Sitting Tall

Jaden's favorite posture when wide awake is upright. Until now that has been on someone's shoulder but today we found some props to help him sit up on his own...it won't belong before he's crawling up on that couch to plop himself down. This sweet look on his face is pretty much the norm: interested, wide-eyed, content (unless it's around 6:00pm). The sweetest thing you've ever laid eyes on.

Strait Talk from Jaden Harris: Why you need to know Tom Rand

What do a presbyterian boys school Bible teacher, a bike, 3500 miles and kids in Africa have in common? Check out the website below for details.

In the last blog we mentioned our friend Tom Rand...Mom and Dad are so excited for him and proud of him. He cares about those who don't have an abundance like we do and he wants to do what he can to provide for the most essential physical need people have: food. I never have to worry about where my next meal comes from; God and my mom have that worked out every three hours...but some kids aren't as fortunate.

http://www.fh.org/ride

Tuesday at the Zoo

Tuesday's are free at the zoo and on this gorgeous spring day there's nowhere else we wanted to be! Mom spent two hours strolling me across every square inch of that animal kingdom (though the poor animals really don't have very much space to move around, I'm glad I'm not a zoo animal). She didn't get any pictures because Dad took the camera to work...and it's really ok because I slept the entire time and didn't even know we were ever there. So expect pictures of the first time I am awake at the zoo - it makes all the difference. In the mean time, this is a picture of my first time in a tent; naps at Shelby farms are delightful when you have an air-matressed tent to protect you from the wild. Dad went for a run with our friend Tom Rand while Mom and I chilled by the lake.

Home Sweet Home

Greetings! Today Cayce is feeling better than ever! We are so grateful to God for healing her as He has. We will soon be expecting a very distinguished guest, the soon to be wed Jay Anna Harris. Jay, here's a peak at your home-away-from-home looking brand new (note the new paint job) at the ripe age of 94.

Jaden, Mommy, and Daddy

We are all looking forward to April! We will be heading to Texas for Easter, Jay will come and visit two weeks before her wedding, and Patrick LaRochelle is coming to visit!

March's Last Weekend

Greetings! We have had a wonderful weekend and would like to share some photos. We are headed out to Shelby Farms where Joel will run with a friend, and Jaden and Cayce will enjoy this beautiful day our Lord has given us. Jaden had a great day at church, and met many new friends. He snored through most of the service, and got a bit fussy at the end. Both mom and son are doing great! Cayce took yesterday (Saturday) very easy. The shingles are slowly dissapating. Right now we just have to trust that they will disappear completely very soon.

For the Grandma's and Grandpaws

I love you guys and miss you, just thought you should know.
You guys are my heros!

Rainy Monday

It rained all night and all day but it didn't phase me: I slept less than ever today because it was Mom's first day without help (her arm is much better, praise God!). Instead of sleeping I wanted to practice my new faces and sounds! Mom loved them and cooed right back at me. She introduced me to a "rattle" and I even held it in my hand for a minute! She was so excited; who knew a worm rattle could be so much fun? These are pictures of me this morning getting a massage...it's a tough life.

Jaden's reflections on the past weekend...

I miss Amanda and her laugh, Mom and Dad told me about it but you have to hear it to believe it. I miss Will, he was so great to get me in my carseat safe and sound and to give me my passy when I dropped it! I miss Kate, she has a great shoulder to be held on - this summer when we all live together she can burp me after Joey, who I also miss, changes my diaper - he learned from the best: my dad!

Happy Birthday

It's amazing to look at my son and think that 26 years ago today I was that small! I'm sure he's ahead of me developmentally. Now he's making little noises, and it seems that he has more control of his arms. When he is going through a period of fitful sleep he shoots his little arms up in the air and he rubs his face with little hands. I woke up to find him sleeping next to me in bed and Amanda, Will, Kate, and Joey singing "Happy Birthday." Jaden was undisturbed. I think we were all surprised by the sweet melody at such an early hour. Joey and Kate left after some toast and group pictures. Will and Amanda will be leaving this evening, and we are headed to church shortly. This weekend has yielded many great conversations about the future and about life in the present. Cayce and I are so blessed to have friends with big hearts full of love for us and Jaden. I could not have imagined a better birthday.

Kate, Joey, Amanda and Will are all here! Yesterday, Amanda and Will flew in at around 9.45 am. Joey and Kate arrived the night before around 10 pm. We have all been blessed to spend focused time together. Yesterday (Friday) we made breakfast tacos, sat around sharing stories, and talked about Jaden Patrick. We have mentioned many times how excited we all are to spend the entire summer together at Noah's in the same house! In the afternoon Joey, Will and I played some frisbee and walked around the neighborhood. This morning has been delightful- a nice breakfast at Brother Juniper's and conversation on the patio.
More to come!

Despite my high opinions of my awareness, Cayce certainly surprised me tonight! Avery and Marilyn Bridges hosted my 26th birthday party. It was a blast! Marilyn is convinced that Jaden will some day marry her daughter Brook. Jaden seems to be a bit uncomfortable with the idea. Thankfully, the party was a low-pressure atmosphere and both infants kept their distance. The party was very special for me. It was a gift to be surrounded by our wonderful friends, and on such a beautiful night. We dined on pizza and brownies. Avery ignited a small fire used for warmth and smore production. It was a fantastic birthday party, thanks to my wife, who coordinated everything. Thanks also to the Bridges who joyfully opened up their home.

My Youngest Days

If you didn't get to meet me when I was born, you should know that I wasn't always this big. Mom was really thankful that I was relatively small: 6 lbs 6 ounces. But I didn't waste anytime...at four weeks old I now weigh in at 9.75 lbs and 21 inches!

Hello world! This morning I am nearly five weeks old. My daddy nearly 26. My mommy is two months from being 24 (that's old!). We live in Memphis, TN. My favorite things include (but are not limited to) feeding, sleeping, running (with daddy), walking, crying, and digesting. I really can't complain about anything. I've got these people waiting on me hand and foot. People are traveling from all over the nation just to see me. If this is how it is after only 5 weeks I wonder what it will be like in 5 years! I am making a bit more noise these days. My neck is gaining strength, and I really like to have daddy or mommy help me stand up when I straighten my legs. My hair is falling out up top, but still growing steadily down my neck. I feel that a mullett is the best possible hairstyle for me right now. Lastly, I would like to give my mommy a "shout out." She is so caring, so patient, never gets frustrated when I enjoy a good long cry, and all of this while valiently battling shingles. She really is a wondermom!

Greetings friends and family! We are exceedingly pleased with the lives God has given us, and very honored that He would entrust us with the responsibility of caring for one of His little ones, Jaden Patrick. We also want to keep everyone updated on what is going on with little Jaden and his parents. Hopefully, this will be a good forum for doing just that! We will attempt to keep this updated regularly with pictures and comments, and remember - we are certainly amateurs at this!