New Mommy

   Nothing makes you feel like life is speeding by quite like giving birth to new life. I feel like it was just yesterday I was standing at the top of the stairs in my childhood home hearing my dad tell my 9 year-old self that my time living at home was half over. I cried because my childhood seemed to slipping away. Now here I am 24 years old, married, and with a beautiful, perfect son. My childhood has ended, but his has only just begun!
   The first three weeks of Theo's life has been a mixture of laughter, tears, joys, and firsts. Week one was just trying to get used to having a newborn and making sure I kept him alive! Being at his beck and call seemed to be all I did (and it still does at times). I can't even begin to tell describe how grateful I am for my mom. She truly helped me make the transition to motherhood with my sanity in-tact. She cleaned, cooked, did laundry, held Theo while I napped, bought us groceries, went to Dr.'s appointments with me and assured me that I wouldn't feel like a baby feeding machine for the rest of my life. Becoming a mother has made me need my mom more than I have in years. I so respect my mom and so many people tell me she is the best mother and wife they know. She is who I get to learn from! She is #3 on my speed dial. It goes #1- voice mail box #2- Paul #3-MOM! 
   Having my dad come out the 2nd week was so special! I video taped him meeting Theo and as you might have suspected there were lots of tears!!!

my amazing dad with Theo!

Nonnie!! the best woman EVER!

  Saying good-bye to my parents was honestly the worst... Since we don't know where we will be living after ministry school in May we aren't sure when we will see them next. Luckily, Paul's parents arrived the same day that my parents left... I know what you are thinking, "could you possibly be excited to have your in-laws come?" to which I respond a resounding YES!! They are seriously the dream team. Like my parents, they bought us groceries, took us to eat, and held Theo so I could nap and take showers. Paul's mom even left money on the counter this morning so that I could get a pedicure this week (spoiled, aren't I??) They are the most low-maintanence guests ever and I loved having them around. I cried last night with Jean, my mother-in-law knowing they were going home today...

Meeting Nanna and Poppa

Talking with Nanna

Cuddles with Poppa

  As wonderful as having a baby is, I feel like my hormones are more crazy than when I was pregnant. I am ultra sensitive and cry very easily. Since quality time is my love language I have been feeling the effects of not having as much one-on-one time with Paul as I'm used to. We are taking Theo out this afternoon just the three of us for the first time and going to eat and spend some time as a family. We are both so in love with this little guy, but I'm definatly feeling the adjustment. My mom and mother-in-law have both assured me that the first few months are the hardest when you are breastfeeding and caring for a newborn. As you can imagine, I've cried because I'm sad he has already outgrown some of his newborn clothes and also cried because I get cabin fever if I don't leave the house for a day or two (I'm complicated I guess!) But one look at that little face below and it's all worth it! He already looks so big! :( / :)

that face!!!!!

burping baby Theo

where we spend most of our evening- the couch! he wants to eat all night!

   Theo seems to have blonde hair and blue eyes at this point... Say what?!?! Totally thought my Italian/Lebanese heritage would trump Paul's genes.... I wonder if people will even think he is my kid in the future.... hmmm. Well, Aunt Annie comes this week to meet her first/only nephew! We can't wait! Uncle Tyler comes later in the week too!