1 Month Update

I absolutely could not get him to look at me unless 1. he was crying or 2. towel and pacifier were in hand

1 Month

4.3 kilograms   (9.4 pounds)

53.5 centimeters    (21.1 inches)

Likes: 

 snuggling & cuddling 

naps with Mama

his pacifier

nursing 

laying on Daddy's chest 

to be held close 

being naked

his hands

I can't believe Isaiah is one month old! In some ways it seems like he just got here, but then again it seems like we can't remember life before him. Isaiah is such a sweet baby and the past month has been a joy for his daddy and me. It has been one of the most challenging yet most precious seasons of my life. I want to treasure every second of the last 4 weeks. I plan to write a monthly update until Isaiah reaches 1 year. I know family and friends from home will appreciate this, but I'm also hoping to document little memories and milestones that Josh and I can look back on when it's hard to remember these fleeting days. So, this is my apology for the rambling to come. 

In the past month Isaiah has already changed so much. His puffy newborn eyes are long gone and now we look into the most beautiful charcoal blue eyes. I melt. He seems to us adorable in every way with his comb-over hair and birthmark on his booty cheek. He has these tiny dimples on his shoulders that we can't get enough of. He smiles in his sleep and turns blood-red when he poops. He scares mama every. single. time. he spits up and makes us proud in his attempts to hold up that heavy head. I see his daddy every time I look at his little lips and could kiss that button nose all day long.

Sweet boy loves to be naked. And to eat his hands. He appreciates being held near, especially on mama or daddy's chest. He really doesn't cry much. We joke that it was several days before we ever heard him cry. But when he does, he means business and he reaches a pitch that I just can't bear. 

I feel as if we've already hit so many 'firsts' and 'milestones'. He lost his cord stump at just 6 days old and it took a while for it to clear up but his belly button is looking as cute as ever now. We used disposable diapers for the first couple of weeks until mommy and daddy got comfortable with this new little human in our home. We've been using our cloth diapers the past two weeks and love them! Especially since our province just started a burn ban and we'd practically be collecting poopy diapers. They're a lot less intimidating than I expected, they're super cute, and they really don't stink! Isaiah slept with us at the hospital so when we got home, the bassinet seemed like a million miles from my side. I just couldn't put him in it. But in the past week or so we made the big transition. Neither Josh or I were sleeping very good for fear of squishing the little guy (and Josh was sleeping in a pool of sweat since the fan was too cool for Isaiah). The first night I practically clung to the edge of the bed, watching his every move, and cried myself to sleep while he slept soundly. But he seems to be quite cozy in his little nest and now that I've conquered the transition, everyone involved is sleeping better. Mind you, he still ends up in the bed with us most nights and his bassinet is practically in the bed with us it's so close :)

Isaiah is being exclusively breastfed and he's quite the little eater! Nursing was something I prayed about a good bit before he was born. I was nervous about all the potential struggles, but we're both doing well. What an honor to get to feed my little man. It's certainly provided lots of bonding time for the two of us. We're still getting into the swing of things as he is pretty unpredictable right now and he really is the king of spit up which bothers me, but overall, we're doing well. He nurses every 1.5 to 3 hours during the day and basically that often during the night. Occasionally we get a four hour stretch. Some days I do feel like I spend the whole day in the rocking chair nursing him, but it's slowed me down a lot and provided lots of prayer time over him and others. It also helps cultivate an attitude of gratitude when I think of how every second he breathes is a gift of God. My favorite part of nursing happened in the past week when Isaiah started wrapping his little hand around my back when he nurses and sometimes putting the other hand on my chest as if he's hugging me or saying "I love you Mama." I love it.

He seems to be growing well (we went to a pediatrician yesterday) and we praise God for that. He is wearing size newborn and 0-3 month clothes. Only a few of the newborn onesies still fit and the socks that came with them have been long gone. His feet are so big! 

Isaiah,

 Sweet boy you are a miracle; a gift from God. You are one month old today and your one month of life has brought your daddy and me so much joy. You're such a handsome baby boy with charcoal blue eyes and your daddy's lips. We already laugh at every sound and face you make. We can't wait to know your personality more as we watch you grow. You are fearfully and wonderfully made, Isaiah. You have a family in America and a family of friends here in the Philippines who both love you so much and a God who has big plans for your life. Mama and Daddy are already so proud of you baby boy.    

Love, Mama

Isaiah,
After seeing Mom's letter, I felt the need to write this one.  Your dad is not as sweet and thoughtful on these types of things, but don't doubt his love for you one bit.  We think God has given you to us for special purposes and destined you for great things.  Things that will matter long beyond your life. We have seen his perfect timing throughout the period of your coming into this world.  We're definitely glad you're here.  We're attempting to give you to God daily.  We've already failed numerous times, but desire to continue handing you over to Him.  Ultimately, He will make you who you need to be.  You don't have to worry about Him holding up His end of the deal.  He's faithful.  Always.  You also have a lot of people behind you.  There's a Filipino community that considers you to be their own.  They're your family.  As of now, you're only Filipino, but you already have family in America too.  They're awesome.  Mom has already told you all about them, and you stamped your footprints for them.  Hopefully, you'll be an American soon so you can go meet them all.  Two things as I close: First, nothing the Philippines has thrown at your mom has scared her like you can. And second, we are extremely proud to call you our son.  We love you Isaiah.
Love, Daddy

*Look a couple posts down to see how he's grown and changed since his newborn picture (taken at about 5 days old) *