Daylen....6 Weeks Later

Today Daylen is 6 weeks old. These last couple of weeks have really flown by for us. Daylen is close to 12 lbs. now and is starting to fit his 3 month clothes. Of course the 0-3 clothes fit him better. It seems like only yesterday I was learning to determine what each cry meant and now I can tell, at least 80% of the time, what his cries mean. Daylen has slept all night 2 nights in a row without waking up. He has also started smiling a lot more. My sister, Jennifer, noticed the other day that when Daylen heard my voice he smiled and moved his eyes in my direction. He smiles when I move his chin down with my fingers, and when I blow on his neck or give him kisses. He has had his first 3 baths this week, which he LOVES. He slides down into the tub and hangs his feet off the side of the hammock to soak them in the water. He has started cooing which ultimately leads to a smile.

Daylen has been such a blessing to our family. This week has been especially hard on Darren's side of the family and Daylen keeps all of our spirits up. Darren and I have noticed how the Lord has used Daylen to bring more joy to the Lemons after the death of Brandon. It has been almost 8 months since his death and it is still hard on us. Sadly, Daylen's first Christmas will also be our first Christmas without Brandon. We know that the Lord will help us get through this Christmas season and begin new traditions and memories.

Darren and I bought Daylen a Bible for his first Christmas. Sean Belknap, one of our teens, works at Mardel and he imprinted "Daylen Keith Lemons" on the cover of his Bible. Darren decided to buy him building blocks to play with once he is able to sit up by himself. We also had his picture taken with Santa and his reindeer, a dachshund named Dixie. This Christmas Daylen will not be able to open his presents, so we look forward to next year when he is able to tear open the presents himself. Although Darren would LOVE for Daylen to already be walking, I am going to make sure I enjoy every minute that I am able to hold him.