Sunday, October 23, 2011

One Month

Photo courtesy of Camera+.  Don't know what Camera+ is?  It's an awesome app for the iPhone.  Don't have Camera+?  Get it.

Stella is one month old today.  I've been thinking about how different things are for us with her around.  It's amazing how drastically life can change in a matter of moments.  One moment, I was doing my thing with a baby in my belly.  Still living life essentially as I had been used to.  Jumping in the car and going places when I needed/wanted to.  Listening to whatever music I wanted to.  Eating when I was hungry.  Sleeping in.  Keeping the house relatively clean.  Walking the dog every day and exercising regularly when it was convenient for me.  Going to bed at night when I felt like it.  Doing only a few loads of laundry every couple of weeks.  Watching a TV show uninterrupted.  Life was pretty good.  In seconds, all of that was over.



Our lives pretty much did a 180 in the blink of an eye.  All of a sudden, little Stella was here.  And, all of a sudden, our lives completely revolved around this little one.  Instead of toting Stella around in my belly, I get to tote her around in her car seat.  Or in my arms.  And she's heavy.  Now I jump in the car and go places only after Stella is fed and happy and only when I really need something.  One of my favorite songs these days is the groo-vay version of London Bridges Falling Down that plays on her swing.  It gets me be-bopping my head every time it comes on.  I eat when I have my arms free now.  I sleep when Stella sleeps.  The house has burp rags, receiving blankets, and other baby paraphernalia strewn about.  I walk the dog (and Stella) only when the baby is happy and ready to go and I'm not too tired.  And exercising regularly?  Well, I'll get there.  I go to bed as soon as Stella is down for the night.  Be it 9 pm or 1 am.  I do at least a couple loads of laundry a week - more if she's been particularly explosive with her bowel movements or spit ups.  And as for watching a TV show uninterrupted - well, thank goodness for Hulu and DVRs.


But, life is still good.  Even though it's gotten a little (or a lot) crazy and my life now revolves around a tiny person that can't walk or talk or do anything for herself, life is wonderful when I get to watch this little gal grow and develop and start seeing and understanding the world.  She smiles now.  It's legit, too.  Not just gas or unconscious muscle movements.  She doesn't do it often, but every once in a while she just stops and looks at me and gets an unmistakable smile on her face.  And it melts my heart every time.  She's the perfect little subject for me to practice my weak photography skills on.  I can never take too many pictures of the cutest little baby ever!


What a month it has been.  The days sometimes seem long, but this month has gone by at an astounding pace.  I feel like we just barely left the hospital with her.  But, time marches on and our little girl is growing and changing so fast.  I find myself already missing the first few days with her at home and the magical newborn stupor we were in.  But, I'm also very excited for the months ahead and the exciting times it will be to watch her grow and develop.

All grown up and ready for church!
Happy one month, little Stella.  We love you!

12 comments:

Andrea said...

That commercial that says, "having a baby changes everything" is spot on. But, it's a good thing. The lack of sleep, and out of wack hormones eventually get worked out. You learn so much (like that white onesies are best because they can be bleached-thank you explosive diapers). ;) Hope you are feeling well in every way. Thanks for the cute birth announcement!

Jespersen said...

We love Stella too! her and lincoln share the same birthday...they need to meet. I think they'll be good cousin friends!

LJ, DC and ML said...

Hurray for baby Stella. Its amazing just how much life changes after a baby isn't it? At least it was for me, and in very good ways.

Dana said...

She is so sweet! I love how you expressed in words of how life has changed for you. Everything you said is so true

Sharon said...

She is adorable. It's a sobering moment when you realize you will never stop being a mother. But it is a good thing to always have to put the needs of others before your own.

Molly said...

What a sweetie! Isn't it amazing that it can take you like 2 hours to get ready to leave the house when you have a newborn??

Dalene said...

She looks just like you - but with red hair. SO cute! Well-written post, Jenni. It is always crazy but also very, very good. Love you!

Ella said...

Oh, I loved this. So true on every point. She's darling. Keep up the good work!

a.b.c said...

wow, I can't believe it's already been a month! I feel like you guys are experts compared to us.

The Yuan Fam said...

Oh Jenni, I couldn't help but shed some tears of my own while I read your experience, on your previous posts. I remember going through a little bit of that with Maya and boy was it tough for this first time Mama. I feel for ya, but how great that she's home with you and healthy. She's beautiful and oy vei...that hair is gorgeous!! It's the color red that people want. Kade has about that much hair but it's dark, dark brown. I'm jealous that Stella is still wearing short sleeved clothing. Kade came out wearing a sweater. It's flippin cold here already.

If you wanna follow our blog, we had to delete the old one because of security reasons, let me know your email and I'll invite you!

Enjoy this time when she's going through these great stages. In a couple months, she'll be even more fun!!!!!

Julie Sparks said...

Clearly having a baby will mean fewer posts. Sigh. I need my Stella fix! (and Scout too)
Love the B&W photo.

Hilary said...

I want you to try something. Take that first photo of Stella and put your hand over her face. What do you see? Jenni.

I keep doing it and showing AJ. It's pretty amazing.