Resolving

As we approach the start of another new year, I always wonder - what can I do different, how can I improve myself and my life.  2012 not only brought the arrival of my son, but it brought a sense of peace to my life.  My pregnancy filled me with a true sense of my soul and body being in harmony --- a desire to be a mother, to have a child --- was fulfilled and I felt truly *happy* and present. 

I hope to continue 2013 in that same spirit.  I hope to be patient with my boy, with my husband, with my family and all of those around me and most importantly with myself.  Strive not for perfection, but for happiness.  Measure myself by my own standards and take pleasure in the tiny moments, for they will pass all too quickly. 

Success is peace and contentment with yourself.   Pride, satisfaction, purpose. I hope that 2013 continues to lead me on this path of true unity with the life of my dreams ~*    Happy New Year, everyone.

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Esther Mathieu

I knew I wanted to take newborn photos of Baby Joseph.  I searched for a photographer with an aesthetic that matched what I wanted to achieve --- airy, dreamy, simple --- and found it with Esther!  She was such a pleasure to work with and her results were just gorgeous.  

We are so glad that we made the decision to have the pictures taken.  It really captured the magical and fleeting time of my baby's first weeks in the world.  Thank you, Esther!

Three Weeks

My little guy --- you're already 3 weeks old!  And what a baby you are.... you are a bigger joy than your dad and I could have ever imagined.  Such a good boy, a great sleeper, a perfect eater... you have made these 3 weeks so wonderful.  Dad loves to put you on his chest in the morning for some extra sleep, you both look so comfortable.  And my days with you are so sweet --- we read books but for now it seems you like music more than reading.  We sing songs and dance and you are such a happy boy.  ...then you sleep.  You sleep a lot :)   We have a joke already, daddy and I say "the more bolla, the better".  Bolla is Portuguese for ball and the more we hold you tight and curl you up....the happier you seem.  You love to be cuddled!!   

Everyday is so peaceful with you in the house.  It is just our dream come true.  Sometimes my eyes fill with tears just thinking that we brought you into this world and you are, and always will be, our son.  It's an amazing journey and we are just trying to soak up every single moment.  Our hearts are so very full of love.

Our Thanksgiving Gift

On Thursday, November 22, 2012 --- Thanksgiving morning --- we received the most amazing, spectacular, perfect and wonderful gift, the birth of our son, Joseph.

Words cannot express the way I feel these days.  Overwhelmed with love, joy, gratitude....  I feel at peace.  I feel as though a part of my heart has been filled.  Our boy is more amazing than anything we could have dreamed he'd be.  I feel his little soul connected to ours.  Our family has become such a wonderful unit; it is all that I ever need.

Posting will be a little slow over the next few months.  I will write when I have things to say or to share and when I'd rather focus my energy elsewhere that is what I'll do.   But I hope to still visit this space with some frequency.  It's been a really positive outlet for me - throughout the pregnancy and hopefully throughout our parenting journey. 

Joseph: Birth to 2 weeks.
 My boy, you are the greatest thing that has ever happened to me.   I never imagined it could be like this... You are a dream come true in every sense.  You are the most calm baby.  You haven't cried since you've been home from the hospital!  I like to think it's because you know we are here for you and will never let you down.  You seem so content.   Mama didn't have an easy time with your delivery but I'd do it all over again in a blink of an eye to bring you into this world.  We like to think that part of your mellow demeanor is because you know your Mama needs some help right now while she recovers.  You make the sweetest sounds and have great eye contact (and beautiful eyes, I think they look like dad's...)  I wake so easily everyday --- just eager to spend another day with the boy I love so much.