It’s December 1st and we’ve been decorating.  It’s Charlotte’s first Christmas and we’re so excited.  I’ve noticed some differences in our decorations this year.  Have a look…

I’m not a “Type A”.  I don’t make lists.  I never get thank you notes out on time.  I write things on the calendar simply so I don’t forget, but overall I’m more of the fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants type.  I’m responsible, just not super organized.  

“Hey Mama!  Turn off the computer and snuggle with me.”

Charlotte and I made our first trip to the grocery store last week.  We needed to get supplies to eat batter and pie filling make Thanksgiving pies.  Plus, some staples were dwindling after home cooked meals from family and friends were eaten up.

My mom always told me how when I was a baby she would put me in the produce scale at the local Piggly Wiggly.  I was anxious to carry on this charmingly redneck tradition.  Plus, my baby gets heavier everyday!  (7lbs. 13ozs. at birth, 8lbs. 2 oz. at two weeks.  At 3+ weeks she could be at 9lbs!)



I’m “Big on the Pig!”  Okay, not really.  There’s not even one in Raleigh anymore.  It’s now a cafe and gift shop.  Naturally I went somewhere now yuppie that was formerly hippie.



I looked up and saw a mom with a baby a few months older sitting in one of the carts with the baby seats.  I flagged down this total stranger and asked her about how the whole car-seat-in-the-cart thing works.  I explained that it was our first shopping trip.  I think the desperation on my face told her that.  She was very kind and we tried some different manuvers to fit the seat in the front of the cart to no avail.  I thanked her and smiled sheepishly as I laughed about how I would just have to put the groceries around her.  She gave me a knowing smile that said “Don’t worry.  It gets easier.”

Charlotte and I made it work.  I doubled over in laughter when I saw my tiny baby tucked in with the deli meat and bananas.

My apologies for my absence, and my apologies for writing this obligatory “I’m so thankful” Thanksgiving blog post.  We have been traveling for the holiday.  I’m exhausted after our travels and have been keeping up with Charlotte’s newborn schedule so I’ll keep it short.  I’ll also keep it short so as not to nauseate you too much, but it was truly wonderful.

It was the kind of weekend with bibs and socks that are way too big…

When I got the “Baby Jeep” in 2005 it was the first new car I had ever owned.  I kept the thing pristine and wouldn’t let anyone eat or drink in it.  (Needless to say things have changed after 5 years, hundreds of latte runs, and thousands of dog hairs.)  I remember being sad when I got my license plate in the mail.  I no longer needed my 30 day tags.  Yeah, it looks weird.  It’s a piece of cardboard.  But, nothing says “I have a brand new car” like rolling with 30 day tags.

carscoop.blogspot.com I’m thinking of getting this permanent vanity plate.  J/K!

I was a little sad.  My mama brain said, “My baby is growing up so fast!”  My logical brain said, “Good, that thing was gross and now we can give her a real bath.  Too bad I didn’t wait until next week for her newborn photo shoot.”  (There are some shots the photographer got last week where she may have to Photoshop out the cord.  I’ll have pics later this week!)  As silly as it is, I was a little sad.  I wake up in the morning and she looks bigger than she did the night before.  Everyday she looks a little different.  It’s amazing and thrilling and I look forward to every phase.  But, I’m just trying to soak up every moment in this newborn phase.

That little stump was kind of her 30 day tag.  Yeah, it looked weird.  It was purple and crusty.  But, nothing says “I have a newborn” like a scabby belly button.