Life Lately – One Month with Our Baby Boy

It’s hard to believe it, but our sweet baby boy is officially one month old. One month of tiny yawns, late-night feeds, that intoxicating newborn smell, and a love so big it makes my heart ache in the best way. Time has been moving both lightning fast and deliciously slow. On one hand, it feels like I was just in the hospital holding him for the very first time. On the other, it’s already impossible to remember life before his little noises filled our home.

My daughter has been such a champ these past couple weeks. She’s two weeks into her online/homeschooling program, and honestly, it’s going better than I dared hope. I was a little nervous about juggling her schooling with life with a newborn, but she’s thriving. She’s learning to work independently, and I’m able to be close by to help while still tending to the baby. I love seeing her confidence grow. There’s something special about watching your child settle into a new rhythm. It’s a reminder that kids are often more adaptable than we give them credit for.

My fiancé’s prenatal leave is coming to an end, and he’ll be going back to work next week. It’s bittersweet. Having him home has been a blessing. He’s been there for the middle of the night shifts, making meals, and being the best partner I could ask for. We’ve had these slow, cozy mornings as a family of four, and I’m going to miss that. But I’m also excited for him to get back to doing what he loves and for us to find our “new normal” in this next chapter.

As for me, I still have six more weeks of leave. I’m soaking in every second, but I’m also focusing on building a routine that will support my sanity when I finally go back to work. Since I work mostly remote, finding a flow that keeps both kids cared for and my brain in one piece will be vital. I’m also focusing on rebuilding my strength….physically, mentally, and emotionally… after pregnancy and birth. I’m letting go of the pressure to “bounce back” and instead prioritizing rest, recovery, and the little wins. If my biggest accomplishment in a day is that my baby is fed, my daughter is happy, and we shared a few laughs, that’s more than enough.

The days are a blur of feedings, schoolwork, naps, and trying to remember if I’ve reheated my coffee once or three times. The house isn’t perfectly tidy, but it’s full of life and love. My heart feels so full it’s almost overwhelming.

I know the weeks ahead will bring more changes. We’ll find our routine without Dad home during the day. The baby will start hitting new milestones. My daughter will keep learning and growing. And before I know it, I’ll be back to work myself, navigating the balance of career and motherhood all over again.

For now, though, I’m staying here, in this moment, with my newborn curled up on my chest, my daughter laughing at a silly math video, and my fiancé just a few feet away, soaking in these final days of leave. Life is far from perfect, but it’s ours, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.