week one of parenthood x 2

I really have to use the term 'parenthood' lightly because we've had an army of help--it's more like parent/grandparent-hood. I wouldn't have emerged from my cage of nursing yet if it weren't for the help we've had since arriving home from the hospital, a family of four.

We only stayed one night in the hospital, due to a complication free delivery {minus one snafu, I will later tell a delivery story} and outside of coming home to the most precious Big Brother I've ever known--I too, came home to this...Aunt Lu.

My best. She drove all the way from Dallas--for the day--JR had known the whole time, only to surprise me and of course to meet her newest niece. We got to chat/hug/cry for all of 30 mins before she had to get back on the road, but to share that moment with my friend is a never-forget kind of thing in life. Thank you, Lu for somehow always managing to find a way to share in literally, all, of the huge moments in our life. We love you, big.

I only know one way to be, blunt. My blog is my blunt-ness outlet--therefore, I must keep it real and say that JR and I had many a'conversation about how on earth we could love this new baby as much as we love our Hudson Bear. With your first, it is as if your heart will burst if you could even fathom loving them anymore than you do...I sincerely worried that I wouldn't have enough to go around for both of my babies. I felt shamed to even think the thoughts of such, but it was a true concern of mine. How very wrong I was. How very wrong, we both were.

You, Belle Monroe are perfect. You were Made for us. You were meant to be ours--Daddy's, Momma's, and Hudson's. From the minute I heard you cry, and Daddy put you in my arms it was as if my heart quadrupled in size within an instant and my Mommy heart instantly fell in love, like, obsession and adoration with both of my babies. Your Daddy gazes at you, and is already wrapped around that itty bitty skinny pinky of yours. I'm not sure I've seen him gaze much, maybe at your Momma some :) but sweet baby, he is yours. All yours.

You've got a Brother Bear, whom has yet to fully understand who you are/what you are--but we've caught him a few times sneaking you a kiss and peeking over your bassinet when he hears you cry. Little do you both know, you've now met the best friend of your life. My two babies, you will both love each other more than your tiny minds can even understand right now--and that is a thought that brings me to tears.

Momma. I'm your Momma. A momma to a baby girl. Growing up, I always imagined myself a mommy to three boys. Why? No clue. Never, never saw nor could see myself a mommy to a girl. After growing you, and now knowing you I cannot bear to think back to a life without you. My daughter, you are a gift to me and to our family--but have opened up a whole new side of my understanding of being a mother and an even greater appreciation of my own.

You are beautiful beyond words, and my second Sooner baby. This time, a Sooner babydoll--one I can put bows on for gameday :) a small dream of mine.

I'm able to nurse you, and that in and of itself has been a miraculous time spent with you. I know now how quickly my baby will grow and I look forward to those moments I spent attached to you. Even the 3am moments, believe it or not...I love knowing that it is me, that nourishes you.

A week, documented of your first week of life Miss Monroe. What a week, and what a joy it's been introducing you to the world. On to week two of loving you, baby girl.

{and a last funny, of how I found you in the car after your first dr's appt}