Clean as a whistle…

I think Nathanael really loves his bath time.

He seems so relaxed throughout it all.

…rub-a-dub-dub.

….beautiful, beautiful boy.

We like frog sponges that allow us to tactfully censor our pictures.

…cozy, clean, and cute.

12/17/12

Nathanael’s First Visit to Disneyland!

Philip and I took Nathanael, along with my parents, to Disneyland to celebrate the holidays. If you haven’t been to Disneyland during Christmas time, you should go! Even though it is usually very crowded, the lights at night are beautiful and the overall atmosphere is a lot of fun. We strolled through California Adventure, stopping in Cars Land where my dad and Philip went on Radiator Springs Racers and Luigi’s Flying Tires. There’s always time for a few rides…especially, if you are with my dad. After that, we all dined at Carthay Circle. This restaurant is new to California Adventure and is a pretty nice place to eat. Reservations fill up! Let’s just say, we really enjoyed the food. Everything was very tasty. We ended our evening over at Disneyland with some warm funnel cakes and hot chocolate.

Disney Family Holiday Party

12/15/12

Happy Thanksgiving!

You know what I’m thankful for? Well, you probably don’t need me to tell you!

I’m thankful for this little man right here and can’t get over how blessed Philip and I are.

On Thanksgiving morning, Nathanael “did a number” in his oh-so-cute turkey outfit that was given to him by his Grandma De Jong.

So, unfortunately, all we had left for a picture was the hat. But, that’s ok. He still looked adorable.

 

Later that day, we went to my parents for some good food and conversation.

It was Nathanael’s first full family gathering at Grandma and Grandpa Huckabone’s house.

He got lots of love from his grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles.

 

It was the perfect time to get a family photo with everyone too!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2012

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:17

First Days…

I can’t believe it has already been over a month since we brought Nathanael home. He has changed our lives forever. We have been amazed by him. Here’s a look at some of his first moments…

These pictures are of Nathanael at just a few days old with Grandma and Grandpa De Jong and Uncle Dennis and Aunt Anne.

It was so nice to have Philip’s parents here for his first week of life.

This little dude makes many faces.

His smiles are the best.

Sweet Dreams.

…just about to have his first bath.

Look at that lil’ bum. So cute.

Mommy’s Phone Pic Faves

Daddy’s Phone Pic Faves

We’ve taken a lot of pictures with our phones…capturing little moments here and there.

There are so many cute ones to choose from. I think you get the idea.

This is from the day Nathanael’s umbilical cord fell off.

11/27/12

Cuddles with Daddy at the doctor’s office. It’s cold in there…brrr.

We’ve enjoyed our families coming to our place to see Nathanael.

Here’s a few great pictures of our little guy gettin' some lovin’ by his Aunts, Kathy and Anne, and sweet cousin Grace.

Goodness…I love him.

I could just stare at him all day long.

Now, I’m willing to embarrass myself just a little bit.

Most of the the pictures we have taken of me with the baby look like these two. So…I’ll spare you.

Basically, I look tired. Or, I am asleep on the couch. We have lots of those. Thanks, Philip.

Trying out our baby carrier. I think he likes it!

…like father …like son.

I think these boys not only look alike…but, I think they like each other too.

 

Well, time has flown by and I know it’ll just whiz by even faster as the days go on.

We sure are looking forward to LIFE with Nathanael John…and all the little (and big) moments to come.

Happy Birthday, Nathanael!

Nathanael John De Jong arrived into this world at 10:23 p.m. on November 11, 2012. I started having contractions the evening prior and endured close to 30 hours of labor before needing to have a caesarean section. I was exhausted! Nathanael was 9 pounds, 15 ounces and 22 inches long. Moments after he was born, I heard him cry. I remember kissing his warm cheek as he was pressed up against my face by the medical staff. It was the most unforgettable moment of my life.

 

My first moment with Nathanael.

Our first family picture!

9 pounds + 15 ounces + 22 inches long = Big Boy!

The family had waited MANY hours in anticipation.

My mom and sister were in the labor and delivery room with me for most of the time until Philip and I went in for my caesarean.

I had such a great support team!

Here Nathanael and I are being pushed down the hall into the maternity ward after the operation and bonding time.

Getting acquainted and being moved to our room.

Showing the family our son’s footprints. Yes, they are big.

Here we all are. VERY tired, but so.so.so. happy.

Philip got to press the “special” button that played music for all of the hospital to hear…announcing the birth of our son.

 

Nathanael had many visitors at the hospital.

So many people love him already. We are truly blessed.

He also had some very small visitors come to see him. Hooray for cousins!

Grandma and Grandpa De Jong

Grandma and Grandpa Huckabone

Getting ready to leave the hospital.

We’re a family!

Philip took such great care of Nathanael and I.

Getting ready for his first car ride and being safely strapped in by Daddy.

All ready to go!

 

Happy Birthday, Nathanael John!

We are so happy you are here.