A Star Was Born.....1 Week Ago!

Just Born

Meet Evangeline Grace everyone! This little "star" finally made her appearance exactly 1 WEEK ago on April 1st, 2015.

I can't believe my amazing daughter is already a week old today. Where did the time go? Seriously!

Honestly, I don't know how much more my heart can take. I feel like it could burst at any moment; it's so full of love for my little girl...I didn't know it was possible to love like this. My love for my husband has also grown IMMENSELY; he is such a good daddy, and watching him dote on his daughter just makes my heart swell even more. My heart is also fragile right now, because as much as I am loving every bit of this experience, I hate how time is going by too quickly, and I hate the fear of anything bad happening to her that often tries to clutch my heart. (That's where prayers and praises come in folks; I turn to my Heavenly Father when those fears try to steal my joy)

You know, I did a lot of research before giving birth. Most of the information was spot on! From pre-labor, to labor, to the hospital experience, to postpartum....I found most of what people said to be true. However, with all the "negative" things I was warned about, like the pain, the lack of sleep, the worry of feeding, the RAGING hormones (oh my gosh btw...I cried so many tears of frustration and of joy that I don't even recognize myself...I mean, I cried over a bowel movement....a bowel movement!....because it meant that she was digesting well).
Anyway, one thing I feel that I wasn't warned about was this overwhelming love that has taken over me. The moment the nurses put Evangeline in my arms, the tears just flowed! I was enraptured at ths beautiful creation that God had loaned to me.
So far, being a mom has been the best experience of my life, and I want to cherish every single moment. For example,  I don't even know how it's possible to miss someone when she is right in the crib next to me, but I do. It's the same for her daddy, too....we're pretty pathetic. lol.

Ok, well my "new mom" babbling is over. Let me introduce you to the new survey now that little one is out:

One Week Old.....sleepy baby

Growing Girl:How big is she?
She was born 7 lbs. 12 oz, and 20 inches long. I'm proud to say that she has gained a whole ounce since birth. Yay!

Baby Steps and Milestones: What are some major changes? Well, her facial features are more distinct since birth, and I've noticed that she loves to be cuddled on my chest.

New Challenges: What are some struggles? 
At first, breast feeding was a huge struggle! It was more of my fault than hers; it was hard to figure out what exactly worked for us. However, she was so patient with me, and although I had to supplement with formula a little bit, we had it down pretty well by the third day. We're still learning, but it's going much better than at first.

Exciting Changes:What's been new and fun lately?
Watching her when she's awake. Her cry is cute (although sometimes heart breaking), but the little baby coos she makes when she's awake is sooo adorable. It's fun to see her when she's wide awake, beautiful blue eyes open, and sucking on her hands (which seems to be her favorite pastime). 

The New Parents: How's Mommy and Daddy?
We're completely smitten. As Matt described it, "I feel like I've melted into one big puddle." We're also a bit sleep deprived....lol, ok, more than a bit.....but we wouldn't trade it for the world. I still can't believe that I get to keep her!

Steps in Faith: What has God been teaching me through her?
Patience and grace. 
She is already such an example to me. I can't tell you how bad of a mother I felt when I was struggling with feeding, yet she was so patient with me and gracious as I tried to figure it out. Often times I cried harder than she did when she was hungry and struggling, but the bonding time after we were successful was so worth it. My little girl is so sweet!