The First Few Weeks as a Family of Three.

We've been a family of three for three weeks now.  In some ways it feels like Elliott has been with us longer, but at other times I can't believe it's already been three weeks.  I know these first weeks as new parents will be filled with memories we will look back on fondly throughout our lives, and I wish I could document everything we have experienced and felt during this new stage of life, but my thoughts are so many, it's hard to get it all down.

Life is so different as a family of three.  People tell you when you are pregnant how "everything will change when you have a baby."  But, I'm not sure you can really comprehend just how much your life will change until you are there; up at 3am with a crying baby, and home on nights and weekends, because he can't go out until he has his shots.

I'm certainly not saying having a baby is miserable, I'm just explaining our new reality.  Gary and I are used to being able to come and go as we please.  We like to go out with friends, or on dates with each other, but life with a newborn has not allowed much of that.  Our evenings and weekends are spent on the couch or in bed resting between diaper changes and feedings, or rocking Elliott in an attempt to soothe him when he's crying and we don't know why.  Taking care of a baby is a full time job... night and day.

I can tell we have both changed so much in just 3 short weeks.  Friday night my parents came to stay with Elliott so Gary and I could go on a date.  We went out to dinner at Sushi Cafe so I could enjoy my first glass of wine and Sushi in 10 months.  I was looking so forward to getting out of the house, since I have not left for more than a grocery run or pediatrician visit since E was born.  However, once we arrived and were seated, all we could talk about was Elliott, wondering what he was doing, and if he was ok without us.  We even sat and looked through pictures of him on our iPhones.  Looking around at all the people dressed up for a carefree night out drinking with friends, we suddenly felt older.  We knew that unlike the other people there, we would only have one drink, and then be home with our baby by 9:30... and we were totally ok with that.

Another thing people tell you during pregnancy is how much you will love your child.  Again, I don't think you can truly comprehend how deep your love for your baby will be until you've felt it.  When I look at Elliott, I think he is absolutely perfect.  I got emotional just looking at him last night, thinking how I never wanted anyone to hurt him.  I would do absolutely anything for that little guy.  My whole life has changed to take care of him, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

So what have we been up to the past 3 weeks?  Maybe the best way for me to remember is through photos, so here are a few favorites from our first 3 weeks home:

Introducing Maggie and Lola to Elliott.  They are both very curious about him.

Getting his first bath with help from his Mom and Grandma.

He wasn't a fan of bath time.

Dad rocking Elliott to sleep to Band of Horses.  He loves music, especially Indie Rock.
The louder the better, puts him right to sleep.

We've had lots of visitors, including Elliott's first friend, (and maybe someday girlfriend) Paisley. 

He loves his swing! He even slept in it for the first 2 weeks,
refusing to sleep in his cradle until we got a "Nap Nanny".

Life as a family of three has been a major adjustment.  It's true what they say, "a baby changes everything!"  Our lives have been changed for the better with the addition of sweet Elliott.