Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Nourished

At 10:52pm tonight, my baby will be one week old. I'm amazed at how fast time flies and how quickly he has gone from the newborn diaper to a number one. I remember changing his diaper last week and the diapers being so big. Now they are too tight!

I always get a little sad when the umbilical cord falls off. It's like the last little thing I can see in the flesh that reminds me of how he was so perfectly knit inside of me. When I saw it was gone this morning, I teared up. But then I laughed thinking about what Josiah said yesterday. "Daddy when will Jude's extension cord fall off?". We laughed so hard! I guess it really is an extension cord. When jeremy cut the cord he told me how thick it was and kind of hard to cut. Later on the nurse said "Mom, good job! This cord is thick and strong. This shows us you were healthy and he was getting tons of nourishment from you."

Thinking about what the nurse said makes me smile. Even though Jude's body is no longer inside of mine, I pray that I continue to nourish him. Of course I am giving him nourishment through nursing but even more than that, I pray for a deeper nourishment. I often whisper prayers inside Jude's ear. He will never remember but his spirit will. I whisper prayers for his salvation and I ask the Holy Spirit to speak to him even now. I ask Him to show Jude early on His purpose in this world. I know God will answer my prayers. Just as the umbilical cord was thick and showed signs of great nourishment, I pray Jude's life will reveal the same.

Today is Jeremy's last day at home. As weird as this sounds, I'm glad. We have had so much fun and bonded as a family daily. Jeremy has changed tons of diapers, stayed up with me for feedings, cleaned house and kept up with all the laundry. He has been my rock! But I'm ready for this period of down time to transition. I'm not someone who handles "time off" very well. The quicker we get back to a routine, the better I feel. And that is the total truth! I like order and routine and not doing school has been hard. People keep telling me to relax and enjoy this time. I do enjoy this time but God has given me a personality that likes action. I don't like to feel "shut in". I am up every 3-4 hrs at night but honestly I do not feel exhausted. I will have my days and Jude will soon go through a growth spurt and need me TONS more but right now we are doing this thing and doing well!

Since Jeremy is here one more day, I've decided to take Fall stuff down and begin the Christmas decorating. I have so much that it takes about a week and it gives me a chance to figure out what I need. New lights? New stocking holder for Jude? What am I missing?

We have meals for the next four nights and I am LOVING that! I have some incredible friends in my life!

My heart is full, my home is flourishing, my family is growing and God is pouring out His love. It's the season of Thanksgiving and I am beyond thankful.

Sent on the Now Network� from my Sprint® BlackBerry

15 comments:

Karen said...

Little Jude is so special. I can tell he is filling a void that no one knew you had -- not even you. You other children filled voids as well. It is so awesome that Jude is your fourth and its as if he's your "first" in ways. He is precious. I wish I could hold him and love on him today.

I am so proud of you as a Woman of God and as a mother and wife. You run your home like a well oiled machine. I do not know how you do it.

I love you more than you know. I miss not being there.

Kelly Ann said...

My sweet friend, I love and miss you so much! I'm so excited to read that you are settling in as a new family of 6. I laughed at what Josiah said about Jude's cord! :) I teared up at what the nurse said! I love the picture of you whispering love and prayers into Jude's ears...I remember doing that with Shaefer just a few years ago...I catch myself doing it now. And you're right, their spirit does remember! I can't wait to see you! I pray it is soon! I love you!

Anonymous said...

You are an AMAZING mom!!! You set the bar high for me, and I LOVE that challenge. What a precious family you have, sweet friend. I am so encouraged by the blessing God has given you and I rejoice with you in your most recent blessing!! Thanks for letting us share in your amazing journey of motherhood. I relish the encouragement and truth that you share with us.
Oh, and I'd LOVE to see the Christmas decorations when they are done. I love seeing how other people decorate!! Love you!!

Tracy: said...

YAY, comments! CONGRATS, friend! Beautiful baby, sweet blessing! You ROCK! GOD IS AMAZING! Praise Him!! I was sure praying for you last week when that first post came through that you were on your way! It's been fun to see quick pics of his cute face this week! BLESS YOU, BLESS YOU and your darling family!

Christina said...

Amanda, I just wanted to say a BIG Congrats to you and your beautiful family! I am truly from the bottom of my heart so happy for you! Jude is precious. Thank you for sharing him with us. :-)

Kelly said...

So, so excited for you! You are so clearly doing what God intended for your life. Wow! Absolutely beautiful!
I have been praying for you daily and couldn't wait to tell you congratulations!
Thanks for sharing these sweet first days... there is no more precious time than meeting the newest member of the family:-)

Keri said...

I just wanted to stop by and say Congratulations to you and the rest of your family! Also, what a sweet comment by your mama!

Anonymous said...

You're so awesome and I love you. Even though I've never met you in person, even though I've known your Mom and family for years, I feel I've known you forever. You sound like you are doing an amazing job with the new baby. He's a doll, by the way! Congrats and keep us abreast on the happenings of your darling family. Love ya! Wanda R

Karen said...

I can't believe little Jude Bug is already a week old. I want to touch him, hold him, smell him, squeeze him, kiss him -- I just didn't get enough Jude time.

I love you.

Tiffany said...

LOVED catching up with you...I can't wait to hold Jude and just soak up your life. :)

I pray that God allows you to feel peaceful, paced and even structured today (in some small way)! ;)

I am one of MANY who LOVE YOU and are in awe of your ability to handle 4 babies...it takes a very gifted and special woman, (and you are)!

I love you...congratulations again, on Precious Jude. :)
Tiff ;)
xoxoxo

Tiffany said...

LOVED catching up with you...I can't wait to hold Jude and just soak up your life. :)

I pray that God allows you to feel peaceful, paced and even structured today (in some small way)! ;)

I am one of MANY who LOVE YOU and are in awe of your ability to handle 4 babies...it takes a very gifted and special woman, (and you are)!

I love you...congratulations again, on Precious Jude. :)
Tiff ;)
xoxoxo

Lela said...

I've been reading your blog for 3 or 4 years. Congratulations! Jude is gorgeous just like the others. So, so happy for you all! I'm an older Mom, but I still enjoy reading your writings. You young Moms keep ME young with your enthusiasm.

Karen Hammons said...

Congrats on sweet little Jude!!!!! He is too precious!! I loved what you wrote about whispering prayers into him. Thank you for sharing Jude and your big heart with us all. And thank you for being such a blessing and encouragement!

Kate said...

awww what a precious post! i love how you shared the prayers you whisper into his tiny ears.

what tender moments these days are. but i sure hear ya on getting back into a routine. i will pray your next week goes smoothly!

he is one handsome baby i must say!
xoxo love you!

Wendy said...

I love little Jude! I've been praying for you that you are getting some rest, and able to just enjoy the time.

Love you!