August Goals

This weekend marks 8 weeks since Miss Charlotte entered our lives. We seem to have settled ourselves into some semblance of a routine, so with life more towards our new normal I feel like setting a few goals for the month of August.

1. Self-Portrait Challenge.

2. Take Charlotte to the beach.

3. Exercise 3x a week. 

4. Complete a circle skirt.

Nothing to heavy. Just a few simple goals to give us direction for the month. Something to get me sewing again, something to get me moving again, something to get me thinking creatively again, and something to get us all out of the house. Looking forward to the adventures ahead!

Dear Time

Dear Time,
Could you please slow down? Even just a little bit? You're passing by much to quickly for my liking. Everyone warned me that you seem to go by so much more quickly once you have a baby...and now I know first hand just how true that really is. Each moment with Charlotte is so precious and so filled with love, I want to slow down and remember every second. Help me to keep in perspective that its all going so quickly and to remember to put family above all else even when I'm feeling pressure from other things. I want to look back and know without a doubt that I spent my time where it meant the most. I can't imagine my life without them.
Love,
Anna

Right Now

Waking up once a night.
Working on this whole sleep thing.
Nursing for what seems like most of the day.
Feeling back to normal after my c-section.
Worrying as every new mom does.
Thinking  about how time seems to be going by to quickly.
Enjoying the sweet smiles we are starting to get.
Wearing my hair up in a messy bun ALL THE TIME.
Contemplating adding Japan to our dream sheet of places to move.
Washing endless loads of laundry.
Listening to Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin as we fall asleep at night.
Changing 10 or so diapers a day.
Anticipating hearing her first giggles.
Driving a lot less these days.
Daydreaming about having enough time to bake something.
Reading Sandra Boynton books.
Assembling scrapbook layouts.
Counting the weeks as they seem to fly by.
Cuddling at night to get her to fall asleep.
Teaching her about our everyday life.
Waiting for Brett to come home each day.
Savoring these moments while she's still so new.
Rocking her to sleep in the glider.
Mailing out the birth announcements.
Documenting every little thing.
Crying tears of happiness whenever I see her and Brett together.
Loving every moment with this sweet girl.

Navigation

Navigating motherhood. I'm new to this whole mama thing. Yes I've watched babies before, even young ones, but this is my first time as Mama and it's a whole different experience. Every day I'm learning and so is she. How to teach, how to comfort, how to love her as she needs. I already feel like I've learned so much, yet at the same time I feel like I know so little. Just taking it day by day and trying to cherish each moment.

Navigating time. Time seems to slip by so quickly. There's never enough. I need to start evaluating how I spend my time, and investing it wisely.

Navigating chores. Laundry. So much laundry. Who knew one little person could mean so much more laundry. Brett and I used to do a couple of loads every weekend, but now that Charlotte's here we do at least a load a day!

Navigating this new body of mine. I've always wondered what my postpartum body would look like. I have to say that at 6 weeks out I'm happy to be down a couple of pounds from my pre-baby weight but I'm still getting used to the new me. I have a new scar across my lower stomach and stretch marks that in time might fade. I'm a little softer than I was before, but it was all worth it. But I have to say I'm actually looking forward to exercising now. Getting in shape and getting to know the new me and feeling healthy and setting a good example for our baby girl.

Navigating the everyday. Every part of my day is different. It all revolves around her, and I don't mind one bit. Sure I have a to-do list, but truth be told a lot of what's on it can wait. And that's how it's meant to be. Focusing on what's important.

Navigating life as a military wife. Early mornings, study hours, tests. Lots of unknowns - including where we'll be in six months time. Just going with the flow. Taking it day by day. Learning every day how I can better support him to help him succeed.

Navigating sleep. Sleep. It's the one thing that everyone warns you about while you're pregnant. I expected the worst, but I have to say I've been pleasantly surprised. No, she's not sleeping through the night....but we may not get there for a while. But she does sleep well. She loves to cuddle, and doesn't wake up  because of noises or if you move her. If given the chance of course I'd take more, but what new mom wouldn't. Now we just have to work a bit more on establishing some sort of a routine.

Away we go!

Well, here goes nothing! I'm starting a blog. I've made several attempts before this, and none have really panned out. I have no idea what this blog will become for me. Whether it will be a burden, or become a part of my daily life. All  I know is I'm looking for a new way to document my stories, and with how many blogs I read, it's probably time I start writing one myself. So here we go, off on a new adventure!