Studio scene

I've been doing a little shopping.

I have a natural light studio and it's got a gorgeous window so I wanted to create a bed scene in front of it for portraits.  I am slowly easing back into work.  I have to admit, being your own boss is quite nice when it comes to maternity leave.

All of the items are from Bed, Bath & Beyond..and while I probably spent too much on them.. I love them! 

Not for the faint of heart

So there I was playing with Eli when my life forever changed.

The ungodly smells and sights that came out of him this afternoon is something I will never forget.

Poopsplosion

Poopageddon

Poo....

you get the point.

Up his back all around his waist..gag me.

I had no idea so much could come out of someone so tiny.

I didn't think David would believe me on how bad it was so I took a picture for him. Which I am sure he appreciated.

If this was a test I might have failed.

I gagged... a lot.

I almost picked up the phone to call someone to come in for help.

THAT's how bad it was.

Mommy mode took over and I did my best, realizing that in doing so it was still on him and now all over me too. 

So we had to shower.

Afterwards he was so content he took a nice long nap.

Hair & Hormones

I went out alone.

I am not one that enjoys going to the beauty salon, but it was time. 

Throughout the pregnancy if I was bored I would rub my belly and Eli would respond.  It's an emotional first step to go out alone after you'd had a baby.  But a necessary one. 

Sitting in that chair for almost 3 hours to get was torture.  I'd glance down and look at Eli's picture on my phone and blink away the tears.  I missed him.  I knew he was safe & sound at home with his Daddy, but I was hoping he needed me as much as I needed him.   For the past 9+ months I have had someone attached to me.  We were one, everything he needed he got from me.  Then he just had to be born (though really, I was way ready!) and the connection changed.

I decided to go for a drastic change.. I think I like it though it will not be a permanent color- I will not stay platinum forever.  It's something I've always wanted to try though..and I blame the hormones on the impulse! 

Run

For my shower, my sister bought us the carseat/jogger combo that I registered for-- and today we got to test that baby out!

Post baby workouts are a lot harder than one might think.  For one, you might have to try hard not to pee on yourself as you're moving up and down. 

I gained 50+ pounds during pregnancy..getting every inch back to where it was is going to take a lot of time. 

Also, I need to stop eating like I am still pregnant. 

I am glad to be running again- after 8 weeks of full bedrest and then birth, it's good to get out of the house for some fresh air! 

Eye Contact

He's been here over a month.

Time passes SO quickly!

He's stealing our hearts one moment at a time.

We've been getting some smiles and coos

The receding hairline makes me giggle

He is making connection with objects and with us- I know we're all still fuzzy..but it's fun to see him reach this first milestone. 

BFing

I think this is the only picture I have of Eli breastfeeding.

I was going to write out my whole story about how we decided to stop breastfeeding.  With tears in my eyes I actually did write it out, but then.. I deleted it.

It was/is a struggle for me that after a month we switched to formula.

But my child no longer cries because he's hungry.

I can wear a shirt again because my nipples have stopped bleeding.

I don't have to take antibiotics for mastitis. 

With both guilt and relief- we are done breastfeeding.

I am not sure why everyone makes such a big deal over breastmilk or formula.  

Just feed your children. 

Dear Eli { Month 1

My sweet baby Eli,

You made me a mother.  For that I am forever grateful.  You have only been with us for a month, and already we cannot imagine what life would be like without you.  I wouldn't trade the sleepless nights for anything in the world. You love snuggling and we happily oblige...all day long.   Although we have nothing to compare it to, you really are the best baby.  (Not to mention the cutest too!)  Rarely do we hear you cry.  You don't sleep too well but even if you did I would be up checking on you.  You sleep on my side of the bed in a rocker that's slightly inclined and you seem to love that.  You eat almost every hour but sometimes you'll give me 2-3 hours in the middle of the night.  You've learned to love bath time, but at first you were not a fan. (I think you were cold because we had to use a rag) You make the cutest noises..a grunty one when you need to be changed, snorting when you're hungry, and you squeal like a pig when you cry. 

The past month has been exhausting but I am happier I have ever been.  For now, you complete our little family and we are so very thankful to have you. 

August Phone Dump

Your very first picture.

Hi baby!!

Trust me there will be many many more.

Sweet little chubby cheeks..Mommy's lips & Daddy's nose..perfect combination.

Heading home from the hospital in a hat your Aunt sent for you.  

It really seems that you sleep all the time, but you & I both know that isn't true.

No swaddling for this baby..he prefers his hands above his eyes to tucked around his chest.

You are mine! I keep saying that to myself..It's so hard to believe that after all of that waiting, you are here..safe and sound. ♥

You + Me + Bed = perfection.

You started losing your hair, and look like quite the old man.. funny what a week & half will do..in the above picture you had a head full of hair! 

I cannot believe you are almost a month old.