As a family we decided that we should all drive to the very top of Little Cottonwood Canyon to check out the wildflower festival. The mass fields of wildflowers will probably take a couple more weeks due to the very cold, wet year we have had. Despite this, there were some beautiful, colorful flowers that will probably only exist for a short time. It was also amazing to see all the snow within feet of us on July 30th!
Three weeks old and he can already roll over! Haven't been able to capture the back to front roll yet, but I am hopeful I will catch it soon. He was camera shy about showing off his rolling skills for everyone. It took over 10 times to finally capture it. Whenever we don't want him to roll, he does though.
From BABYCENTER.COM: "At 5 months your baby will probably be able to lift his head, push up on his arms, and arch his back to lift his chest off the ground. He may even rock on his stomach, kick his legs, and swim with his arms. All these exercises help him develop the muscles he needs to roll over in both directions — likely by the time he's about 6 months old."
Our kid decided that he would roll over from stomach to back last week on three separate occasions. When Ashley's parents thought we were ridiculous, he rolled from back to stomach right in front of them, for the first time ever! I am sure the 22 inches of leverage helped him somehow, but REALLY?!!!
Now, at THREE WEEKS, we have to be extremely careful not to set him on couches or beds without blockades in his way. Something tells me we may have our work cut out for us with this kiddo!
Today is my parent’s 47th wedding anniversary. Almost every year in the past, my parents have gone away together somewhere for a weekend to celebrate. Although they cannot be together this year, it is still a celebration. What a testament to my parents that they have been married for so long. What dedication and devotion they both showed to stay together for so long, through all of life’s challenges. I am so grateful for eternal marriage and for the knowledge that my parents are married forever, because of righteous choices that started their life together 47 years ago. One of the greatest gifts I have ever been given was to see my Mother love and revere my Father and my Father to love and revere my Mother. In my life I have learned that love is more often an action than a feeling. The feeling only seems to come after the actions. I saw times where my Mother had to care for my Father and times where my Father had to care for my Mother. In the tender times that have existed in the last month or so, I still see the love that exists in my parent’s marriage. I cannot express my gratitude to my parents for all that they have done to make it together for the last 47 years.
Our little Jonah is finally here! Grandma decided that after a breezy 22 1/2 hours of labor, she would allow him to make his appearance in the world. He showed up at 5:27AM this morning. Mom and baby are doing really well. He weighed in at 8lbs. 3 oz. and was 22 inches long. We couldn’t be happier. He has brought such a peace with him and we can’t wait to take him home. We love you our little Jonah!
(I composed the following poem while we were waiting for Jonah to be born)
Grandma! Grandma! You’ve come back!
I’ve been waiting to see you all day
To feel your hugs and your kisses too
And most of all, to play
Come into my arms, my little one
I’m so glad to hold you again
I sure missed you, my sweet child
Tell me: How have you been?
I’ve been watching from here above
I saw all that you were willing to give
You did so much in your time on earth
I learned from you how I should live
Give one more hug, now let’s play
We can play games or throw a ball
I will read to you, and sing you songs
We’ll take time to do it all!
We’ve now had time to play my child
Come sit on my knee, and let’s talk
Your short time on earth, is about to begin
It’s the place where you’ll play and walk
But, Grandma, you just got here
Can’t I stay for a longer while?
I love to be held, tight in your arms
And I would really miss your smile
I don’t know how I can leave
I just love you so, so much!
I want to be right by your side
To feel your gentle touch
My sweet child, it’s okay
There is no need to cry
You need to live in morality
But this is not goodbye
It will only be a little while
Before we can play some more
I will be here to welcome you home
When you come through the door
Until then, I’ll be in your heart
Watching you grow from above
I’ll walk with you, each new day
I’ll send you all of my love
So you must go, this is your time
There are angels down on earth too
They’ll wipe your tears, and give you comfort
Whenever you’re sad, hurt, or blue
Your Mommy and Daddy are so excited
So many want to give you their love
You even have a couple siblings there
Your family will fit like a glove
Please take with you, all my very best
My husband and family were hard to leave
You’ll bring peace from Father’s home above
And it will help them as they grieve.
When your earth life comes to an end
I’ll be waiting like you were for me
We’ll share some new stories
And play together, throughout all eternity
Now is the time, you must go
I’ll never be too far away
Just follow the path the Savior laid
And you will find your way
Let’s you and I, share one last hug
Before the start of your earthly phase
I’ll be your angel up above
I’ll love you all of your days
