The Jolliff Family

I have the best job in the world. I get to see babies be born and families welcome these precious new little people into their lives. My job is great... most days. I have been rather preoccupied with work this past week. I had a sweet baby boy die just minutes after being born. I don't write that to sound morbid or to scare anyone, it's just the truth. The truth also is that we don't know the time or the date in which we will die. The Bible says "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be a born and a time to die." As I think about about that horrible day in the ER last week that I experienced the death of this infant, I know God is teaching me the gift of each day. Sure, I know that each day is a gift, but I often take that for granted. Over the past week, I have been able to slow down and enjoy the gift God has given to Hap and I. It seems as though Sam has been in our lives so much longer than just six months. We ...

YES!! It is true, we are from Illinois but we are big IU fans! I say "WE" because Hap has truly convinced me in our last three plus years of marriage that he has converted and is truly an IU fan! Sam today opened his last Christmas present and to our surprise- it was an autographed basketball from IU Basketball's Head Coach Kelvin Sampson!! wow!! Thanks to my friend Courtney and Mama Mac! We had to do some rearranging in his room, but the ball has a place of honor among his treasured things on his wall! Take a look... Thanks friends and Coach:)

Sam LOVES food:) And we LOVE his faces:)

We had a play date today!! And Sam had such a great time too. All the babies are my co-workers kids. There were five pregnant on labor and delivery and we all delivered within 2.5 months of eachother. There were also numerous other people pregnant in the Maternity Center that couldn't make it today, but hopefully next month! It is fun to see all the babies together and how much alike they are in development! Babies from left to right- Hannah, Gavin, Samantha, Sam and Addison. Check out the fun pictures of the date... Addison giving Sam some lovin' Hannah and her mommy On another note... Sam had his six month check up yesterday. He weighs in at 15lbs which is more than double his birth weight and he is 25 inches long. The doctor was happy with his progress and how he is developing. The downside to this appointment was four more shots:( He was a trooper though and took a nice long nap in the afternoon!! Next weight check and appointment will be in three months...

Hap, Sam and I were able to enjoy a few days last week in Nashville, Tennessee. We had a great time of "togetherness" and a much needed break from cell phones and emails. While in Nashville, we visited The Hermitage and Downtown Nashville. We also enjoyed exploring our hotel, The Opryland Hotel. The place is huge and beautiful. Sam went for a "swim" while on our trip and enjoyed splashing around. He definately looked the best in his swim suit!! We also were able to visit with Hap's cousin Clay and his wife Darcey and their daughter Margot. It was a fun evening of dinner and conversation. We are thankful for the break we were able to have together as a family.

Sam is SIX months old! It's so hard to believe. It seems like we were just anxiously awaiting the arrival of Baby J. It doesn't seem possible that the baby who could only lay in one position is now rolling around, playing in his exersaucer, eatting "real" food, and having so much personality. He is just a joy to Hap and I. We never could have imagined before his arrival just how much we love him. He is a blessing everyday!