My First Smile on Camera!

One thing that strikes me about being a parent that I didn't expect is the contrast.  The contrast from day to day, and minute to minute.  One day will be hard and frustrating, yet the following will be opposite.  The hard day will seem like a distant memory to me.  During the day Malachi will be all smiles and playful and a bit later he will become fussy.  The mood can change in a blink of an eye.
     One thing we struggled with last week was his napping.  He wouldn't sleep for longer then a few minutes unless he was held or rocked.  My days got interesting.  I never thought I would make myself breakfast with one hand.  I attained talent I never knew I had. :)  Now this week he seems to be doing a bit better with sleeping (swaddling helps!)  See again such contrast.  Things can change so quickly your forget the old challenge because it is replaced by another.  I am reminding myself cuddling doesn't last long, especially when you have a boy,  I need to cherish this gift. :)
     It has been fun getting to know his little personality.  The other night Aaron and I sat in bed with him and he was wide awake giving us his full attention.  We found ourselves making the funniest faces and noises to get reaction from him.  It was a moment I will treasure forever (and to think this just the beginning!)  He gets cuter every day and grows so fast.
    We had a fun weekend with family and friends.  Our Grand Rapids siblings visited for a chili cook off contest.  We got to see miss Adele take get first steps!  At one point we had all the cousins on the floor together.  The pictures will be out dated before we know it!
     I finally got to enjoy this beautiful snow and went on a cross country ski.  It was gorgeous and it felt soo good to exercise and enjoy the out doors! :)  Malachi got to go outside too!  We are loving our Ergo  carrier.  We walked along the bay, part of it is frozen.  Malachi seems to enjoy the out doors and going on walks, just like mommy!

First captured smile :)

Hanging with Ryan

Hanging out

Nana and Papa Spinniken

6 weeks

Holding each other's sons

Uncle Neil 

on a ski

chili cook off

Adele walking!

cousins!

Love those cheeks!

My parents a little behind on laundry!

6.5 weeks and getting cuter and cuter!

on the bay

Keeping warm with daddy

Checking out the world

So much to see!

snoozing on our walk

5 weeks and out and about

     This week has been good!  We are getting out of the house a bit more, which is nice!  Last Sunday we went to Tandem Ciders, we sampled cider and Dan (the owner) helped us with the hard cider Aaron are making.  Tuesday evening daddy babysat while I went to MOPS.  It was a good to get out and daddy and Malachi had a great time (he has the best dad in the world!) Friday night was date night!  We went to dinner in Suttons Bay and then went hot tubing and drank hot co co.
     This weekend was spent hanging with family and watching Downton Abby. Malachi got to "play" with his buddy Ryan and cousin Irene.  Amy gave me a manicure as well.  It was much needed!!!  Thank you Amy!  Last night Aaron and I had another date.  He had an employee dinner for his job and I was invited to come.  We went to Phils on Front (a nice restaurant down town.)  Aaron had rabbit.  I thought it was pretty good and ended up eating half his dinner! lol  Also, it was nice to enjoy a glass of wine again :)
     Today we got to see Peg Dunn (our midwife.)  It was so nice to see her!  She was excited to see Malachi and couldn't believe how much he has grown.  She said he is cute and looks like daddy, of coarse!  She also gave me clearance to exercise!  Hurray!!!  Now..to find the time!  Malachi melted my heart and brought tears to my eyes with big smiles this morning.  I have a feeling I am going to work hard to see those smiles from now on. :))
     A special thanks goes out to Nana Spinniken.  She has been helping us every other day (and a few extras when we had a rough night last week.)  She is always here at the drop of a hat to help and watch Malachi.  We hope to see grandpa and grandma Deal while daddy goes to the U.P. in two weekends. We are truly blessed!  Thank you Lord!
   

Tandem Ciders

My favorite guys!

Our little burrito.  Malachi in his sleep sack :)

Look at those cheeks!

I see a smile!

Date Night

Just chillen!

love this one!

Hanging with Cousin Irene:

Daddy time

Malachi's hat from Aunt Jan (she had a feeling Aaron would like it) :)

5 weeks old already!

     Malachi turned one month old on the 15th.  I can hardly believe it!  The last weeks have been a complete blur.  I am still adjusting to being tired, having a messy house, and unorganized life!  The Lord is refining me of idols: routine, schedule, planning and a false sense of control.  Yet, I am very thankful that he is using the sweetest boy in the whole world to break me of these things.  Please pray I submit to Him and let go.   
   Also we thank YOU family and friends, you have made this new transition easier!  Thank you for your service of meals, cleaning, holding Malachi, gifts, prayers, and moral support when we need it.  We are so blessed!

P.S. Mr. Spinniken is up to 9lbs 4oz (daddy is proud.)


Pictures from the past weeks:

Uncle Chris

Uncle FJ

Cousin Vanessa (7 months a part)

The Gregorys bring a meal and Malachi's buddy Ryan (3 months a part)

Milk drunk

Cousin Irene (6 days a part)

Poofy hair after bath time!

 

10 days old at Christmas

First walk!