Savannah Jo – THREE MONTHS OLD!

Dear Savannah Jo:

As 2014 comes to a close, you are now 3 months old! I still can’t believe that only a short time ago, you were still just a dream growing inside my tummy! This month, you experienced so many new things and you were able to watch your mom conquer some of her fears…

At your monthly check up, the doctor told us you are now 11 lbs and almost 24 inches long, which happens to put you in the 95th percentile for height. (Your dad and I arn’t particularly tall, so we had a laugh over that one!) You were born with a dimple on the same spot on each ear. Typically, ear dimples are just a unique trait, however, the doctor informed us that in the womb the ears and the kidneys are formed at the same time. Sometimes an abnormality with one can signal and abnormality with the other. Your cousin, Justin, who is almost three just had surgery on his kidney to repair a blockage, so for that reason, the doctor advised us to have an ultra sound on your kidneys at the local children’s hospital to make sure there are no abnormalities with them. So, the next day we held your hand during the ultra sound. Praise God, everything was normal! We’re so happy you have such a thorough doctor and that you are indeed, a healthy baby girl.

This month, you went on your very first airplane ride all the way to Houston to visit O, Papa, and Uncle Jeremy’s family. Before we went, I had visions of you screaming the entire time as the other passengers glared at us – I was a nervous wreck! But, you did awesome – you were asleep in my lap before we even took off. You met your cousins, Lily and Justin, who affectionately call you “Baby Jo” and adore you! It was nice to be in warmer weather, where we could again enjoy some walks in your stroller outside. Also, you surprised us by rolling over for the first time while there! Your dad and I screamed with excitement and you cried because you were so shocked! Your dad held you the entire flight home and as I looked over at the two of you, I feel in love with him all over again. There is no one else I’d rather parent you with – he loves you so much and does such a great job taking care of you.

A few days after arriving home, I got hit hard with the flu. For the past three months, I have been so diligent about keeping you away from big crowds, making people wash their hands before holding you, and cleaning off your hands when people inevitably touch them – all to keep you away from germs! And now, the horrible flu virus was in your very home! And there was nothing I could do to protect you, except washing my hands repeatedly and praying a lot.

Savannah, this month, your mom had to learn all over again to trust God, when things are out of her control. It’s a lesson I’ve had to learn over and over again. I hope you learn this lesson much earlier in your life. It’s only natural to have fears in this world. This month I have worried and stressed over the possibility of an abnormality with your kidneys, an emotional breakdown on the airplane and you getting sick. Fears, which I had no control over. Do you know the Bible tells us not to fear 365 times? That’s one time for every day of the year. I pray that as you grow, when you are afraid, you will declare with the Psalmist, “When I am afraid, I will trust in You”! (Psalm 56:3)

I love You,

Your Mom

Your “firsts” this month:
Traveling in an airplane
Rolling over
Meeting Santa!
Your first Christmas!
Sleeping in your own room
Sleeping without a swaddle
Seeing snow!  Matching cousins!

 Baby model! Justin taking Baby Jo (a video of her) for a ride in his train! Daddy-daughter hand holding Two month check up! Mom, not sure how I feel about my two month shots today….Zzzz  Having an ultra sound done at Children’s Mercy “Safe play” with the pups How we like to sleep during naps. Kinda hard to edit photos with one hand!  Our Friday nights have drastically changed. But, we wouldn’t have it any other way… I was doing dishes in the kitchen when I heard laughter coming from the living room. I asked what was going on and Jeff says, “If I show you something, promise not to get mad?” I admit, when he showed me this picture of SJ watching TV I couldn’t stop laughing long enough to yell at him for leaving her alone on the couch!TV addict (seriously!)   Mini-MeMy favorites Kisses from daddy  All ready to go (notice my stylish chucks)Cousin Kasey rocked me to sleep during Church   Zzzz Out to lunch with my high school buddy, BethOne of my favorite pics  Lazy Bums! Ready or not, Houston here we come!  Smiles at the airport!  Family selfie!And…she’s out before take-off.  The three little amigos!Meeting Uncle Jeremy for the first time  Staring out the window…Another Family selfie!  Papa loves his littlest granddaughter! And, this is how we shop. How most car rides end up. Practicing rolling over! Me: “Santa, are you okay holding a little baby?”

Santa: “Honey, I’ve been doing this for 75 years!”  The “roll over encouragers” Lily posturing to be our nanny… Reading the Christmas story to her Baby JoZzzz Daddy took care of SJ while I was down with the flu. This photo was taken right after she forced him to walk her (face outward of course) for 30 minutes around the house!At JCI’s Christmas Eve service (right before a massive meltdown, ha!) My little Christmas angel  Our family! 🙂More adoring cousins! (Lyra & Merritt)