Here we are, folks--Elijah Samuel is ready to become a world traveler. Doesn't he look excited?! He is a true son of his mother--the woman who had to see every Western European country before age 22 and visit all 50 U.S. states before getting married. Who knows how many stamps he will get before he has to renew it at age five. We were so impressed that by two weeks of age, Elijah already had his official U.S. passport! Way to go--National Passport Authority!
At just 2 weeks and 3 days of age, Elijah Samuel Becker was dedicated to the Lord during the Sunday worship service. It was also the same day as my parents' 33rd wedding anniversary. In that same church, on that same stage just over two and a half years ago, Nate and I got married on my grandparents' 62nd wedding anniversary! We want our son to be raised to know the Word of the Lord and to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray that he will one day put his faith in Jesus as his Lord and Savior.
Here is the photo I have always dreamed of--four generations! God is so gracious to us! I love that verse from the Psalms: "You have given me the heritage of those who fear your name." Thank you, Lord, for godly grandparents and parents. Help us to follow their example as they have followed the example of Christ. Thank you for answering their prayers for us and for Elijah!
Sisters!! What a wonderful year--we both had baby boys this year. I love my sister. Now she is also "Aunt Sarah" to our son! 
Here are the "ladies" as Clara likes to say. I just love getting to spend time with Clara Grace. I was her age when my sister led me in a prayer to receive Christ. Wow!Now I will mention how things are going with us. Elijah is now 4 weeks old, and he is so cute! We are crazy about him and are getting to know him tons each day (and NIGHT!).
A book that has been extremely helpful was recommended to me by my sister: "Secrets of the Baby Whisperer." I read just a few pages and then I can immediately apply them! The secrets really do work, and we've been able to hear less crying as we figure out Elijah's "cry language." I recommend this to every new mother--and don't wait too long to read it.
I want to include a quote from another book here that makes me laugh and laugh, because it is so true! If you are a parent, you can totally relate. It is from the book "What to Expect the First Year." (You can tell I need lots of input in learning to be a mom!).
This is the author's response to a mother's concern: "I'm a nervous wreck when I try to put my sleeping baby down in his crib. I'm always afraid he'll wake up--and he usually does."
The author responds and I can totally relate!.....
"He's finally asleep--after what seems like hours of nursing on sore breasts, rocking in aching arms, lullabying in an increasingly hoarse voice. You rise ever so slowly from the glider and edge cautiously to the crib, holding your breath and moving only the muscles that are absolutely necessary. Then, with a silent but fervent prayer, you lift him over the edge of the crib and begin the perilous descent to the mattress below. Finally, you release him, but a split second too soon. He's down--then he's up. Turning his head from side to side, sniffing and whimpering softly, then sobbing loudly. Ready to cry yourself, you pick him up and start all over."
Well, if you are a parent, hopefully that gave you a laugh. People say it is a transition, and they were right. But we love our boy and are enjoying every stage of growing with him.
4 comments:
Just a little piece of unsolicited advice. I am very happy for you that The Baby Whisperer has proven helpful. In my case, though I read it very early, I found that it's principles just didn't seem to apply to my baby and I ended up extremely frustrated and was blaming myself for not "doing it right" or not being able to "read my baby". So if you find that at some point it is no longer as clear as it once was, or other books that people claim are "so helpful" are causing you more frustration that peace, don't feel bad if you need to modify the approach. Or even abandon it all together.
It's important to learn to trust your instinct as a mother. It took me a long time to learn that. I spent many days beating myself up for being a "bad" parent because my baby didn't respond to The Baby Whisperer program. Mainly because my baby had a very bad case of colic!
Hope I'm not overstepping my bounds. The bottom line (for me) is this: You are the expert on your child! :) Congratulations and good luck with your travels!
That is also an excellent tip, Shannon! Thanks so much! THat is so true--every baby is unique. Ultimately we must get to know each one and ourselves as parents. We'll keep learning! Lots of love, Jessica
Great quote! It seems like it doesn't matter how old they are. I wonder if I'll be sneaking around the house when he's a teenager and sleeping in until noon?!! I recently laid Micah down in his crib after an hour or more of crying and since he was keeping one eye open watching to see what I would do I ever so slowly crept out of his room, moving what felt like a centimeter per minute (or maybe less!). It's hilarious when you think about it!
Great photos! Elijah looks a lot like Nate to me! We're excited to see you guys soon! I hope your travels go well around the states. I'm sure it must have been so nice and relaxing to be with family during the first couple weeks with Elijah. It's a huge adjustment getting used to one another. Elijah is blessed to have such loving parents.
Here's a post from almost 2 years ago now, but it was helpful for me. Of course, Micah wasn't colicky and I'm so thankful for that. The few times that he was uncontrollably crying was hard enough, I don't understand how parents deal.
http://cheriwolfrom.blogspot.com/2006/11/baby-language.html
Jessica,
Loved reading this! I hope you and Nate enjoy Elijah with each passing day. He is so handsome!! I especially love the picture of him with the four genenrations. What a great godly, family legacy.
Blessings on you guys with your travels. I look forward to hearing all about them.
Love,
Triscilla
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