Thankful for what I lost

I feel like I should preface this post by saying, I'm not thankful for everything that I've lost, read further to fully understand what I mean by "what I lost".

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November is the notorious month of being thankful, and in my effort to document my little family's life, I, too, wanted to make note of the things I am thankful for as of late...

My new perfume is the scent of baby barf that seems to accumulate all over-it's like an epidemic some days!

My new 'do is a messy bun on top of my head...

My new style is a pair of leggings, and a comfy t-shirt that I can easily whip out a boob at a moment's notice (to feed the baby, that is)....

My heels have been replaced with a pair of low, comfy shoes-boots as of late...

Victoria Secret has been replaced with Motherhood wear- nuff said! ;)

What was once sleep-filled nights is now 2, 4, and 6am feedings.

And let's not forget losing my pride! Having a baby has a way of taking your pride, throwing it on the ground, and stomping on it. Oh, and then laughing. Yes, it's that cruel!

Nights snuggled up to the mister watching a movie are now spent with baby laying between us, blowing up his diaper followed by glances of "nooo, it's YOUR turn to change him!" and then analyzing the color of his poo to make sure he's still complying with the newborn poo guidelines. (Don't act like you never did that!) Romantic, huh?

And what was once 8 hour work days, filled with gratifying work I was paid for are now 24 hour UNPAID days of feeding, changing, calming, rocking and playing/teaching the tiny, drooling human.

In fact, there's not much that is the same since this tiny human being has entered my life.

BUT, I'm ok with all of this because for everything that I 'lost', I have gained a new life with the sweetest baby boy. So, my month of November has been filled with thankful thoughts of all the things I  lost, happily.

I do often wonder if my new identity is permanent or just a new mommy trying to figure it all out. Either way, when a puckered lip is made all better by momma's hugs, or when I see Matt in his daddy role- changing a diaper or rocking the baby (and I think, "he's never looked sexier"), or when I'm cluster feeding and I'm sure this is the time my nipples will fall off, or when the babe lights up and gets that BIG gummy grin on his face when he hears my voice or sees my face (nothing melts my heart more)- it's then that I know that I'm right where I need to be, and it's all the reassurance I need. So, I'm thankful for my new role, my new identity-as Henry's mom, even if that means I've lost my former identity, just a little.

Afterall, what I've gained far outweighs what I 'lost'.

Happy Thanksgiving, ya'll! 

Heisel Rules!

Henry is One month!

The past month has been a whirlwind of emotions- from the long labor/delivery (exhausting), to feeding and taking care of baby (restless)...and exhilarating! I had no idea being this tired could also be this rewarding! I don't mind the 2 am feedings just as long as I see that smile on my sweet boy! He brings so much unexplained joy to our lives and he continues to do so. I had no idea my heart was capable of loving this much, this deep, this endless. The best part is that I've fallen in love with Matt all over again. To see him as Daddy has been so amazing! He does diaper duty like a champ and he gives Henry great snuggles. I love my boys to pieces!

Since Henry was 2 weeks late, we joke that he's advanced! hehe He has been smiling ever since he was born, and no, it's not gas. ;) He has been practicing head control since he was 2 weeks, and now he is coo'ing and making all kinds of sweet 'hoo' noises like a baby owl. I'm amazed everyday at the strides this kiddo is making to learn things that we already do involuntarily. I keep telling him to slow down, but this lil dude is relentless; he's so eager to move! I find myself very emotional at times when I think about how fast it's going by, but then I reel myself back in and focus on the present!

He has a very calm demeanor and rarely cries. We take each day as a new slate as we learn our baby and our baby learns us. So far, we're the perfect pair; I can't imagine life without my mini Matt! He's the perfect mix of his father's looks and his mother personality. I love watching that flourish day by day.

Can you see why I'm so in love...his long eye lashes, the puckered lips, the rolls on the arms! This lil guy does not miss a meal and he nurses like a champ! Because of that, we count our days in rolls on the arms and thighs! Each day brings a new lil chub roll on our dough boy! Can't get enough of them.

I know I'm 2 days posting this, but I couldn't resist since the date is 11-12-13! Kinda crazy, kinda cool! Thanks for stopping by to read all about Henry and how we're adjusting. Check back soon for more pics and updates! It's hard to believe it's already been one month. 

Heisel Rules!