meeting bennett.

A sweet, snuggly, baby boy joined our family last week and we are eternally grateful.

Meet our little snugglebug.

Bennett David Johnson

April 15, 2015

6 lbs 11 oz. | 19 3/4 inches long

born at 5:42 pm

Bennett decided that he would like to meet us earlier than normal (3 weeks, actually) and we are so thankful that he is healthy, and did not need any of the medial aid sometimes necessary to babies born before full term. This little guy in the 1 week of life outside the womb has won. us. over. In our arms is his favorite place to be and we wouldn't have it any other way.

This "newborn-ness" is so fleeting, and I never ever want to forget his wrinkly knees, flappy arm creases, pink little feet, and the soft fuzz around his ears. His unexplainably soft skin, his pointy upper lip, his teeny tiny ankles, or the vice grip of those little fingers. 

As we've been drinking in his little life this week, amidst the (expected) shaking of our world, sleep, routine, and fatigue, we would appreciate prayers for Bennett's eating habits and growth. Because of his early arrival, it is very common for babies of his gestational age to struggle with some of the basic skills for life outside of mom right now - like eating. 

This week has been building more patience, trust, and endurance in us than any experience in our whole life. Jared and I have been having to work at things with Bennett to get him the proper nutrients above and beyond just the normal hard work of a newborn, and we are pressing forward one hour at a time. We would appreciate prayers that Bennett gains weight, and gains more of a desire to eat. 

Jared and I have been clinging to MANY scripture passages this last week, and specifically, our tunnel vision over this stage of where Bennett is at with his growth and feeding has been on Colossians 1:9-12. We are asking God to give us complete knowledge of his will, to give us spiritual wisdom and understanding over Bennett's care. We are praying that we are being strengthened with God's glorious power so that we have all the endurance and patience we need to tackle each feeding, night, and day. And ultimately, that we are being filled with JOY, ALWAYS remembering to thank the Father.

It has been quite easy through this first week to see all the things that we have to manage, worry about, be anxious about in regards to Bennett's health and not being able to "control" how he wants to eat. But ultimately, our God has brought us this far, and He is not leaving anytime soon! So we continue to take one day at a time, and meditate on every single way the Lord has had his hand over Bennett's life the last 9 months. 

And at the end of the day, we have a perfect, blessed, snuggly, sweet, clear eyed little boy.

And we love him so much.