A New Sense of Normal

As we quickly approach baby girl's two month birthday we are settling in more comfortably to our new life. What once did not seem normal or plausible for the long term now has just become part of our daily routine. Here is a list of things that, if you asked us about before baby, would have seemed odd, but now are very very normal:

-listening to lullabies in the car when baby girl is unhappy

-driving with one hand on the wheel and one hand in the backseat holding in Sophia's binky if she is tired and unhappy

-waking up paranoid because I haven't heard her stir in a while, checking on her, and realizing she is just sleeping soundly

-washing and preparing bottles before going to bed each night

-eating cold breakfast, lunch, and dinner

-doing most things one handed, eating, typing, cooking, getting ready, etc.

-feeling both sad and happy that the time is going by so fast

-sitting in the parking lot of the grocery store while Steven runs in to get the basics because it is just faster then all of us going in

-bargain hunting for diapers and formula

-always putting someone else before yourself

-reading parenting magazines

-deciding if we would rather sleep or go do something and always choosing sleep

-feeding the baby in the backseat of the CR-V

-changing the babes diaper in the car

-being able to watch someone sleep for hours and be totally entertained

-people reacting differently to you, solely because you had a baby (both good and bad)

-no longer being disgusted by pee, poop, and vomit

-being pleased at baby's ability to burp

-getting excited and discussing when these various bodily functions take place

-loving someone so much that you have only known for such a short time

-having a new respect and appreciation for our parents

-not working yet getting up earlier everyday then you did when you were working

-being busy every second but not having anything concrete to show for it (but we do have a happy baby to show for it)

-getting more excited to get something for the baby then for yourself

-being proud that your daughter gained three ounces

-the baby is the clock and sticking to a schedule run by the clock no longer seems so important

-you have time for one more baby hug or kiss even if it makes you late

-coffee seems more important and soothing than it ever has before

-experiencing love at first sight

I know there are more that I am not thinking of, but this list will do for now. The last two months have been so hard yet, at the same time, so easy because it has all come naturally through trial and error, experimentation, cooperation, and the undeniable and immeasurable love we have for our little girl.

How can you not love this little mug?!