It's already been a month...

WOW...time flies when you're having fun! Naaman Jack's first month has been very exciting!!! At 2 weeks he weighed in at 7 pounds, 2 ounces...at 3 weeks he weighed 7 pounds, 12 ounces...and at 4 weeks he weighed 8 pounds, 14 ounces. As you can see, those Ballentine genes run strong! He pretty much looks JUST like his Daddy...with the exception of his eyes. He has his Daddy's cheeks, lips, nose, facial shape, hairline, toes, complexion...and he even sneezes just like his Daddy (which is ALWAYS more than one time, usually it's 2 or 3 sneezes in a row). I have posted a TON of pictues because I am COMPLETELY obsessed with my little man...

Every night when Brad gets home from work...straight to his arms little Naaman goes. He usually falls asleep...he LOVES cuddling with Daddy...

This series of pictures is my favorite so far. Notice how he is smiling...and he actually laughed at his Daddy...

He starts out a little serious...

...then he pops out this little grin...

Here he is looking curious...thinking what in the world is my Daddy saying...

This is where he is laughing...

And finally back to being curious...

I had to snap this picture one afternoon while he was taking a nap in his swing...he just looked so comfy and cozy...it's rough being a baby!

We've been taking a lot of afternoon walks lately. Naaman Jack LOVES his stroller and always usually ends up falling asleep...

I just love how wide-eyed he is in this picture...

Naaman loves his Si Si (Aunt Heather). He is so comfortable around her and feels secure. He is usually calm and content in her arms...

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE watching my little man when he is starting to wake up from a nap...here are a few pictures of how adorable that time is...

BIG stretch...

He looks SO tiny in his car seat...I had to take this picture because before we know it he will have outgrown the thing...

Asleep in Popi's arms...

I think I mentioned this before...Naaman Jack does NOT like to sleep in his crib. I was holding him during one of naps and went to put him down so I could get some stuff done around the house...it wasn't 3o seconds later that he was screaming for his Mommy to come pick him up!

Maternity Pics

One lazy Saturday morning...

This is pretty much what our weekends look like...Brad has been great about taking the little man in the morning after he eats so I can try and catch up on some zzz's. My Dad (Popi) actually took this picture when he came over and couldn't find any of us. Much to his surprise, we were all still in bed...

Naaman Jack's First Week...

Wow! I really didn't think I could love someone this much...Naaman Jack is perfect in EVERY way. The first week was so very memorable! At just six days old, Naaman went in for his first doctor visit so they could check and see how he was doing. He weighed in at 6 pounds, 8 ounces...almost back up to his birth weight...you grow baby! He LOVES sleeping on someone...he doesn't so much love sleeping in his crib. We are working on this. He definitely knows his daddy's voice...he will be asleep and when Brad walks in the room and says something he ALWAYS opens his bright, big eyes...it's really amazing to see! Between both our parents visiting, he hasn't had much time where he's been out of someone's arms...is it possible to spoil them this young? Oh well, I don't care...it's so worth it...and SO hard to put the little guy down. All we do is stare at him...and coo over every movement or noise he makes. This is so much fun...we're cherishing EACH and EVERY with our little man...

Scrub A Dub Dub...

What could be more fun than your first sponge bath?

Not so much! Little Naaman Jack was not at all thrilled about his scrub down...

I REALLY hate this Mom...please hurry and finish...PLEASE!!!

He seemed to like the warm towel straight from the dryer the best...AHHH!!!

Home from the hospital...

Yay!!! We were so excited for today because it's the day we get to go home as a family of THREE! This morning Naaman's Pediatrician and my OBGYN both came to check on us before 8:00 a.m. They cleared us to be released. I was enjoying some quality Mommy and Baby time while Brad packed up our things...

When we arrived home, Jeb and Kylie were anxiously awaiting the arrival of baby Naaman Jack. Here are some pictures that captured the moment...

The introduction went very well...better than we expected. Both dogs just smelled him and were very gentle...

It wasn't long before little Naaman Jack got tired of his furry friends...we couldn't help but snap a pic of that sad face...

2 Days Old!

Wow...what a difference a day can make! I woke up on Wednesday morning feeling like a whole new woman! We thought we'd share some pictures of our little man on his second day in the world...







Baby Naaman and his best friend Crew...I can't wait for them to play together!

We were very blessed to have lots of visitors...especially Naaman Jack's future playmates...Allie, Zane and Kamryn...

Happy Birthday Naaman Jack!!!

Baby Naaman arrived at 4:03 p.m. Tuesday, September 8...weighing in at 6 lbs, 11 oz and 19 3/4 inches!

Proud Papa and his son...

This was a sweet moment...the moment I've waited 40 long weeks for...I FINALLY get to hold my baby boy for the first time!!!

There are no words to describe just how I felt...he is absolutely AMAZING!!!



Nana and Popi with their new grand baby...

One last belly shot....

Here are a couple final belly shots before baby Naaman makes his debut! Brad and I headed to the hospital around 5:30 p.m. Monday. I was immediately given Cervidil to help my Cervix along. I was in labor all night with contraction starting at 6-8 minutes apart, which then moved to 4-6 minutes apart, and then finally 2-4 minutes. At 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 8 the Pitocin was started. I received my Epidural at 8:00 a.m., which by the way...was the best choice I've EVER made!!!

37 Weeks!

Well...Sunday marked 37 weeks and that means we are full term!!! Brad and I are SO very excited to meet our little bundle of joy. Here is the latest picture of my belly...