Week 2 and 3 Highlights

Today is John Parker's four week birthday. He has already grown significantly since his birth and is changing so much each day. We are trying to take in and capture each moment. Here are some photo and video highlights from weeks two and three. Enjoy!

John Parker Weeks 2 and 3

Daddy's Day

Yesterday, John celebrated his first Daddy's Day. He is an awesome dad; I couldn't have asked for a more supportive and encouraging partner throughout my pregnancy and in these early weeks. John Parker decided to start his Daddy's Day off with early morning surprise of back to back dirty diapers. Rest assured, he did get his dad a real gift. He bought his daddy a tent for their many outdoor excursions. John has always looked forward to going camping and hiking with our son. Here are some pictures from the day.

Top 5 Takeaways

Wow, it's still so amazing to think about how much our lives have changed over the last few weeks. My heart has expanded in ways that I never thought was possible. Although John Parker will be 3 weeks on Tuesday, our world already seems vastly different. Here are the top 5 takeaways from my brief journey as a mommy.

1. Take advantage of every minute. I feel like I am going to blink and he'll be off to kindergarten and then turning 16 and asking me for the keys to the car. I want to savor these moments of his sweet innocence and new beginnings.

2. Roll with the punches. Some days are more carefree than others. One day he may look into my eyes as if I've hung the moon and others it seems like all my new mom tricks seem to miss the mark.

3. This too shall pass. We know that these sleepless nights are temporary and that they are all a part of joining the parenting club. We're looking forward to longer periods of sleep a few months from now.

4. Count your blessings. We have been surrounded by such amazing support over the last few weeks as family and friends have come for visits, dropped off meals, brought gifts for the little guy and sent cards. We couldn't have done it without your encouragement and support.

5. Don't always live by the book. I have read quite a few books on parenting and sleep habits prior to John Parker's birth. Somehow all the theory in the world can't prepare you for real life. I've learned that you have to go with your instincts. Your baby is uniquely wired, and it's been neat to learn what makes my little man tick.

The learning has just begun. John Parker is making sense of this great big world while we learn to explore the world through his eyes.

Capturing Week One

We celebrated John Parker's one week birthday Tuesday night. Here are some photo and video highlights from his first week. Click on the image below to view the entire photo album.

John Parker's First Week

Here's a high definition video recorded with our new camcorder.

He's Arrived!

We are very excited to announce the birth of our son, John Parker Ritsema. He was born at Kennestone Hospital on June 2nd, 2009 at 10:36 pm after about 14 hours of labor. He weighed in at 8 lbs 4 oz and was 19 3/4 inches long. Mother and baby are happy and healthy and father is ecstatic! It was the most amazing experience of our lives, and we are happy to share the news with you. Here's a whole album of photos for you to enjoy.

From Birth