It is so super fun to be a family of three.
I literally can hardly remember what life was like when it was just Ben and I. It just seems like Ayla has been a part of our home and life always…she just fits so perfectly. There hasn’t been a single moment that I’ve wished for life as it was before she was born, and even though having a baby in our home does change our lives and plans and date nights and all…I wouldn’t trade it for all the free evenings and full nights of sleep and poopy diaper free days in the world.
I feel like I keep saying this everywhere I go…but Ayla is such a beautiful joy and blessing to us. So many times during the days, my heart almost stops when I look at her and realize that she is my daughter. She belongs to us. Sometimes I just sit and stare at her when she’s sleeping…hardly able to resist the urge to grab her up and squeeze her so hard and kiss her sweet face all over. There are challenging days when naps don’t last long and tummy troubles make her unsettled and cries seem unconsolable…but I still say that these are some of the best days of my life. Even at the end of a hard day, there is something so completely fulfilling and satisfying about being a mom. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Ayla June turned one month (!!!) on Sunday, and in typical-mom-cliche-fashion, I have to say how I can’t believe how fast time has gone! It literally feels like yesterday that we were basking in those special first few days with her. These days are special too, but there really is nothing quite like the first hours and days with a new baby with wrinkly skin and sleepy face and cozy snuggles all day long. She seems to be growing so fast and filling out and getting more and more of the baby chub. Her double chin is threatening to turn into a triple one, and the neck rolls and arms roll and leg rolls just keep rolling on! It’s just too cute and kissable. She smiles more every day and notices faces and objects. One of her funny quirks is her obsession with the bed frame in our room…it’s a black frame against a white wall and she will stare and stare and smile and feel so happy whenever she’s watching the bed frame. It’s like her version of cartoons or something, haha! Every morning it’s like she sees it for the first time…and it’s the cutest thing!
My sweet and uber-talanted friend, Lyndsi, came and did a little family photo session for us a few weeks ago…and I squealed a hundred times when we got the photos back from her. She does such an amazing job! Lyndsi had done a couples session last fall for us, which we loved, and our family session was just as fabulous.
Find more of Lyndsi’s photography work (or book a session!) in these spots:
What about you: what part of your life most satisfies and fulfills you?
I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Oh word. Beautiful Beautiful! I see a few of those B & W making the perfect touch in Ayla's room.
Ah! These pictures are so perfect! also ps your dress! LOVE.
Are your pictures set up to where I can pin them? Do you allow people to do that?
Stunning!!
I love the B & W ones! Those are always my favorites. 😀
Thanks! The dress was a postpartum splurge from Zara. 😉
I don't have them set up for pins, but go for it! I don't mind at all.
😀
oh how stunning. so so happy for your sweet family of three!!! XOXO
These photos are beautiful!
Thanks! 😀
She does an amazing job, right?!?
Beautiful family! I find myself always looking forward to the next stage in my babe's life — when will he sit up? when can I start feeding him solid foods? — but I also have to remind myself to enjoy the now, because yes, these special moments really do fly by! Found your blog through Shanna and will be following along your mommy journey! 🙂
Thanks so much for reading, Jacqui! That's cool you found me through Shanna…I love her blog! 😀
It is such a balance between enjoying the moments right now, but also still looking forward to the next stage of a child's life. I love having Ayla at the age she is now, but I do think it will be such fun to watch her start to crawl and eat and explore her world in a bigger way!
These are sooo beautiful!!
And Lyds..yes, such a stellar photographer she is. So awesome to have her as my cousin!
She's amazing! You're a lucky cousin. 🙂
Gorgeous! you all are a darling family!
This is one of the most beautiful newborn sessions I've ever seen!! You are absolutely stunning, and completely glowing and gorgeous. Isn't that first month just intoxicating?? I'm one of those that could have a newborn all the time, if that were possible. I ADORE that stage!
And, your dress!!
So beautiful. The photos, the baby, the dress, everything! YOU are simply stunning!
How sweet, Charis!
The past month has been nothing but beautiful + wonderful + so absolutely fulfilling! We are soaking up every minute…even the diaper explosions and sleepy nighttime nursings. 😉
I think my little girl is the stunning one…but thank you! 😀
🙂 Yes, she sure is too!