settling in.

I feel as though this blog is in need of an update, but I'll be honest... there isn't much to tell. I've just been here, busy being a new mom. 

Aaralee has been here for 11 whole days!  It's crazy how fast time flies. It's been a blur of diapers, feedings and more company in the span of one week than in the entire time we've lived in our house.  I'm exhausted and mesmerized and in love with this tiny person.  Yesterday we even left the house... a monumental achievement after more than a week without a single outing. 

It's amazing how quickly you adapt once you bring a newborn home.  I've never been so in love... with Aaralee, or with Ryan.  I've proven to be rather useless while recovering from a c-section, but my husband has been so very helpful in every way possible. Not to mention that watching the man that I love snuggle with my daughter... it makes me melt, every time.  This household is all mushy-gushy full of baby bliss and I'm feeling so domesticated that I barely recognize myself.  

I wouldn't change a thing!

a room fit for a little jet setter!

After weeks of this room being locked and off limits to all those that entered our home, I'm so excited to finally show off my favourite room of the house!  I'm a sucker for cutesy baby things and home decor, so I'll be the first to admit that I'd imagined this nursery since long before we found out that we were expecting.  Of course, for some reason I'd always assumed my first child would be a boy. That's not to say that I had a preference of gender... I just never took into consideration the fact that I'd actually have a daughter.  I grew up with younger brothers... little boys were all that I knew.  Everyone else felt the same way, assuming all along that we'd welcome a son.  

Imagine my surprise (and excitement) when we found out that "he" would in fact be a "she".  Oh the possibilities! The future would involve tutus and hair bows and most importantly... pink! Now back to the nursery... the painted blue and destined to be full of airplanes nursery.  While there was no doubt that I wanted to keep with the same travel and aviation theme, it needed a bit of femininity.  With a touch of pink and inspiration from Dr. Suess's "Oh the Places You'll Go", I set about creating a travel themed room fit for any little jet setter. Of course we left a few aviation details as well, because who says girls can't love airplanes? I know for a fact that I sure do!  

I can't take all of the credit, because Ryan helped to hang everything on the walls and offered his opinions as well.  I may have built the crib on my own, but the nursery would not have come together without the help of my husband. This is my favourite room of the house, and I think that Aaralee loves it too! 

introducing...

To most people, it was just a typical Tuesday. To us, it was the day that everything changed forever. 

On September 10, 2013 at 8:28 am, a (highly anticipated) little miracle was placed in our arms.  12 days behind schedule and forcefully evicted... we named her Aaralee Marie. She is amazing.  I finally believe in love at first sight. I can't get enough of her. All 7 pounds, 2 ounces of sweet perfection.

Allow me to introduce you to the girl that has stolen my heart... 

Life is good. After 3 days in the hospital we are home, and everyone is happy... even her big brother who has had to share a good deal of the attention. 

you haven't missed anything...

A quick update in case you've been wondering.  

I'm still pregnant. 41 weeks pregnant, to be specific.  

This is how I currently feel: 

This is all anyone ever says to me these days:  

I'm trying my best to be patient and enjoy these last days of quiet and calm with my husband and fur baby... but I'll admit I'm pretty anxious to meet this little person. Come out, Baby! I know it's comfy in that big old belly of mine, but I promise to keep you nice and cozy with lots of cuddles on the outside world!  

Stay tuned. There will be a new family member very, very soon.