Time is flying by...

It's hard to believe that just one month ago today, we had this little bundle of joy:

(Thank you to Stevie of SC Photography for the BEAUTIFUL pictures and moments she captured with Kortlen!  The pictures above are a few of my favorites that she took when Kortlen was brand new, just five days old.)

I can't believe how quickly time is flying by.  Our baby is now one month old!

Ironically, I'm trying harder with Kortlen than with the first two to soak up every minute.  Kortlen is such a sweet baby.  He's a good sleeper, a good eater, and a good pooper.  He's also a good baby brother.  I rarely get a chance hold him just to hold him, because I've realized that Tanner and Taylor are much more manageable when they get time with mommy after Kortlen is fed and goes to sleep. 

• Kortlen is starting to have longer periods of wakefulness, which is more fun for big brothers.  He's also starting to give us a few smiles.  Even though sometimes we gently tickle his cheek to get a grin.  
• He's not real fond of baths...and I haven't even let his big brothers get in the tub with him yet...if he's unsure now, Heaven help us when he's old enough to get really dirty and I throw all three of them in the tub to clean up! 
• He's not loving the binky, either.  The more he starts sucking on his hands though, the more I am encouraging the binky.  However, it's not a crutch yet.  He doesn't have to have it to calm down, or go to sleep. 
• Though he typically likes to be burrito-ed up, he is starting to kick and roll and arch his back just enough to get out and let us know he's upset.  I secretly like to see him upset because it's so cute...plus, he rarely cries.  
• He does this pirate thing, where he'll peek at you with one eye wide open, then shut it really quick.  It makes me laugh.  
• I love watching his facial expressions and listening to him when he's sleeping...and I DO get to hold him.  Usually it's his midnight feeding that I relish those moments.  
• Both brothers call him Kort-wen.  Neither can say their "L's".  Taylor calls him his baby, and occasionally tries to feed his stuffed animals with his belly button.  Tanner and I have had numerous conversations about how Kortlen is fed.  I try not to ignore his curiosity, but definitely let him guide the conversation and only answer what he asks.  Boys.  Gotta love 'em!

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Side Note:  I am loving this 'new job' I have of being a mom.  Just yesterday I went to my District Director and visited with her, and let her know that I would not be returning to my position as the Bonneville County Family and Consumer Science Assistant.  I have mixed feelings, but mostly, I am excited about this new journey, and being home with my children.  Yes, I will miss the social aspect of being a working mom.  Yes, I will miss having 'something to do and somewhere to be'.  However, my thoughts are turned to my children, and how much I will miss by being 'gone', for time is flying by.  I know there will be hard days, and hard moments, and just when I think I can't take any more, it will get worse and I'll be more frustrated, but I know it will be worth it.  I have a quote on my piano that says, "Grant me patience to deal with my blessings."  I read it every day, and count my many blessings, three of which are my most precious given gift, my children, and another, my sweet husband.  I love them each so very much.


Ryan and I were recently asked to speak in our ward Sacrament Meeting at the end of the month.  My topic is on Education, particularly in the home.  As I've been preparing my topic and organizing my thoughts, my heart is full, that I have this opportunity to be home with my children.  I am learning much, and trying to put into practice this specific thought:  To be happy and not complain about what a 'terrible, no good, horrible, very bad day (or moment or whatever) it was when Ryan get's home from work.  After all, he's providing so I don't have to.  This concept is not new to me (of not complaining) but it is a very BIG weakness I have.  And one I am trying so hard to overcome. 

Anyway, this wonderful post about our now one-month-old has gotten off track...my point?  Time is slipping away.  I want to enjoy every moment, and not just endure it.