Halloween Harvest Time

Happy Halloween everyone! This is Joel's first "Holiday" and we had a lot of fun dressing him in his Jack-O-Lantern (thanks Jen!) and skulls outfits. We got our pumpkin at the Strawberry Farms Pumpkin Patch this year and Jessica impressed us all with her Pumpkin carving skills. Pretty good for the first time, eh? Of course we took pics to share, so here they are.

He sleeps fine, thanks for asking

The first question we get asked from almost everyone we meet, "how is he sleeping". We think that we are fortunate to get as many consecutive hours at a time as we do. Joel is 6 weeks old now, and he's holding his head up for extended periods at a time, smiling and talking a bit. Throughout my life I have heard that parents don't prefer one child over another. I now understand how that works. I have loved Jessica as much as I know how, and I do not love her any less after Joel has been born. In fact I love her more because I witnessed what she went through. But it is like I actually grew a new heart in which to love Joel. Now I have 2 hearts, and I don't love one more than the other, they are equally amazing and very dear to my heart. We as parents are doing quite well. Jessica has gotten the all clear to resume her workout routine and seeks to get into tip top shape. I have gained a number of extra pounds due in part to the number of people who have helped us out with delicious meals. We have had professional photos taken of the three of us, as well as a session with the whole Johnson, Johnson and Kerns families for Lynette's Birthday. Here is a new slideshow which can let you in on our life the past month. Enjoy.

3 Weeks Later

We've finished our 2 week doctor appointment and he's growing bigger and heavier and the doctor says that he's healthy. Here are a some observations about our new lives after 3 weeks. First, why are some of the tenderest moments between a mother and child so inappropriate to take pictures of in our society. Second, I would like a moment to talk about Real Men. I have heard that Real Men don't cry, Real Men get on their knees and pray, Real Men don't wear purple unless they're royalty. I would like to propose that Real Men change DIRTY diapers at ungodly hours in the morning. Third, now that I've personally witnessed the miracle of childbirth I am more in awe of our Creator and his plan, and have tremendously more respect for Mothers around the world. Fourth, I've now realized that I won't break a baby, and I can get used to changing diapers. Fifth, I thoroughly enjoy hanging out with my son and my wife. If we could find a way to not work and both stay at home, it would be fantastic. Sixth, I know that every parent loves to brag about their children, but I believe that we have the cutest Baby EVER. Seventh, the Diaper Genie needs to be about 3 times its regular size, I feel like I change that thing every day. Eighth, Only through the grace of God can a single teenage mother survive even one day, let alone raise a well-adjusted youngster. The demands of a newborn's attention don't allow for much down time to relax or even take care of yourself.

Here are a couple of pictures from our friends and family that came to visit.

More Precious Moments

We are 5 days into this new adventure and we're having a great time. Of course there is the lack of sleep to deal with, but the precious moments make it all worth it. We've been to the doctor and we were told that he's doing fine. Thanks to everyone for all of the support that you have provided. With all of our friends and family around in the digital age, we keep getting new pictures, therefore we've had to create another slideshow as well as include Mark's favorite picture. Enjoy.

You are my Joy

Joel Aaron Kerns

9-3-2009, 2:37 pm

5 lb 15 oz

18 in

Mother and Baby are very healthy.

Here are some first glimpses of our new family:

9 days left

Hey devoted followers,

Thanks for checking in from time to time on our insights into this whole pregnancy thing. I can tell you that it has been a 2 eye opener for both of us. We are extremely excited that what was 9 months to go is now just less than 2 weeks to our due date. You can look up all sorts of stats about how accurate the whole due date is and you'll get lots of answers, but due to God's chosen timing we are excited that our son is just about to arrive. The baby's room has been renovated, moved, cleaned and decorated more times than I even want to count. The car seat is already in the car. We have our bags packed and we are ready to go. (not on a jet plane) We've plotted the most efficient path to the hospital and are trying to catch up on as much sleep as we can. We are as prepared as most people are for the delivery process and bringing our son home. But for our world to be turned upside down, we can only hope that we enjoy the ride. In my Boot Camp for New Dad's book, there's a quote that says "Everybody says it's going to change your life. OK -well what does that mean?" What it means is that even though you've planned for it, it is still going to be more fulfilling, more meaningful, and more humbling than anything you've ever done in your life. A common phrase that I've heard is "Once that baby fixes in on your eyes, it just steals your heart for the rest of your life." Growing up, I had heard that it wasn't macho to cry or whatever but I will not be ashamed if I cry when I first look at, hold, sing to or caress my son. Nor will I be ashamed if I cry when I change a diaper. (for a different reason) How can you be prepared for something that is going to rock your world? Ask me in about 9 days, and I'm sure I'll tell you that I wasn't prepared at all.

Daddy MAK

ps. another picture of Jessica at 9+ months.

Showers, Chefs and Doctors

Sorry for the delay in this post. We have been very busy with things that I'm about to tell you and other normal things about life. (working, eating, sleeping) Well since we last wrote Jessica worked on the last minute details of the Registration for the Royal Family Kids camp which went really well. (for more on that ask Jim Farmer) Mark’s co-workers are quite excited for him and they surprised us with gifts of generosity. And there may have been a trip to a place called Urgent Care.

In the American tradition called Baby showers the attendees are mostly female. Being the not-always-traditional-folks that we are, we decided to have the guys join in some of the fun. I was interested in what happens at these estrogen dominated festivities, so why not attend his first child’s first party. We invited guys and girls and it was a blast. The guys played billiards and miniature golf while the girls enjoyed their silly games. The boys returned when it was time to open the gifts and a great time was had by all. Thanks to everyone for the generosity and support!

Mark’s company is graciously working with him to take 6 weeks off after the birth of our Baby instead of the 3+ weeks we were planning on. We are extremely grateful for this gift of irreplaceable time for bonding, recovery and world introduction. Since he has more time off, don’t think we’ll call on your (all of you) support any less. We have taken more training classes and what we keep hearing is that we will inevitably, and indefinitely, be exhausted, but it will all be worth it.

Jessica has begun her Pampered Chef career and is excitedly sharing many of the helpful products that she’s learned about. Maybe you can schedule a party and she’ll tell you all about. (shameless advertisement) While prepping for her Grand Opening cooking show there was a bit of an accident before it even began. While cleaning one of the knives, she sliced her finger. She said it didn’t hurt much, but it wouldn’t stop bleeding, so she was taken by her Mom (as Mark wasn’t allowed near the party) to the Urgent Care nearby. It required 5 stitches and with a good attitude she returned to her party, which was just about to begin. With the aid of her friend and mentor the Grand Opening went off without a hitch. Now we are officially open for business. Keep her in mind for all of your kitchen needs. (another shameless plug)

We have added a couple of pictures of Jessica at 8 ½ months and 9 months below.