in 2.5 weeks as a new mom...

I have learned more in 2.5 weeks than I have in any given period in my life, I am certain.

Just a few learnings from labor and delivery...coming home... and being at home with a newborn...( I know I have forgotten some... there may be an addendum!)


It is just as much work for the husband as the wife in labor and delivery... boat shoes was a support, a cheerleader, a hug and a hand to hold, an encourager and a great strength that I needed when I was sure I didn't have any energy left

Your OB makes all the difference in the world... mine was amazing. Intense, hard core, smart, aware, on the ball, supportive, funny and he loved that we turned our pandora station to jamming music before pushing time.

Epidurals are amazing, but they do not erase pain. People who say, "you wont feel a thing" are not telling the truth!

L and D and post partum nurses are Angels on this earth. Treat them that way!

The moment when you hold your precious healthy child is the best moment in life

Telling your parents about their healthy grandchild is a moment never to forget...and then seeing their faces when they lay eyes on him for the first time... unreal.

Pandora 24/7 in the hospital is inviting, warm and encourages nurses to hang for a few extra minutes to chat in the middle of the night!

Visitors in the hospital elicit big smiles and multiply joy.

Rooming in is a great concept... but with pain medicine and precious nurses, get a little rest and let that precious newborn make some baby friends in the middle of the night.



...and some learnings from home with a newborn



Baby boys make great fountains during diaper changes...be ready!

Stairs are for the birds. Move downstairs.

Babies require lots of laundry.

Breastfeeding is hard work. Hire a lactation consultant

Be careful drinking ginger ale above your newborn while nursing. It may drip on his face, and he wont like it!

Newborn photography is hard work as the photographer and as the mom. Take a nap before and after the session (and hire a professional!)

When Santa is closing with no line and you have a newborn- tack yourself at the end of the line so you dont have to come back... who would say no to a newborn?

Moby wraps are the coolest thing since sliced bread. I like pretending to be an African woman in it!

Sleeping is hard for a newborn.

Laughter is important.

Ask your mom- everything. She has done it before and chances are she will be the best resource of your life.

Let your mom live with you. Ask your mom to live with you. Ask your mom to live with you until your child is a year old. And when she can't stay that long, know that you will have a tear filled day and you will just want your mom back.

Weigh ins are fun at the doctor when the numbers go up! Way to go WCL!

Meals from dear friends make the evenings relaxing and calm.

Newborn clothes don't really fit newborns. Preemie size fit beautifully.

Snuggle them as much as possible, they change day by day, enjoy every second, minute and hour!

He is here!

William Cullen Luther was born on December 8, 2011 at 3:59pm.

He weighed 7lbs 14 oz and was 21 in!

Mom and William (baby boat shoes) are doing great... he is perfect! Dad and the two puppies are still quite awestruck!

Pictures are available at: www.bellababyphotography.com
Password: 1208williamluther

...and of course more pictures to come... as well as some of the birthday party day... and updates on our favorite things!