James Warren

I guess it's been awhile since I last posted. Ha. In the past six months, Thomas started second grade, Hewitt started kindergarten, Donny started preschool, and we had a new baby--James Warren Smith born in October. Like my other babies, he came a week early. I had a crazy Saturday and then went over to my friend's house to watch a movie that night. The contractions started just as the movie began and after an hour, I realized that this might be the real thing. At my friend's insistence, we stopped the movie and they graciously agreed to stay with the boys while I went into the hospital which is about a 45 minute drive. Steve and I got there a little after midnight and had James at 2:42 am so things went pretty quickly. I did manage to get the epidural though. Bless that man.

The first two months were an absolute blur. I don't think I remember anything specific that happened. I didn't realize how sleep deprived I really was until the fog gradually started lifting after Christmas and I felt more and more like myself. I still can't get a whole lot done in the afternoon as he tends to like to be held during his afternoon nap. But at least I get a productive morning so I can't complain.

I really love newborns and how much they sleep and how little they are, etc. But I also love the next stage--pre crawl, super smiley, and post Mom recovery. James is quick to smile and is starting to figure out his hands and arms, which still flail wildly, but have begun to hit a target once and awhile. He will also will completely turn his head to look at you when you talk. I feel like these little advances help make mothering all the more worthwhile.

So here are a few pictures as he has grown up these past few months. He basically lives in the baby bjorn and now moby wrap (thanks Kallie). This might be setting him up for bad habits of always having to be held, but it seriously is a protection against his older brothers who mean well, but can't stop touching and poking him. James's hair is seriously matted down with drool by the end of the day. Gross. He is definitely one of the few newborns who really does need a bath everyday. I don't know how much he weighs now, but he started at 6 pounds, 10 oz., the lightest of my babies. And I can't believe how fast he has already grown. He has cheeks and the beginnings of chunky thighs. I love chubby babies, but it is bittersweet to start putting away his newborn and 0-3 month clothes. They are out of them so quickly, which actually has been nice for me because I get to use some of the same things that Thomas, Hewitt, and Donny wore. It's hard not to picture them when I put the outfit on James. Well, here are some pictures of the little guy. Welcome to the family.

Donny fell asleep while holding James. I told him he could hold him, but wasn't allowed to move because I was cooking and couldn't watch. He definitely didn't move. He just fell asleep.

His favorite position!

Steve started reading the Inheritance Series (Eragon...) when James was born. It was perfect because he could just hold him and read. Nice for me!

Now he is getting fatter and smiling. Love this cute baby.