Coraline Rose - The First Month

It has been so long since I've written anything.  My life has definitely gotten much busier, and I have never been happier.  It's amazing how much of your time and energy can be taken up by someone so small.

Coraline was born on July 17, 2014.  It's been a little over a month, and already she has changed so much.  Every day, she gets a little bit bigger.  Her limbs get a little longer, her features get more defined, she spends more time awake, and she gets a little more interactive.  I'm trying to savor every moment, but sometimes it feels like the days are flying by.

Brian and I are so fortunate.  I am able to stay home, and Brian is able to do most of his work at home, only going into the school a few days a week.  Cora eats well and (usually) sleeps pretty soundly.  We are both able to spend a lot of time with her and give each other a break when we need one.  We can go out and about just as much as we could before she was born; in fact, we probably go out more than we did before she was born.  I have developed an immense respect for working moms and single parents.  I feel tired and worn out, and I have the luxury of being able to nap whenever I want during the day and a wonderful, supportive husband.  I cannot imagine being the sole parent or having to worry about job performance on top of taking care of a baby.

One of the most awesome things for me has been watching Brian be a father.  He is so wonderful, caring, and involved.  Coraline definitely loves falling asleep on his lap and cuddling with him on the couch.  I have never been happier than when the three of us are just quietly being together as a family.  We move much more slowly and things get done at a more relaxed pace, taking time to smell the roses.  Life is pretty amazing right now.