Life around the Whitley house has been perfectly sweet in the quietest + loudest of ways. These last two weeks since Maxwell was born have been filled with lots of rest, snuggles, baby burps and hours spent rocking our little man to sleep. Umm, and lots of diaper + outfit changes. It’s taken me by surprise how natural all of this has been for our family. Zack has fallen into his new role as daddy perfectly. I am so proud of him and the way he cares for us. The hardest part for me are the hours leading up to bedtime. Max + I are both tired but the day isn’t quite over yet. It’s in those moments where I remind myself it’s OK to let my body sink into the rocker and let time pass by slowly; where Max needs to be snuggled extra tight; how I am so, so thankful to have my only daily task be Maxwell’s mommy. And the daytime naps certainly help ;)
How do you prepare your heart for motherhood? You can’t. You simply let God bless you as you experience it fresh each morning…
love each day God gives!
Amen. As I prepare for baby #2 in a few weeks, this is important to remember :) Just rock the baby :)
ENJOY the rocking time. As my son got older, he would tolerate rocking less and less. I wish I could snuggle that little bundle again!
SO cute!!! Baby Maxwell and your whole little family! Much love!!!!!
you look like a natural and so beautiful as a mother!
@Gina_AcuteDesigns, Oh my, thank you so much Gina! :)
i have felt the same way (with all three kiddos) about those few hours in the evening before bed. i would always be so tired, but knew i couldn’t go to bed quite yet. i would also fear how the baby would be that evening. would he/she be cranky or calm? i’m very scheduled, so having that little bit of “unknown” wreaked havoc on my hormonal mind. :) enjoy him… in a few short weeks it will all seem so normal and smooth sailing. mommy-hood is the best prize ever!!! ;)
@Liz, OH YES! Cranky or calm? I have those thoughts, too. I loved your comment… felt like I was reading a bit of my own mind :) xo
I just rocked my 10 year old daughter this morning…tight :) It gets a little more forced, and involves a little eye rolling, but it never, EVER gets old <3 Congratulations!
Those evening hours were the hardest — just knowing that another difficult/sleepless night was coming up. Hang in there mamma. It gets so much easier. Love to you and little Max!
I think it’s wonderful you are just able to focus on one task—being a mommy! That’s so important. The things can wait…but He just needs you right now. Enjoy those slow moments. They pass way too fast! xoxoxo
@annie, Talk about not taking these early days for granted! Oh my, YES they do go by so fast. Love you!
YES, take time to just sit and enjoy those snuggles!!!! My son is now almost three months old, and I still take time out to remember to snuggle him every chance I get. You cannot spoil a newborn, so hold him whenever you can! They are only little so long…!!! :) I can’t believe my little man is already a few months old… time FLIES. Enjoy every minute, momma!!!
xoxox Holly
I just love seeing Maxwell updates!! I had many rough nights with Dax the first year, and to be honest- around 3-4 months was the worst. The only thing that would settle him down in the evenings was to get in the bathtub with him and let him lay on my chest in the warm water. He may be 4 now, but there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t cover him with hugs, kisses, and cuddles! So sweet to see you settling into mommyhood <3
He will grow amazingly fast. Keep on enjoying each sweet moment.
I have a 3 week old little girl and have the same thoughts leading up to bedtime, but there’s hope every other night or so she has started to sleep 3-4 hour stretches. She is my first and I cant get over how unprepared I was, but God has placed so many people in my life that keep me encouraged. Short walks with the stroller and the bible have worked wonders too!
So, so glad you are taking things slow! That’s definitely hard for me- my poor kids, mommy is always running around the house like a crazy chicken. :)
Oh how I remember those fussy evening hours! I am so thankful for a sisterhood of fellow mamas who told me that it was normal & gave me permission to feel exhausted & and reminded me that I wasn’t doing anything wrong. Each day is a new gift with your precious babe, containing the sweetest moments and newest challenges and of course such a fully-lived day leaves you both tired before it’s even over! But endurance is one of God’s best gifts to new mothers.
Oh my goodness he is so adorable! What a great blessing from the Lord!
@Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking, Thank you!!!!!! :)
You definitely still have that Mama glow! Snuggle that boy extra tight. I didn’t appreciate all the time I had when there was only 1 baby in the house. You’ll never have that much time again.
He is SO adorable! What a wonderful time for your family. I cannot wait to experience motherhood:)
He is soooo precious! Don’t you just love those little yawns they give?:) I am so glad you have given yourself this time to bond with your little guy. It’s so important for all of you!
By the way, you look so lovely! God has blessed you with one of those smiles where others just can’t help but smile back! (Or at least I can’t:D)
Just read your twitter where you are requesting a photograhper to photograph your baby for you blog and that people should send you portfolios? You are out of control. Why don’t you just do like normal people do and google LA Photogs and figure it out on your own. Who do you think you are?
Beauty!! Not quite a mom myself yet, but the principle applies when you let any little one into your heart- I never knew I could love a kid that wasn’t blood until my nieces and nephews were born!!