It's a Wonderful Life

Well it seems that I am going to be making monthly updates. I am ok with that amount because if I tried to commit more time, I would fail.

River is 4 months old today! It has been a very exciting weekend. Friday night, I went out with my old friends. This was my first night out since having the baby and basically since I have been pregnant. I was very nervous about leaving River but it worked out alright. I had a lot of fun but I can honestly say, I much prefer being home with my baby--even if it means going to bed at 8:30 every night. I love being a mom and I love having the peace of mind that comes with staying with him. It was very nice to get a little break but I can't say I "let loose" because I couldn't keep my mind off my baby the whole night!

Saturday was Sweetest Day. Max and I don't really celebrate Hallmark holidays but we did exchange a "Happy Sweetest Day" to each other and that was nice. It was time to get River a bath and when we were done, I went upstairs to get changed out of my PJ's and Max went to go get River dressed. I was in the middle of changing when Max called to me from downstairs. "Shelbi, come here and look!" I didn't want to miss the cute thing River was doing so I ran downstairs with a shirt on and my underwear. I saw River was wearing an outfit I didn't recognize (I have a photographic memory of his entire wardrobe haha). When I got a little closer...This is what I saw

I was in complete shock. I turned to look at Max and he was on one knee. He proposed to me (while I was still in my undies) and of course I said yes. The ring was in the "yes" pocket so I pulled it out and got to put on this amazing ring.

My grandma made the onsie and my son got to wear it. It was more than I could ever imagine a proposal would be.  It was very sentimental and I love that kind of stuff. I will get to keep that onsie forever. 

Later on that, Max and I got to go out on our first date night with out the baby. We had a good time but didn't stay out too late. We missed our boy and wanted to go home with him and snuggle up together as a family.

It was such a wonderful night and I cannot wait to start planning our wedding. We are thinking about having it next year or the following year. It would be easier and less stressful if we had it 2 years from now but we aren't sure if we want to wait that long. One thing is for certain, it will be in the Fall (I'm aiming for October).

Now I can really put my Pintrest Wedding Board to use ;)

River is 4 months today and he is such a happy baby! He has is fussy moments, but the happy times far outshine the bad. He is my sunshine. He is babbling and repeating me when I say 'ohhh' and 'ahhh' to him. He is a little parrot! River is also laughing and cooing up a storm. He still hates tummy time but it gets a little easier every day. On a side note (this is probably TMI) but today is also the day that River was conceived a year ago :)

He also loves being worn in the ring sling!

My life is complete! I have a wonderful man and a beautiful son. I am so thankful and lucky that I have the opportunity to be a stay at home mom while I attend school. I am blessed in more ways than I know. This weekend really made me open my eyes again to see all the beautiful things I had in my life. Friends, family and lots of love surrounds me. This was just what I needed! 

Sleepless Nights, Bright Beginning's

I try to be in bed by 8:30pm. Even on the weekends.  If you are a new mom, you can totally understand why.  Otherwise,  you may think of me as the most boring person ever.  Sometimes I think about all the things I am missing out on as I slip off my nursing shirt and replace it with a nursing bra (don't forget the nursing  pads!) I think about the times where I would stay up past midnight,  socializing and drinking delicious wine. Or the time we spontaneously went on a trip to Europe (that never actually happened but I could have done it!).
But before I can regret anything about my life, I look at my son and remember that I still get to experience an adventure.  An adventure that is priceless and more meaningful than any historical landmark.  I may be missing  out on sleep and other seemingly important things in life but I get to replace all of those things with one monumental experience that has many little satisfactions wrapped into it.  It is often referred to as motherhood.  It may not always look  exciting and pretty,  but it is a gift that I am learning to love more everyday.  As I peel my eyelids open for the 2544 time in the middle of the night to tend to the little grunts and coos coming from the little ball of cuteness next to me,  I remind myself that this will past and I might just miss it one day.  My baby will grow and won't stop. And the only mistake I can make is taking these moments (even the hard,  "I'm going to cry from exhaustion  and sore nipples" moments) for granted.  I smile at the thought of putting up the Christmas  tree with my son,  picking out Halloween costumes with him, going to the water park and seeing the look on his face when his toes touch the ocean for the first time.  Although I don't think fondly of the times he will be sick,  or the 5 times I will have to clean up puke in a day,  or having to hand down his first punishment,  it is all a part of parenthood and the most exciting adventure of my life.  I would be a fool to regret any of it; even the sleepless nights.