Lily Mae: Three Months

As I sit here going through photos from the past month, I realize I probably took more videos than photos because this girl has been so vocal. Every day we’re waking up to more smiles, giggles, and babbles. She’s using crying less to communicate (only when upset) and instead is making chirps, shrieks and other noises. Most mornings she wakes us up just talking to herself and we can’t help but laugh. It’s so adorable!

She is growing so much! She’s 15lb 12oz and is making her way through her 3-6 month clothes. Only a couple 0-3 month stuff fit her. Not gonna lie it’s so much fun dressing her up and buying clothes for her. She makes everything look cute!

We’re still being blessed with her sleeping through the night. 🙏🏼 We’ve only had a couple of instances where she’s woken us up around 3am, but all it takes is a diaper change, a bottle, and some time on the boob 🤱🏻 and then she is back asleep. We’re working on getting a more solid bedtime routine down so it’s better for everyone.

My milk supply started to dry up within the last month plus my period returned, so it’s just gotten to the point now where Lily is mostly formula-fed with a tiny bit of nursing. I’m a little bummed, but like I’ve mentioned before I knew this was a possibility. In fact, I’m grateful that I have been able to nurse as much as I have even if it was minimal. I’m going to continue nursing for as long as I can and as long as she takes it.

The Nursery

I took some updated photos of the nursery to show how it’s being used since having Lily. Last time I shot pictures was at the end of the One Room Challenge in May, and she was still cooking!

Joshua had an IKEA RÅSKOG cart in the garage that he never got around to using, so we brought that into the nursery to serve as storage for diapers, lotion, etc. as well as a pumping station. Since it’s on wheels I can pull it over to the rocking chair when I need to pump.

PB Teen has the most amazing Harry Potter collection (seriously, if this existed when I was a teen this would totally be my bedroom) which includes this beautiful Always pillow. Naturally, I HAD to get it!

What I’m Loving

Skip Hop Silver Lining Cloud Baby Chair: 2-in-1 Sit-up Floor Seat & Infant Activity Seat – Lily has been wanting to sit up more than lie down, and she is absolutely loving this chair we got for her. I mainly keep it on the kitchen counter so she can keep me company when I’m cooking, but sometimes I will bring it upstairs and pop it on our desk. Either way, it keeps her entertained and allows her to sit upright comfortably.

4moms rockaRoo Compact Baby Swing – This hangs out in the office and allows her to chill upright while still being close to me. She loves snuggling with her blanket and watching Mama on the computer.

Graco Modes Travel System With SnugRide SnugLock Technology – Britton – Now that I finally got the hang of our super stroller, I take it almost everywhere with me. We especially love using it to go on little walks daily in our neighborhood.

Blooming Bath Lotus – Lily loves her bath time! This fits perfectly in the kitchen sink and keeps her comfy and safe while bathing her. When we’re done we just squeeze out the excess water and pop it in the dryer.

Post-Maternity Leave Plans

This month I made a huge decision: I am not going back to my job after maternity leave. I’ll be rocking that stay-at-home-mom life while freelancing on the side. I hesitate to mention freelancing because my primary focus is motherhood, so I am going to be super selective regarding the projects I take on and my time in general. If anything 2020 is going to be more of a learning year as I’m going to conferences, taking courses, working on my site, and figuring out my process.

It was a hard decision to not return because I loved my job, but I ultimately needed to do what was best for Lily and I. It got to a point where the thought of having to think about childcare come January was depressing me and preventing me from being present. I had some really tough days where I cried thinking about someone else taking care of her and missing out on those milestones.

Someone said to me that if I chose to stay home I am not going to regret being there for those moments. It’s been quite a journey to get to her, and I’ve gone through too much to miss out. Now that I’ve officially quit my job I feel like I can enjoy the holidays a whole lot more. I’m really looking forward to the coming year and what it will bring. 💕