You don’t know me, but I’ve been following this journey for a few weeks now. I just wanted to say that I love how you guys gave captured this whole process with such love, faith, and humor. I love that Jessica is giving you such a hard time about getting to sleep in a quiet bed. Trust me, you’ll still be hearing about that when Elias has his first child:) Anyway, I wanted to comment that Jessica, you do look amazing and beautiful and meant to be a mom! You are a beautiful family! Congratulations!!
I came across your blog from Angie’s and have throughly enjoyed watching you go through this journey. The videos are amazing and I thank you for inviting perfect strangers to share in your joy. The three of you are in my thoughts and prayers daily. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for you!
Yes, I echo the thanks expressed already. I have followed your story during these past few months, loved Matthew’s irreverence and honesty. Thank you for being you, and for sharing your journey with others of us on our own life journeys. May you continue to know God’s richest blessings and close presence in the long days and nights and years to come.
Huge Congrats! From a total stranger…gotta love the internet. It has been a joy sharing this experience with you. You kids are just the sweetest. Enjoy every single second of the life of Elias…..as I am sure you have heard before…he will be grown before you know it. As a Grandma I can verify that is soooo true. Hugs! Sherry
What a beautiful baby you two brought into this world! Congratulations on your sweet little new life!!! He is beautiful!! The sleepness nights are so worth it, trust me. My little one just turned 1! Check her out if you like but I’m sure you are busy! http://www.fosterfamily07.blogspot.com.
Awww, man… you can tell Elias is going to grow up in a seriously fun household and will learn the term “sarcasm” by age three months. You all look so amazingly happy and the cheeks on that baby are about more than I can handle.
I hope you all continue to do well and that sweet little boy brings you as much joy in the future as he is bringing you now. Continued prayers for your healing, Jessica. Considering your labor was longer than he is old in that video, Matthew should be required to do the next thirty hours of diaper duty 🙂
Goodness, what a sweet looking family! Jessica, you look awesome -no sleep and all! And I think you should go home, sleep for many hours and let daddy change a few muddy ones! lol SO glad I stumbled across this blog – so fun!
My sweet brother and sister-in-law and now with my precious nephew. As tears are streaming down my face- I know I know I am such a baby-I am thinking about how wonderful it is to see you as a family. I cannot wait to see you in a few weeks. I love you all dearly and miss you even more.
Finally I get to see Jess since the delivery, gosh I was beginning to wonder what they had done with you. 🙂 I love that I can see you together and like Lis it also brings tears to my eyes. You look beautiful Jess as usual, get Matt to tell you about Kelley.
Jess, I have loved you from the beginning as a person and then as My son`s wife and now as my precious grandson`s mom. I know your mom, dad and Melissa will have a wonderful week with you two, please don`t let them kiss him all away.
SO cute, you two!! Congratulations… Oh, and I do have to agree with Matt, you do look amazing. After having a babies, most of my friends look like they’ve been hit by a truck, poor things, but you look great. If I ever have a baby, I’ll have to find out how you did it! 🙂 Vitamins… Minerals… Anyhoo, 🙂 congratulations! 🙂
You 2 are HILLARIOUS!!!!! We LOVE all your videos. Jessica looks STUNNING! And, baby Elias is beautiful (and, yes, Matt, he DOES have more hair than you – hee, hee!)
Now, you know that when he gets older he will go thru some stages that will not be so wonderful, so keep the videos of you, Matt, doting over him to remind yourself how much you love him and it might be a good idea to show them to him, too. 😉
You have the glow of a new mom, but I think Elias looks the best out of all of you. He is just too cute. Followed your story after Angie posted the information. Fun for me to see a new mom/family. Thanks for sharing your story.
You ALL look GREAT! 🙂 uh – poopy diapers – the nurses did that in ’79 and ’81 for me. Ah – the OLDE days – but you are a very HANDS on mom! That’s great too! Keep up the great work and have a great day 2!
Matthew and Jessica, Elias is absolutely gorgeous – Jess, you look beautiful too! I’m so happy for you guys, and look forward to speaking with you guys soon!
You don’t know me, but I got to your site via Angie’s and I’ve been watching/reading about baby Elias for the past few days! Congratulations! He’s beautiful! Emily Sayre, PA
What a beautiful baby! He’s got oh so pinchable cheeks! I came from Angie’s blog on Friday and have been keeping up and praying since. Your labor sounds similar, yet more intense, to my 2nd one. I’m sorry you had to go through such agony to get that guy. But, I also know that for me, the moment I held my guy for the first time it was sooo worth every minute. Now granted, with baby three I went for the epidural much sooner! You guys have inspired me and made me laugh. If I ever have a forth child I’m totally blogging through the whole things!
Best wishes and enjoy every scrunched up little face and every kiss to theose cheeks!
I have to say “ditto” on everything above! Jessica is darling, baby is adorable–such a beautiful round head, not squished at all!
Now daddy…you are AMAZING!! I knew I had to write to you because the “sign” God gave me was the code I had to type: “dad g.” I KNOW it means “great dad!” Your cooing and rocking and awareness that Elias is “mocking” your expessions is EXCEPTIONALLY good parenting!
I LOVE your interactions with your beautiful newborn strapping healthy son!When you ask him “Can you say “hi?” it makes me dizzy with joy! You are teaching him love! I am a grandma so I know these things!
When my daughter was an infant, I said “hi, hi” to every “ahhh” sound she made. (She was my third in 3 years so I had picked up some skills.) By FOUR MONTHS she was saying “hi.” She said “hi Dad” on the phone when I asked her to–at 8months!! She had a 50 word vocabulary at 12 months.
Honestly, I have witnesses at the University of Washington (state)! They were real words. She was cracking us up singing “Chantilly Lace” by the Big Bopper at age two. So fun!!
Now, of course, my baby was the SECOND most wonderful baby in the universe next to Elias but I see that you are well on your way to having a very contented and chatty little boy!
I haven’t seen mommy with him and I am sure she is fabulous, too, but Matthew, you are incredibly warm and responsive! I LOVE it!
Jessica, don’t be surprised if you “crash” soon after these intense days and hours. Rest whenever you can and watch out for crazy hormones! MY HOTTEST TIP: learn how to nurse lying down!! It is the best way to cuddle and recover–and catch a few more “zzz’s.”
The “let-down” reflex when the milk flows signals a natural tranquilizer and you will want to take advantage of that warm bonding glow. (Cheers for oxytocin!)Bonding, convenience, economy plus baby brain building are a few of the wonderful benefits God designed so get all the lactation support you possibly can from LaLeche League or whomever. Don’t be discouraged. (I love an earlier comment that the “toe curling phase” doesn’t last long!)
You don’t know me but thanks for welcoming me to your story–Angie’s blog steered me to your wonderful family. Thank you for sharing the trials and the joy!
In Jesus’ love, Michal Ann immichal@yahoo.com~~sorry, I am not “anonymous” but it won’t take my pword!”
Oh Dear Ones, You are well on your way into parenthood…and believe me, there will be more sleepless nights…it just comes with the territory! Jessica, you are as radiant as ever and obviously loved by your Matthew. Just gently squeeze Elias’ tiny toes and take in that new baby smell for me! Oh man, I can just see your mom and dad oogling over that darling little boy. Hugs to all. Momma Shar
You are a lovely family … just beaming (and rightly so)! Elias is a good looking guy; and, yes, Jessica looks radiant (you definitely don’t look like “crap,” one of my favorite words!). You have much for which to be thankful. Thank you for sharing this special time with your blog friends.
Few things are more exciting to me than seeing a new family ready to pass God’s love (and a sense of humor) to a new generation. Congratulations on beginning this parenting journey. Enjoy the ride!
Ok….you guys are THE CUTEST family! I just happened upon your site and know that I’m going to really enjoy reading through old posts and your through your books!
Watching the videos reminded me of the birth of our first baby….thank you for sharing your big moment with me!
May God richly bless your little family in the coming years.
I have been going through internet withdrawl…flew home from Utah yesterday, to learn that there was NO internet connection. I was so bummed that I couldn’t catch up as I knew there would be more video updates. So here I sit at 11:30 pm Monday at the Dunkin Donuts (I know, not Starbucks since I live in the middle of nowehre…don’t have one) so I could get logged on and visit.
You do look amazing, Jessica, and no, Matthew, you won’t live down that you went home and slept in your own bed.
I also love your humor, irreverance, transparency and joie de vivre. It is what made me a fan after I read your first book.
And Jessica, don’t freak if you pass clots the size of an egg. Especially right after your nurse and are done flinching when he latches on. You look beautiful!
You don’t know me, but I’ve been following this journey for a few weeks now. I just wanted to say that I love how you guys gave captured this whole process with such love, faith, and humor. I love that Jessica is giving you such a hard time about getting to sleep in a quiet bed. Trust me, you’ll still be hearing about that when Elias has his first child:) Anyway, I wanted to comment that Jessica, you do look amazing and beautiful and meant to be a mom! You are a beautiful family! Congratulations!!
Kristi
I came across your blog from Angie’s and have throughly enjoyed watching you go through this journey. The videos are amazing and I thank you for inviting perfect strangers to share in your joy. The three of you are in my thoughts and prayers daily. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for you!
Yes, I echo the thanks expressed already. I have followed your story during these past few months, loved Matthew’s irreverence and honesty. Thank you for being you, and for sharing your journey with others of us on our own life journeys. May you continue to know God’s richest blessings and close presence in the long days and nights and years to come.
Grace and peace to you all.
Huge Congrats!
From a total stranger…gotta love the internet. It has been a joy sharing this experience with you. You kids are just the sweetest. Enjoy every single second of the life of Elias…..as I am sure you have heard before…he will be grown before you know it. As a Grandma I can verify that is soooo true.
Hugs!
Sherry
you don’t look like crap, jessica. i think you look cleaned up than matthew. 🙂
*more cleaned up…
whoops*
What a beautiful baby you two brought into this world! Congratulations on your sweet little new life!!! He is beautiful!! The sleepness nights are so worth it, trust me. My little one just turned 1! Check her out if you like but I’m sure you are busy! http://www.fosterfamily07.blogspot.com.
Oh and Jessica, you look stunning!!
Awww, man… you can tell Elias is going to grow up in a seriously fun household and will learn the term “sarcasm” by age three months. You all look so amazingly happy and the cheeks on that baby are about more than I can handle.
I hope you all continue to do well and that sweet little boy brings you as much joy in the future as he is bringing you now. Continued prayers for your healing, Jessica. Considering your labor was longer than he is old in that video, Matthew should be required to do the next thirty hours of diaper duty 🙂
sara
http://www.gitzengirl.blogspot.com
God bless you sweet Elias!!! welcome to the world!!
blessings ~
Goodness, what a sweet looking family! Jessica, you look awesome -no sleep and all! And I think you should go home, sleep for many hours and let daddy change a few muddy ones! lol
SO glad I stumbled across this blog – so fun!
My sweet brother and sister-in-law and now with my precious nephew. As tears are streaming down my face- I know I know I am such a baby-I am thinking about how wonderful it is to see you as a family. I cannot wait to see you in a few weeks. I love you all dearly and miss you even more.
Lis
Finally I get to see Jess since the delivery, gosh I was beginning to wonder what they had done with you. 🙂 I love that I can see you together and like Lis it also brings tears to my eyes. You look beautiful Jess as usual, get Matt to tell you about Kelley.
Jess, I have loved you from the beginning as a person and then as My son`s wife and now as my precious grandson`s mom.
I know your mom, dad and Melissa will have a wonderful week with you two, please don`t let them kiss him all away.
We will see you next week. love, mom
SO cute, you two!! Congratulations… Oh, and I do have to agree with Matt, you do look amazing. After having a babies, most of my friends look like they’ve been hit by a truck, poor things, but you look great. If I ever have a baby, I’ll have to find out how you did it! 🙂 Vitamins… Minerals… Anyhoo, 🙂 congratulations! 🙂
Congrats to you both! You both look beautiful and happy! Matthew, I hope Jessica lets you out of the doghouse soon. haha
Hi Matt and Jessica,
I’m Olivia Johnson’s mom…
You 2 are HILLARIOUS!!!!! We LOVE all your videos. Jessica looks STUNNING! And, baby Elias is beautiful (and, yes, Matt, he DOES have more hair than you – hee, hee!)
Now, you know that when he gets older he will go thru some stages that will not be so wonderful, so keep the videos of you, Matt, doting over him to remind yourself how much you love him and it might be a good idea to show them to him, too. 😉
Jeremiah 29:11
Matthew 18:10
God bless your FAMILY!
Debbie Johnson
You have the glow of a new mom, but I think Elias looks the best out of all of you. He is just too cute. Followed your story after Angie posted the information. Fun for me to see a new mom/family. Thanks for sharing your story.
Prayers, blessings, and love,
Jennifer
You ALL look GREAT! 🙂 uh – poopy diapers – the nurses did that in ’79 and ’81 for me. Ah – the OLDE days – but you are a very HANDS on mom! That’s great too!
Keep up the great work and have a great day 2!
Actually, you do look so wonderful, Jess! You look very relaxed and peaceful and just content.
Congrats guys!!! He’s gorgeous!
Matthew and Jessica,
Elias is absolutely gorgeous – Jess, you look beautiful too! I’m so happy for you guys, and look forward to speaking with you guys soon!
Love,
Nancy Buchanan
jessica, you definitely dont look like you just had a baby! You guys are a beautiful family!!! elias jude is so darn cute!
You don’t know me, but I got to your site via Angie’s and I’ve been watching/reading about baby Elias for the past few days! Congratulations! He’s beautiful! Emily Sayre, PA
Congratulations, you two!
Elias is beautiful, and this video is adorable!!
What a beautiful baby! He’s got oh so pinchable cheeks! I came from Angie’s blog on Friday and have been keeping up and praying since. Your labor sounds similar, yet more intense, to my 2nd one. I’m sorry you had to go through such agony to get that guy. But, I also know that for me, the moment I held my guy for the first time it was sooo worth every minute. Now granted, with baby three I went for the epidural much sooner! You guys have inspired me and made me laugh. If I ever have a forth child I’m totally blogging through the whole things!
Best wishes and enjoy every scrunched up little face and every kiss to theose cheeks!
btw… you both look pretty good!
I have to say “ditto” on everything above! Jessica is darling, baby is adorable–such a beautiful round head, not squished at all!
Now daddy…you are AMAZING!! I knew I had to write to you because the “sign” God gave me was the code I had to type: “dad g.” I KNOW it means “great dad!” Your cooing and rocking and awareness that Elias is “mocking” your expessions is EXCEPTIONALLY good parenting!
I LOVE your interactions with your beautiful newborn strapping healthy son!When you ask him “Can you say “hi?” it makes me dizzy with joy! You are teaching him love! I am a grandma so I know these things!
When my daughter was an infant, I said “hi, hi” to every “ahhh” sound she made. (She was my third in 3 years so I had picked up some skills.) By FOUR MONTHS she was saying “hi.” She said “hi Dad” on the phone when I asked her to–at 8months!! She had a 50 word vocabulary at 12 months.
Honestly, I have witnesses at the University of Washington (state)! They were real words. She was cracking us up singing “Chantilly Lace” by the Big Bopper at age two. So fun!!
Now, of course, my baby was the SECOND most wonderful baby in the universe next to Elias but I see that you are well on your way to having a very contented and chatty little boy!
I haven’t seen mommy with him and I am sure she is fabulous, too, but Matthew, you are incredibly warm and responsive! I LOVE it!
Jessica, don’t be surprised if you “crash” soon after these intense days and hours. Rest whenever you can and watch out for crazy hormones! MY HOTTEST TIP: learn how to nurse lying down!! It is the best way to cuddle and recover–and catch a few more “zzz’s.”
The “let-down” reflex when the milk flows signals a natural tranquilizer and you will want to take advantage of that warm bonding glow. (Cheers for oxytocin!)Bonding, convenience, economy plus baby brain building are a few of the wonderful benefits God designed so get all the lactation support you possibly can from LaLeche League or whomever. Don’t be discouraged. (I love an earlier comment that the “toe curling phase” doesn’t last long!)
You don’t know me but thanks for welcoming me to your story–Angie’s blog steered me to your wonderful family. Thank you for sharing the trials and the joy!
In Jesus’ love, Michal Ann
immichal@yahoo.com~~sorry, I am not “anonymous” but it won’t take my pword!”
I lied. This pesky thing changed it’s mind.
Oh Dear Ones, You are well on your way into parenthood…and believe me, there will be more sleepless nights…it just comes with the territory! Jessica, you are as radiant as ever and obviously loved by your Matthew. Just gently squeeze Elias’ tiny toes and take in that new baby smell for me! Oh man, I can just see your mom and dad oogling over that darling little boy. Hugs to all. Momma Shar
You are a lovely family … just beaming (and rightly so)! Elias is a good looking guy; and, yes, Jessica looks radiant (you definitely don’t look like “crap,” one of my favorite words!). You have much for which to be thankful. Thank you for sharing this special time with your blog friends.
Congrats! So happy for you guys. And I finally meet Jessica—-via video that is. Why are you hiding her Matthew? She’s delightful. Love to you guys.
Cam
Few things are more exciting to me than seeing a new family ready to pass God’s love (and a sense of humor) to a new generation. Congratulations on beginning this parenting journey. Enjoy the ride!
Ok….you guys are THE CUTEST family! I just happened upon your site and know that I’m going to really enjoy reading through old posts and your through your books!
Watching the videos reminded me of the birth of our first baby….thank you for sharing your big moment with me!
May God richly bless your little family in the coming years.
actually, one of the first things i thought when the video started was that jessica looked so refreshed!
what a beautiful boy! 🙂
I have been going through internet withdrawl…flew home from Utah yesterday, to learn that there was NO internet connection. I was so bummed that I couldn’t catch up as I knew there would be more video updates. So here I sit at 11:30 pm Monday at the Dunkin Donuts (I know, not Starbucks since I live in the middle of nowehre…don’t have one) so I could get logged on and visit.
You do look amazing, Jessica, and no, Matthew, you won’t live down that you went home and slept in your own bed.
I also love your humor, irreverance, transparency and joie de vivre. It is what made me a fan after I read your first book.
And Jessica, don’t freak if you pass clots the size of an egg. Especially right after your nurse and are done flinching when he latches on. You look beautiful!
Blessings, Kathy P.