Moments of Musing

Thank you, my baby boy

Filed Under: Baby L, motherhood //

I’ve traveled throughout the world. 
I’ve called beautiful cities and countries “home.” 
I live my favorite love story.
…Still, nothing has brought me more joy than being his mama, alongside my husband as his dada. 
This Thanksgiving, I am most grateful for this little one who has brought more joy and love into my life than I ever thought possible. 
He’s made me a better wife, friend, daughter, sister. 
He’s made me a better employee. 
He’s made me a better me. 
So, thank you, my baby boy. You are the light and love of my life. 
And thank you to my husband, who helped make me a mama and is on this fun adventure with me.

I am fortunate to have you boys. 
Happy Thanksgiving! 
P.S. Fellow mamas and those who have little ones in your lives- 
head over to Freshly Picked to check out their sale!

While in the baby waiting room

Filed Under: Baby L, motherhood //

I “mad dash-ed” out of work yesterday to make it to the baby’s four-month checkup. He’s developing well and reaching his milestones. That makes for a very happy mama. 

Fortunately, the doctor’s office has a baby waiting room and that’s where we go unless the baby is sicky. Yesterday while speaking to another mom in the baby waiting room, she told my husband and I about the struggles she’s having with sleep training, the baby’s weight gain and weaning her baby from breastfeeding. I shared our own struggles about our baby fighting sleep and my inability to continue breastfeeding and how bad I felt about it. 

In that time we spoke, I realized we’re all just trying to be the best moms to our babies, while balancing our wacky hormones and still trying to be loving wives. It’s far from easy and some days, I still feel like I’m not sure what or how I’m doing. Then, I get a smile from Sebastian and I know I’m doing just fine. My husband and I are doing just fine. We’re all new to this and we’re learning–together. 
Most of all, I realized the struggle (and snuggle) is real. And it’s okay–it even feels good and validating–to admit it to one another …It also made me want to make mommy friends so I’m off to look up mommy and me groups. 🙂

A second line

Filed Under: Baby L, Marriage, pregnancy //

One year ago, a second line appeared … It was one of the most exciting life moments to date. I felt like I could burst at the seams and telling Tim in special surprise way went right out the window because I couldn’t contain my excitement! My lifelong dream of becoming a mommy was becoming a reality. 

It was one of the best days because it led to our baby boy. I’ve never loved someone so wholeheartedly and fiercely. He’s made our life so much better, so much more whole. 
I am so, so grateful.
When I first looked at these maternity photos all I saw was how much weight I’d gained … Now, I see only beautiful images, some of which are my most favorite photos. 
This was one of the absolute best stages in our life thus far and I’d be remiss not to thank my husband. Through the ups, downs and all-arounds, he’s been by my side. First-time parenting sure isn’t easy but loving you and being a parent with you to our baby boy is. 
Thank you for helping to bring our baby into this world. It’s truly a better place because he’s here.

Bring your Baby to Work

Filed Under: Baby L, motherhood //

This week I was fortunate enough to be able to bring Baby L to work with me. I honestly think he knew he was in for a treat because he was smiley all morning. I’m lucky to currently work somewhere that values family. If your your workplace is suitable for a baby and you’re allowed to bring yours along, I’d do it. It makes the day fly by and your mood will be better than it is on any other workday.  
 
When we arrived at my job, everyone was so excited to meet him. Aside from an early hangry meltdown, he was pretty content. He even took longer than usual naps, which I suspect was due in part to him being introduced to so many new people and a new place. 
 
 
I made sure to pack extra outfits in case he needed to be changed and four to five toys to keep him occupied while I was busy. Some of the toys that I like to bring are rattles or crinkle books, they are educational and Montessori-aligned. If you are looking for the same, head on to this website that provides an overview of Montessori products. He played in his stroller and on my lap while I did my work and surprisingly, I was able to finish all of my tasks for the day. I felt like a supermom for sure. 
 
It might not be possible to do this as often as I’d like but I am definitely going to bring him again. There was such a shift in my office aura for me. I was so much happier to be with him all day AND determined to finish my work. It felt so nice to be able to share a day in my life with him. We took quite a few photos because I want to be able to show him that I try my very best to spend time with him even though I’m a working mom. 
 
This was just another day in my life as a mommy. Balance. It’s the one word is describe what life is like now. Balancing his needs, my needs, my husband’s needs and the needs of our little family. I’m still figuring it all out but I’m getting better at it everyday. 

Better Than I Thought

Filed Under: Baby L, working mom //

I can’t believe it’s already Friday! The week went pretty quickly and I actually enjoyed it. Going back to work was difficult but the time leading up to it and the first day were the most difficult parts. 
The time since Monday has already felt routine. It’s gone much better than I ever imagined it would. I still feel tinges of guilt to be away and have to admit I’m looking forward to spending this long weekend with my boys, though. ::happy dance:: 
On Monday, my first day back, I sobbed as I left the baby. It was heartbreaking for me to fathom spending 11 hours away from him per day. I cried on the subway and at work. We video chatted (we have everyday) and I cried during that, too. Everyone at work was excited to see me, though, so that helped immensely.  
I received scary news about someone Monday night and Tuesday morning so my emotions were geared more towards that then. I think it helped put everything in perspective and I didn’t cry (sad tears) the rest of the week! 
On Wednesday I was able to go to Baby L’s three month appointment. He loved the doctors’ office fish tank but his shots–not so much. I’m so glad I was there to hold and cuddle him after he got his shots because he was not a happy camper, to say the least. 
I did cry yesterday but they were happy tears. I wrote the baby a letter (excerpts of which I plan to share on here sometime) and my husband read it and gave me feedback, which turned me to mush. When I get home from work each day, I wash my hands and immediately cuddle the baby. I don’t even go on my phone much until he falls asleep, and by that time all I want to do is sleep so I rarely even use it in the evenings.  
All in all, this week was a reminder that life is beautiful; time is precious; and I’m trying my hardest to be present, which I’m doing well at, so far.