and He does the rest.

Jeff is learning lots too as he has begun to give her an evening bottle and bond with her. The feeding times are very special for us both. We also are suckers for when she falls asleep on our chest. I know what Mary felt to some degree after she gave birth to Jesus: she treasured these things in her heart (Lk 2:19). That's what we are trying to do.

We have been so encouraged by all the meals and calls and emails from friends from work, church and neighbors who have supported us and celebrated with us. We have been amazed that it has been the busiest people we know who have reached out in tangible ways. It has challenged me in how I reach out to others. I've been pretty mediocre at it.

IDEA! Those of you in bigger cities than Bham know about HOV Lanes...what if there was a similar lane for parents who are driving with screaming babies in the back of the car...you could switch over to that lane that has no lights and everyone is racing home to feed or change a diaper or whatever it takes :)) What do you think?

Here's some photos to share: