These days, mornings are a cherished part of my routine. For one thing, there is coffee, something I didn't miss much during my pregnancy but has quickly become an invaluable commodity since Liam's birth. Second, I'm fresh from at least a few consecutive hours of sleep. And finally, there are all the positive feelings associated with the promise of a new day.
I'm very aware that I could jinx our good fortune by speaking this out loud, but Liam continues to be the most easy-going newborn Luke and I have parented. Despite all the pictures we have of his bright baby blues, the boy sleeps ALL. THE. TIME., usually only waking to eat or poop or make funny faces at his brother and sister. He is especially fond of sleeping on my chest, so that's how I spend a lot of my day. It is exactly what I wanted for this maternity leave, this unfettered snuggle time with him.
Everything else is okay. C-section recovery is still slow; I run out of happy pills today, and I have to figure out if I want to call my OB for more or figure out a lesser way to handle my pain. I never came to this point with Kara or Nathan - possibly needing more drugs than originally prescribed - so I can only assume opening up a twice-healed abdominal scar one last time would of course produce some unanticipated physical effects.
It doesn't help that I've been on my feet more this time around, but with two toddlers craving activity and attention from a mother who is now home 24/7, sometimes there isn't a choice. I'm so excited for us to start having our adventures, and it already feels like time is flying by so fast, but Luke keeps reminding me there are many good days ahead of us and that I'm not doing myself any favors by taking shortcuts around my recovery. Sound advice, but hard to follow nonetheless.
Here is my last belly shot with Liam from June 28, at the start of week 39, twenty-four hours before Baby Day. Already, it feels like this shot was taken forever ago, and that Liam's been with us for so much longer than one day shy of two weeks. Luke and I were talking last night about how we each feel differently, now being parents to three children, but it's hard to articulate why. For me, there is a feeling of completeness I've never known before, a confidence that I am on the right path, and a sense of peace in knowing that all the right puzzle pieces are finally in place. Liam's arrival has also increased my capacity to love all the members of my sweet little family, as well as my desire to do right by them, and myself.
I don't know what the future holds for us, but I'm eager to take it all on. Nothing feels impossible.
I have to tell you--I always smile when I see your coffee-related posts on FB. Glad you're taking that time for yourself to caffeinate and relax a bit. Sounds like your party of five is getting along just fine. I'm so happy you've got your dreamy third baby. Take care of yourself!
Posted by: Jen L. | July 12, 2011 at 10:27 AM
So glad you're enjoying your maternity leave and being a family of 5! Wow, Liam looks so much like Kara in that last photo.
Posted by: Kerry | July 12, 2011 at 10:31 AM
Love that picture of the two of your snoozing. He IS a snuggler and he's probably a chill little guy because he's got one wise mamma to love him.
Posted by: Must Be Mom | July 12, 2011 at 10:37 AM
Am so glad that you are enjoying so much your maternity leave, as well as Kara and Nathan.
LOVE that picture of you an Liam sleeping, its adorable!!
Try to rest as much as you can
Posted by: Su | July 12, 2011 at 11:05 AM
He's so snuggly looking. Congrats!
Posted by: Isabel | July 12, 2011 at 11:38 AM
AAWWWW, love the snooze picture! I STILL WANT TO HOLD HIM!
Posted by: Diane | July 12, 2011 at 12:32 PM
So happy for you that your party of five is making you feel great!
Love the pictures!
Luke is right, you need to take it easy! You can over do it. Relax and enjoy your beautiful family!
Posted by: kim | July 12, 2011 at 12:40 PM
That pic of you two sleeping is adorable!
I read an interview with Sara Jessica Parker a few years ago, in which she said that she and Matthew Broderick talk excitedly about the coffee they're going to have the next morning as they're going to bed. You and SJP have so much in common! :)
Posted by: jenn_ky | July 13, 2011 at 10:48 AM
He is coming right along as the new part of the family. Growing and growing.
Posted by: daddy d | July 20, 2011 at 08:54 PM
Such a joy is that boy!
Posted by: daddy d | July 20, 2011 at 08:55 PM