Chapman's Fourth Week

This week Chapman celebrated his 1-month birthday and also Grammy's birthday, enjoyed babysitting from Aunt Julie while Mom & Dad went to the Steven Curtis Chapman concert (3rd row), hung out with the Zafars, the Willcoxes (including his new friend Reese), Megan, and Sara, and went to Watermark to meet the Junior High kids and also worship his Maker.

So far, he's also managed to avoid catching the cold that Dad's been fighting for the past 3 days. He must have his mom's antibodies!

Click here for a slideshow of pics from week 4.

Chapman's Third Week

Rebecca Anderson and her mom stopped by for a visit. Chapman ventured to Northpark Mall with Mom, Aunt Jen, and Cousin Claire in tow. He also enjoyed playing on his Baby Einstein mat for the first time and spent his first night in his crib! Mom & Dad enjoyed their best night's sleep since his birth!

Click here for a slideshow of pics from week 3.

Chapman's Second Week

The Penuels had a great week. Chapman is sleeping well and has had his second official bath. Sharee stopped by and we got some amazing meals delivered to us. Our Community Group came over and Chapman really enjoyed hanging out with his freind Bennet. Looking forward to week three...

Click here for pictures capturing Chapman's second week of life.

Chapman's First Week

We've had a few more visitors (Minters, Siscos, Cousin Lynn & Aunt Cynthia) and we gave Chapman his first "bath". He's been eating well and sleeping well. Mommy loves it when his eyes are open and took him on his first trip to Target (Don't tell Dr. Crow). Daddy loves his awake time with Chapman between 3:00am and 4:00am.

Click here for a few more pictures capturing Chap's first week of life.

Parenthood: First Impressions (Plus 3 Pics)

I just wanted to take a second to share a few of my first impressions about parenthood. The experience of labor, delivery, and bonding has stirred up some distinct thoughts that I think I will probably impact me for the rest of my life. I'm not sure how to organize them so here they are:

Impression #1
Chapman might not ever be more like Jesus than he was the moment that he was born. When Alli started pushing around 5pm, we stopped and prayed in between contractions. As we prepared for his birth, I was overwhelmed with this thought and I shared it with the nurses in the room. Jesus was born and was a baby just like Chapman. He came into this world the same way Chapman did...through a birth canal. Jesus was God and God made himself JUST LIKE US. If I ever question whether or not God understands the things we go through, I will remember the birth of my son. Merry Christmas! Philippians 2:6-11.

Impression #2
Chapman might get to go to heaven someday and see Jesus. We participated with God in giving life to a person...a person who will hopefully have the glorious privilege of standing in the presence of God. I got choked up as I told Chapman in the delivery room, "Someday you'll get to see Jesus". Oh yeah, this is what life is all about. 1 John 3:2.

Impression #3
Having a kid can induce all kinds of unexpected anxieties. As I woke with Chapman in the middle of the night during his first 24 hours of life, I began to stress about his next 24 years. Is his body healthy? Will he keep breathing? Will he get sick? Will I drop him? Will I screw him up? Will he rebel? Will I be able to pay for college? I cried when I remembered that God is in control of all of that. The phrase "God is in control" takes new meaning when you have a kid. God was really pleased with the prayers I prayed that night for my son...He is very excited about the plans he has for Chapman! I'm excited too. Psalm 139.

(Chapman wearing a Lion onesie from Marmi)

(Mommy's favorite picture of Chapman)

(Daddy's favorite picture of Chapman)

Chapman Comes Home!

We brought our little cutie home today around noon. He's doing great. Lot's of sleep. Lot's of feeding. And a few good poops. Dad's got diaper duty (dootie) so it's all good. Click HERE for a few pics of the trip home.