To Eleanor: Month One

Welcome to the world Eleanor!

Dear Eleanor,

How is it possible that you have been here for an entire month already? While the day you were born did not go exactly like I had imagined, having you as a part of our family has been even more incredible than I ever thought possible. I was so eager to meet you, and yet so completely exhausted by the time I was finally able to!

Your first picture with Daddy

Definitely not my best photo, but it was our first together

We had so many people that already love you come visit us as the hospital. It was so fun being able to show you off to everyone, and we all agree that you are perfect in every way! We had wonderful nurses who took such great care of us all. We were in the hospital Thursday (the day you were born) through Monday morning. You went to the nursery every night except for the last one. Sorry baby girl, but Mama needed some sleep! 

Getting your hair washed- you love it!

Two of our favorite nurses- Jo Jo & Kathy!

Proud Papa

Right from the beginning, you've been a good eater. Breastfeeding has been going really well, and I am extremely happy about that. I love having those quiet moments with you, even if I do feel like a dairy cow most some days. You are a pokey little eater and fall asleep most of the time. I am constantly tickling you and blowing on your face trying to keep you awake! But seeing your little eyes looking up at me, and hearing your little grunts while you eat is just so precious. I don't think that makes sense to anyone else, but I absolutely watching your little fingers curl up around me and slowly relax as you fall asleep.

You screamed through your first bath at home, but you absolutely love having your hair washed! While we were still in the hospital, I asked one of my favorite nurses (Kathy) to wash your hair before your photo shoot. She warned me that babies either absolutely LOVE having their hair washed, or they completely flip out. I was eager to see which you would be- and you loved it! It's the funniest thing to watch you immediately relax once I start massaging your head. Lucky for you, we do a lot of hair washing! It gets pretty greasy with all the touching it receives. Oh, that hair! I couldn't have been more surprised to see you come out with so much dark hair. It's usually in a little baby fauxhawk, which is hilarious. You look so sweet with all your little headbands, although you're so tiny, hardly any of them fit yet!

Still pretty exhausted, but loving our snuggles!

Going home from the hospital!

Speaking of being tiny- you are such a peanut! Weighing in at 6lbs 9oz when you were born, you definitely surprised us all! I knew you would be on the smaller side based on our ultrasounds, but I never expected you to be under 7lbs. We didn't even have clothes small enough to fit you. Aunt Lo & Aunt Ashley had to go out and buy you newborn sized outfits to take you home in. You may be small, but you already move like crazy. You have a strong startle reflex, so you love being swaddled. When your arms are unwrapped, they are usually waving all over the place. You didn't lose much weight after birth, and you're gaining weight just fine. Your doctor did ask me to make sure to feed you every 3 hours though, which has made it hard to get much done!

 

 

Sweet little Ellie, I love you with my whole heart and I have since the moment I heard your sweet little screams in the operating room. People had told me that this kind of "Mama love" would be the most intense kind of love, and I though I understood exactly what they meant. But my goodness- now I realize how much I didn't fully understand. Until now. I could sit and look at you for hours, and my heart is just so full. I am so thankful that you are finally here! You made me a mom, and I just couldn't be happier to be yours.

Love,
Mommy