
This is currently my favorite picture of my girl right now. It is the screen saver on my phone. I literally breakout into a huge grin every time I open my phone. I think this captures her personality wonderfully right now.
I love March. Nothing exciting happens in March for me, but the month just brings newness for me. Spring is coming, the weather is warming, and the days are getting longer. Every year I get a spring cleaning bug. Now, what I do with the sudden desire to have a spotless house is an entirely different story. Today I washed all the windows inside and out in our house. I did it on a whim and it felt good. But that is as far as my spring cleaning went for the day. I have a confession to make- since Cora being born I have not really cleaned my house, gasp! I hate cleaning- and I mean that with everything in me. I do not mind laundry, dishes, picking up the house or making beds, but I really do not like cleaning. But alas, it has to be done. This week I am slowly going to start getting back into the swing of cleaning- starting with our floors! I am also thinking about getting a lawn service to come (just one time) for our front yard- that will be an indulgence for us, but one I think I want to make. I just have no desire to get out there and pick up all those dead leaves...
Cora and I have started a workout routine every morning- we go walking in our neighborhood. Well, I walk, Cora enjoys the ride in her Baby Bjorn. Hope is also loving the daily walks. Speaking of Hope, she really has been a trooper since the birth of this precious life. We had to go through an adjustment period but I think we are coming out of it now and I look forward to seeing the relationship Cora will have with Hope in the future. Every kid needs a family dog.
Once I found out I was pregnant with Cora I began to prepare myself for what was to come. I read books, I got advice from friends, I talked to mentors and over all I felt pretty prepared for the change that was to come being a first time parent. Over all the transition into parenthood has been what I thought it was going to be: hard, but worth it. That being said, I decide a long time ago that I was going to give myself a pass from life for 3 months. I was not really going to commit to much, do what I can, and mainly just focus in Cora. I feel fortunate that I have had the opportunity to do that and it has been one of the best decisions I have made as a new mom. It has not made things easier, but it has (for the most part) taken pressure off me to feel like I have to do things, be places, and commit to other things besides my family. But as March roles around and I get to know this little person better and the 3 month mark is within weeks I know it is time to start stepping back into things I use to do- like working out, going to meetings, monthly dinners, spending time with our youth, etc. I am ready, but I am still going to be gentle with myself as I ease back into life (whatever that means!).
Cora update- we still aren't sleeping long stretches during the night- except once where she went a whole 7 hours- what a tease! I have started to pick up on a rhythm with her during the day. I basically know when she is going to be a sleep and awake and playing during the day. We have finally made it to a consistent 3-4 hour eating schedule (that in it's self has been somewhat life changing!). Over all I am just trying to let Cora give me her natural cues and go with it. I am learning all sorts of valuable life lessons in selflessness and patience:). Quick mom question- Cora is busting out of every swaddle we have tried. Any tips on what to do next? We tried the sleep sack last night- I am not going to say much other then last night was not fun. Her startle reflexing are so strong and wake her up if she is not swaddled. Suggestions would be oh so helpful:).
It is starting to get rather warm here in Houston. Tonight I broke down and final succumbed to turning on the AC. By turing on the AC I have final expected there is no more cold weather- oh Texas summers...
Work has been crazy busy for this new mom. What a blessing and some what overwhleming. I planned to step back and take a whole month off- that did not happen. I also only planned on seeing 3-4 clients a week in February- that did not happen. But over all it feels so good seeing clients and going to office for a couple hours a day. The break from Cora is good for us both.
Well that's all. I am now off for my favorite part of the day- Cora's bath time:).