If you are my friend on facebook, I apologize for all of the pictures. It's like picture diarrhea. Seriously, I need to limit the amount of pictures I upload. I just love so many pictures of Jack! Plus (and I know I use this as an excuse ALL of the time!), Jack's grandparents want to see pictures of him. And honestly (and I really can say this, because while we were in Malawi, I tried various other methods), facebook picture upload is the easiest way to share pictures!

Today, Bech and I spent some time outside with Jack. Summer here is pretty amazing. It's been in the low 80's, and I am loving it. Although, I would take 100 degrees right now if it meant I was in Mississippi! I grabbed the camera, mostly hoping to get some shots of Jack smiling. I got a few, but overall he was being his usual contemplative serious self.

I love that they are both laughing in this picture! Actually, I think Bech is laughing at my "baby voice." I was talking to Jack, trying to make him smile, and Bech made fun of the way I was talking. He now feels very bad about it because he hurt my feelings! I am pretty sure that when you carry someone for 41 1/2 weeks plus have a big scar on your stomach from a c-section, you can talk to that baby in any voice you want!

I love those cheeks! They just get bigger and bigger!

Jack was a little bit of a grump today...he really struggled with his naps! But he has been wonderful the past few nights. We put him down anywhere from 8:30 to 9:00, and he sleeps for 5 hours. Then he wakes up, eats, sleeps for 3 more hours, then sleeps some more. He usually fusses and talks to himself some then, but will then sleep until 7ish. Let's just hope he keeps extending the night sleep times...that will make going back to class easier!

We go home in a week and 2 days...yay! In other news, it looks like Burlington is about to get 2 legit Mexican restaurants. There are 3 in this area, but they are pretty bad--pricey but not good! Where is Papitos when you want a margarita???

5 weeks old!

Here is our little sweet 5 week old. It does not seem like it has been that long at all!

These pictures aren't great...I was trying to get Jack to smile and also taking pictures. I'm not very coordinated to begin with, so this was a hard challenge!

His come hither look

Wow, he's a chunk!

There's a smile (complete with spit bubbles...yes, we have a really drooly baby!).

We have been doing well up here in Vermont. It has been really hot lately, in the 90's! I know that does not seem that hot compared to Mississippi temperatures, but imagine 95 degrees with no air conditioning! So Jack has been living in just a diaper lately. Today, though, it's finally normal Vermont summer weather--high 70's--so Jack is finally clothed again!

Bech has been busy at the studio. This summer he has had several commissions, including a wedding registry. He is making dinner and salad plates for a local couple, and guests are buying the plates off of his etsy shop. Pretty cool concept, right? I wonder if more and more people will start registering on etsy and sites like that.

There will be a kiln firing next week with tons of new high fire pieces coming out. This has been a great summer for him as far as his work, but hard in that with less people in the pottery co-op and less work being made, the kiln has barely been fired.

We leave for Mississippi in a week and a half...yay!!!!! I absolutely cannot wait! We will have a busy time while we are home--two sip and see's plus Jack is getting baptized at Faith Pres in Brookhaven. Plus Jack has a lot of aunts, uncles, great grandparents, and one grandfather to meet! And I have a lot of snowcones to eat (I only have about 6 or 7 more pounds to go until I get back to pre pregnancy weight, so I think I am allowed LOTS of snowcones!).

As a side note, we'll be flying with Jack (he'll be right under 7 weeks old and will have just had his first round of shots). I am really nervous about this! Any one flown with a baby this young? Any tips or advice? I've been told to nurse him during take off and landing to help his ears, and we are bringing his car seat and stroller (please pray that the planes won't be full so we can bring the car seat onto the plane!). Anything else?

Movies...

Here is an update of the latest movies we've watched (actually these are from May through July!). I like to share these on the blog, because I am constantly looking for new movies to watch (and wanting to know if they are worth watching).

We have found lately that movies are easier for us to keep up with than tv shows. We are able to pause them or just watch a little bit, then stop to take care of Jack. If y'all have any suggestions for movies, let me know.

This one is Bech's pic. It was okay...I could take it or leave it. The language was a little inappropriate. I love Paul Rudd, so that was good.

Sooo cute! I really enjoyed this one. Again, I love Paul Rudd. I'm also a big fan of Reese Witherspoon and Owen Wilson. It was a cute Romcom--not super serious, just fun and sweet.

I don't know if I've ever talked about this on the blog, but I am obsessed with Veronica Mars. So that means I am also obsessed with Kristen Belle. We watch every movie she's in. I'm actually usually not crazy about movies she's in (just cause she's never as good in any other role as she is as Veronica), but this was a good role for her. It was really cute.

My pick this time. I love Jennifer Anniston. There was some language and a few inappropriate comments. But on the whole, just a funny movie. A little reminiscent (humor wise) of earlier Adam Sandler movies.

Everyone should watch this movie...sooo good! It is a morning show (like the Today show). Rachel McAdams is amazing in this movie, plus Harrison Ford plays a totally different role (for him). Bech and I both loved it.

Of course, there needs to be a few documentaries on this list. This one is really funny. It is about NYC parents' obsessions with getting their children into the "right" preschools. The families they showcase are really funny (and not intentionally!).

Everyone has probably already watched this one...we're a little late! Wow, this movie was so incredible! I didn't know I could love Colin Firth anymore than I already did. He was so good in this movie.

Of all the movies on the list, this was my favorite. This documentary is about a white Zimbabwean family who is struggling with Mugabe to keep their farm and land. It is a really tough documentary to watch. We know families who have gone through similar struggles in Zimbabwe. I was completely blown away by the faith of the Zimbabwean family. And this documentary is on Netflix instant watch. Seriously, everyone should watch this and be aware of what is happening in Zimbabwe

Essentials for 1st month...

Obviously, these are just our personal essentials. These six items have been used a TON in the past month!

1. Avent pacifiers

We actually have a wub-a-nub and a pacimal, but he's not really ready for those yet. What he seems to like the best is just the basic Avent pacifier--probably the cheapest pacifier we have.

2. Baby Bjorn bouncer

This is the one item that Bech really really wanted, and we were given it by my aunt! Bech loves it because it's really simple and sleek. I love it because it's brown (you can actually turn the cover around and it's totally brown). And Jack loves it because he can sit in it and look at the world around him.

3. Little Lamb Swing

Ever since I saw a picture of this swing, I have wanted one! It sells for $150 at Babies R Us and $100 on Amazon. But I read that babies really only use and like this swing for the first 3 to 4 months. Since we are planning on waiting a little bit before we have another baby, I didn't want to spend (or have someone else spend) a lot of money on this swing for such a short time of use. Then I would feel compelled to store it and move it with us. So instead, I started watching craigslist everyday (literally everyday). I was able to get this swing for $50. It had only been used for 3 months and was in great condition.

And I am so happy we got it! I can put him in this swing and go take a shower quickly or just have a little break. He loves to look around. Sometimes he will start to doze off, but we try to grab him quickly out of the swing. I really don't want him sleeping in it!

4. Homedic Sound Machine

There are a lot of baby sound machines out there that are more expensive. This one is not baby specific, so it's cheaper. Plus, it plugs in but also can use batteries. Which means we can travel with it! I actually used to have this same sound machine and loved it. It doesn't have a "white noise" setting, but it has a heartbeat and a waterfall (which sounds like white noise) . Maybe I am crazy, but I really feel like ever since we got this, about 2 weeks ago, Jack has been sleeping sooo much better during his naps!

Plus, they sell this at Bed, Bath, and Beyond, and I'm pretty sure, at any given moment, most Americans have at least one or two of those 20% coupons for that store!

5. Aden + Anais swaddling blankets

This is the best thing we bought for Jack, hands down. That baby needs to be swaddled. He fought it so hard in the beginning (now he doesn't really fight it that much), that we at first didn't swaddle him very much. But when he is swaddled, he calms down and sleeps so well.

But it is hot here. Plus, most of the blankets we had weren't large enough to be good swaddling blankets. So we got some Aden + Anais blankets from a local store. Why we love them: really cute prints, light muslin fabric (so it's not too hot), and really large (so you can get a tight wrap).

Seriously, if you are having a baby, get these blankets. They are wonderful!

6. Boppy Pillow

I was not going to get one of these. I had heard that you really didn't need it, you could just use pillows in the same way. But after I had a c-section, my mom suggested we get a boppy, because it would be helpful when feeding Jack. I love love LOVE my boppy. I am boppy dependent. I am seriously considering bringing mine to church from now on. Plus, Jack loves to lay back in it (with me watching of course).

1 month old!

***Disclaimer: I am going to try to do these updates every month, a little for family, but mostly for me! I want to remember all of this. So feel free to skip (I love when I say that--I mean, you can ALWAYS feel free to skip and I am SURE you do!).***

Today, Jack is 1 month old! I cannot believe that it has already been that long since he was born!

Jack weighs 10 lbs, 15 oz, and is 22 inches long (that's up 2 lbs, 2 oz and 1 inch since he was born!).

He has a couple of newborn outfits he still fits into. His outfit today is a 0 - 3 month. Most of the time he just wears a diaper (we are inside all day, and it is hot here--no air-conditioning up in Yankee land!). I am guessing he's in a size 1 diaper (I don't really know because we using only cloth now).

He is on a pretty consistent 2 1/2 schedule during the day. At night, he usually goes a little longer, maybe 4 then 3.

He is such a sweet baby. Except for his first night home, he really doesn't ever cry inconsolably. He fusses when he's hungry or tired, or sometimes right at the beginning of his naps (although he doesn't cry much then--thank goodness! Crying it out is not fun!).

He has started smiling. We had seen him smile some, but usually while doing other activities (I'll let you use your imagination) or while sleeping. But yesterday, we discovered that we could smile really big at him and get him to smile back. And OH MY LANTA, it is the cutest thing ever.

He likes his pacifier when he's awake and hanging out. Sometimes we give it to him when he fusses during a nap, but we try not to put him to sleep with it. He also likes a little hippo lovey that a family friend gave him. It is sweet because it's the only thing so far that he has shown a real preference toward.

I am still not getting a lot of sleep, but that has to do with me somewhat more than him. I am a really light sleeper, and I have trouble going back to sleep after feeding him! But I am sleeping better now that he sleeps in his own room in his crib.

He loves baths and loves sitting in his swing or bouncy chair and looking at the world. We think he loves us, too!

I tried to capture one of his little smiles. It's hard to do while cooing at him and taking pictures!

Jack was a little grumpy--He didn't like this position!

And a little sleepy--it was almost naptime!

Also, the great film maker is at it again:

The many faces of Baby Jack!

Whenever I wake Jack up from a nap, he needs about 5 or 10 minutes to stretch until he's ready to eat. And he makes the cutest faces while stretching! It might be Bech's favorite thing Jack does, and it's definitely up there on my list, too.

Today, the camera was right beside me, so I decided to attempt to catch some of his fun faces.

I love when he lifts his head off of his body, because you can see his sweet little face. He has Bech's chin. Usually, it's hidden by his massive double chin!

He looks like an old man in this picture!

I love my little smiler!

We went to the doctor today for a 4 week check up, and Jack now weighs 11 lbs (well 10 lbs, 15 oz). What a chunk! He has also grown an inch since he was born. We are able to get his shots the week before we leave for Mississippi, which is wonderful.

Plus he peed on Bech at the visit. Which is actually good, because last time he peed on the doctor. I would much rather it be on us than on our pediatrician!

Jack is such a good night sleeper. Last night, he slept for 5 hours, woke up to eat, then slept for 3 more hours. He is amazing. Seriously, he is a really easy baby. He has never cried inconsolably...every time he cries, it's because he's hungry or tired or naked (he hates his diaper being changed for some reason, although he loves baths--go figure). I doubt the rest of our kids are going to be this easy. We are going to be in for a rude awakening! But that is no time soon, so I will just enjoy my easy baby for now!

Also, I wanted to give an update on Baby James. He passed away this weekend. The funeral will be this Wednesday. Please continue to pray for this family. This is only the beginning for them--I am sure that they will be grieving for weeks, months, and years to come.

Um, I am kind of in love with this little guy...

Doesn't he look like he's going to be a redhead/strawberry blonde baby?

I am so thankful that I agreed with Bech that we should get a DSLR. Bech has taken the coolest pictures. Although we haven't taken any in the past few days. We did have a newborn photo shoot on Thursday night. I am excited to see the pictures. Of course, Jack was wide awake through the whole shoot, so we didn't get any of those cute naked sleeping ones.

We switched to clothe diapers this week. So far, so good. He is a chunk, so the diapers fit (we are using one size bumgenius and fuzzibunz). I actually like the bumgenius just a little better, but mostly cause they are easier to snap. The fuzzibunz have a tighter fit. His little booty looks so cute in the diapers, plus we've only had two semi leaks (which is a LOT better than the newborn disposables).

We also have started using the crib this week. The past few days, we have been using it for naps, and that has worked really well. Last night, we moved him into the crib for the nighttime, too. I was really nervous, even though his room is seriously like 6 feet from ours. And we kept both doors open. But it seemed to work really well. I slept a lot better (his little noises were keeping me up all night...I'm a really light sleeper), and he seemed to sleep really well (4 hour stretch, then two 2 1/2 hour stretches).

Plus, I feel like we are finally getting into the babywise routine. We haven't even had to let him cry it out much. He seems to associate his crib with sleep really well, and falls asleep quickly! Which is good, because the few "cry it out" times we have had have been tough! I hate to hear him cry! We still have trouble during that last stretch of time from about 5:30 pm onward. He fights sleep so hard and gets fussy. But as long as he's sleeping at night, I am a happy camper!

On a totally different note, we are going home in 3 weeks from today! Oh my lanta...I am so excited! I cannot wait to be back in Mississippi! First things first (besides seeing and hugging all of our family!), I want a snow cone. We arrive on a Saturday, though, and my favorite snow cone place is closed (it's owned by 7th day adventists), so I will have to settle for a snow cone from another place in Brookhaven. I also plan on taking Jack for his first meal at Little Tokyo. Plus I want to lay out some...I am pale!

Again, on a different (and serious) note, please continue to pray for Baby James and his parents. The blog is linked in my post below. I would encourage you to read it, if you can handle it. James' dad writes most of the posts, and he is an incredible writer. I have a lot of time nowadays (during night feedings) to pray, so I have been spending a lot of time praying for James and his family. Please do the same! There are few things we can do as Christians (if you are a Christian) that are more meaningful than prayer!

Baby James

Hey y'all...

Some of you may have already heard about James, but please go to his blog and read his story!

James' mom is a friend of my sisters from Kamp and Baylor, and James is an 8 and a half month old who has a brain tumor. The doctors removed 95% of it two weeks ago, and the family was going to be able to start chemo this week. But yesterday, they found out that the tumor has come back in full force.

Please pray for them. Pray that God will perform a miracle and heal James completely. Pray that if He doesn't, that He would give James' parents peace on which route to go (you can read about their two options on the blog). Pray that God would give James relief of pain.

My heart is just broken for this sweet baby boy. Please pray.

Today was a good day. Bech stayed home from the studio for a lot of the day, so that I could run some errands. So I got to go out all by myself for a little over an hour! I know that Wal Mart, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Babies R Us aren't exactly the most fun places to go to, but it was nice to just have to worry about myself for a little bit!

This past weekend, Jack had two big outings. On Saturday, we packed him up and walked around Church Street in downtown Burlington. We kept him in the stroller so that, per my mother's request, no one could breathe on or touch him! He did pretty well, only getting fussy toward the end (which was near his eating time).

Then on Sunday, we took him to church. I was ready to go, not just to get out of the house and to see people, but because we had not been in 3 weeks! That is a long time without church!

He did pretty well again. We took him out several times (once to eat, and twice because he was making some noise). But I think he did pretty well.

Sunday afternoon, we snapped some photos of him...let's be honest, we take pictures of him everyday. I know a lot of this is because he is our first baby. Plus, he takes cute pictures. Plus, we have a great camera. Our poor other children are going to have so few pictures compared to Jack!

This boy loves his daddy already!

It is rare that one is able to see Jack's neck, because of his killer double chin. But he does indeed have a neck--here is proof!

On the Babywise front, Jack has finally settled into a good 2 1/2 hour routine. He is sleeping really well at night, too. He usually sleeps for four hours, then eats, then another 2 1/2 to 3 hours before eating again. But I am still struggling with awake/sleep time. I have got the awake thing down. But I can't seem to get him to transition well into naptime. The only way I can get him to go to sleep is to literally rock/lull him into sleep. And I don't want him to be too dependent on that! I tried the whole cry it out thing today, but he seems to be crying for a really long time. Mallory, Ashley, (or any one else), any advice???

A little Jack update, complete with pictures!

We are doing pretty well at the Evans house. Jack is getting into a little routine, which makes his OCD mother very happy. He went through a growth spurt a couple of days ago, and that was tough! He was wanting to eat every hour/hour and half, and I was exhausted! But yesterday, he finally broke out of that...thank goodness!

He has been sleeping so well at night. Last night, he slept for 4 hours straight at one point!

Bech has worked and gone to the studio all this week. But he is still able to be at home a lot. And he is such a big help, except when he wants to wake Jack up just to hold him. But I can't really fault him for that.

And I have been back at the schoolwork--Jack doesn't allow me to get that much done, but some is better than nothing!

This is such a typical Jack face--he always looks so serious or worried when he is awake!

We are definitely going to have a thumb or finger sucker.

I love his double chin!

Okay, I better end the pictures. I don't want to bore everyone! I realize that while I am absolutely infatuated with looking at a million pictures of Jack, not everyone feels the same way!

In other news, 4 weeks from tomorrow, we get to head home to Mississippi for 10 days!!! I am so excited! Jack will get to meet his aunts and uncles, his great grandparents, and, most importantly, his "Doc" (my dad). Plus, he will get to be in God's country and will learn that he is not a Yankee, but is in fact a Southerner. I don't want any Mason Dixon line confusion for my son!

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Today is my dad's birthday! I seriously have the world's best dad. He is the most self-sacrificing man I have ever met. He read me Tolkien and Lewis as bedtime stories (and managed to give all of the dwarves in The Hobbit different voices). He taught me Bible verses, Bible stories, and catechism. He nicknamed the traffic guards on the way to school. He shared Les Miserables with me while driving me home from countless ballet lessons, and even took me to see it on Broadway. He is the best.

Dad, I know you are sad that Jack didn't make his arrival while you were here. But just think...less than 5 weeks!!!

And Jack has a little something to say to his "Doc" today...

I would have loved to have gotten a better picture, but somebody is going through his two week growth spurt and is a total crankpot today. This is the happiest he has been all day--asleep!

(I couldn't put a post up without this cute smiley picture of Jack during a walk yesterday evening)