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!
Katie @ Blonde Ambition 08.14.2013
I’m finally catching up on blogs after a little more than a week on vacation and can’t believe how adorable your little bundle of joy is! He’s going to be a heartbreaker!! Congrats!
And don’t tell me you breast fed the wrong baby in the hospital like Pam did.. BAHAHA!
melissa harnish 08.13.2013
I grew up in Anamosa Iowa been gone since 91′ love to read your blog about Iowa and see the pics so many memories.Congrats on Lincoln a beautiful baby.
Valerie 08.13.2013
welcome to mommyhood! it just gets better and better :)
Beth Lewis 08.12.2013
Your sweet baby has the kind of head you just want to kiss! He is beautiful and I am so happy for you all. BTW, you look great! Cherish every moment.
Rachel 08.11.2013
When I tried to view this post earlier this week, none of the photos would load. I am so glad that I tried again because, oh my stars, Lincoln is perfect! He so clearly belongs to you and Ben and it is such fun seeing your transformation into motherhood. As an avid reader, I love to get a glimpse into your real life. Thanks for sharing with us!
Elizabeth 08.10.2013
He is so precious! Enjoy him. It goes by so fast. I have a 9 and 6 year old, and I can’t believe how quickly they are growing up. I am not sure if you’re nursing or not, but a website that helped me when I had issues was http://kellymom.com/ It can be overwhelming, and even Drs and nurses sometimes do not tell you the correct thing when it comes to that.
Jennifer W. 08.10.2013
Congratulations and blessings for you and your family! Your son is absolutely beautiful! One tip I always tell new moms is to sleep when your baby doors, especially if you happen to be nursing. Have fun, you two with your little Lincoln!
Trisha 08.09.2013
Gah! Lincoln is just too precious! Enjoy this little bit of down time, soak it all up. I can’t speak from experience, but from what I’ve heard, he’ll probably be 18 tomorrow. ;)
katie 08.09.2013
congrats on your new little bundle. that love is just unexplainable, isn’t it. enjoy every second. before you know it he will be 3 and running around crazy ;)
Cathy 08.09.2013
Lincoln (I love that name) is so cute and you look amazing!
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe 08.09.2013
Congratulations – Lincoln is beautiful!
Erin 08.09.2013
Congratulations on little Lincoln, he is a doll! You look fantastic as well. My son is 2 1/2 years old and it kills me that he is growing so fast. Cherish the time you have while he is little. They are only babies once!
Guest 08.09.2013
Congrats– I love the name choice and he seems adorable.
Rachel 08.09.2013
Enjoy the time–It truly does fly by. My little boy starts kindergarten in just under 2 weeks, and I’m a big emotional mess right now! There really is something magically sweet about those first few weeks with a newborn, sleep-deprived haze or not!
Sarah 08.09.2013
I love seeing posts of your fam. I hope you keep writing on how life is going with him, good, bad and ugly! He is so adorable, congratulations!
julie 08.09.2013
Kristin – in case you think you’re alone in figuring it all out, that there’s no parenting manual at 2 am, you’re not! Happy to see you’re being resourceful and enjoying every single moment of being new parents!
I also follow another first-time Mom over on Gussy Sews. Maybe the two of you can swap stories and share new experiences together… she’s also dealing with a business, having recently moved, and a first baby!
You are blessed.
Lauren Williams 08.09.2013
Loving all the pictures! The one with Lincoln on Ben’s lap is precious! That is great that so many people have made meals for you and I bet it is nice to be on the receiving end for once ;) take care and enjoy every second of it!
Angie 08.08.2013
He is absolutely the cutest little thing!!! Please don’t rush back! I love your blog, but totally understand you wanting some time off to soak up that cute little boy of yours. Ease back in, all of us will understand! Have a great weekend!
Ellie@Fit for the soul 08.08.2013
Aww congratulations! Lincoln looks so alert and sharp! Haha. I know what you mean by “missing your baby when he/she sleeps” because even though it’s nice to have my 7 week old daughter take naps, I miss her when she sleeps too long! :D Have a blessed week with your new family!
heather 08.08.2013
This is time well-spent, enjoy the hell out of it…youre glowing and healthy! God bless your family and the new experiences to come. <3