A year ago from today, I was anticipating the moment of telling my parents we were expecting a baby. My parents would be first time grandparents (x2). It was a joyous moment, something we have all prayed for and it was happening. We then told my husband’s parents and they too would be first time grandparents. Pregnancy flew by after that. I was also busy with work and wish I had more time with my parents or even spent time with my twin sister while she was pregnant.
My parents and younger sister came for my baby shower, helped plan and set it up. The theme was perfect and so fun: Here Comes the Son. At that time, we were starting to prepare the nursery and freezer meals for postpartum. I knew the first 40 days were crucial to recovery. But I honestly did not know what to expect after giving birth. Towards the end of my pregnancy, I had a couple high blood pressures in a row at doctor’s appointments, so my OB diagnosed me with Gestational Hypertension. I was scared of that. It wasn’t something I was prepared for. The stress of work and preparing for baby brought on the high pressures, not what I was eating. I ate very well, did not salt my food, and always choose foods low in sodium (these are the classes I taught for work). My feet would swell if I was on my feet for too long and I was hot all the time. I would go to the pool. Swimming helped relieve my joint pain.
We would talk about what his name would be, who he would look like, and what life would look like once I gave birth. We read the books, but nothing really prepares you for parenthood, becoming first time parents until you actually experience it. Your thoughts shift, focus goes all on your new baby. While pregnant, I never thought what postpartum would be like beyond the first 40 days.
“Give yourself grace.”
My baby is six months old. I have been breastfeeding for six months. Six months postpartum and being a mom.
Adventures as a Family of 3
- First time at church, Father’s Day. -June 2025
- Flying to Alabama for Labor Day Weekend and to visit with family. -Sept 2025
- Hunting weekend in Fredricksburg. -Oct 2025
- Pumpkin Patch. -Oct 2025
- The Gobbler, church golf tournament. -Nov 2025
- Church Family Camp at Lake Buchanan. -Nov 2025
"Motherhood brings as much joy as ever, but it still brings boredom, exhaustion, and sorrow too. Nothing else will ever make you as happy or sad, as proud or as tired, for nothing is quite as hard as helping a person develop his own individuality especially while you struggle to keep your own."
-The Mother's Almanac
Things I didn’t expect when having a baby and becoming a mom.
- How much I’d be figuring things out on my own.
- On July 1st, a few days prior to his 2 month appointment, I noticed a bulge and a brown spot on his bellybutton. Turns out it’s an umbilical hernia that should go away by the time he is 2 years old. We just have to keep an eye on it until it goes away. I had also noticed dry spots on his head, cradle cap. We got a special shampoo and rubbed coconut oil on his head daily.
- On September 23rd, I noticed a tiny white dot on the tip of his tongue. I thought maybe he scratched it, but it was still there days later, along with another spot. I immediately thought thrush but I honestly didn’t know much about it other than it’s usually patchy spots on the tongue. I sent pictures to my sister and parents. As soon as my dad said yes to thrush, I called Lonnie’s pediatrician. Turned out to be very mild, but he needed the liquid oral medicine 4x a day for 2 weeks, and I had to put on the cream on myself at least 2x daily because I was breastfeeding. His toys needed to be washed and sanitized often. All the steps were challenging and exhausting to accomplish.
- Diaper rashes vs yeast rashes.
- As he got a few months older, I figured out that the best time to run an errand or go to Bass Pro was after his first nap. I could change him, feed him, load up the stroller and be out during his wake time. Sometimes he’d fall asleep on the way back or I’d time it to where he’d have his nap as soon as getting settled back home. I could but didn’t want to feed him in the car or change him, it’s just too much to think about and less stress on me if all done before going out.
- Parking: I figured out the best places to park were by the curb, buggy return or far away.
- I parked at Hobby Lobby (I hadn’t been there in over 6 months) at where I thought was far enough away and to the side that no one else would park beside me. I had just gotten the stroller out of the trunk and about to get Lonnie out, when somebody came around and parked beside me, so close that I couldn’t even open his door. I just stood there in shock. So I loaded the stroller back up and found another spot.
- I didn’t expect how much independence I’d be losing, or just time to myself. I need to fill my cup so I can show up as a better wife, friend, and mom. I learned instead of doing chores or cooking dinner whenever I got free moments, to take that time to myself instead (relax, go for a solo walk, watch tv, paint, or work on the blog).
- I resigned from my job when I was just shy of 3 months postpartum. I loved my job. I had been a county extension agent for almost 8 total years from two different states. At that time, he didn’t even have a schedule and it was all day contact naps. I didn’t know what to expect or what the upcoming months held, but I knew I didn’t want to miss a single moment of him growing up. I’m so thankful and blessed for my husband providing for us.
- I didn’t expect how mentally exhausting breastfeeding is. There is the beginning stages: latching correctly, aches from positioning, colostrum for a few days and then the milk comes in, pumping, cluster feeding. Then comes cluster feeding, comfort feeding, sleep to feed. Then the questions: “Is he getting enough?” “Am I making enough?” “How do I feed him when going out?” He started to prefer one side. Then I hope I don’t get clogged duct..or I need to pump after he feeds or while he’s feeding. As the rhythm of the everyday passed, those questions were answered. In a way it got easier, but at the same time, it is still challenging and draining. I love being able to breastfeed my baby.
- I didn’t expect how long I’d be recovering from pregnancy and giving birth. I’ve been taking collagen for a month now. I believe it’s been a great supplement to ease my joints. Morning walks are so much more enjoyable, not that I’m not super achy and the weather has cooled down. Postpartum is at least a year.
Joys of Motherhood
Lonnie is now rolling, laughing, trying solids, shrieks like a pterodactyl, fake coughs, teething, and practices sitting up. He still loves naps with dad, walks with Kobe, and helping me water plants or cook dinner. He loves seeing what we’re doing, jumping, kicking. He loves his burp cloths. He would always wave his arm when breastfeeding, so I would give him a cloth. Now he has to have one every time. He’ll drop it on his head or keep it in his mouth. He’s the funniest little baby. It’s crazy to look back at pictures from months ago. His little features are so pronounced now. So many changes in 6 months! There are hard days and adjustments, but the good outweighs the challenges. So worth it. I share a special bond now with my twin sister. We FaceTime almost daily, so our babies can see each other through the screen. They’ll see each other in a few days at Thanksgiving.
“People will paint you pictures about motherhood in rainbows, you will forget that rain comes first. The brightness of that rainbow will always outshine the grey, but it’s okay to talk about the grey, you should. You will rise up in the dead of night, time after time. It will hurt, your bones will ache. You will question your identity, you will miss her. But maybe no one told you the pieces of the puzzle go back together from the inside out. You will find yourself again. There were two people born that day.You will cry, your baby will cry. Some evenings as a hush finally falls over your mess ridden house, the sound will be ringing in your ears. But you will also laugh until you cry. There is so much to look forward to.” -From One Mom to a Mother, Jessica Urlichs
To my husband, thank you for being there for me every step of the way. We are navigating parenthood together. I love watching you in this new stage of fatherhood and how you make Lonnie laugh.
Gathered and Growing 
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