BRINGING HOME A NEWBORN

Oh, this little space isn't getting as much attention is it? These days I have not a moment to myself it seems, all a part of the new baby process. The first year with your newest addition is quite the adjustment. I remember it taking at least 6 months with Matilda before I felt like I was in a groove. I feel like a new mom all over again. Finding out what works, constantly googling things like, "my baby just spit up out her nose," and peeling my eyes open each morning. I'm covered in milk and whoknowswhat and I'm lucky if I have time to get dressed, if I do it's usually not until 2. Oh, and my nails, seriously lacking in attention.
It's not just me that's adjusting. My sweet husband has been taking over with cooking and cleaning while I nurse and read to Matilda. Matilda needs me and that's been the hardest adjustment because we're not able to do the same things we used to. I know we'll get there again but right now I feel like I'm constantly nursing or needing to hold little Phoebe who doesn't like being put down all that much. She really is the sweetest baby. My heart explodes when I watch her and Matilda together. Matilda has blown me away with her care of her and love for her. We stopped by my sister's house and Matilda had a drink and we said, "cheers!" and she said, "cheers to Phoebe!" Heart=exploding. So blessed to be their mother.
Sam and I haven't had as much time together. We've been trading off and passing the parenting baton. At night by the time we get Matilda tucked in, we exchange a few words and then I'm in the bed. He helps at night during the weekend, but during the week I'm on night time duty and it is HARD. By friday I'm a walking zombie. It's getting easier though and I'm hoping to get Phoebe in some sort of routine this week. We'll see...
Mentally I'm feeling frumpy, wanting to lose the baby weight but stuck in convenience throw-that-quiche-in-the-oven mode. Taking the time to eat healthy seems so challenging right now, when I really need to be eating well. Hoping to figure that one out here soon as well. It just seemed like putting that off until after the holidays was a good move. My closet is a joke. Nothing fits, and I basically live in nursing tanks, jeans, and scarves these days. So thankful for accessories that cover me up (read: HUGE boobs). Let's just say I'm asking for shoes this year. They always fit. Ha!
I know this is a beautiful season in my life. I'm taking things a day at a time and praying that grace takes over in moments of frustration and exhaustion. That kind words would pour out of me for my family. We're all doing the best we can. So thankful for them and our friends and family who have swooped in to help. Grateful. My house and laundry room won't always look like this... right?

Here are some of my "new mom" essentials:

Episodes of Parenthood while nursing. Favorite show.

Bars of chocolate like this.

Love this bra.

Instagram for quicks snaps and a connection to the outside world.

These swaddling blankets.

For fresh water.

these gorgeous photos were taken by the incredible Jessica Mahady

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