Gratitude

My mom has been coming up to stay with us about once a week to help Ken and I with the baby.  I know she loves being with us and being able to be with Penny and see her grow, but I don't think she will ever understand how much she does for us.  Ken and I are always so excited for when she comes because we love seeing how much care and love she shows Penny.  It's nice sometimes to just have a moment to sit and watch someone else shower love on your child.  Especially in such a gentle and patient way.

There is no denying that it takes a village to raise a child.  My friend once said to me that there really should be at least four people raising one child, but nowadays it ends up being more like four children to one adult.  I am so blessed that I have my mother to come and help us with Penny.  I would hope that she understands how much it means to us and there is really no way to pay her back for everything she has done.

I have been attending a breastfeeding circle every Wednesday morning with a wonderful group of women.  We get together to talk about our struggles and triumphs with breastfeeding, but we also talk about our struggles and joys of motherhood as well.  I am grateful to have other mothers with newborns to talk to and discuss things with.  It has bonded us and we all draw from each other's strength.  Without that group and my mother, I know I would feel very lonely since Ken has gone back to work.  I really value the relationships that I have with them and I am excited to watch all of their children grow as well.


Penny Update:

Penny is 3 weeks and 4 days old today!  She is astounding us every day with her strength and has really turned a corner as far as adjusting to this world goes.  She now has many wakeful, alert periods during the day where she is just happy to sit in our arms and discover the world.  My mom and I went on a lovely walk to Stater Brothers yesterday with her to grab a few groceries and she did so well!  She can get a little fussy in her car seat but was such a trooper for our walk.  I really want to take her on a short hike today in the Ergo (Thank you Uncle Steve and Aunt Gina!! It is such a lifesaver) but I think I might be pushing it for my body.  My back is still recovering from the short walk yesterday.  I am excited and nervous to start training for the Spartan Race again but I know I am basically starting from square one fitness wise.  But, maybe this is a beautiful opportunity to start from scratch and really train the right way from day 1.  Three more weeks until my doctors appointment where I get the okay to start working out again.  I can't wait.  Until then, I am taking advantage of Penny being heavy and giving my arms a workout.

I am excited to have the rest of the day ahead of me and I am thankful to my mom for giving me time to write this post.  Now it's off to feed the baby!

Gratefully yours,

Steph

 Tummy Time on daddy's back!

 Falling asleep in the car seat mid-cry.

My little love-bug.