A Post Longer Than Lily's Lashes and Legs

 I've started this post and several others in my mind several times.  There were some good ones-ones where my thoughts flowed freely and made entertaining stories.  Those kinds of posts are kind of lost after the moment passes.  I wish I could have gotten around to posting when I was still in the moment but I did not.  So here I am now with lots of pictures to take me back to some of those moments so let's see if I can piece this together.  These past two weeks confirm something I've always felt-time flies! And life is beautiful with beautiful moments that I hope I never forget.

The last picture of me pregnant.

  This was moments before Lily arrived.  When she decided she was ready to make her appearance, my goodness she did not mess around.

Jason was right there cheering me along with the nurses and doctor. 

 Mom was hiding in the corner.

Jason cut her cord.

And we were able to hold her right away.

Then it was time for all those things the hospitals do.

(In case you don't know, that's actually my sister taking a picture of Lily with her phone-not one of our nurses.  She works at the hospital and that is why she has on scrubs.)

I rested and was relieved she was here.

After a quick, professional bath (the last of those she would have),

We confirmed she was Jason's child with a head of curly hair.

After settling into our room, visitors began to arrive.

And more gifts!

  (If I wasn't so far behind on my posting, you'd know from the baby shower post that we have already been gifted and gifted!  What are these people trying to do?  Spoil our little girl?)

Speaking of spoiling.  Two proud grandparents.

And two more along with a cute cousin.

The next day we had our celebration lunch, which consisted of Jason shoveling food in my mouth as I comforted an uncomfortable Lily.

After a somewhat long night and day at the hospital it was time to go home.  We put Lily in her "going home outfit", snapped a few pictures, grabbed a to-go box for the dinner they just brought us, and got out of there.  I will add that the hospital staff was awesome.  The nurses were so kind and caring-especially the lactation specialist who I wish I could have just brought home with me for about a week.  She had such a calming demeanor and voice that she'd make trying to nurse a copperhead seem easy.

Lily liked the ride home.

Daisy enjoyed her ride back home from Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Lily was automatically wrapped around Grandpa's finger.

And was an entirely different baby once we were in the comforts of her new home.

Nursing has been one of the hardest endeavors I have ever attempted.  I definitely do not say this to discourage anyone from trying.  If your heart so desires, I believe it is one of the best things you can do for your baby (and yourself) and can now say that the two week struggle was worth every worry, pain, and tear.

Sometimes it's hard to hear Lily cry...

But as time goes on, I now know that it will eventually stop, so I can relax and do what needs to be done instead of tensing up and freaking out making matters worse...sometimes.  

I can't help but be proud of how far we've already come.  We've already accomplished so much and make a great team. 

You're already popular making lots of friends.

They can't wait to play and push you around on your tricycle.

But for now are happy admiring a sleeping beauty.

Your first outing was your first doctor's appointment.

Grandma picked us up.

And you were the perfect patient and got a great report.

It was a perfect day and as you helped me make dinner,

I was one happy mommy.

As you watched from the window, Daisy and I talked about how great our growing family was.

Herman acted as if he did not care, but we both knew he was proud deep down.

After I was feeling a tad more comfortable with all the newness of having a baby around, I made my first attempt at cloth diapers.

 You gave me practice as the first attempt was wet before I had it pinned in place.  Thankfully we've gotten better at this as the time has passed.

Though I can't say the plastic pants fit you much better yet.

Daddy calls you little Miss Plastic Pants.

Early morning walks around the yard are one of our favorite things to do.  You were very impressed with the pear growing on the tree Grandma and Grandpa gave you for Valentine's Day before you were born.

You don't even complain after working hard in the garden all day.

Hard work just calls for an extra nap with daddy.

You really are our perfect miracle.

I can't get enough of you even though I am just a little jealous your eyelashes are already longer than mine.

This post may have included 10 feedings, 9 burps, 3 spit ups, 5 diaper changes, 6 naps, and 4 made up lullabies that I am glad no one heard but you, but I truly mean it when I say that there is no where else I'd rather be and am happy to be your mommy.

  I love you so much, Lily.