The last few weeks since Charlie entered the world have been the most challenging and rewarding ones of my life. I think any parent will tell you the same thing. I haven’t slept. I’ve been peed and pooped on. I’ve sobbed uncontrollably about a spilled casserole and have doubted my capabilities as a mom. I’ve stared at my husband and wondered how it is that us women have to go through SO much both physically and emotionally to bring life into this world when all they have to do is hold our hand through it and avoid saying I’m tired until further notice.

As hard as it’s been, it’s also been the best, most life-changing experience. I’ll battle through the sleepless nights for a healthy, growing baby. Charlie is absolutely amazing. I see both Eric and myself in him and wonder what he’ll be like in the future. I love his soft coos and smiles, though I know they are merely coincidental facial expressions at this young point in his life. He has already grown and changed so much since his birth and as much as I’m looking forward to his future milestones of longer stretches of sleep and holding up his own neck, I’m going to miss his teeny tiny size. It’s hard to describe the visceral joy his little hand wrapped around my finger brings me.  Having Charlie has forced me to look at the world in a new way. I applaud all the mamas and papas out there and have a newfound appreciation for parenthood. I take back any judgment I’ve ever passed now that I understand what it means to give in, sometimes, to get through. We all do our best.

Through Charlie, I have found happiness in the most simple moments.

Right now happiness is…

a stretch of three and half hours of consecutive sleep…
snuggles & nap time on the couch…
fresh air and open windows on beautiful October mornings…
a hot shower and moment of silence…
date nights with my husband, just the two of us…
finding a binge worthy tv show… current favorite: Game of Thrones
having more than one cup of coffee a day, specifically Texas pecan…
the ‘Cozy, Calm Afternoon’ Amazon playlist… favorites include ‘In the Blood’ by John Mayer and ‘Live it Well’ by Switchfoot…
my husband telling me ‘you’re a great mom’ just when I need to hear it most…
the Latino sushi roll at Piranha Killer Sushi…
a large glass of red wine…
the clock turning to 7:30am and realizing I have survived another night…
walks down to Mozarts Coffee Roasters and blogging sessions on their outdoor patio…
champagne & girls nights…
much needed long afternoon naps…
getting a manicure…
the smell of newborn skin…
the feeling of accomplishment I get from getting out of the house and walking each dog individually with Charlie #doubletheexercise…
daily calls and texts with my sisters talking about everything and nothing all at the same time…
planning trips and reunions with family and friends…
infant clothes and my little boy’s growing wardrobe…
staring at my little boy, asleep or awake, and wondering how I got so lucky to be his mom…
driving with the windows down, music blaring, and singing Taylor Swift at the top of my lungs…#areyouReadyforIt?
Rocking and holding my baby just because.

Life is different these days, yes it is. Some days are hard and some are pure magic. One thing I know is that I can plan for every one of them to be different, and that I need to embrace the highs, work through the lows, and freeze time with my camera.

What is making you happy these days?

XO

family happiness live the little things new mom