HI! I am alive and also a (human) mom now. My, how quickly things change. This won’t ever be a mommy blog, but there are baby related things I want to record and write down so my next few post might be mom-heavy. But also some book posts. (LOL because I have any time to read… #dillusional)
Most longtime readers know that my husband’s name is Kyle, but I typically shorten it to K when I blog because a) ease and b) semi-privacy. That said, Maddie is getting shortened to M once this post is done and over with.
I want to share about her birth and about our first few days at home. I want to talk about the pressures of motherhood (which have thus far only existed in my own head- the family and friends we surround ourselves with are incredible and supportive). I want to talk about how our family looks now and about all the wonderful people who have helped us these past two weeks…. and I will. But today I’m introducing our newest little love to my blog family and giving you a quick update on the rest of us.
Madelyn arrived on Dec. 4th at 8:36pm weighing 8 pounds 2.3 ounces. I am well aware things with a baby can change daily, but as I write this she is darn near perfect… She loves to sleep & eat. She doesn’t mind being laid down or held by “strangers” (to her). Nights are still a little rough. She’s cool with noise or silence, light or darkness, pacifier or no pacifier. She’s completely unphased by dog barking. We are counting our blessings for her temperament during this stage. (We imagine karma has something good cooked up for those toddler years- lol.)
The dogs are perfect. The initial meet-and-greet was Enzo gently sniffing M and Bristol barking/growling at her 😂 Bristol is a husky mix who does husky-talk & based on her physical cues, it was not an aggressive growl- she just wanted the new human to play with her.
Since that first meeting, Enzo is loving but indifferent to M. (He still love his mama and his sleep most of all.) Bristol is glued to her freaking side. She keeps her eye on M all day long and checks out every visitor who holds the baby. She checks on her throughout the day and usually lays near me while I feed her. Maddie has essential become Bristol’s baby.
*(We’re not irresponsible- we never leave the dogs and baby alone together.)
Moving on…
Kyle is the best human in the world. The dad life looks so good on him but the husband life is even better. He’s been so supportive, patient, attentive, loving, focused… with both Maddie & myself. I handle most nighttime duties and I change most diapers, but he is willing to do whatever I ask and is wonderful at entertaining, cuddling, comforting, and loving on baby. And spoiling the pups, too.
After the hospital I was hit HARD with emotions. They started on the car ride home. I spent 5 days in a complete fog. I cried off and on daily, felt awful about the present and the future, and moved through the current hour dreading the next. Baby blues/PPD/hormones at its finest. Finally on day 5 Kyle and I made some big decisions regarding life and the fog lifted. We’re still keeping an eye on my mental healthy, but those were some dense, dark woods and I am grateful to be out of them. Again, thank God for Kyle slogging through those days with me. He is a workaholic and he put everything on the back burner to make sure I was ok and Maddie was doing alright. Obviously that’s the job of a husband and partner and I’m not surprised by his attentiveness, but I know not all partners can/would do that.
I’m going to dive into that fog more in another post- I promise. This is already longer than I intended. Haha.
We’re doing well. We’re starting to kind of slip into a routine. Every day Maddie gives us something new- whether it’s a schedule shift or gas smile or physical development. I will say more about her, my postpartum experience, and our life soon (for those interested).
Before I go, a HUGE THANK YOU to my blog friends for the well wishes, gifts, advice, and friendship. Your love has been overwhelming- esp in those first few days. I have utilized some blog friends as resources for parenting and I really, really appreciate the time and energy they’ve given me. This community is incredible and I’m so grateful for all of you ♥ You all helped carry me through those first few days.
Life as Louise 
What sweet pictures! I love that little going-home outfit.
Ours was the same way with temperament. He didn’t sleep through the night for 13 months (after some serious CIO training) but he went where I went and napped on-the-go and was very easy to travel around with.
And the dogs: one was just like Bristol with him from the beginning. The other stayed as far away as possible. Now they both run away from him lol.
Enjoy all the newborn snuggles!
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Thank you! My best friends bought it for her right after we found out we were pregnant 🙂
She’s starting to sleep a little better at night. The gassiness doesn’t help, though. Fortunately she’s still got a pretty good temperament. And the dogs still love her, but we’ll see how that goes once she can move around. Haha!
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What a blessing! I love the picture of M meeting her fur sibs – so sweet!
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I’m so glad I got a picture of it!!
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Ah! Sending you guys a huge congratulations!! What a perfect little girl. I love her name, all her cute outfits and these photos are to die for. I’m glad the pups responded well to their new addition too. I’m happy to hear you guys are settling in-even if it was 100% smooth sailing emotionally. So many adjustments!!
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Thank you! 🙂 Lots and lots of adjustments but she’s worth it. I’m excited for a little routine someday. Ha.
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Love all of the sweet pics! Hope you’re feeling better and able to enjoy M’s first Christmas!
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Thank you! Christmas was pretty enjoyable 🙂 I’m sure to her it was just another day, though. Hahaha.
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What a beautiful family. Enjoy every minute you can and know you will get through hard stuff. Congratulations.
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Thank you so much!
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I will never not love that photo of her being introduced to her four-legged siblings 💕
I read somewhere that fathers to be should read/talk to their unborn child then the baby will recognise his voice and perceive him as safe and familiar after being born. Maybe it’s the same for dogs – she heard the barking/yipping before she was born so she thinks of it as a familiar sound that she doesn’t need to react to.
I adore all her outfits. Why don’t they make adult clothes with gorgeous prints like that? I want foxes on my clothing too!
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I’m so glad I captured that moment 🙂 I think it is the same for dogs- if they bark and yip while she’s on the inside it is familiar to her on the outside. I think that was Lylee’s gift to us. Enzo and Bristol don’t make much noise but they yip and growl and bark when the doorbell rings- and Maddie doesn’t care one bit.
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Welcome to the blog M .. .cant wait to watch her grow & hear all the stories. She’s already loved by so many.
So glad you have such a good partner to help you in all the new adjustments.
Love that Bristol has just taken the role on as protector & has a new little buddy to watch over.
So excited for you & your new family. What a holiday this is! One to remember!
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Thanks, Rebecca Jo! She’s a little sweetie 🙂 We feel very blessed to call her ours. I’m sure she’ll make many many future blog appearances!
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Congrats!! New babies are the BEST! Welcome to the mom club 🙂
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Thank you! 😀
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Bristol loving on her must be the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen. So amazing.
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Bristol is such a nutty hyper puppy but she’s so loving and (mostly) gentle with M 🙂 ❤
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Aw, I love that Bristol is so sweet and protective!! Her going home outfit is the CUTEST THING EVER. I’m sorry it was a bit tough in the beginning, but I hope that things are looking up somewhat – and that’s great that K is being so wonderful and supportive. I hope you have a very, very, very Merry Christmas with K and M and the doggos!
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
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Thank you! It seems like everyone here is really getting along and adjusting well 🙂 It was definitely rough at first… but I think we’re doing better.
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So precious! Glad she’s been a pretty easy-going baby for you so far. And glad you came out of the fog a little bit. Just so many emotions! Love her name and happy for your family! Congratulations 🙂
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Thank you so much. It’s been a big change but we love her to pieces so it’s all worth it 🙂
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I love you, and you are an incredible wife and mama!!!!!!!!!!!! I know those dark days of PPD/general newborn fog, and I am SO sorry you went through them. Hoping it’s smooth sailing from here on out 🙂 And what a sweet, beautiful description of how K tirelessly supports you. The way you are calling out his kindness as a dad and husband is SO SWEET. (And it’s beautiful to hear, in a world where wives constantly complain about their husbands!)
Congrats again! M is PERFECT 🙂
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Thank you, friend. The waves of depression and ppd are rough and random and strong. I had no idea. K has been absolutely amazing. He’s the perfect partner for me and dad for M ❤
Thank you!!
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Congratulations!! M is damn near perfect and I am so proud of you for finding your groove and doing what it takes to make things work. I also have so much I want to share without ever becoming a mommy blogger… Looking forward to navigating new mom life with you!
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Thank you!! I’m so excited/happy/lucky to have mom friends in the blog world. I think it’s made a huge difference in my journey! Thank you for all the love and support these past few weeks! I’m so glad we can be there for each other!! I can’t wait to read more about your experience!
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