Two Dogs and a Baby

My two dogs, Spottie and Bully have been wonderful in welcoming Caleb into our home.  As they're both considerably powerful breeds, we took extra precaution when Caleb returned home from the hospital with us.  Both dogs weren't allowed too close to Caleb for the first month.  We made an effort not to neglect them and continued to give Spottie and Bully their regular exercise.  We currently supervise any contact between Caleb and the two dogs and they've been really gentle with him.  Caleb seems to enjoy their company too.  We still never leave Caleb alone with the dogs though, just to be on the safe side.

Caleb and Bully

Caleb and Spottie

 

Hanging out in the garden together

 

It always saddens me when I hear of people giving away their dogs when their baby arrived.  Please don't.... dogs are part of the family too! 

You Are My Father

As I was choosing worship songs for tonight's cell group, I came across True Worshipper's song 'You Are My Father'.  It's such a wonderful song to remind me of my eternal Father who has always been there and never failed me. 

There have been so many changes in my life over the past few months and sometimes my emotions have been like a roller-coaster, but I can always count on God to be there to celebrate my victories and listen to my cries.

Verse 1:
It doesn’t matter where I run, You’re there for me
It doesn’t matter what I’ve done Your love’s for me
You wipe away the tears, You lift me when I fall
My life is saved by the mercy of Your grace

Verse 2:
It doesn’t matter where I go, You walk with me
It doesn’t matter when I fall, You cover me
You wipe away the tears, You lift me when I fall
My life is saved by the mercy of Your grace

Chorus:
You are my Father, Provider
You’re my Deliverer
Your mercies embrace me, surround me
Through Your everlasting love
Father I worship You
Father I worship You

And Your love is for me
And Your love is for me
And Your love is forever

As I take on this new chapter in life, I must remember all that God has done for me and keep Him at the centre of my life.  Without Him, I am nothing.

Baby talk

Caleb has settled into a more predictable routine these days which is great!  As he's nearing four months, his neck muscles are pretty strong and he's able to hold up his neck but it's still a little wobbly at times.  He sleeps at a regular time at night and I (hopefully) no longer have to stay awake till 3am! He's turning into a very chatty baby and keeps the whole family entertained with his baby talk.

Thankfully my milk supply is still there but I have started to supplement formula once a day though I try not to at all.  It's getting easier everyday as Caleb has begun to play on his gym alone for longer intervals allowing me to do stuff around the house. 

I've learnt a lot about Caleb taking care of him full-time over the past 3 months and realised that although motherhood is challenging, it is indeed a very fulfilling role.  I've begun to see glimpses of him laughing - he currently laughs once every few days which is a big treat for me :) Its interesting to notice how his yawns were silent at first, but now it comes with an 'aahhh'.....

I think being a happy and fulfilled stay home mum requires a change in mindset.  It's appreciating the opportunity to be involved in every part of the child's growing up years and learning new things every step of the way.

His many expressions

He loves his gym

Weekend family dinner