It’s my two month birthday, y’all!
Well, almost. ; ) Tomorrow actually marks the big milestone for my baby boy whom I’ve spent nearly every waking moment with since the day he was born. Lincoln brings me so much joy. At least once a day I lean down, smell the top of his head, and think, Oh my gosh, I have a baby. I. Have. A. BABY! It’s still very surreal.
Over the past two months I’ve laughed, cried, yawned, and laughed some more – this child is seriously a comedian in the making (just like his Dad!) I know every parent thinks their child hung the moon and we’re no different. Every funny, cute, and silly face Lincoln makes melts our hearts.
Don’t get me wrong, this has also been the most challenging two months of my entire life. It’s been tiring, stressful, and down right HARD (and did I mention tiring?) but the good has outweighed the difficult. With a face like this, how could I not feel like the luckiest lady in the world?
Here’s what else is on my mommy mind (a concept snagged from my fab sister-in-law!)
* I look back at my 10 Things Nobody Told Me About Having a Newborn post and giggle a little. Wow, I was definitely still riding the hormone roller coaster when I wrote that! Meals are hot again, laundry has lessened, and the back has toughened up, but yes, I’m still sweating. Profusely.
* I have professed my lack of patience here on the blog many times, but having a baby has really given me a crash course in the virtue – quick! Two month old babies can’t be reasoned with or rushed, nor do they deserve to, so there’s been no choice but to submit and freaking relax.
* When I was pregnant I stressed out wondering if I’d be able to read my baby’s cues. How would I be able to tell the difference between a hungry cry, and a sleepy wail? The good news is, you just know. Luckily Lincoln doesn’t usually fuss for no reason, so it’s been pretty easy to learn what he wants, and when.
* I’m so grateful to have my parents in town who jump at the chance to watch Lincoln for a few hours when Ben and I want to catch a quick dinner out, or need to run a few errands solo. I didn’t grow up near any of my Grandparents, so I’m glad that L will get to know them from the start.
* Weekends are my favorite not only because Ben is home, but because I can shower. Truly shower. Long, glorious showers!
* Before Lincoln, I looked at pregnant women with envy. When I was pregnant, I looked at women with babies and became impatient. Now when I see parents with their toddlers I can’t wait to get there. Told you I have a patience problem! I’m not wishing away a SECOND of my snuggly infant time, but I’m excited for him to start holding his head up so that we can roughhouse a little.
* Being a work at home mom is incredibly difficult but I’m eternally grateful that I get to stay home with Lincoln all day, for now anyway. That’s why I shot for a career in full-time blogging/freelance writing with a flexible schedule, over a more traditional 9-5 job. I work during his naps and on the weekends.
* I find it comforting yet sad that everything we’re experiencing right now is temporary. It’s nice to know that someday in the future Ben and I won’t be waking up in the middle of the night for feedings, for instance, but sad knowing that in order to get there Lincoln has to grow up. All his newborn clothes have been packed away, and I teared up folding them remembering how impossibly tiny he was to fit into them. It’s weird knowing that he will never, ever be that small again. Sigh…
* Ben is a wonderful co-parent. I’ve been pumping since the hospital so he’s been able to feed Lincoln around 1 or 2am every night. Right now Lincoln’s occasionally sleeping through this feeding until 3 or 4am (6 hour sleep stretches – hallelujah!) so I just pick up there, but it’s nice knowing I have a partner who’s willing to do anything I’d do myself. Everything is 50/50 yet nobody’s keeping score.
* That being said, single parents are the real super heroes in this world. I panic at the thought of Ben going out of town for work for one night.
* THIS:
* And finally, my baby gives the best kisses/face mashes. What a flirt. ; )
Thanks, as always, for reading along on this crazy adventure called parenthood!
Tanya Postula 10.10.2013
He is so sweet. Mine are 18, 16 and 10. I wish I could go back to those days. When they are babies, you think it’s busy but right now my life is soo full. I love it but I loved it when I knew where everyone was at a glance. Enjoy him, time goes by really quick.
Two months | Musings of a Midwestern Girl 10.10.2013
[…] And now, here’s what’s on my mommy mind, inspired by Kristin from Iowa Girl Eats: […]
Jeri Wendzel 10.04.2013
Please let me know when the excessive sweating stops. My baby is 3 weeks old, so I’m a little behind you, but I would love something to look forward to. Like not slipping and sliding in my shoes and not pitting out from going up the stairs!!
Debtgirl 10.04.2013
You make a beautiful mommy son team! He is amazing, you and Ben must be so happy… And tired! It’s the hardest job you will ever love!
Sarah 10.03.2013
Congratulations! He looks perfect, and you sound like you’re starting to feel like yourself again. Our babies were born one day apart! (Mine was July 26.). I haven’t read your post about what no one told you, but in case you haven’t experienced it yet, a bunch of your hair is about to start falling out, so don’t be alarmed. I have an older son too, and it’s such a different experience the second time around. (Although I’m still sweating profusely too — can’t beat Mama Nature!)
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health 09.29.2013
Lincoln has to be the cutest baby ever. That face in the pic of him with the hoodie? I die.
I can totally relate to you on the inpatient thing. I suffer from it in a major way but I love your advice: submit and relax. Hopefully I can heed that if/when I have a baby one day.
That’s so awesome that Ben is stepping up to the plate to help you out. Nothing better than a good ol’ mom n’ pop team. ;)
Cindy 09.29.2013
Oh the cuteness. I feel ya on packing away the newborn clothes – I tear up a bit each time I put away one size and reach for the next! My daughter is 3.5 and my son is 6mo tomorrow – each milestone is bittersweet… full of excitement about what’s to come and a bit of sorrow at what you’re leaving behind.
We are starting solids with our baby tomorrow and I am so excited thinking ahead to the crafty and creative baby food ideas I’m sure you’ll pass on when Lincoln reaches that milestone. We made most of our own food for our daughter and I’m looking forward to doing the same for our son – I love raising little foodies! :)
Jen 09.29.2013
Love his expression his is a cutie ! ! I know a few post ago you asked about books for you little guy ..
Check out Duck & Goose Board Book by Tad Hills .. Even has 9′ plush animals to tie into the books .. Check amazon and they will pop up ..
Never too young to start reading to him you could even do it now. When you give him a bottle sit down and hold the book up so he can see it and read simple short books like the ones I suggested.
Hallie Sawyer (@Hallie_Sawyer) 09.27.2013
He is so adorable, Kristin! What I wouldn’t give to remember my time with my babies better. Blogging and taking a gazillion pictures is a wonderful way to keep it all fresh. Thank you for sharing your sweet baby with us. My youngest is almost 8 so I miss those baby sniffing days. :( Live ’em up!
jessica 09.27.2013
He’s beautiful!!! Enjoy every single minute!!!!
Ivy 09.27.2013
Kirstin…sometimes when I read your posts/blogs I think “I am her, she is me!” I have a LO that will be 5 months old on Monday and I related to every bit of this post. It’s so nice to know we’re not alone. I love the way you write & look forward to following you for a long time!! Thank you!
Melissa 09.27.2013
Hi Kristin, would you mind answering a question for me about pumping? My little guy is 7 wks so I’m at the same stage and I would love to be able to let my husband take a feeding in the middle of the night. But, I was worried that if I do that and don’t get up to pump at the same time, my supply would go down and/or my boobs would get uncomfortably full. Are you getting up to pump when he feeds him? If not, how long do you let yourself sleep before you feed him yourself? I feel like you have everything figured out!
Iowa Girl Eats 10.03.2013
Hi Melissa! Trust me I really don’t have it all figured out – I am a crazy zombie Mom along with everyone else! :) I found that my boobs were really full for only for a nights then my supply kind of regulated itself out. It’s been fine ever since! I hope this helps!
Trisha 09.27.2013
Everything about this just makes me smile.
Elizabeth 09.27.2013
I love love your food blog, but I’m also really enjoying your “Family Channel” posts as well. I’m 4 months pregnant and it’s nice to hear/learn from your stories! Thanks for sharing!
Julie Brietzke 09.27.2013
It’s unconditional love <3
Thanks for sharing your journey with us!
Maurine 09.27.2013
Simply beautiful Kristin. Reading your mommy updates reminds me of my children (now 6 & 8) when they were tiny little ones. AND… it inspires me to stop the madness occassionally and simply sit down and play with them.. whether it’s the little plastic army guys or barbie dolls.. just soak in the time with my “babies”.
Keep the posts coming… love them!
jodea @ chillichocolatelove.com 09.27.2013
I’m not big into baby stuff but you are so warm and refreshingly honest, I just love this post.
Sara 09.26.2013
If patience is not your virtue, you really don’t want to wish for toddlerhood! The “terrible twos” really aren’t that bad. They’re just the warm-up for Three, which is still minor compared to the F*$%ing Fours! Seriously, I thought I was a patient person until I had a toddler. Fortunately, five seems to be settling down a bit…just in time for #2 to hit the terrible twos :-)
Jen 09.26.2013
Even though my boys are now 6 and 8, I am REALLY enjoying reading your posts (I thought I would skip them, since they aren’t really relevant to my everyday life anymore!). It brings me back to all of the wonder of having a baby, and it helps temper the times when we have difficult moments with the kids, remembering how it all began and what a journey parenthood is. Thanks!
Colleen 09.26.2013
All I can say is, “enjoy every moment” time flies and before you know it, he will be moving out. Seriously, time just really flies by, makes me sad, my daughter is 25 and I would love to do it all over!