Happy Halloween from our little pumpkin!

It's Aaron's first Halloween, and while we'll skip trick-or-treating tonight, we couldn't resist dressing him up a bit for the occasion.

We visited the pediatrician last Friday for his one month checkup, and this big boy now weighs 9 lbs, 10 oz -- a full three pounds over his birth weight. He's also grown another 2 inches in length, putting him in the 95th percentile for height.

One down, eleven more to go...

Can you believe it's been a month since Aaron was born? We sure can't. Time has passed amazingly quickly, but it also been the kind of month that I thought would never end. Funny how time works like that. In the moment (especially when the moment is in the middle of the night and your baby wants to eat again for the third time in an hour), it's hard to have any perspective. Now I look back over the past four weeks and realize that this is all going to happen way too fast. Before we know it, he'll be grown. We're already 1/12 of the way to his first birthday. It's so bittersweet - we can't wait for him to outgrow the annoyances of the newborn period, but I already feel a little sad that my tiny boy is getting bigger.

Dad has fun with the 3 week old...

Who says you can't have fun with a 3 week old baby? Cribs.Pack n' plays. All over-rated, as I discovered that Aaron was quite content in the shipping box on a bed of pink packing peanuts (say that real fast). He was not there very long and it made Sarah laugh. After a few weeks of highly interrupted sleep, I really enjoy adding levity to the household.

We had a great weekend as a family. I spent as much time as I could holding and staring at our wonderful creation.

Many people have asked me...What is it like being a Dad?
I try to come up with some deep and profound statement, generally I 'm too tired to really think straight. However, put simply; I quote Scripture "Children are a gift from the Lord;
they are a reward from him. (Psalm 127:3 NLT) and I also add that I have been waiting and preparing for Aaron for my entire life."

I love God, I love my wife and I love my son!

Aaron's a little wheezy...

Our little pookie has a plugged up nose. Could be just normal newborn congestion, but it's more likely his first cold. Yuck! So we're spending nights trying to keep him propped up and calm (easier said than done), and today's adventure will be a trip to Target to find a cool mist vaporizer. It's hilarious to hear this little tiny baby snore just like his Daddy!

Here's Aaron's current favorite sleeping position. Hard to be efficient like this, but we're lovin' the sweet cuddles.

My first photo shoot

Had to post a few pics from our first photo shoot. Couldn't resist.




Aaron went for a weight check yesterday, and he's already gained a full pound over his birth weight. Way to go, boy! That goes a long way in making us feel better about his difficult feeding habits. He's obviously getting enough.

One day at a time

We're taking things one day at a time here at the Sharp house, and I'm pleased to report that each day has been better than the last. We've had some helpful friends come in to bring meals and help with household duties, and how refreshed we feel! THANK YOU to those who have provided us with tangible reminders of God's grace.


Some new pictures for those who just can't get enough...

Our first week...

What a week it's been. So many different emotions - he's perfect! so beautiful! such a lot of work! It's been overwhelming at times, but God is giving us the strength and wisdom to get through one day at a time.


Feeding has been our biggest challenge. When ready to leave the hospital last Tuesday afternoon, Aaron still hadn't nursed well. Nurses told us it was because he was still recovering from his circumcision. But finally an astute lactation nurse noticed that he had a tongue tie that was preventing him from latching on (the tiny flap of skin under his tongue was too tight). The nurse taught us how to feed him via syringe, and I began pumping to get my milk in. After visits to our pediatrician, a pediatric ear/nose/throat specialist to have the tie clipped, and a lactation consultant, Aaron is finally eating well. Now I can't get him to stop. He wants to eat CONSTANTLY. Our midwife thinks we just might have a really fussy baby. She says as long as we know his needs are met, it's okay to just let him cry for a bit. I'm just glad to be done with formula and syringes.