Hello everyone!!
Well it’s been 2-3 days (depending on when you read this!) since we got home, and we’re all doing ok!
Visions of waking up in the middle of the night every hour, on the hour, have only partially come to fruition – mostly because of Mom’s ability, well non-ability, to swaddle correctly. Lincoln is too small for the standard velcro swaddles so we’re using hospital receiving blankets in the meantime. I’ll get there yet! ; )
Otherwise, baby is acclimating well to being at home, and us to having a child to take care of. My heart is so full. I never in a million years thought a love like this exists. I miss him when he’s sleeping, the scent of him makes my heart ache, and I could stare into his eyes forever – even when they’re teary eyed. Now I know why people say they want to have 100 babies!!
It’s not all fun and games, of course, and Dr. Google and Nurse YouTube have been a Godsend to look up everything from how to sponge bathe an infant to how to soothe the hiccups, but I’m really proud of the way we’re working as a team to take care of Lincoln. Ben, as I knew he would be, is an incredible Dad.
The first night home he was on monitor watch and happened to turn on an episode of The Office, which happened to be the one where Jim and Pam had their first baby. He rewound and recorded so he could show me in the morning as it was basically the exact same experience we had just gone through 48 hours before. I laughed until I nearly exploded. Oh, love it!
We’ve been very lucky to have some delicious meals delivered to us from friends and family. I have NEVER, let me emphasize this –Â ever –Â been a person who “forgets” to eat (you know those people – Mom and little brother, I’m looking at you!) but it’s just the last thing on my mind right now. Thank goodness for ready made Maid Rites (demolished…)
And Caprese Lasagna Rolls from Mom. So delish!
This morning we went out for our first walk as a fam. Up until today I had been outdoors exactly three times since we delivered last Friday morning, so I was more than ready for some fresh air. We covered him all up then took a quick zip around the block. It’s a hot one today!
I’ve so enjoyed taking this week off to be with my family, and I know you understand, but when you run a small business it’s hard taking time away. At the same time I am cherishing every second of having a newborn – I’ll never get these moments back. ALL that being said, this Friday I have a fun (well, I think it’s fun…) survey for you to take, with a $100 VISA Gift Card Giveaway as an incentive to take it. This is a great time to refocus and make sure IGE is going in the right direction in the future, and the survey has some questions about what you like about the site, what you’d like to see more of, etc. I do hope you’ll take it! In the meantime I’m hoping to get back on a regular posting schedule sometime next week.
At any rate, sorry this post is full of random thoughts and reflections – there are just so many things that are running through my mind right now! Feels good to write again though, so thank you for reading. : ) Talk to you soon!
Jana 08.08.2013
What a cutie!!
And I love that episode of the Office…just wondering if you nursed the wrong baby too!
Iowa Girl Eats 08.08.2013
No thank goodness that part wasn’t the same!!
Lauryn 08.08.2013
Kristin he is BEAUTIFUL!!!! SO excited for you and I am happy about this survey, I would love to see more pics of lil Lincoln and hear about your life as a new mom or anything really!! I hope you enjoy every minute of this and dont stress too much about the blog! We will definetly be here when you are ready ! Love to you from NC!
Rachel 08.08.2013
He is so handsome and sweet!!
Lisa in Fort Worth 08.08.2013
He is just precious! You’re right enjoy these moments as they go so fast!
Jen 08.08.2013
He is so adorable! Congratulations again :) For sure cherish these moments & steal every cuddle session! My son will be 9 months next week and it feels like his first year is flying by! There is so much love in my heart now that I’m a mom- I’m still totally blown away over how much that has changed in me.
Carrie 08.08.2013
Glad to hear you are all settling in at home! We can all appreciate the need for a break, it’s great you are sharing these first few special days with us. Eat well and get some rest! We will be here when you’re ready!
Jeni 08.08.2013
Congratulations to you and your family! Happy to hear you are doing so well:)
Chelsea @ Chelsea Eats Treats 08.08.2013
Don’t worry about your posting schedule…we will be here when you’re ready! Speaking for myself, I love seeing the baby updates and think it’s really important for you to spend this time with Lincoln and Ben. Recipes can wait!
Jamie @lifelovelemons 08.08.2013
Congratulations! What an adorable little nugget!
C. 08.08.2013
I’m so happy for you and your new little family!!! He is precious and you look wonderful. Much love and congrats :)
Emily 08.08.2013
You look great! Lincoln is adorable.
What stroller do you have? I like the looks of that one.
Iowa Girl Eats 08.08.2013
It’s a Chicco travel system!
ellie 08.08.2013
He is the cutest thing; you look so good!
Mimi @ Culinary Couture 08.08.2013
What a precious little boy! Glad to see you’re doing well!
Nancy Kilian 08.08.2013
I have followed IGE as part of my regular morning reading for quite awhile.
Let me add my congratulations to you & your family. Enjoy these times with the baby. Before you know it, he will be grown….it happens in the blink of an eye. Amazing how fast the time flies!
The past few mornings, as I clicked over to your site, hoping for an update, I had in mind you would take the month of August off. (random, I know), I was so excited to see your update today!
Enjoy reading the blog…love the recipes & life stories!
Ali 08.08.2013
Thanks for the post, we all know how busy you are! I am especially grateful for your post, right now I am in the mommy trenches, 3 boys, 13, 6 and 20 months, and reading about your enthusiasm and excitement reminded me how fast it all goes. It was a good for me because you go from staring at them and swaddling to reminding them to pick up their wet towels and rushing through the day in a blink of an eye! Thanks again for the slow down, enjoy your little one!
jodea @ chillichocolatelove.com 08.08.2013
Take your time and enjoy it. Your readers will still be here!
Katelyn Rose 08.08.2013
Congratulations!! Lincoln is sooo adorable :) I’m so happy for you and Ben!
Marina Torres 08.07.2013
You and your little Lincoln look great. Beutiful family.
Take care!
Mary 08.07.2013
He is absolutely beautiful!! Drink it all in and enjoy every minute. I love that The Office had Pam delivering her baby. The day after my grandson was born 2 weeks ago, the Friends episode where Rachel was delivering her baby was on the TV.
Again, congratulations!! Your life will never be the same again. And that’s a very good thing!!
Alisha 08.07.2013
Kristen & Ben! Congrats on your little one! My husband and I have been following your blog since day 1 and so exciting to see your travels and the adventure into parenthood! We just had our first baby 4 months ago and everything you have said about missing them while they are sleeping still is true even 4 months later for our little one! One of these days I am bound to see you strolling
along at the farmers market and this time with baby in tow! Congrats again!
Alisha & Scott – Urbandale, Ia