Getting "Nothing" Done



So there are these days — usually and almost every day where I'm lucky to take a shower, unload the dishwasher, cook a meal or tidy up. Welcome to my new life. Life with a baby. I wouldn't trade my dirty house for anything though. I'm training myself and having to redirect my brain. Often times I think, oh my goodness, I'm getting "nothing" done, but then I remember I'm doing the most important thing — holding my baby. Just in these short six week with Valor, I've seen how fast he has already grown and changed. And in maybe a year or so, Valor isn't going to want these constant snuggles with mama. Things will be different. My baby boy will grow up and want to play in the mud. Which, I am excited for that stage too - each is special in its own way. But right now I'm reminding myself I am getting lots done — I'm accomplishing the most important thing. I'm bonding with my baby. I'm loving my baby. I'm snuggling my baby. I'm savoring his baby squeaks, snorts and clean baby scent. I'm taking a mental picture of his tiny features, the way he looks at me with heavy eyes and precious eyelashes. I hold him tight as he naps and his tiny pucker slowly phantom nurses. So I guess in the end, it depends how you define "nothing."

"Babies Don’t Keep"
Author: Ruth Hulburt Hamilton

Mother, O Mother, come shake out your cloth,
Empty the dustpan, poison the moth,
Hang out the washing, make up the bed,
Sew on a button and butter the bread.

Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?
She’s up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.

Oh, I’ve grown as shiftless as Little Boy Blue,
Lullabye, rockabye, lullabye loo.
Dishes are waiting and bills are past due
Pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo

The shopping’s not done and there’s nothing for stew
And out in the yard there’s a hullabaloo
But I’m playing Kanga and this is my Roo
Look! Aren’t his eyes the most wonderful hue?
Lullabye, rockaby lullabye loo.

The cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow
But children grow up as I’ve learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down cobwebs; Dust go to sleep!
I’m rocking my baby and babies don’t keep.

Valor's Newborn Photo Session


Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still.
Dorothea Lange

A week after Valor was born, we had Chrystl Roberge Photography come to our home and capture our sweet little one. In these photos, Valor is two weeks old (9/16/14). I cannot believe how much he has already changed from these photographs to now! Anyway, I'll stop talking and let you see some of the beauty that Chrystl captured:



































Valor - One Month Birthday


Dear Valor,

Today we celebrate your one month birthday. Your Great Grandpa and Grama called and sang you "happy birthday." Your Grandma and Grandpa Y are here snuggling you tight today. You truly are our miracle baby and our greatest adventure. I thank The Lord each day that you were spared and healthy, even though you had such a traumatic entrance into the world.

Oh babe, every day I just can't stop admiring you. I can't help but smile. No baby has ever been so perfect - your little features - your expressionful face - your full head of hair - just how teeny tiny you are!

You finally learned how to breastfeed just in time for your actual due date. I think it even helped you fatten up! When we brought you home from the NICU you were 4 pounds 6 ounces, but we went to the doctor the other day, you claimed the blue-weight gaining-champion ribbon. You tipped the scale at 6 pounds 7 ounces, the same weight as your Grandma W when she was born!

Valor, you love when I sing "you are my sunshine" and it usually calms you down. Braxton, your big fur ball brother loves to sniff you. My heart melts seeing Daddy love on you. But most of all, you are such a snuggly cuddle bug and I think that is my most favorite.

So happy one month birthday Dear One. I'm so glad our roller coaster adventure the last month gave us you. We are truly blessed.

Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Luke 12:7

I love you - forever and always,
Mommy