10.24.2013

Early Surprises of Mommyhood

I am positively loving being a mom to our sweet girl! Each day brings a whole new set of experiences, challenges, lessons and surprises, and I love that. For someone who lives by her planner, I've had to learn quickly to just take each day as it comes and savor each delicious moment of this new adventure.

Caroline is wearing her cupcake onesie and pink bow in honor of her daddy's birthday today! 

Here are a few things that have really surprised me thus far:

I adore breastfeeding. I honestly don't know why I was so intimidated by nursing because I'm telling y'all, it's the most incredible bonding experience. Sure, there are challenges that we're still working through, but I'm proud to say that I've stuck with it and it's starting to become easier each day. I've been very lucky that Stephen, my mom and my mom-in-law have all been such great cheerleaders for me. I would definitely encourage any soon-to-be mommas to give it a solid try. It's flat-out the neatest thing to be able to bond with your baby on that level.

Dirty diapers aren't as bad if they come from your own kiddo. I'll 'fess up. I have the weakest stomach imaginable and wondered if I'd be squeamish about certain things when Caroline arrived. I'm here to tell you that it's not nearly as icky as you might think. Pinky swear. You just do what you gotta do!

I have actually had time to shower and apply make-up. Yes, having a baby is a lot of work, especially a newborn. But, somehow, I've found time nearly each day to shower and put on a little foundation and lipstick. I've also found that it makes me feel better to take five minutes each day to freshen up. I think that's important for we mommas to do, don't you?

I'm shocked that my heart hasn't exploded. It's such a crazy thing; you fall in love with your kiddo when they're in the womb, but man, oh, man...it doesn't even compare to the first time you hold them in your arms. Each day, the love only grows, not only for Caroline, but also for Stephen.

What were some of your early surprises of being a mom? 

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I'm so excited to share TONS of photos and fun posts, including Caroline's birth story, a log I kept of our first days as parents and so much more. Keep an eye out for that in the coming days and weeks. So much to share!


And finally, I'd like to say "happy birthday" to my husband! He is definitely the better half of this relationship and my love for him has only grown in the past ten days as we've become parents. I cannot thank the good Lord enough for placing him in my life. 

Happy 29, honey!

18 comments:

  1. I'm so glad that breastfeeding has gone so well for you! This has to be one of the biggest surprises for me also. I never imagined that it would be as pleasant and bonding as it has been for us. Keep up all the good work momma!

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  2. Ok, so little Miss Caroline definitely looks like you in this picture today. So cute!:)

    One of the biggest surprises for me was how attached I grew to the feeling of my sweet son in my arms. When he would fall asleep, I would be relieved that he was napping so that I could get some things done (like putting on lipstick, lol!) but then I would be longing to hold him after just 5 minutes without him in my arms. Now, by the end of the day, my arms ache to hold his little 5 month self and I hurry to get him after work so I can cuddle him all night!!!

    So glad that motherhood is going well for you - especially the breastfeeding part. Keep it up!!!

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  3. I'm so happy that things are going well for you and Miss Caroline! I can't wait to read more about this precious baby girl!

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  4. This is so sweet! Your girl is beautiful. Can't wait to hear more!

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  5. I was surprised how hard breastfeeding was... But also how incredibly rewarding. My daughter just weaned, and another suprise is how much I miss it!! Enjoy it now- it's an amazing thing.

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  6. Little Caroline Rose is just the sweetest thing. Congrats on mommahood...I bet you're a natural! Love seeing the updates on your beautiful girl. And a very happy birthday to Mr. Blonde Ambition! :)

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  7. Love the blanket. Do you have a pattern for it?

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  8. Happy 29th Stephen, first birthday as a daddy :)
    wow, that baby is so alert for only a week old, she will be growing up before our eyes. I am so glad motherhood has been good for you my friend

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  9. I 100% agree with everything you said, it's exactly how I felt!! Being a mommy is the best and it's nice you get to look good while doing it :)

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  10. I love this sweet little post & happy birthday to the hubs! Hope you two enjoy a night together :)

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  11. I love every part of this post! I am not a mom, but I have had so many friends/family members recently welcome sweet bundles of joy and I love hearing their *real* stories. Babies do poop, but like you said, you gotta do what you gotta do :)

    Also, LOVE that scarf of yours and that bow of hers :)

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  12. So glad you're enjoying life as a mom and that Stephen gets such a great birthday present. And their birthdays will be together

    Nina
    www.wearflowersinyourhair.com

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  13. I have been surprised at how attached and protective I am of my little man (now 14 months!)
    So glad to hear you are breastfeeding and enjoying it! Way to go- on of the best things you can do for that precious little girl!
    Also, you my dear, are going to be a super mom! hehe I still don't feel like i have time to shower/makeup every day. But I do try!;-)

    Congrats again! She is a ROSE!:-)

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  14. I'm so glad to hear that you're transitioning so well into motherhood!! I, unfortunately, did not. My son slept very little, cried a lot & I ended up developing post-partum anxiety which I never ever expected. Because of it, I had a hard time bonding with my newborn son, but thankfully, I got past it & was able to experience the joys about a month later! Three years later, I had my daughter & felt exactly how you seem to now from the get-go, praise the Lord for that! Motherhood is full of many ups & downs (mostly ups), but it's the most amazing experience EVER! Soak up every second because they grow more quickly than you will ever imagine! Congratulations to you guys, Caroline Rose is positively precious!

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  15. Great moments recapped you are such a great mama! Enjoy all the moments!

    Such a sweet girl and happy birthday to your hubby!

    Melissa

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  16. How sweet. Your new addition is just adorable!

    Just found your blog and love it!

    Signing Steph

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  17. I'm so glad to hear that things are going well for you and your family. Enjoy that beautiful baby! And a happy birthday to Stephen!

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  18. Can't get over that particular photo of Caroline! She is so stinkin' cute!! Congrats again.

    -Teresa

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