BabyBear - Almost Two Weeks Old!

BabyBear is a day shy of two weeks old, but we had his two-week-old doctor visit today. Doctor says everything looks good. He went from 7 lb 2.3 oz at birth down to 6 lb 15.5 oz on day 5, and now he is up to 7 lb 10.1 oz -- a healthy growing boy! (He also grew a quarter of an inch in length - yee haw!) Here's a short video from while we were waiting for the doctor.

Yesterday, we were blessed to have a short photo session with Robert Rogers, Baylor's director of photography. We cannot thank you enough, Robbie! Click here for some of the photos he took; below is one of our favorites.

It's the BabyBear Show!

[FYI, BabyBear dictated this to me to type]

Hello, all my fans out there on the Internets! Welcome to my show! I'm really quite cute during the few minutes each day that I'm awake and not feeding or crying; come visit me, and maybe I'll even let you see my eyes!

Bethany & BabyBear: Week 40

Well, today was BabyBear's due date, and we can't imagine having a more perfect picture to represent this week:



Hard to believe BabyBear turns a week old tomorrow!

To wrap up the pregnancy, here's an animation showed Bethany growing from 19 to 40 weeks. You can click on the image for a larger version.

Thanks to everyone for following BabyBear's progress and sharing in this special time with us. We're so happy to have him home!

Survey says "yes"

Watch the video, and you decide: World's cutest baby? So far, random sampling of one local household says 100% "yes."

Happy First Father's day

We wondered whether it not we would have BabyBear here by now, and for a lot of reasons I am so glad we do. One of those is that I have already caught a glimpse of the fantastic father you are and will be to tiny BabyBear. Listing all the reasons why I know you'll be a great father would take too long, but just know that I'm cheering you on and BabyBear is one blessed little boy to have you as his dad.

Being a father can involve hard work (as you found last night), but you've not shied away from hard work before and I know you'll be great at it. I'm so thankful for you!

I love you so much more than could ever be said and wanted to be the first to wish you a happy father's day.

Love,

Bethany and BabyBear

BabyBear's first photo session

Our friend Kelly came over this afternoon and took some pictures of our newly expanded family; click here to see a gallery of her photos. A couple of my favorites:





Thanks Kelly!!!

Welcome, BabyBear!

BabyBear made his world debut at 3:04 p.m. yesterday, and 26 hours later, we were home. We were so thrilled to bring BabyBear home! So far so good... But keep praying!

So many answered prayers so far; just one example is the timing. Bethany wanted him to come a little early (he did, six days early). Jeff's mom finished work at her school Tuesday; labor started late Tuesday night. Bethany's dad finished a big project at work Sunday, which freed him up to come. Labor started early this morning, which allowed Bethany's parents to find a flight the same day and get to Waco only about an hour after BabyBear was born. As a topper, not only did they find a reasonably affordable same-day flight, but they also were able to get exit-row seats together on just a few hours notice! Sure, these are all little things compared to other prayers like good health and a smooth delivery, but all were answered. Thank you Lord!

Here's a link to photos from the last 36 hours or so, and following is a short video of BabyBear in action (so to speak).

Thanks for enjoying this time with us!

BabyBear's Room!

Quite a few of you have asked for pictures of BabyBear's room, and now that it's ready (hear that, BabyBear? we're waiting on you...), here you go! (You can click on any of these to see a larger version.)










Also, a video walkthrough, courtesy of the mommy-to-be:

Now all the room needs is a baby to live in it!

Have you met my sidekick?

Ever since December or so, Orbit has spent much of his days following me around and making sure everything is ok. When Jeff gets home, Orbit thinks his "job" is over and he either plays with Jeff or Orbit goes off and naps or something. It's been very cute.

In our office, we have a window seat that is covered in sun about this time of day. He was there for a while and then decided that he would rather flop down immediately next to my chair.


It seems like he's been more attentive today than usual...maybe he knows something I don't? :)

Bethany & BabyBear: Week 38

Actually, it's week 38 1/2 by now (sorry it took us a bit to get around to taking a photo). Here she is -- the mother-to-be:



We had our last baby shower today (thanks to our awesome LifeGroup community); we've been very blessed. Other than the last couple of loads of new baby clothes that need to be washed, we're just about ready for BabyBear, whenever he might decide to come. (It's not too late to make your guess as to when that will be!)

When that time comes, Jeff will be posting updates on the blog via Twitter, so hopefully that will keep everyone informed. Thanks for sharing in this special time with us!