10 for 10

My Baby is 10 weeks old...

Dear Malachi, 

Here's the things I have loved about the past 10 weeks:

10. I love when your head rests on my shoulder....mostly this happens in the middle of the night. Usually during the day your neck is up straight so you don't miss a thing...you love looking around.

9. I love the way you purse your lips when you are sleeping. 

8. I love how connected you are to your Daddy. He can instantly calm you down. You love being high up on his shoulder, or snuggled in next to him or staring at him on Saturday and Sunday mornings when he doesn't have to go to work. 

7. I love your smile. Your eyes so bright, your darlin little cheeks, your coos. 

6. I love the way you smell after a bath, not to mention how cute your spiky hair is. 

5. I love how good you are to let people hold you...but you should know that Mama's arms ache for you when someone takes you away from me for too long.

4. I love the way you stare at us when we are eating our supper. I love how you usually let us eat most of our food before you fuss :)

3. I love holding you in my lap and reading books to you. I love teaching you how to play with your toys and making you smile when I change your diaper. 

2. I love how you are mine. I love how I get to spend all day with you. I miss you even when I spend the whole day with you. Even when I am making supper, all I want to do sometimes is snuggle you.

1. I love that you are the greatest little adventure I ever have had. I was scared to be a Mama. I was nervous to be 100% responsible for you. I was anxious about not knowing how to be the perfect Mama...but I am YOUR Mama..and from the first second I laid eyes on you I knew that I was going to do my best to be the BEST Mama for you. I love you so very very very much. 

A love letter

I am deeply in love with the guy who made me a Mama. 

My heart grows each day that he kisses me good bye when he heads to work. I miss him all day until he comes home and kisses me hello. I love the way he adores our little boy, and the feeling is mutual. No one can calm Malachi quite like his daddy can, high up on his shoulder. My heart grows bigger as I watch Dan swaddle, change, talk, soothe, laugh, and spend time with our little man. How could I love him more...it feels impossible but it keeps happening.

 He shovels us out, he cleans up my dirty dishes, he snuggles with me for movies that he would never pick, he laughs when he finds Swedish berries in our bed, he is tough and tender with me, just as I need him to be. He is my best friend and my favorite person in the whole world. Even after being snowed in for 3 days straight, I miss him when he goes out to shovel and my heart is thrilled when I hear the door knob turn to tell me he`s coming back in to get warm. Even now, I am watching him play his favorite video game, and although that is not my favorite thing, I know its making him happy. And I know that soon he will turn it off and cuddle with me, and I can`t wait! 

I am so thankful for this time in our life. I was worried to lose out on the newlywed feeling...we only had eachother and all the time in the world for just us...but now our life is filled with our little boy. We love to have family snuggle time and we love just looking at Malachi. We are so in love with him and thankfully getting enough sleep to not be cranky and grumpy at eachother---most days ;). Even the gift of snow days are a blessing...to have this special, cozy time with just us 3...when we can`t escape or go in town or do anything but be together! I am beyond grateful. I thank Jesus for this wonderful time in my life. I am loved by two guys who will be by my side forever and I am thankful for the gift that my Father in heaven gave me. 

Blessings upon Blessings

First. I can't even hardly think of anything else these days, but I am so blessed and so loved. I am so grateful...and even that word hardly even begins to cover what I truly feel but I am so in love with my BFF Danny as I watch him be the best Daddy ever...and I adore my little boy so much. I can't even believe he's all mine and what a sweet, good boy he is so far. I know that things won't always be like this, but so far he's been so easy to take care of. I don't want to jinx it, but I even get intervals of 3, 4 and even 5 hours of sleep at night. The only thing that is not my fave. is the pain associated with feeding him....but I won't be blogging about that.

Second. I never expected but I guess I should have considering the people who are in my life and how they love to love, but we have received an abundance of gifts, food and visits since being home. We have literally never had so many people in our home as we have the past 3 weeks. We have received so many things for Malachi and from people we hardly even see or even know at times :)...but our family has also been incredible...I can't believe how loved this little guy is already!!

Third. Life is changing. No longer to I look at my phone and regret every missed call, worried that I may have missed a subbing opportunity..actually the other day someone did text me if I could work, but turns out it was for another "Erin"...but as much as I adored being a sub (and hope to be one again someday)...I love being this little guys Mama. Every day is pretty much the same. We sleep, eat, wake up, change diapers...but amidst all those things I get to be his Mama. I get to choose to snuggle, rock, kiss, hold and tuck him in his bassinet for naps. He's my little guy to love and I'm not missing a thing. I love it.

Fourth. Soon this snuggly time of staying put will be over. I will be able to drive again. I will be out and about...maybe meeting up with other Mamas, definitely visiting my family and having play dates with Kristi and Levi all the time, probably going for walks to parks..if spring ever arrives...and ALWAYS going to the beach this summer. I can't wait to have that part of my life and be a fun mama for Malachi. But I can't help but treasure these quiet, cozy days of being inside with him. Where all we have to do each day is make sure he's fed, clean and cozy in his bed. I love these days. I miss Danny terribly, but today I am almost shaking with excitement cuz its FRIDAY and that means Dan will be home with us for the next few days. I can't wait!

Meet Malachi Jude Stretch

I have written out my birth story and sent it to a few friends, but won't write it here, mostly because my 3 readers already know it! But anyone who would like it can ask and I'll share it.

My baby is now almost 2 weeks old. He has grown and gained weight and is almost squeezing out of his new born sleepers. There were a few days that I was doing laundry like mad and thinking I needed to grab a few new sleepers but I think we will be moving up very soon to 0-3 months. We are very blessed with boy cousins who have shared their clothes with us, not to mention the many gifts we have received so we are TOTALLY and completely covered in the every day things we need. Blessed beyond measure, for sure.

We couldn't be more in love.

Not quite a Christmas baby, but we are so glad our baby came on Boxing Day! We couldn't bear to wait any longer!!

These two like to lounge together on the bed...sometimes they stare at eachother...I guess Malachi is playing hard to get with his Daddy.

We are so proud of our little fella...he sleeps like a champ..through meeting all the family, through a visit to Target and even slept through a visit to the drop in clinic to check on his rash. 

Daddy's the best at burping.

We already miss our Christmas lights, but so glad he got to see them for a few days!!!

We love you Malachi Jude!

40 Weeks plus 2 days

Well, I guess you can say my emotions have been up and down the past few days. When we woke up on Wednesday...I guess we just thought...TODAY IS THE DAY!!! In my heart and body I knew nothing was different but I just hoped and was anxious and ready in some ways for something to happen. But nothing did. Thursday I had my Doctor's report who verified...yes, nothing is happening! Thursday was a bit harder. I was disappointed and just felt so unsure because this is my first time. It's so close to Christmas and just a few other things are on my heart including worrying over schedules with all our family who live so close and little Levi's 3rd birthday...wondering if I can juggle it all!!!

But here's my Christmas blessings that I HAVE ENJOYED so far this year:
I made my Bucket List and here's the fun things I have checked off:

• Christmas Sleepover with Jonah and Levi
• Two Christmas Cookie Exchanges!! still enjoying these from our freezer
• Christmas Baking: Swedish Ginger Cookies, Pretzel Bark, Butter Tarts, Almond Crunch
• A Failed/Botched Sisters and Mom hang time in Summerside....I guess we can still count the 20 minutes of fellowship (It was my fault too, I forgot to bring a document and the rest of the afternoon was us driving around trying to meet Danny!!)
• Bredin Yankee Swap night-Everyone in our entire family including Bella the dog (poor Sophie  Kristi's dog...got stuck at home) but we did see her later on for a quick Siblings only hang out (minus Mike and Ally)
• Stretch Siblings Pizza Party
• Christmas Decorating and Christmas Tree set up watching Elf
• Lots of Christmas movie favorites watched already! Only need to watch a few more to feel like I got them all in including: Muppets Family Christmas and Muppets Christmas Carol and Little Women
• Christmas Shopping DONE!!! I keep thinking of a few things I "could" buy but trying to not to over do it
• Spending time with Dan's Parents *They have invited us for supper 3 Thursday nights this month!! So nice to not have to do dishes!!! plus its always nice to see them of course!! 

Best parts of (STILL) being preggo:

• I have made lists in my head and googled and researched and asked lots of questions of all the things I need. I finally feel "ready" in the STUFF department. Including a finished Bassinet that was done just in the nick of time by bedtime on our official Due Date (Weds)...
  
    This is so so so special to me. I am
• so glad it's all ready for our first family sleep over!!
• I truly do feel fine. I have no real clues that this is the week I'm supposed to have a baby. I feel heavier and trying to rest a lot. I have indulged in naps and sleeping in without (that much) guilt, and we go to bed fairly early cuz Dan's pretty tired. I feel bad cuz I usually wake up at 3 or 4 and read and sometimes wake Dan up....but he's sweet about it
• Baby is happy...kicking and I can definitely feel his/her little bum pressing against my belly and it's always reassuring to hear a nice healthy heart beat....
• So now all I do is wait...pray and keep thinking of things I need to do before baby comes!!

Merry Christmas!!

Almost a week away from Due Date!!!

I really wasn't the BEST model for these preggers shots but here they are all together: 

You can certainly see a great difference in the 6 weeks between 32 and 38...I kept meaning to take shots when I had places to go, but I'm always in a rush and as soon as I get home I put on comfy clothes. Had another visit today, but so far, nothing has changed!!! Its so surreal because my next weekly appointment is scheduled a day after my due date...WEIRD!!!

It's so very hard to believe its all coming so close to meeting our baby.

Baby's Room!! (38 Weeks)

Today I am 38 Weeks!!!! And I keep checking things off my list...these pics aren't professional by any means but I wanted to record them so I can remember all the little details...and it really is one of my favorite places now! I am very happy with it!!

I can't believe that these quilts are over 30 years old! Yowza. I was so blessed by a sweet lady one day I was subbing and she out of the blue said...do you need a baby swing?? And I did! So now I have one. And I kinda wanted a bright red or orange  barn light but was very happy and pleased with the one we got, and VERY excited when Cuz Scott installed the electrical stuff for us!

This summer I was gifted the most beautiful quilt, and immediately knew it would be perfect for our little one's room! I love how it has all the colors that I wanted to use, and just special that one of my childhood friends has given me such a special gift to use for my baby. I've been collecting kids books for years and this bookshelf was a VERY important part of the room! Oh, and when I opened up this cloud garland at my baby shower...I was PUMPED...it was exactly something I wanted but didn't know where or how to get it! I was SO happy that I got one of Hannah's crafts for my baby!!! 

So, Julie knows that one of my dreams is to go on a hot air balloon and gave me this sweet little nite light!!! I also should add that Jules and Gregg financed our sweet little curtains too!!! Thanks so much guys! And Dan's sister Kara blew my socks off with TONS of grey polka dotted hand made things (swaddle cloth, burp cloth, drool handkerchief, stuffie...like...WHOAH!!!!) And I was so proud of myself for scoring this rad rocker from Bev before she moved and priced getting the cushions covered at a fabric store ($100 bones...no way) and found this body pillow cushion for $6...so yeah...great deal!! How special is this beautiful painting by Kit...matches perfectly!!!

I can`t wait to add more baskets and organize this closet...but at this point I don`t have enough things to fill the baskets I ALREADY have...so that will come! I couldn`t resist Christmas PJs...but I just can`t even imagine which ones will be used!!! A few months ago, Dan`s sister was sorting out her baby clothes and gave me TONS of little yellow and green sleepers..which I was so happy to have but I snuck a few red ones in too...cuz you know...boys OR girls can rock a cute little red sleeper! Thank you so much KRISTI for this beautiful Hot Air Balloon picture! It`s completely PERFECT in every way!

More hot air balloon art over change table...and a crazy polka dotted bag...not really a diaper bag, but may need a few weeks to figure out what kind of bag I will need/want/use once I actually know what baby's need/want/use!!! And was so so so happy to receive so many cute polka dots at my shower....blankets, sheets, clothes...you name it! I am so thankful for my sweet man painting and updating my bassinet that was made by the sweetest, kindest Grampie who was a carpenter. He made that bassinet for ME when I was a baby, and now my baby's Poppa Stretch and Daddy will also have part in the bassinet legacy too! So sweet. 

So...like I said...38 weeks:

Best Parts:

• Last week I worked 4 days, which basically for the last year was a RARE thing for me...I was happy to have work but pretty achy and sore by the end of the week (lucky for me there was a surprise snow day last Thursday!!!) So this week, I kinda told myself I wouldn`t book in advance...I ended up working today (Tues) but that just might be my only day, and I don`t mind at all! I have a pretty bad cold/cough/runny nose and want to get my energy and health to a good place...just in case!!!
• I told my mom tonight besides my cold that I was feeling pretty great. I feel like I can climb stairs no prob and in general (besides the achy pubic bone/pelvic area and lower back pain) I truly do feel fine! But mom told me that alot of women feel a surge of energy near the end..and in Mom's words "It's how the Lord prepares you for labour..." so...um...that kinda makes me feel like whoah this stuff is getting REAL!!!
• I am so happy that for the most part my baby's room is all done... the bassinet is very close to being done. We got our car seat safety inspected and have put our cozy carseat blanket in...but are waiting a few more days to put it in the car. 
• We got a few other things crossed off our list on Black Friday...and I just re read the "What to Pack for the Hospital" handout and feel like I have most of what I need! So just need to get that all settled and tucked away! 
• Got all my Christmas decorations up (except tree)...I can't tell you how much that means to me! I am so thankful for dear Danny who did all the climbing and grins and bears my silly sentimental decorations!!! I broke one little porcelain caroler this year...which almost brought me to tears...but even Dan said I handled it good. And this afternoon I wrapped up a few gifts. I've literally NEVER been this close to being DONE shopping this Early...cray cray! But also very relieving!
• What else...I'm going in tomorrow to see my Doctor for my first weekly visit...not sure what they are going to "do" to me to "get things started"....so honestly not looking forward to THAT....don't make me say it on my blog but it involves a different kind of "sweeping"
• I am just very excited and nervous and can hardly believe that this jumping bean inside of me will soon be here and I will get to hug and kiss this baby's face for real THIS MONTH. And if its on sched....in 2 small short weeks! YEEHAAA!!!!