our first three months with Maggie

So much has happened since my last blog! Actually the day that I posted the last blog, I began having contractions that night and ended up finally delivering our little girl on August 12 at 2:57 a.m. via c-section! It was an emotional roller coaster and I don't want to have to repeat that kind of labor and delivery ever again... but she is so worth all the blood, sweat, and tears - literally!

The first month is best summed up by saying it was full of overwhelming emotions: joy, gratefulness, awe, fatigue that quickly turned into exhaustion, and a little fear. The first week, Mike and I couldn't stop crying - every time we looked at Maggie sleeping in her crib so peacefully, we'd start bawling again. Our church blessed us with many delicious meals and my family and Mike's family spent some great time with us helping us adjust to our new life. Looking back now I treasure those sweet moments (and hours) of simply cuddling Maggie on my chest as she scrunched up into a little ball and snoozed on me. Sigh. I just felt "drunk" on baby-ness. :-) It's quite addictive!

Month two was even more exciting and fun as she began developing more of her little personality, began smiling *at* us, and trying to coo. She started to let us know when she wasn't happy with something... particularly "tummy time." We visited a lot of friends and family during this month, and all the excitement probably didn't help her sleeping schedule, because she began taking cat-naps during the day but also increased the length of time she spent asleep at night. It was a mixed blessing - I LOVED getting more hours at night but she was so fussy during the day from her short naps that it was pretty frustrating! But all the happy moments totally made up for the fussy periods.

Month three has seen the advent of her LAUGH and the first time she chuckled, I cried! :-) She can lift her chest off the ground during tummy time with the best of the yoga-lovers... and she loves to be held in our arms facing out so she can see the world. She loves to stare at people, especially men...especially her Daddy! He is the highlight of her day. This month I started working again every other week on Mike's days off, and he keeps her at home. Their daddy-daughter bonding time is going well. She did show off her fussy side the last time and afterward Mike was extremely understanding of why I sometimes need to get away for a little while... so I did on a Saturday afternoon for a quick trip to some local consignment stores and had way too much fun shopping by myself! :) And then I was ready to come home and be mommy again. :)

Mike and I love our new life, even with its quirks, and wouldn't trade it for anything, not even a solid 8 hrs of sleep. We've even mentioned that Maggie should have a little brother one day... so that should tell you something, right? (Yes: that we have truly lost our marbles!!!!)

Children are a treasure from the Lord!