These Days

By Natalie

What’s motherhood if you can’t have two scoops of ice cream every now and then? 

Starbucks in the morning and ice cream in the evenings has been our go to since Felicity was born. We’ve ventured out quite a bit these past 4 weeks. Nowhere too far since we’ve got a great little hub of shops and friends around us.  

Things are pretty slow around here. Eat, sleep, repeat has basically been how our days go. With our waking playtime hours in the mornings and eveningtime. We seem to have established a rhythm. Not quite a schedule, but a rhythm which makes our days a whole lot more flexible.

Felicity is already getting a strong neck thanks to some tummy time that surprisingly Brandon is way better at remembering to facilitate. Felicity has already met most of our friends and family these past few weeks and I’m smitten with how much love has been poured over her.

She loves to eat. She loves bathtime. She loves riding in the car and looking out the window. She loves playtime with daddy. She’s been a great sleeper so far and a pretty easygoing baby. We’re getting to know eachother better every day as our love continues to grow.

 

Also, do you remember this photo?

Well here are those little cousins outside of our bellies ♥

They’re just so precious I can’t handle it.


Now That You’re Here

By Natalie

Dearest Felicity,

I was kind of hoping to vacuum during your next nap but that seems silly now. How can I put you down when your fingers are gripped to the collar of my shirt? Your cheek is pressed against me and you’re sleeping soundly because you know you’re safe and loved.

Now that you’re here all my maternal instincts are bursting at the seams. I typically like things clean. I like things tidy. I kind of want to change my T-shirt that you spit up on but I’ll never have this moment back. What’s the use of cleaning house when there’s a baby to snuggle? I want to hold you close, kiss you, sing to you in this moment before it’s gone. I want to remember spending time with you and not worrying about the muddy paw prints that need cleaning on the downstairs carpet. Let’s be honest, Bingley is bound to make another mess soon enough anyway.

We let you sleep the other night since you’re gaining weight so well and you slept for such a long stretch! We all felt amazing in the morning after coming to a bit groggy. I couldn’t help but allow myself to worry if you’d do the same the next night and then I realized maybe I should just enjoy the good day while it’s here. I decided to put my anxiety aside, get a shower, feed you and we made it out the door by 10:30.

Now that you’re here and I see what a beautiful girl you are I have so many dreams for you. I want you to grow and become independent. But I also want to be able to hold you forever, soothing your cries and running to your every need. You’ve made me what I’ve always known I wanted to be. A mother. This is it, these are the days I dreamed of when everyone fussed over asking me what I was going to do with my life. I’ve wanted to be a mother. For years I’ve waited and prepared for this future I’d always hoped for. I’m so blessed to have this opportunity with you. It’s hard! At times it’s lonely. But little girly it’s totally worth it. With each day I give myself a little more grace.

I still can’t believe you’re ours Felicity. You’re a treasure to us now and always.

xoxo,

Mama

Motherhood Right Now

By Natalie

This morning I watched the pink morning light peeking through our window fade to orange. Felicity lay in her cradle arms up bent at the elbows.  She’s sound asleep.

I can’t stop looking at her. I can’t put her down even though I know I need rest too. And for the life of me I can not stop this bucket of tears from pouring down my cheeks.

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Felicity’s Birth Story

By Natalie

I hadn’t brushed my teeth for 2 days. I thought about it as I laid in bed staring at my new baby daughter.
True life these past couple days have been full of love, tears and a whole mess of indescribable emotions.

Felicity Taylor Poe was born on July 3rd at 4:31pm. Delivered by our midwife Briana at Baby & Company. She came out wide eyed in a quiet room. (more…)

Life Lately

By Natalie

38 Weeks

39 Weeks

Hello 39 weeks. I thought it’d be forever until you got here. And hey! Thanks for letting me keep my ankles this summer. Our due date is tomorrow! Let’s see how long this little girl wants to stay cozied up in my womb. These last couple weeks have been dragging on as I’ve been settled in our home and awaiting this sweet baby girl. Sometimes I find myself sitting in front of her cradle imagining her in it. Or I’ll linger by her nursery admiring the cozy space we put together for her.

I don’t think there’s anything left to prep! Which seems to be good and bad since she could really be here any day or within the next couple weeks! There’s a Poe family get together here in Charlotte next week. No pressure. I’ll be twiddling my thumbs all week in anticipation just like the rest of you.

Here’s how we’ve kept busy lately.

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DIY: Fabric Scrap Mobile

By Natalie

I found my inspiration for this mobile on Pinterest. There’s tons of different variations with either fabric, yarn, or ribbon. Look through your stash first to see what you can come up with. Or stop by your favorite craft store to grab the minimal supplies you need for this easy peasy DIY project. (more…)

Big Belly Days

By Natalie

We’re nearly there can you believe it? The third trimester has been treating me fairly well. We’re at 37 weeks and as prepared as I think we can be by this point.

How I’ve Been Feeling: Physically

I’m having a hard time being on my feet for too long especially outside in the heat. Sometimes I feel like I’ll just tip right over! I bought myself a pair of memory foam slippers a couple weeks ago which has been the greatest justice for my feet around the house. They’ll be going in the birth center bag. (more…)

Home Sweet Home

By Natalie

Hunting for a house this spring was as exciting as it was frustrating. I searched tirelessly sifting through photo after photo of houses in our area until they all blurred together. Offers were accepted on several houses that had been listed that same day. They were flying off this competitive market as quickly as they came on. Our realtor Lisa was kept busy adjusting our viewing schedule by the hour as homeowners accepted offers before we had a chance to see their home. Lisa was honest, quick on her feet, encouraging through the disappointments and excited for the potential we saw in our new home.  (more…)

Bumpdate

By Natalie

Can you believe it? We’re 35 weeks pregnant tomorrow. Our little girl loves to squirm especially when she hears Brandon’s voice. She’s giving some strong punches and kicks making her presence known more each day.

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From Here On

By Natalie

Now seems as good a time as any for a recap on the last couple months. I’m writing this at the birth center, where we will be welcoming our little girl, having my blood drawn four times over the course of 3 hours for a more conclusive glucose test. Luckily for me I get to pass this time in a more private lounge space on a comfortable couch surrounded by the sound of midwives clicking their sandals down the hallways.

This is what I’ve hoped for when deciding where we would give birth. A place that feels like home surrounded by encouraging women who’s job is to do nothing more than empower the mother I am becoming and create community amongst all us new parents. We’ve been educated here and had the opportunity to share our hopes and fears with others who are due around the same time that we are. It’s provided such comfort as we near the end of this pregnancy.

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