5.29.2009

and then the smile.

This sweet little face will be tattooed to my heart forever. Bald little head and all. Somewhere in the madness that was last week {packing for the trip, getting ready for the parties, and just plain keeping up with this boy} he smiled. Yes, his first true smile. Those curious blue eyes just lit up and his lips curled into this unmistakable, purposeful expression.

I don't think my heart has ever burst with so much unexpected joy in my entire life.

And that's when I knew it was all worthwhile: the acid reflux and shrinking jeans of pregnancy, the exhaustion of labor, the stretch marks and squishy belly that followed, and the insane sleep deprivation and frustration in our early days together...

I never knew I had so much to give. And that there could be so much more in return. Seriously, this little man is pure bliss. An unimaginable gift.

Although, I have to admit, he has been fussier in the last month--and it's sometimes tough. But I know it's just a phase that he'll hopefully be outgrowing soon. I am thankful for those healthy lungs and praying for a little more patience for the times he is completely inconsolable, crying his face off. We've been going for walks on the coast in the evenings. The baby front pack and sling are my saviors. He falls peacefully asleep almost instantly and gives me quiet time to breathe a little fresh air, listen to the waves, and just reflect. And that warm, sleepy little head curls into my chest and melts my heart all over again.

11 comments:

bethany said...

What a precious little face, and an amazing little moment :)

Een sneller kloppend hart said...

you have made this post a wonderful moment for me...while I was reading it ,I looked over my laptop watching my kids ( they just woke up) and felt this amazing mother-feeling...which I had before ofcourse :) once in a while my heart bursts from love too and it feels so wonderfull
I had it again just know, thanks to your beautiful post :)

Enjoy your precious little son...

Regards, Veronique

kt said...

aaaw he really does have the cutest smile Jess :)
I especially love the shot of the graham 'flying' in the plane!

Becca said...

So cute! I think he has a little Jeff smile.

Cottage Mommy said...

Aaaahh...what sweetness. Love the little smile you captured here in this photo. They really are worth it aren't they?

Amanda said...

I'm so glad that you found joy through your crazy life. He's such an amazing boy and it's nice to see you so full of love for him.

Laura Hooker said...

HE IS ADORABLE! Congrats on a cutie pa-tootie!

Katie {My Paisley Apron} said...

That little grin is so cute. It makes the fussiness a bit easier. I know those are hard times when they cry and cry and cry. He will outgrow it (though don't try to guess when!) with your help. At least it's a healthy sign that he gets fussy!!

Sara Christine said...

Oh what a little sweetheart. You have a beautiful baby. I hope his smiles stay and you can get some rest! xo

Leslie said...

ohhh Jess a great post.

and its totally normally, I don't know whats with the 2-4 month thing but mine always hit a fussy spot, and 5-6 months it starts looking up... not sure why...
hope its the same for you.
its hard some days.
but worth it.

Michelle {lovely little things} said...

Cuteness!