Happy 1 month to Jude!

I can't believe he's 1 month already! Where did that month go??? I got a few pics of him today, but I will be trying again tomorrow or Monday, since we ran out of time and it wasn't working out.

I love his little intense stare, complete with a concerned eyebrow. Which, by the way, are coming in now, he will not be eyebrowless forever.

I like how in the black and white version you can see his little wrinkled brow. I LOVE the wrinkled brow.
And of course we have to have another one of his sleeping. He's such a good sleeper.

Dear Jude,

You were one month old yesterday. I am not sure exactly how that happened, because it really doesn't seem a whole month has gone by. You are a very sweet baby, and I thank you for your easy-going disposition (please keep it). You are a blessing to have and a perfect addition to our family. I can't imagine us without you now, even though you've only been here a month, it seems that you were the missing piece, and now our lives are complete.

I am so happy you have made it through your first month without any bumps in the road, especially that you have not needed any hospitalization. That alone is a blessing. It is wonderful to have a peaceful transition to an Earthly life!

Over the past month I have been floating on the high your birth left me with. It was a very empowering birth, to have such a big baby with a hand by his cheek, and yet you were my easiest birth by far, coming only just over two hours from the onset of active labor. You were so beautiful and so healthy at birth, I just feel so lucky to have you in my life. You are such a dream baby. You barely cry, you eat well, you sleep well. You are growing splendidly (you were 11 pounds and 3 ounces, 22.75 inches at your 4 week check up). You are doing very well with going to the potty, and you let me know when your diaper is wet or soiled (and you also seem to be telling me you don't like to wear them at all, which is great! I just need you to work with me a little more on the going on the potty. Which reminds me, I need to treat the rug in the study before I go to bed tonight. You adorned it with a mustardy offering).

Here you are a month old, and many of your sweet little grunts, snores, and squeaks are starting to disappear. You do still spend many a nap snoring and grunting away, but you are getting quieter. I didn't think I'd miss the squeaks, but I was wrong. But I will trade them for your sweet little smile, and the new hoots and coos you are starting to make. Will you start telling me stories soon?

Your sister, Leila, adores you. Adores is perhaps too mild of a word. She loves you more than you can imagine. I will try to remind her of how much she loves you now when you are all grown into teenagers and fighting with each other. I know she can be a bit much at times. I wish I could tell you it will get easier, she will back off, but she probably won't, so you best get used to it. I'm sorry.

Elyas, well, he's starting to come around. I think he feels a little replaced by you. He will be more loving as you get older, don't worry.

I have been trying to think of a word to describe your first month to you, but I can't come up with just one. Contented, love, completeness all seem to fit the month well. I am so happy you chose to come to our family.

I love you,
Mommy