Where Did 8 Weeks Go?

I think 2 months flew by somehow...maybe feedings, changing diapers, soothing a crying baby, and lack of sleep distorted time. However, we're still loving every minute of it. We're Happy But Tired Parents!! Here are some more pics of our Little Man River and his adventures.

After much patience, Karis FINALLY gets to hold Baby River.

Uncle Ben.

River meets our friend and his future Tattoo Artist, Jason.

"Why I ought to punch you in the face?"

River loves his Panty Rangers. Thank you, Panty Ranger Fawn, for making his shirt.

Aunt Martha works her magic.


Grammy Time.

River makes a trip to GA to see Pappy in the hospital.

River's Job Description: Help Pappy Feel Better!

A Rare Family Photo These Days.

Chaco babysitting River in the swing.

Ryan's Wild Birthday Celebration with The Boyz

Ryan gets his much anticipated camera for his birthday.

Ryan's Birthday at Gojo, our favorite restaurant. Yummy, Injera and Veggies Ethiopian Style.

Family Photo at the Gojo Birthday Fun.

Of course, my men at their favorite past time.

Check out that smile.
River and Grandpap

Grandma, did Goldilocks REALLY buy Baby Bear a new chair to replace the one she broke?

The man who has us all wrapped around his finger.

His first hike at Radnor.

Story Time with Grandma

River's first picnic at Percy Warner Park

Gettin Burped by the Daddy.

"I love getting my diaper changed."

Having a conversation with Mama

River wondering how many times are all these people going to take my picture.


River finding his happy place.

Mama finding her happy place.

Uncle Choyer gets in on some feeding action.
How could Uncle Jim watch TV when there is so much action going on?

I'm A Total ROCK STAR!!

I'm sure that if I tried out for American Idol, you'd find my audition in the blooper reel. But to a little man named River, I'm a Rock Star.

My friend, Jody, would tell me her stories of making up songs for her little guy, Bodie. She would express her embarrassment and amazement that her made up songs would melt Bodie's tears away. Well, I've now experienced it for myself.

Yesterday I was leaving Maranda's house and heading to Ryan's work to show off River. We had a pretty busy day, and about 1 traffic light into our trip down Belmont Blvd and Music Row to go to his daddy's work, he started screaming to get out of his convining carseat and head home to his cozy bed. I don't blame you, River. Mama was tired too. But for some reason, I wouldn't get the sympathy for my tears for a nap.

I wasn't able to reach back to soothe him, and fearing the repercussions of getting caught if I "Brittany Speared" it, I had to come up with something else. Ryan and I continually refer to River as "our little monkey." Well, in the matter of seconds, I had written a lullaby. It goes like this...."I love you, little monkey. I love you, little monkey. I love you, little monkey. I love you, little monkey........"

Yes, only 5 words, but they're 5 magic words. Because in a few short moments, there was a hush coming from the backseat in absolute enjoyment of my impromptu performance. We successfully made it to the William Morris Agency where his daddy works. And after a few moments with his Papa, he was out like a light. It didn't matter that I had sung those 5 words for miles. It was magic!

Since that trip, I've used my One-hit Wonder on two other separate occassions which have produced the same results...a calm and sedated baby. I do modify my tune. Sometimes I sing high and work my way low. Other times I reverse it. And I have even been known to add verses which may include..."River is my monkey." "Mama loves her little monkey." "I love to cuddle with my monkey." "Mama feeds her little monkey." The options are endless. But the results the same.

I'm thinking it could go platinum in the baby world. I called Ryan and asked what talent agent at work he would want me to work with. I was willing to be assigned to anyone. I'm not sure if this is a One-hit Wonder or if I will have an album of self-written lullabies, but one thing is for sure as long as they work with River, I'll sing my out of tune heart out for anyone to hear.

Juicin' In A Sling

Thanks to my cousin's wife, Michelle, I was able to have a successful juice for lunch!! She sent me a Pippalily Sling for River awhile back. Between the Pippalily and the Moby Wrap, River travels through the house in style....worn by his mama and daddy.

Some of you know but River has a "gas" issue....but of course he would, look at the source from whence he came. There are moments of inconsolable crying and fussiness, and Ryan and I strap in for the ride everyday. Love the Gripewater, a herbal remedy from Whole Foods, by the way.

One night while we were up with the Little Guy trying our best to figure out how to soothe his achy tummy, I thought maybe there's a juice I could fix for me and then River would get it through my milk. I pulled out my Juicing Bible (literally - that's what it's called) and looked up indigestion juices. Here is what I dined on for lunch today. In our juicer, I put....

1/4 of an acorn squash
2 apples
1 carrot
1 inch piece of ginger root
a couple of slices of lemon

After juicing, I stirred in...
1/4 cup of natural yogurt with live cultures
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp cardamom

I downed the juice and got it all cleaned up before River stirred. Perfect timing! We'll see if it makes a difference. I have enough goods for three more of the indigestion juices. Do I hear breakfast calling tomorrow?

Thanks, Michelle, for the sling and thank you, River, for almost sleeping through it all...Now, just how do we get him to sleep through the night....wear him and turn the juicer on???
Any other more realistic suggestions?

The Many Faces Of River

One Month with River!

As of yesterday, River is One Month Old. I'm not sure if it's gone fast or slow. I guess it would depend on the moment you asked. I also thought we would blog more (at least more photos), but we've been in survival mode and now I THINK we are starting to switch to a more functional place. Here are some new photos of River's Adventures.

Business As Usual

First Valentine's Gift from Grammy and Pappy

Love Him!

Their favorite past time

River's First Bath

Uncle Derek meets River for the first time

Pappy gets some cuddle time

I love this pic of Grammy and River.

Jamina drops in for a quick visit.

River's First Sunday Pancake Lunch with Uncle Jim and Uncle Choyer.
*Get used to it. That's what we do on Sundays. Hike at Radnor and eat pancakes with the Boyz.

Ryan gets to come to Pancake Lunch. Once again, their favorite past time...zzzzzzzz

Uncle Jim with River after he dishes up his wonderful pancakes.

My Little Ewok.

We renamed The Moby Wrap....The Luke Skywalker.

Check out my big middle....my first cloth diaper.

What you lookin at?!

V-Day...Newborn Style!

Happy Valentine's Day!! We're sending so much love your way from The Jenk Adventure. We hope it is a day filled with LOVE.

This Valentine's Day has a "lovely little twist." Sometimes I wonder if Ryan and I shouldn't have been Jehovah's Witness or something. Growing up I always thought I would be a big holiday girl...changing hand towels and room decor for the seasons and holidays. But honestly, I'm just not that way. Last year for V-Day, we tried to go to Olive Garden at the last minute (no gifts might I add) and the wait was horrendous. So, we parked the car in the take out and ordered it To-Go. While we waited, we went to Target and got a Starbucks coffee while our food was prepared. Then, we ate it in bed that night. So, adding a newborn has changed it in some ways, but really not that much I don't guess.

This year, I just got around to brushing my teeth and showering and it was 6:30 p.m....only to put back on my breast milk stained tank top complete with my purple cotton pajamas with a chocolate stain on the front. I can get at least one more day out of this outfit.
Yes, I've been topless this year, but for the eating enjoyment of our seven-pound wonder, River!
Our dinner was delivered this morning by D.V., the receptionist at Ryan's work and my massage client! Tonight we'll pretend we're dining at Red Lobster or some gourmet seafood restaurant because we're eating a crabmeat casserole and some frozen peas...who knows I might light a candle (doubt it). I did manage to make a Paula Dean Butterfinger Cake. Well, it's not complete yet. I picked it out because it was easy, but it's still taken me all day.
I decided to treat myself once a week to something sweet. This morning our college neighbors showed up with a cake. Ryan thought that might mean that the Butterfinger Cake would wait. But I was set on it...for months. I'll let you know how it turns out.
I do believe that Ryan and I will make time to cuddle and snuggle tonight. There might just be a little man and a furry dog with us.

With all that being said, I want to sing my hubby's praises on the Day O' Love. I am more in love with this man every day. He continues to blow me away and knock my socks off. He is so loving, gentle, patient, selfless...I could go on and on. I am fully aware how fortunate I am to have him in my life...even though there are days that I think I take it for granted. Since we've had River, I am reminded over and over of Ryan's love and devotion. He's always helped me out by washing dishes, cleaning the bathroom, doing laundry. We share the responsibilites. But since River, he's even more so. He's been doing the grocery shopping, diaper changing, consoling the little man, helping me get the hang of breastfeeding. Ryan is the greatest man I have ever known. And it is amazing that he's my bestfriend and my husband. I am so lucky to get to share life's adventures with him.

I LOVE YOU, RYAN!!
I LOVE YOU, RIVER!!!
AND I LOVE YOU, CHACO!!!!

2 Weeks Into It

Happy Birthday River! You're two weeks old today!

I know for a while Kari and I will be celebrating Rivers weekly birthdays, then monthly, and then the more accepted yearly ones. River has been with us for two weeks today. 14 Days have passed so quickly, but to be honest, the last two weeks have seemed like an eternity.
This is definitely the hardest job I've ever signed up for. Before River was born I was worried about things like "what kind of disciplinarian am I going to be?" or "How will I react when my child does this or that". Now I realize those things are very far away. Mine and Kari's focus is entirely on keeping this guy as happy as possible right now. And when Kari is working with River, I am trying to keep Kari as happy as possible.
We've hit a few bumps in the road. Sometimes it seems like we've hit every bump in the road that you can in two weeks, but I know that's not nearly the case. Every new parent must think "Oh my gosh, what have I gotten myself into!" River has had a hard time feeding because of Kari's abundant milk supply. He feeds; it just takes a long time for him to get around to it. He usually spends the first 10-30 minutes or more choking and coughing on milk. That has made for some long nights when you are feeding the guy every 2-3 hours.
After some trial and error and a visit from a lactation consultant here at our house, we have figured out some things to help the feedings go a bit easier. Some are good, some are long, but the important thing is that as of yesterday he has gotten back up to his birth weight and then some.
He spends most of the day sleeping, which is normal for a baby...(he's not lazy or anything), and the rest of the day eating, pooping, crying, or staring at different things. Kari and I take turns doing house chores and taking showers. Usually we will all crash for a nap at some point during the day. I've done some grocery shopping, which is not something I am used to doing a lot of, but I'm pretty good at it if I do say so myself. I do find it weird to be out in the hustle and bustle of the world and to momentarily forget this special thing you have at home. Then, for example, I will pick up my phone, which has a picture of River on it. I immediately want to get done shopping and get home! I can't imagine what it will be like to go back to work on Thursday this week. I'm not looking forward to that feeling.
So for all the hard work, and poopy diapers, and sleepless nights, this is an amazing adventure! River is such a beautiful child. My capacity to love grows every day he is around. My love for Kari even astounds me in these moments. She is working her tail off and is doing it in a graceful fashion. I couldn't have asked for a cuter kid or a more wonderful wife.
And, with him squirming in my arms right now, I wish you a happy 2 week birthday River Morgan.

Feet

River's Poopy Face.

A comparison of Father to Son hand size ratio

Sleep

His eyes aren't usually red like this. He was just hungry here...

River's drunk off of milk face

Our little monkey

Getting ready for the pediatrician again. Notice the puckered lips.