Saturday, June 27, 2009

four months today

Hello world. It's me, Jonah, again.

Today I turned four months old. Can you believe that?
I weigh 12 lbs, 15 oz, and I'm about 23 1/2 inches long. My head has made it up to the 25th percentile, and I'm staying on a really good growth curve. I'm thriving and steadily gaining weight. Mom and Dad are so thankful to God for the way He continues to protect me and helps me thrive. They still attribute so much of that to the hundreds of prayers that go up for me every day. So amazing.

Eating is still a struggle for me. Sometimes it's because of my acid reflux, and sometimes it's because I'm just so tired. Mommy says it's because I need so much energy to heal and regrow skin, and so I sleep a lot. Unfortunately my deepest sleeping occurs between 7pm and midnight, so I'm still waking up a lot at night. I'm now waking up two to three times a night and only eating about an ounce when I do wake up. Needless to say, Mommy and Daddy are really tired. Mommy's starting to put rice cereal in my bottles, and she's also switching me to a really smelly new formula that's supposed to help me. I'm not so sure about it yet, but I'm going to keep trying it.

I'm even more fun now than I was a month ago. I smile and coo regularly, and I'm starting to have whole "conversations" now. I love it when you say, "Ah-Ah-Ah-CHOO" and "SHOO... Stinky Feet." That makes me laugh out loud. I still love to lie out flat on the changing table and have Mom and Dad talk to me and play with me. Mommy thinks I'm just the cutest thing in the world, and I'm pretty sure Daddy agrees.

I'm also starting to like tummy time, and I really like looking at myself in a mirror. I don't know that it's me that I'm looking at, but I sure do like to talk to that other baby. He's one good looking little fellow - that's all I know. My favorite books are Peek-A-Boo I Love You and Old MacDonald Had A Farm that has finger puppets. If I can get my burp cloth on my arm just right, I'll play Peek-A-Boo with whoever is holding me. I'll bring the cloth up to my face while you say, "Where's Jonah?" and then bring it down, so you'll say, "There he is." Then I smile so big.

I like it when Mommy sings "Crazy" by Patsy Cline, and I also like "You are my Hiding Place" when I'm trying to go to sleep. I still like when Daddy sings the Star Wars theme song, and Daddy says I'm starting to like the Superman theme.

And see what chair I'm sitting in?


The one I didn't like last month. It is my new FAVORITE place to be. I wake up happy these days (well, at least after a diaper change) and I'll hang out in this chair and smile at mommy while she makes up my morning bottle. (It helps that she's usually singing and dancing around like a crazy person). It's some of mine and mommy's favorite time.

I'll also hang out for as long as mom will let me watching Noggin. My favorite shows are Max and Ruby and Wonder Pets. Or maybe those are just Mom and Dad's favorites, so they're making them my favorites too. But I'll also watch whatever else is on TV too. Daddy and I watch the Braves most every evening.



I'm still liking my bath most of the time. Sometimes if I'm grumpy and tired, it's not so great, but mostly I'm pretty content. What I DON'T like is the getting out part. I just scream and scream and usually it takes a bottle in my mouth to calm me down. But back to the bath part - I dig it.

See?

I told you.


I especially like getting kisses from Mom and Dad. Don't be fooled by my crazy eyes. Daddy kisses are delicious.

Mommy's always all over me like this. I think she loves me a little bit. She sure does smoosh her face up against mine like this a lot. I'm starting to think I better just get used to it. I don't think she's going to stop any time soon.
Mommy and Daddy started unwrapping my hands a few weeks ago. So far, things are going pretty well. I'm getting blisters on my fingers, but they are not swelling any more, and they are not usually blood blisters. Mommy is so happy to see my fingers and that now I can hold her finger and touch her face... even if I do get her all greasy with Aquaphor.

I'm not reaching out for things yet. I'm a little behind in this since my hands were wrapped up for so long, but I always try to hold my own bottle. Grandaddy seems to think I'm going to be a lefty. Dad would be so pumped. Baseball here I come.



Today has been a big day for me. This morning, I got to meet so many nice people at a special fundraiser they did just for me. Miss Helen and Mommy both started crying, and they said a prayer for me.

Then, Daddy gave me my first video game lesson. True, I slept through it, but I'm sure there will be many more to come.



Then, Mommy, Nana, and I went to the mall. And guess what? I got recognized by four different people in about a two hour period. It's pretty crazy, but just makes me realize just how many people are praying for me and love me. Mommy and Daddy are so overwhelmed at all the love. I don't really get it yet, but I will someday. Mommy says she's got a lot to tell me.

Mommy says she's starting to think more about my future, and she's able to look ahead instead of living in so much fear. Mommy tends to worry a lot. I try to tell her to chill out, but she doesn't really listen. She's a little bit of a control freak, but it's her only vice, so I try to cut her some slack.

Anyway, life just gets better and better, and Mommy and Daddy say they feel so blessed to have me - living, thriving, enjoying my life. I feel pretty blessed too. I know God made them just for me. And not only do I have a great family (that includes so many grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins that love me so much), but I also have so many strangers out there praying for and loving me too. And I'm so thankful. I can't wait until Mommy tells me my amazing story. She says I'll be blown away. She is.

Thank you, Jesus, for the life you give me, the breath that sustains me, for giving me yet another day. I can't wait for tomorrow. I can't wait for more living. More living for YOU.

75 comments:

Anonymous said...

Happy 4 months Jonah!!!

We love you!

Chris, Dana and Weston

mandi @ it's come to this said...

Such a sweet post!! Happy 4 months to all of you:) I'm from ATL so, I wish more of those Braves games had a happy ending for the boys!!!

Katherine @ Grass Stains said...

Jonah, Only one week until we are at the beach with you! Bring your laptop, because I expect us to be blogging at night while your mommy is goofing off. Love you so much!

Anonymous said...

Amen! We love you in Missouri. Happy Birthday to a very special boy and his very special parents. May God continue to bless and strengthen you each day.

Leslie

Anonymous said...

Happy 4 months Jonah! You are such a special little boy. God knew what a special blessing you would be for your parents, and he picked the 2 perfect people to raise you. I pray for you every night before I go to bed, and I'm so excited to see how great you look and how well you are doing. God has big plans for you, and I can't wait to see what he will do with such a special little guy!

~Amy

Erin Edwards said...

I LOVE the new pictures!!! So cute:)

I have to tell you I tried something new today you will want to know about:) It is a washer cleaner called "affresh" that I got at Lowe's. It cleaned out so much of the lotion build-up in my washer:):):) YAY:) It worked even better than simple green:) I can only imagine what our septic tanks look like;)

Sandy said...

Happy Birthday sweet Jonsah! You are the coolest guy I know!

Love and Prayers

Rochel said...

Beautiful. Happy 4 months!
Oh...and by the way...go Tigers! :)

Krista said...

Jonah, you are so adorable. I love that you like to play peek-a-boo, that's my baby's game too. I'll bet you have a great laugh. Tell your mom she's an amazing person and a great mom!

Tricia said...

Happy 4 month birthday. Thanking God for your life and praying for your health. God bless.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday sweet Jonah. I missed not getting to see you this week. One more week and we will get to spend a whole week together at the beach. I love you.
Aunt Patsy

Jill said...

Wow, Jonah is such a little talker. Happy 4 months old.

Patrice - thank you for sharing the glimpses into your family's life. I love your writing style.

Unknown said...

OKAY, that was too sweet! I needed a good cry Jonah, you are too precious and so is your mommy. Happy 4 month precious!

Laura A said...

Sweet, sweet Jonah! I'm so glad you're 4 months old today, and I know you're just going to get cuter and cuter! Tell Mommy to post a video of you laughing at the "Ah-choo!"

We love you very much and pray for you everyday. My little girl Caroline (she's 9) asks me every day if there are any new pictures of you. She's in bed now, but I'll be sure to show her these tomorrow.

You and your Mommy and Daddy are a special family, and you're all in our prayers.

Love from Texas!
Laura

PS - tell your daddy I'm a Braves fan, too - sigh.

Toni :O) said...

Awww...what a sweet, sweet post! God bless you little man and happy four month birthday! I love to see you so happy and strong...made my night and I had a great birthday party for my daughter who is turning six on Wednesday...seeing your smiling blue eyes made it even brighter. I'll keep praying for you all....you have strengthened my faith so much...I do believe in miracles! I hope you have a wonderful, wonderful vacation! We're leaving soon too for ours and can't wait! Love, hugs and kisses to you sweet prince!

Shannon said...

We had that exact bouncy/vibrating seat:) It was one of DD's favorite things.

Love the pics...

Anonymous said...

What a caring post! Thanks for sharing a day in the life of Jonah. kara

Tiffany said...

Happy 4 months little man!! He is so flippin' adorable!!

Always praying! We have a white board by our "key, mail, etc" counter and Jonah's name is on the prayer's needed section!!

Penny said...

I'm beginning to think that you enjoy making us cry! Another sweet, beautiful post. =)

Sabrina said...

Jonah is getting so big. I need to get out to see him again soon! Stacey and I were talking about him today. I'll call you soon! I miss you guys.

Love,
Sabrina

Kate said...

I love when Jonah takes over the blog. He is too cute!

Happy 4 months!

ashpuck said...

Awesome post! Happy 4 months Jonah, you are getting so big!

~Ashley

melissa said...

Happy 4 months Jonah!!!

happygeek said...

Dear Jonah. Happy 4 month anniversary.
Tell your mommy, that I was so happy to hear that she is living a little less in fear. I've been praying that for her lots and lots and am so happy that Jesus is giving her a bit more peace.
NOw, would you be a sweetie and give your mommy a bit more sleep at night? That'd be awesome.

Granna said...

Happy four month birthday Jonah! You are getting so big and cuter everyday, if that's possible.

The pictures are adorable. Y'all are such wonderful parents to this little guy. Praying for healing, and joy and peace in abundance.

Donna in Texas

Heather said...

Beautifully & creatively written!

"The Weavers" said...

Just precious!I am crying tears of joy.You are just a wonderful mommy!!He is an amazing little boy,and I'm sending up lots of prayers for him everyday.God Bless and Happy 4 months Jonah!!!

"The Weavers" said...

Just precious!I am crying tears of joy.You are just a wonderful mommy!!He is an amazing little boy,and I'm sending up lots of prayers for him everyday.God Bless and Happy 4 months Jonah!!!

Mom 2 my boys said...

Okay, now I am in tears. That was a beautiful letter. Jonah is an amazing boy. I have woken many times at night with my little one and say a prayer for all of you. Daytime, nightime, always in my prayers.

Happy Four Months Jonah!

queenmari said...

beautiful post! i love seeing all the pictures of jonah--he is so precious. i wish i could have been closer today so i could have met you all. maybe a vacation in seattle someday? (and we may have to convert you to the mariniers :)

Sara said...

That was absolutely beautiful! Happy 4 Month Birthday, precious boy!

Much love,
from Kingwood TX

the-mommy-person said...

So awesome. Jonah you rock!

klawellin said...

Happy 4 Months Jonah!!!

You have an AMAZING Mommy & Daddy...You Make a Beautiful Family!!!

I will continue to check in on your Journey...Keep up your Strength & Courage Little Man! ; )

God Bless,
Kimberly from Arizona

ann said...

What a priceless picture of the determination that deep, sustaining faith can have. God is MIGHTY to save - and you are a walking, talking, writing example. Thanks for sharing your walk.

Jessica K. said...

Happy 4 month Jonah!! That was a wonderful post, had me tear up in the end!! You sure are coming after your mom in your writing skills :)

Have a blessed sunday!!

Jessica K. said...

dangit I forgot to meantion that I LOVE LOVE LOVE those bath pictures!! You sure are a handsome little fellow and I love that belly!! Sooo cute!!

Now I am done!!

Jessica K. said...

ok maybe not, Matt you need to scoot away from that screen a little bit while playing! Thats not good for your eyes!! ;)

Claire said...

Happy four months, beautiful Jonah!

Cxx

Anonymous said...

Beautifully written.
You should consider writing a book.
Tell Jonah's story and spread EB awareness.

lauren said...

A beautifully written post! I've commented once or twice before...I'm a United Methodist pastor in Winston. Every time I'm in Target in look for you ;) You guys will continue to be in my prayers!

Mom x 3 said...

Wow! What a beautiful post!! Happy 4-month birthday, Jonah! You have a wonderful mommy and daddy who love you so much! We pray for you all the time and we're so glad you're doing well!

Staci said...

Happy 4 month birthday Jonah! Ask Daddy to sing you the theme song to the Beverly Hillbillies. My little girl LOVES that one and will help me sing some of the words to it. She calls it the "Black Gold Texas Tea" song. I will continue to pray for you and your mommy and daddy as well.

Ashley H. said...

Patrice and Jonah,
Happy 4 month birthday! We loved seeing you yesterday! You are a beautiful, blessed boy. We will keep praying for you!

Ashley and Blake

Nikki said...

Jonah kiddo: Your great God gave you just the perfect Mommy and Daddy, ones perfectly suited to guide and support you through all the trials and laughs to come. From what I've been able to see online, I think there will many, many, many more laughs! :)

Happy four month birthday, sweet little guy. We continue to pray for you!

The Starrs in Colorado

Misty Rice said...

Such a sweet post. Happy 4th baby boy. Although I dont always comment, I always read and I am always, always praying for you.

I look at your beautiful face and I see a precious little boy. When I look at your blisters, my heart rips in two and I wonder how all that must feel to your little tiny and innocent body. YOu are so brave, you smile and you still love and you take it as best as you can. You have the perfect mommy and daddy for you. They love you so much.

I am so happy that you keep thriving, and I think all that love and prayer is working, or maybe its really the magic of mommy and daddys constant love, attention, kisses and devotion. AND GOD OF COURSE!

You are an amazing little being and I love watching you grow. I am so sorry that you have to endure all this stuff, but I pray that God gives the doctors insight on all of this for you and that you can soon be a pain free and mobile little boy soon.

Then you can beat daddy in video games and make his thumbs blister up from the remote control, trying to keep up with you.

God Bless.

Sabrina said...

Happy 4 month birthday Jonah! I LOVE LOVE LOVE that little face on him in the picture with the ducky! He is so cute!

Unknown said...

What a sweet, sweet post. Someday you need to publish this blog into a book!!! I enjoy your blog so much and I pray for Jonah everyday. Take care...

Wanda Wilkinson said...

Happy 4 months old JONAH. Meeting you, your mom, & Nana yesterday was the HIGHLIGHT of my week. You are such an awesome team. Sorry, dad was not along so I could meet him. You are such a sweet beautiful happy boy, even though mom said you were tired. You kept on smiling & looking sweet.

Thank you for the blessings you & your family have brought to me.

It was privilege to meet the 3 of you. Thanks again for your family's willingness to share you.

Keep up the good work of growing & thriving.

God definitely has some great plans for you, in only 4 months you have touched many, many hearts & there have been many souls brought back to Jesus because of your's & Gabe's story.

As I said I love all of you. Many prayers & a lot of love sent your way.

Carol said...

Happy 4 months! You are the most incredible Mom. Jonah is so sweet and I can feel the love you have for him. Continuing to pray for all of you.

Robin said...

Hi Jonah,
Happy 4 month birthday beautiful boy! You are so right there are a ton of people out there that love you and adore you and are praying for you every day.
I know God gives us all purpose and reason, but some of us don't get started the minute we take our first breath. He sent you here with your bag packed full of amazing things such as courage, strength, patience, strong will and love. Oh and since he knew how much we all like to look at things that are beautiful, and He knew you would get a lot of attention, He made you one gorgeous dude!
Many grown ups have already learned lessons from you and are more aware of God because of you.
You get as much rest as you need 'cause God has work to do and he wants to do it with you!
I hope you have a wonderful time at the beach. The ocean is another one of God's amazing creations.

Thanks for writing to us, Jonah and I know you've got lots more to tell us in the coming years.

Love you,
Robin in TX

Anonymous said...

Wow the mall?? now that's a trip!!KOOL THAT you already have a following.On the down side you'll probably have to start wearing a descuise in order to get the shopping done, some people just don't know when to stop 'oogling'. MOM's not going to stop them cause she feels the same way!!!
So grateful for Mom's updates.
Love to the family and to GOD for your giving you this amazing life.
Prayers always.
2shoes

Rebecca said...

Happy 4 months Jonah! You are a special little guy!

Loraaf said...

Happy 4 month Birthday Jonah! My DD Kaitlyn had her 4 month birthday Friday. She loves it when I sing to her like your mommy does for you! We are so happy that you are doing so well! We pray every night for you and your parents down here in South Carolina!

Lora

April said...

Wow four months! It seems like I just started reading and it has already been four months. The picture of Jonah and Matt playing video games is priceless!

Kirsten: said...

Jonah is the cutest!!! Happy 4 Months sweet boy!!!

Liv said...

Happy 4 Months Baby Boy!

Anonymous said...

Patrice,
I so enjoyed your last blog post with all of the new photos of Jonah and lots of new information. You are a loving wife and Mother and it shows in your blog. I hope God will continue to bless the three of you with healing for Jonah and many wonderful family memories.
Love,
Linda G.
( Alabama )

Anonymous said...

Mommie, I missed you, but I saw Daddy and Jonah at church today. Jonah was sleeping soundly on Daddy's shoulder. He is really looking good. The photos in your post show an almost clean belly. Good Job! The post was so cute. In some ways, it is hard to believe that Jonah is 4 months old because he has become such an important part of our lives. Way to go, Jonah boy! God is continuing to bless you and prepare you for something great!
Sandy W.

Baby Bird said...

Dear Sweet Patrice:
Look at that adorable little Jonut! Can't believe he is 4 months old already! God is so good!
Take care and I still am available if you need help...my days off change during each week but if you need me call and I will do my best to come help out!
Love and Prayers!
Aimee Pence

Anonymous said...

I love you Jonah! Happy birthday, big boy! You're amazing! Praying for you is "my pleasure."
Jennifer in Souteast, NC

purejoy said...

how sweet patrice! happy birthday jonah!! i know it's been a really crazy road, but jonah looks so happy and content. he's pretty much an adorable baby.
i hope this next months is filled with reaching new exciting milestones!
praying for you!

Kara said...

Happy Birthday little guy! You are so beautiful and a blessing to everyone who gets to meet you and hear your story. We're still praying for you everyday and can't wait to hear about all your accomplishments tomorrow, next month, and in the years to come! God bless!

Renata said...

Happy 4 months Jonah!!! God's miracles have only just begun for you!

Amanda said...

Happy four month birthday, Jonah! Hooray, God!

Anne said...

The picture with the duck is so cute!!! He is just so sweet in it. Also the next few are adorable. He looks so happy.

jandkland said...

A very sweet tribute to a precious little boy. We love reading about you, Jonah! And you do have the cutest little expressions ever.

--Kelley in GA (queenkelley.com)

Debbie,mother of two said...

Happy 4 months Jonah!! I was one of the people that saw you had the mall yesterday. You looked so cute and your mom is so proud. I am still praying for you all.I love the new pictures your mom put on the blog. I pray that you all get some needed rest and sleep tonight.

Kathy Lang said...

Happy 4 months and 1 day, Jonah!! This is a beautiful post! I enjoyed hearing the news from 'Jonah's perspective'. What a sweet, sweet boy. Praying for healing and really good days for Jonah, and his mommy and daddy.

stiner0305 said...

he is soo handsome. happy four month birthday jonah!!

Anonymous said...

Jonah,
You are getting more and more handsome every time I see you! I hope you had a wonderful four month birthday! You look so much like your mommy and I think that's awesome, she is a very pretty lady. What a wonderful family you have!

Love
Mel

Tara said...

Jonah is going to be able to beat daddy in those video game before you know it!! GO BRAVES!! He is so cute in those pictures.

Samantha @ the Listener's post said...

Happy 4 months Jonah! My youngest had to be on Alimentum for a while, and we had two names for it - "Liquid Gold" (because it costs just as much) and "Potato Water". He didn't like it either. Don't worry - you'll be sippin' down Chic-Fil-A milkshakes in no time....that or icees at Target!

We're blessed by you buddy!

Lorraine said...

Hey Jonah!

Happy 4 months! You're lookin' pretty content there, kid! You tell lots of stories with your facial expressions!

The picture of you & Daddy playing video games together is pretty funny! Someday you'll beat him at those games!

Lots of love!
Rainey
Pella, IA

Kim M said...

Jonah - you continue to amaze me - I've been praying for you and trying to encourage your parents, but you are an AMAZING writer! Be sure to make lots of notes for when you write your first book about living miracles!!! Happy 4 month birthday! You are such a gift from God!

two red heads and two brunettes said...

I just had to say that I sing "You are my hiding place" to my girls too. And now they sing it to me!