Snugglin' it up on a snowy day

2 Months Old

Well, Ezra ate and slept his way through October and November and he has gained almost 5 pounds to show for it. Today at his 2 month check up, he weighed almost 12 pounds. I'm thanking God for helping us through the last 2 months. I said many a prayer asking for His help and I always said I would give Him all the glory if the baby ever learned how to nurse properly. Don't mind if I do give myself a few little pats on the back too though. It hasn't been easy chubbing this baby boy up.

My Cowboys

Memaw and Dee Dee Take Seoul

A month ago we had a wonderful visit from Ryan's mom and grandmother who came all the way across the sea to welcome their new great and grandson into the world with lots of love. They hit the town while they were here too. Ryan had them walking up mountains, riding the crowded subways and eating kimchi. He didn't hold back on their Korean experience and I think they had a pretty good time. They were really good sports throughout all their experiences and even humored Ryan and I's request to dress in traditional outfits at the palace.





Memaw was mingling with everybody around, making friends with strangers everywhere we went.



She was much braver with the camera than I've ever been able to be. It was awesome. She was getting people to pose for her and everything. Here are three girls in the typical get-up.



Of course, most importantly, they spent lots of time loving and cuddling their little Ezra, who loves them already.

So We Don't Forget the Skinny Legs

I took these a couple of weeks ago after I put Ezra in his crib to get his swaddle blanket ready. He just looked soo cute! I never want to forget these skinny little legs. He's already so much bigger than this now.

Mimi Visits

This is my lovely mother at Passion 5 (swanky bakery in Seoul) on her birthday. She was here for a couple of weeks and her presence is now dearly missed. It was so wonderful to have her here to: cry to about breastfeeding, keep the house tidy, and keep her eye on the baby so I could: get dressed, take showers, sleep and eat food. Without her I pick one of the above four activities and you know I also choose food.



We didn't take enough pictures while Mimi was here and she will no doubt not appreciate that she has on no make-up in this one. She still looks beautiful though and it shows her sacrifice in letting some of those things go in order to help.



This is Ezra's halloween costume. He slept through the entire putting on and wearing of it.

Lil' Ezzy and I are on our own again. He's not into swings or any activity where he's not in someone's arms. I keep reminding myself that this is the most important thing in my life now. I can stay in my pajamas all day and allow my house to be a wreck temporarily while I nurture this little boy. He's worth it all. I do have some new tricks for getting him to sleep and I've thrown out everything that tells me not to use them. Oh yeah, I'm talking pacifiers, vaccum cleaners, rocking to sleep...and all three of these at the same time. You do what you gotta do and he needs his sleep.

Settling In & First Visitors

Some of Ezra's first visitors were three of Ryan's former students & current members of his discipleship group and the co-leader of the group, "Aunt" Menya. It was such a sweet and thoughtful visit. The kids collected money to buy Ezra some gifts and went shopping after school for him. They gave him books, a kids Bossa Nova album, a blanket, little stuffed dog and best of all..a baby book with messages from students to Ezra. Some were serious and some were less. One example being; "I give you your gansta name, "Lil Ezzy".

They presented Ezra with his first Bible





and took turns holding him, very nervously.







It was such an encouragement to have them here.

We had so many kind visitors bringing us delicious food. We feel so blessed to be surrounded by people who care about us in Korea. I can't imagine what we would do if we were here without friends.

This has been one crazy week. Even though we "knew" that the first few weeks of taking care of a new baby are very challenging, we didn't know. I don't think anything can prepare you for the highs and lows of being totally responsible for the well being of a little baby. Every morning feels like a new, fresh start and God gets all the glory for that.