Busy Bee Mommy & Daddy

By now you probably have realized that my blogs have been very minimal since the duke joined our little world. I never realized how much time and energy it takes to take care of an infant--so HATS OFF to all those mommies out there. I am loving every minute of being home with the duke (and my waistline/stomach is too--eating ALL DAY LONG and it is expanding--this must stop) because he changes every day and I am eating it up. He is cooing more and the laughs/smiles make you melt. Robert gets a kick out of all the sounds he makes and during the day I try to send him videos so he doesn't miss a beat. The duke is getting more active and he is staying up more during the day too so that means not much work time for this mommy. Its ok though because when Robert comes home he instantly turns into "Super Daddy/Hubby" to take care of things around the home and to watch the duke when I need a moment to do a few things--he really is the best!  We are very appreciative of his grandparents too as they come over to give lots of loving and to give us a good nights sleep.

The duke went on his first and very quick outing to meet Santa. He was dressed in his sweet little Santa outfit and had his pacifier in the whole time. I placed him on Santa's lap and asked Santa if he minded if the pacifier stayed in and Santa said "he looks to be enjoying it so we can keep it in". It was so sweet. NeNe and Grandma Barbara attended the photo session and got some more cuddles once we were home.

On Monday, December 8 our little one went in for his first medical procedure. He was circumcised (he will hate me for posting this when he is 16 but oh well!). Now, I know that some people do not agree with this procedure but we felt this was best for our son so please keep all negative comments to yourself--thank you! The doctors and nurses were so sweet and gave us a good talking to before we agreed to go forward. The doctor was his doctor at birth and he was so happy to see our little duke again. The doctor was bantering back and forth with Robert and they were laughing while I was sitting there thinking "you better just make sure my boy is ok". So once we agreed the doctor went on back and completed the procedure. It was super short and he came in praising our little boy. We went on into the room and my boy was not happy at all--this was to be expected. He was given a little Tylenol and passed to daddy because mommy could not  handle the crying and was upset herself---my anxiety was passed on to the duke which was not good. Once handed to daddy he was good to go. We headed home an hour after the procedure and we have been doing well since. He is healing well and is back to our happy go lucky baby boy.

Ready or not here is my next list of things I have learned....

• there is a minimum of three clothes changes a day for the duke(sometimes mommy)
• when he wants to eat, HE WANTS TO EAT
• he loves music and his mobiles--yes he has two
• he enjoys riding in the car
• he is ticklish on his belly
• he loves to be talked to--reading books is a good way to do this!
• he doesn't mind peeing(or pooping) on you
• at times he likes to be naked
• burping is a rough subject
• he loves his pacifier

Life continues to be fantastic and we love the duke so much. He has brought so much joy into our lives and we think to everyone he meets. Please continue to pray with us as we navigate the world of adoption. We do not know of the date of finalization as there are a few things that need to be handled legally but we know that God has a plan and we just need to buckle up and enjoy the ride. Keep the prayers going!!

Just in case I do not get a moment to blog before Christmas, we hope you all have a wonderful holiday season....MERRY CHRISTMAS from Robert, Jill, The Duke and Roddy.