Nine months of pregnancy, five hours of labor, and eight minutes of dilevery... Elijah is worth every minute. The truth of bringing a baby into this world is that much of the experience isn't exactly enjoyable. There's the morning sickness, heartburn, excessive trips to the bathroom, huge belly, hormones, kicking, inability to sleep, doctor's visits, labor, delivery, and the weeks of recovery; but once you have your sweet little baby in your arms for the first time, you know the reward was worth every minute. Growing a baby inside your body is truly a thing of wonder. It is totally amazing that all the cells know just what their purpose is and day by day they slowly become what they are destined to be. Birth is a miracle. Even though I have never actually seen a baby be born, from what Rick says it is amazing how the whole thing happens. From the tiny little crown of their head appearing to their beautiful face, shoulders, and body. Although it has only been two and a half years since I did this last, there are some things that have come flooding back to my memory about just how beautiful it is to have a newborn baby in your life. Here are some of the things that I love about my little boy:
*Nothing smells better than a baby. I could eternally sit and smell and kiss my freshly bathed and lotioned baby.
*I love the profile view that only a mother gets as she nurses her baby. Eyes closed, hands in fists, and the rhythmic sucking and swallowing of eating.
*Babies make the cutest noises when they sleep.
*After nursing Elijah, I have his little ear imprint on my arm from holding him as he eats.
*I love that such a little thing can make such loud noises when they poop and burp.
*It is fascinating to watch babies move as they figure out that they have room to stretch out their arms and legs. Their movement can be so slow and deliberate, or they get startled by their new found freedom.
*Elijah looks so darling as he furrows his brow in a look of concentration as he works on adjusting his eyes together to look at something.
*I love the fine layer of hair that is on Elijah's back and shoulders.
*Although it is just a reflex for now, I love to see Elijah smile as he sleeps.
*Elijah's skin is so soft! Being covered in wax and soaking in warm water for 9 months gives your skin a softness that nothing can compare to.
*It amazes me how those tiny little fingers can hold so tightly when wrapped around your own.
I love my baby. I love my other babies who are great big brothers and always want to hold and kiss Eli. I love Rick for what a wonderful father he is and for all the help he gives me with the kids. I feel so blessed to have my little family. Life is a beautiful miracle, and worth every minute.
Carving Pumpkins
3 weeks ago
18 comments:
Wow Olivia, that is so sweet for you to put all the wonderful things about a baby in writing. Especially since you barely had the little guy one week ago! I was not functioning well at that point and I had lots of mean hormones directed at Allen. I am so glad that everything is going so well and that you feel so good. We can't wait to meet little Elijah next week!
That was really beautiful! I enjoyed the tribute to newborn memories. You are so right and it makes me look forward to having that experience again some day. The picture of you with Eli is wonderful. I seriously LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!! I am happy to hear you on your blog again. I have been thinking about you alot and missing you. I am so glad that you are enjoying this time so much.
Hugs and Congrats,
Cassondra
beautifully written. Life IS a miracle and worth every uncomfortable and agonizing minute.
I can't wait to see you (and your boys). I'm in Oakley for the summer - Call me when you get a spare moment.
Okay, that settles it.....I'm going to try to get pregnant again!!! Psych!!! I was going to try to make some funny comment about my view from nursing my toddler, but it doesn't really seem appropriate after all the beautiful and wonderful sentiments you just gave about that cute little guy! I was so happy we got to come and see you, and am equally happy that he is being such a good baby. You deserve it!
I was so happy to read your sentiments on your blog. Beautiful expressions of love between a mother and her boys. Proud of you and love you so much!
Olivia...I am so glad you are enjoying that new baby, All the things you expressed are so true and I remember every one of them.
I knew that third boy would have you wrapped pretty quick.
Congratulations.
You just made morning sickness not seem so bad! Thanks! Can't wait to see Elijah again!
That was so sweet, Olivia! It's so nice to hear you so happy and content after a long, painstaking 9 months. I do love that perfect little guy. Good work, Mommy.
What a sweet little tribute to your little baby. It makes me really look forward to a month from now. I don't really like anything about being pregnant except maybe feeling the baby inside you, I think the best part of being pregnant is having the baby. I haven't ever thought of the hospital as a bad experience but a fun one! Can't wait to see the little buddy!
You are the perfect mom. I vividly remember those days from three years ago. However when I was holding Eli for my 4 seconds I just breathed in the scent of his newborn skin. That was the favorite thing for me. I only wish they stayed so young and innocent for longer. You have done an amazing job of getting right back in the routine of things, you make it all look easy.
What a great thing to focus on all of the positive and wonderful things about a newborn baby. It is always worth all the uncomfort in the end.
Very sweet. Just so you know your nine months, 5 hours of labor and 8minutes of delivery sounded so nice to me. Wish children could come out in that record time. Please let me know your secret. Can't wait to see more pics of the babe.
I've been telling scott that if heaven smells like newborn babies, I'd be killing myself right now to get there! :) I know exactally what you mean-It's nice hearing how much you think it was worth it, especially after the trying time you had with the ultrasound :) It IS all worth it and you have the little guy that needed you for a mom-what a lucky kid. Ahh it's late and my words aren't really working right here, but I wish I were closer to you so I could give you a hug and thank you for a little reminder of how great life is right now!
That just made me cry. Now I am really getting baby hungry! I was excited to finally get the internet set up so I could see more pictures of Elijah. He is adorable. I wish we could be there to see him in person. CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Congratulations! We hadn't gotten the news -- apparently the Woodland McNeils now only communicate through blogs (guess we'd better get one...). But in any case, what a handsome little man. Glad to hear and see that you're all doing well. And welcome to the exclusive Three Boys Club.
Mont and Kristy
That was BEAUTIFUL! I have really been stressing about having 2 new babies join our family in less than 2 months. But for the few minutes of reading that - I had no worries, and no stress. All I had were feelings of excitement and peace. When you talked about the smell of Eli I had to take a deep breath, almost like I can smell him. Thanks for your wonderful blog!
You said it so well Olivia! It is so true how babies develop and are born and how amazing a process it is. I also agree that it really is hard and challenging being a mother, but worth every minute!
He is so precious Olivia. I'm happy for your family....I'm sure Luke is very sweet with Elijah. You're an awesome mother. How is Utah? I'm alway jealous of your pictures :)
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