Better half

As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.                                                                                                                                 --Psalm 103:13 

I have to take this Father's Day-eve opportunity to brag on my husband.  Since the day we met, Mark has worked so hard to make me happy.  He loves showing me how much he cares about me; you can see his eyes light up when he successfully surprises me with a note or flowers or a rack full of clean dishes.  He is someone who truly gets satisfaction out of making others' days.  

Now, we have a sweet baby boy...a baby boy that requires a lot of Momma and Daddy.  Mark is not only willing to fulfill those needs, but seems to thrive on it.  He glows when we take Garrett out in public.  I can't count how many pictures he has texted to our friends and family.  He changes diapers, and has never said "this one's yours!" He helps with nighttime feedings like a champ...he practically jumps out of bed (which, if you know Mark, is quite impressive!).  As if all of this weren't enough, he helps his OCD wife keep the house clean so that we're ready for guests whenever they may happen to stop by.  I am difficult to live with...I know this.  Mark would probably disagree, but I know the truth.  Haha.  It's something I am working hard to change, and it takes daily prayer and intent to keep myself in check.  I have this habit of over-reacting to things, and getting worked up at a moment's notice.  It's not something I choose, however I know it's something I can work on.  But Mark is so gracious and forgiving, and doesn't remind me of all my mistakes.  He doesn't call me out when I have to apologize for the same things over and over again.  He just listens intently, assures me he's here for me, and reminds me who's in control.  I am truly blessed, and lucky to have Mark as my husband and Garrett's father.  God has given me so much more than I deserve, and I am forever grateful. 


Happy [first] Father's Day, Mark Hogue.  You make my heart happy; Garrett and I love you. :) 

The gift

Finally, I'm updating again!  It has been a crazy, wonderful week.  It's hard to imagine that just 7 days ago, I was in the beginning hours of labor.  I never could have guessed it would take our little Garrett 22 hours to finally arrive!  We spent about 3-and-a-half days in the hospital where we had many happy visitors.  Garrett has been held by at least 30 people so far...haha.  Breastfeeding is going well and, despite a little jaundice, Garrett is already climbing back up to the scale to his birth weight of 8 lbs.  God is so good :)  There's much more to share, but there's a hungry baby who needs his momma.  In closing (for now) I'll share some of my favorite photos.

Three minutes old.

Sharing our love with our baby boy.

Resting in the hospital.

He's so in love. This is how they spend most of our time at home :)

Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. ::Psalm 127:3

Hubby

"I'm young...(pause)...I'm restless...(pause)...I'm 'young and restless!'" -spoken by Mark as he wanders around the house on this warm, June evening.

Hahaha. I'm so blessed :)

...still waiting.

We're still  patiently [sort of] waiting.  Our doctor told us there was no progress as of Tuesday, and said he'll see us on Monday the 6th. So for now, we get to pass the time doing things around the house and relaxing (Mark finished his 2010-11 teaching year yesterday).  After last week's cleaning spree, it's become harder and harder to pass the time around the house.  I've started doing things I normally avoid/would never do, just to make the hours go faster.  Among them was painting flowers on the cheap hummingbird feeder I purchased at Lowe's, sweeping out the garage (Grandpa Kobel would be proud), taking pictures of the dogs doing cute things, etc.  Mark and I have also gotten some quality time with both of our families.  Everyone is telling us to enjoy this time together before things change forever...so that's what we're focusing on.  Tomorrow we're even going to clean out the basement.  Wow.  We are getting desperate :) Here are some photos from the last few days:

  



Nikki and Tio don't know what to do with themselves, either. Such good pups waiting for baby.

$4.09 Bird feeder before

$4.09 Bird feeder after my less-than-perfect addition of blue flowers

Now it's official :) 

Hope your week has been a good one, and enjoy the coming weekend!  Don't forget to find the joy in the little things :)