Eliana – One Month

I cannot believe that we are already one month in with this munchkin. Seriously, the time is flying by and it feels oh so bitter sweet. My sweet, little 7 pound and 2 ounce girl is suddenly over 10 pounds and cooing, maybe smiling (?) and bringing so much joy into our lives (fittingly, since her middle name, Beatrice, means ‘bringer of joy.’)

Honestly, this past month has been so much better, joy filled, and easier than expected. I struggled with postpartum anxiety months 1-4 with Benaiah and it was tough. And I really didn’t enjoy his newborn days like I hoped I would. Yes, there were sweet moments and yes I was so thankful to have a healthy baby boy, but it was fogged by this cloud of anxiety. Praise Jesus though, this season has been totally the opposite. So far, I have felt so much sheer joy, peace, and love 1 month in. Yes, we’ve shed some tears and my hormones have been a little all over the place (mainly those first 10 or so days postpartum) but overall, I feel completely different than I did with Benaiah’s first few months. And really it’s all Jesus. I prayed and prayed and pleaded with the Lord to redeem this season with Eliana and He heard (again, fittingly since her name, means ‘God has heard.’) Side note: I am beginning to think that we should give our next child a name that means, ‘easy delivery,’ haha.

Anyways, this past month has been a joy. Watching her grow from wobbly newborn to somewhat less wobbly one month old is sweet and seeing her more alert, cooing, and smiling is the best.

Benaiah is loving being a big brother and adjusting so, so well. Before she was born, I wondered if he would be jealous or aggressive towards her, but he is in love with her and only wants to give her a million kisses a day. I could’t be more thankful for how he has transitioned.

Really, life with two has been, so far, easier than expected and I am grateful for that. The days are a lot fuller and more interrupted than usual. I count myself blessed if I can sneak in a solid, normal couple of meals and actually eat while sitting down – but man, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. These two mean so much to me and having them as my children is such a humbling gift.