Troy Reign

I lean up against your dad behind me, his arms around me and we’re swaying in the kitchen while holding you in our arms. Rain On Me by Lady Gaga playing on the speaker - our first kitchen dance party. My aching healing body, my still very swollen legs/feet, a cluttered house and mine and your matching squishy bellies.

I breathe in the moment knowing that in this story of life, things won’t always look perfect but there are perfect moments to be mindful of in the every day. I will remember that moment until my last day.

Things that I know about you already:

• I know I might have mom bias going on but you are objectively the cutest newborn I’ve ever seen.
• You have the most epic facial expressions.
• You are the world’s best baby, you’re not fussy, you are great at everything, you take a bottle already, you latch really good while nursing, you are able to sleep in your bassinet to give Mommy and Daddy some rest, you don’t cry unless something is wrong and as soon as it’s fixed you are calm again.
• You have so many people in your corner. You will never be short of support and love.

Advise for when/if you have a baby of your own one day:

• Make sure you choose who you go on the journey of bringing a life into this world wisely. It will make a world of a difference. I thought I couldn’t love your dad more, and then this experience has multiplied my love for him because he gave me you. Plus watching how he has supported you and I through this has done it as well.
• Give yourself all the grace you would to your best friend, you’ll need it!
• Get out of the house everyday, even if it's just for a short walk or to sit on the porch.
• Shower every day, brush your teeth as often as possible. Normal, mundane activities such as this makes you feel more human.
• Look to your dad if you would like to see an example of how to support your future spouse, especially during a vulnerable time such as pregnancy, labor/delivery and postpartum. He will give you all the tools to succeed.
• Know that sleep may not be a part of the equation for a particular night, but that it will come back again.
• Try your best to revile in the moments of this phase.

I love you Troy Reign.

     All my love,

                     Mom