7 months of Motherhood

I know it seems like I was just writing about 6 months with Baby P, and now here we are at 7!  This has been a pretty big month.  Lots of new things in this little girl's life.

We did our first 5K together!

The race was an annual Turkey Trot here in Seattle.  It was a special day because it was Thanksgiving and also my birthday!  Who better to share it with than my little sweetie?  I hope that Peyton enjoys a life of fitness.  I will do my best to encourage her by showing her what an important element it is in my life.  

We survived our first major holiday...Thanksgiving!

We always spend the holiday with our family enjoying good food.  Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday so I was so excited to share it with P.  Unfortunately, P is a little apprehensive around people.  She spends pretty much every hour of every day with me and Darling Husband.  So when she gets around others, she sort of loses it.  She'll smile at you, but don't try and hold her.  We were even joking that day that no one should even look her in the eye.  It was a long day for her, but she sure looked good.

Speaking of food, I am having so much fun using my Beaba Babycook.

I got this little gadget for a steal on Craigslist and I just love it. This machine will steam and puree all in one.  It makes baby purees in a snap!  Peyton's favorite right now is definitely carrots.  She also really enjoys yogurt, so I mix that up with baby cereal.  I've had a lot of fun making baby food, but also give her jarred food.  We just do whatever works!

Overall, this has been such a fun time.  Each day she shows me a new glimpse into her personality. She loves her dog brother and is appropriately apprehensive about the cat.  She has a great laugh and loves to giggle.  She loves stacking things and then knocking them down.  If there is a tag on anything, she will find it.  Playtime is becoming very fun.  Who knows what the next months will bring?

Three Months of Motherhood

Time flies when you're having fun....or dealing with an infant.  It's crazy because some days I can't believe she's already three months, but other days it seems like it's been three years.  We've been having a fun summer.  Seattle has had some unusually hot days, which have been challenging.

At three months, things are starting to go a little smoother.  She's sleeping through the night, but now napping is less frequent.  She has become very fun and interactive.  It's so fun to see a smiling, happy baby.  We're still dealing with the occasional bouts of fussiness....I guess babies are like that?!?  I'm so thankful for friends with babies who I can vent to.  We've also joined a PEPS group, which I'll blog more about later, that has become a really nice support.  

Miss P has definitely found her voice (often screaming) and I see little bits of her personality already.  She loves watching me eat and staring at her fists.  Life still presents its daily challenges, but we're figuring out how to navigate them together.    Seems that when we have a tough day, she gives me a smile and all is forgotten.  I'm still not sure that I'm doing any of it right, but we're both still alive at the end of the day, so I'll count that as a win.  

As I mentioned, I am thankful for friends who have babies and make me feel like I'm not alone in this battle.  Sure my baby isn't perfect, but she may be normal after all.  I'm also thankful for friends without babies.  They remind me that while I am challenged, I am very blessed.  They also remind me of all the things that have led me here.  I can live vicariously through those that sleep in, eat 3 meals sitting down, and whose evening discussions don't revolve around poopy diapers.  It's all of us who are helping mold this little person.  Three months in and I'd say it's a success.

Two months of Motherhood

Where does the time go? Seems like just yesterday we were celebrating our sweet girl's one month birthday!  Now she is two months old, and I am surprised at all the changes! Again, I am learning something every single day!

• A two-month old baby is so completely different from a one-month old baby.
• What made baby happy yesterday, makes her mad today.
• At two months, my baby can make me laugh till my side hurts.
• I've become overly sappy.  Waterworks.  Especially any commercial I see that mentions moms, motherhood, kids...bawling.
• You will do anything, no matter how ridiculous you look, to get your baby to smile at you.

• That smile sometimes makes me so happy I could burst...and cry. (see above sappiness)
• Most annoying errand with an infant: the post office.
• A random stranger will play with your baby's exposed feet..can't blame them.
• If baby doesn't like something attach a random toy to it and she'll happily stare just long enough for you to make a sandwich.

While motherhood is still just as challenging as it was at one month, I'm starting to figure it out....but don't tell the baby that.

One month of motherhood

I realize that one month of being a mom does not make me an expert, but you sure can learn a lot in a short amount of time.  Our little girl has been with us for one month, but it sort of feels like she's always been here. We've been having lots of fun, but also working hard...working very hard.
So here's a snapshot of things I've learned:

• You can actually do a lot on very little sleep. Sure I'm tired with dark bags under my eyes, but the baby is happy!
• People are full of advice.  You can decide to take it or leave it, but trust me, they will tell you.
• It's okay to make a mistake, the baby will have no idea, and love you just the same.
• Your DVR and daytime TV will become a savior.
• Don't buy anything you see on a late-night infomercial.
• Being a parent is tough, I don't know how working moms do it.
• Buying baby clothes is five times as fun as buying clothes for yourself.
• A whole day can pass by and you can accomplish very little around the house, but the baby is happy!
• With all the pacing, and rocking, and dancing, that baby weight should totally fly off!
• You can actually get a lot done with only one hand.  Your other hand is for baby holding
• I may never again go to the bathroom by myself.
• If you own a restaurant/bar (I'm not talking anything sleazy) you should have certain hours of the day when parents can bring their infants.  Parents need cocktails and food.
• Time goes by really quickly.  Enjoy it.
• But the number one thing I have learned: Darling Husband and I are extremely blessed that we have our sweet little girl.  Luckily, becoming pregnant wasn't a struggle for us, but I know it is for many.

Now, a little advice for those of you who are pregnant or contemplating starting a family.

• Lay around on the couch.  All. Day. Long.
• Go to those restaurants/bars I mentioned.
• Enjoy the use of both of your hands.
• Probably don't mention to new parents how "tired you are."
• Run to the grocery store for one tiny thing you need.  Not as simple with a baby, car seat, stroller, diaper bag.
• Sleep. No, really, sleep.
• Be completely spontaneous.
• Enjoy your husband/wife/partner/baby mama or daddy. 

P is for Peyton

Last Thursday I enjoyed the most tasty, delicious, yummy treat of my whole life....

All 6 pounds 5 ounces of this little baby.  We welcomed Peyton into our family on Thursday the 17th and it's been wonderful ever since.

I am thankful to have had a great birth experience.  One of my very best friends was  my labor and delivery nurse, and she and Darling Husband were great support people.  We still look at each other and can't believe we have a baby!  She's a sweet girl, we feel completely blessed. 

Now the real fun begins.