It’s not even funny how much craziness a newborn brings into the picture. There are the sleep-less nights. The blowouts. The sore nips. The confusing cries.

The chaos crescendos loudly at times and you’re tempted to wonder what you were thinking.

And then.

There’s the first coo. You know what I’m talking about. The sound that melts your heart and lets you in on a tiny little secret – that Baby knows you.

And that gives you the strength (or is it a surge of postpartum hormones?) to endure the difficult moments later that day.

But even more than the difficult moments are the ones you wonder how you ever lived without this little person. How did the world keep turning without knowing this sweet tiny babe whose personality peeks through at even a few days old?

It seems impossible that life consisted of anything more than staring forever into the eyes of this little soul who so recently was growing inside of you.

In fact, life seems most satisfying when your eyes make that connection and you almost nudge him awake so you can keep looking at each other…almost.

It’s amazing how quickly every feature is memorized – each dimple and the slant of the eyes, how the baby rolls pile on top of each other, the scent of baby’s breath…they are all imprinted on your mind and heart. These are the most beautiful moments.

You learn every cry and sound and usually both bring you wide awake in the middle of the night. Those middle of the night moments are pretty awesome, too.

It’s you alone that Baby wants. No other person on earth can meet his little needs quite like Mama can. And while it’s tempting to wish it away – to share the responsibility and weight of the care with others – there’s something about being so desperately needed.

Their needs will change as they grow older. This little one’s joined the family – for better or for worse. Soon there will be teams to pick and jokes to be played. 

But not now. Now Baby just wants to be held and kissed and delighted in.

And we’ll do that. A lot. Baby, there will be kisses in the morning, afternoon and evening.

And when you awaken at night, there will be kisses then, too.

You were perfectly picked, planned and created to join this family.

Pretty soon milestones will be met and you won’t slow down long enough for a snuggle or a silent conversation. Love looks differently as you get older, grows stronger and even more fierce.

Still, slow down, baby. Slow down. Don’t grow up too quickly. Take your time.

I don’t mind staring at you a little longer.

PC: The amazing Eilas Photography. Follow her on Twitter, schedule a shoot with her in Nashville.

What’s your favorite thing about a new baby??

Read Judah’s home birth after cesarean story here.

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