Let it go.

If you know me, you know I'm a little compulsive when it comes to cleaning. I just can't let it go. Well.... it happened. It got out.of.control.

Last Sunday was crazy. Somehow the days just seem to escape us, despite our best efforts to fit as much family fun in as we can. As we cruised through the day, we didn't have time to clean up after ourselves here and there. By dinner time, it was absolutely out of control. We were all outside, enjoying a beautiful day, playing with Kahla, working on the garden, and while everything inside of me wanted to get inside and clean up.... I realized I need to let it go.

Perfect sunny afternoons will be fleeting, these memories pass us by too soon. That damn messy kitchen will STILL be there tonight. Or tomorrow. Or the day after. It's time to slow down, to enjoy the little things, even that mess in the kitchen, because it's a direct result of a happy little family.

Here's a look at that kitchen:

 

...And yes, it got cleaned up that night, because while I can let it go for an afternoon, it's going to take some time for me to get to a place where I can let it go overnight :)

XOXO

First "Play Date"

I put "play date" in quotes, because come on, we all know Jackson is too little to laugh, let alone play. This was more an "adult date", but it was fun to introduce these babies to each other... and maybe put a few words in their mouths for our entertainment.

I've never Loved Him More

It's amazing what happens the first time a man holds his child. Instantly, he goes from being a husband, to also being a dad. Tyler was a natural from the moment he laid eyes on Jackson, and he hasn't stopped since.
I've never been more in love with him, as I've watched him transform into an amazing father. I've never seen a more patient, doting, caring Tyler as I have in the last 6 weeks. I'm so grateful that as my little family grows and changes, he's the one by my side.

One Month

How did this happen? I know everyone says that. I cannot believe we are already here: one month old.

This little nugget has changed our lives in so many incredible ways. I simply cannot imagine a life without him anymore- who were we before Jackson?! What did we talk about? What did we do with our days? I can tell you this much, we talked about things other than poop and we slept. All night. Nonetheless, I wouldn't change a thing.

When those 1am, 3am, and 5am wake up calls come, nothing else matters but those bright, wide awake, precious eyes staring back at me. My heart melts. Every.Single.Time.

So you noticed- this little booger is getting up every 2 hours... as of today that is a work in progress, and we are enforcing an eat, play, sleep routine. Praying for longer stretches of sleep to follow shortly!

Jackson is such a happy baby, we are so blessed. He currently loves baths, cuddles, puckering his lips, and stretching. However, he's not so keen on breastfeeding (but I am the law, and this little guy is going to struggle through it!). He's also not digging being swaddled (it's not conducive to his stretching) or getting dressed. Notice Tyler prefers to not wear a shirt whenever socially acceptable... I wonder where Jackson got that from.

Also, this little guy is gaining weight like a champ. He's even got double chins! What a feat for a lengthy little guy.

Here are some moments from our first month together.

 

 

Picure overload- I know, but I cannot stop taking pictures of this sweet little thing. Jackson, we are SO IN LOVE. We cannot wait to see what the coming months bring (but not too quickly please)!

 

A First Easter

We celebrated Jackson's first holiday- Easter as a family. Just the three of us (well... four of us). It was a simple, quiet day. We reflected on the reason for Easter, Jackson attended his very first church service, we opened small Easter baskets for Jackson and Kahla, made brunch, and skyped with family.

Living away from our families and close friends, we've had to create our own little holiday traditions and learn to soak in and enjoy quality time, just us.

While it may be inappropriate to whip out the ol' iPhone during church, I was not missing this moment.

Rocking the only Easter-ish outfit we could find for such a wee one.

Please note: Dinosaur slippers and baby aviators. Yep, aviators.

We couldn't leave the fur child out. She's pretty accustomed to receiving gifts on all holidays. Spoiled?

This happened.

...so did this.

You can thank Tyler for this artsy brunch line up. It's a cross... get it?

 

 

XOXO



Nana & Papa Stowe

My parents arrived in Dayton the day after Jackson was born, and thank goodness they did. They helped keep our lives sane in the first week after Jackson was born. Tyler was mid-finals, very little was prepared for baby around the house, Kahla needed to be taken care of, and we spent most of that week in the hospital. My parents washed baby clothes and blankets, helped with our laundry, put baby gear together, shopped for premie clothes, brought us countless meals and stocked our house with food. They stayed with me in the hospital while Tyler left to study, and got plenty of time bonding with Jackson.

We are so grateful for all their help and love.

Maternity Photos

Another catch-up post!

These are just a few of my favorite maternity photos from our shoot with Mamma Stubbs: