So actually there is no way to put in order my favorite things about being a mom so far and so these are 10 that I am really loving so far.
1. I really don’t think there is anything that smells better than a newborn after a bath. Added bonus is that brushing her hair is one of my favorite things ever to do.
2. Feeling more than ever that B$ and I are a team. As soon as he gets home from a long day of school he is right there next to me helping me with all things Brooke related.
3. Focusing on somebody else. I love spending 99% of my day thinking about Brooke’s needs.
4, Realizing that it is possible to fall more and more in love with her everyday.
5. Thinking that she is already hilarious at the ripe old age of 7 days. The facial expressions this girl makes crack me up. I need to include a video one of these days because you will laugh for 10 minutes straight.
6. I am not even exaggerating when I say that Brooke is the best napping partner in the world.
7. It is so much fun to get her all dressed up and that way I don’t have to think about my personal hygiene because people are just looking at how cute she is.
8. Watching her sleep. Her spiky hair makes it that much more enjoyable. (PS bumper pad is on the way)
9. The simplest things are so much more fun now. Doing little things like sitting on the deck just holding her, going to the store or making lunch is so much more fun when she is there.
10. I really didn’t think it was possible for me to like this boy anymore than I already do but seeing him with her…
Moms reading: What are some of your favorite things about being a mom?
I love the fact every single aspect of this post is positive! No complaining about lack of sleep, no added tidbits about making dinner is more difficult, nothing like that. Just pure love and positive vibes.
Although this means I’m doomed…we only have a cat and I spend plenty of time complaining about his nocturnal ways!
PS – she is freaking adorable!
I agree – love the positive post!
Agree as well!! It seems you always hear about the negatives and how hard it is (which I’m sure it is a lot of work), but what a breath of fresh air to read your favorite things. :)
Love love love!! :D
Thanks so much girls!!!!
Brooke is sooo sooo adorable :) I love her cute bow!
I love this list! A lot of them are my favorites too!
The thing that has been the most incredible to me has been seeing my husband with our title boy. The evolution of love you described is so crazy and so true! I love my little boy more and more every day and didn’t even know it was possible to have such a ginormous increase in love for my husband.
It really is such an amazing thing. And you and Brooke are making me want another baby now! Even though my boy is not even 5 months old…
PS wait till she starts smiling and laughing! BEST. THING. EVER.
Me too and my boy is only 4 months old!
This list is too adorable and the pictures make my heart melt. You are so gorgeous, Brooke is suet precious, and your little family cannot get any cuter, so happy for you :) whatta great mama you are already!
I *heart* your list, Mamma J. She is so stinkin’ cute. Whenever I look at my kids sleeping, I get all melty inside :)
What a sweet post. Thanks for sharing!
2nd this! My heart melts just reading about it and seeing the two of you together.
Brooke is infinitely lucky to have you as her mom! So sweet and wonderful to see how you are soaking in every second. There are so many things I love about being a mom, all of the things you listed and a bazillion more. But the best is when my kids randomly come and give me hugs and tell me they love me. It makes me feel like I’m doing an ok job ;)
You are doing a fantastic job being a mom!! Brooke is so precious!! I just love her hair!! :O) PS, I’m jealous that you are in my hometown!! (Well, around it…) San Jose and the surrounding cities are so fun to see!! And Trader Joe’s??!!! Seriously….so jealous! ;o) Enjoy every minute! :o)
She’s adorable! Congratulations.
you make this mom thing seem AMAZING!! Can hardly wait to have my little boy around…4 weeks or less baby!!!! Brooke is stunning :)
This post made my heart melt a little bit :)
I have been following your blog for a little while and I just love it. I admire you for the way you have approached motherhood with such a happy, can-do attitude. Nothing phases you, amazing!
I know I haven’t stopped by to say hi but when you had your baby I was genuinely happy and pleased for you, and I wish you and Billy so so much happiness in your lil family :)
This is such a great list…agree with all of them! One thing that I LOVE about being a mom is when my daughter, Clara, snuggles up under my chin and eventually falls asleep. Cuddling with her is the best thing in the world.
It has also been amazing watching Brandon step into his role as a dad. He is SO good with Clara and takes such an active part in these newborn days. Our daughters are sure lucky to have such wonderful dads!
I’m not a mom, but I still love this post :-) I’m so happy for you! And I agree – that spikey hair IS adorable.
So so sweet!!! Brooke is absolutely gorgeous. I’m so happy for you and Billy! :)
Yay for being a mom – you are such a great one!
This list is so sweet <3
She is so gorgeous! I’m seriously so happy for you. :D
I think Brooke is getting cuter every day! Getting to see all of the pictures of her you post is so fun. I’m really glad that the three of you are settling in well in your new place. Have a fun day hanging out with Brooke! :)
Janae, I didn’t think I could adore you more than I already did, but after reading this post, I realized I could. How can you be so wise and only in your early 20′s? :)
Brooke is a lucky little lady to have you as her Mom.
This is just so adorable, sweet and lovely.. what a nice thing for me to read on this Thursday morning :) She really is getting cuter each day!
So sweet! I’m glad you’re loving your new life!!
Your little girl is just precious! I can’t believe all that hair! My boy has very blonde hair so he looks bald half the time!
My #1 favorite thing to do is pick him up after he wakes up in the morning. He’s so happy to see us that he breaks out into a huge grin. I love feeding him too. He makes eye contact now and if I talk while he’s breastfeeding he starts to grin and stops eating. Like you, my list goes on and on of my favorite things to do with him. It just gets better and better every single day.
Brooke is absolutely precious. I haven’t commented in a long time but it doesn’t mean I’m not still reading! (Everyday actually). :) Thank you for posting your journey. Although I am not a mom yet due to some set backs, I’ve been living vicariously through you. Thank you for that.
Seeing this post and just having been on our OB tour at the hospital makes me even more excited to meet my little girl!!! I have 3 months to go and they better fly by!!! :) Brooke is so adorable!!
All of yours plus sometimes there are moments when you look at your kids and realize that you just like them. That even if they weren’t yours, you would stil think they were cool.
And then ther are moments when they do something and you realize they have taken the best of your qualities and the best of your partner’s qualities and become this amazing person (sometime the opposite is true too though).
There are so many great things about being a mom – and the best part is it keeps getting better! I remember I kept saying “I know I said it last month, but THIS is my favorite stage!”
Then they grow up a bit and get to do fun stuff that you like to do, now that I can take my 7 yr old skiing and running with me – it’s my favorite stage!!
There are also challenges with every new stage as well, I don’t know that it ever gets harder or easier, in fact I think the first year is almost the easiest but I can survive on very little sleep so that never bothered me.
aww… I LOVE this list! :) So happy for the two of you!! :)
What a great list! Thank you for the reminders of how wonderful motherhood can be.
And I like to say that I’m glad my 3 year old is friendly to people like the checkout lady then I don’t have to be, but she’ll still think well of me ;)
You’re making me cry b/c I agree with all of yours and I so miss the newborn stage (my baby girl is 9 months and it goes WAY too fast). My absolute favorite thing is watching them discover new things… and the fact that it happens multiple times every single day is amazing to me. They remind me how miraculous life is and how everything about every day can be exciting and fun and an adventure if you look at it that way. LOVE Brooke’s spiky hair, so cute!
You make my heart melt, Janae! What a beautiful post, that I’m sure will just keep getting longer and longer. Maybe each week you can post 10 new things, because I’m sure there will be plenty;)
Though I’m not a mama, I always love seeing Dads with their little girls. It tugs at my heartstrings. So sweet. I’m sure Billy is an amazing father; and you, an amazing lil’ mama:)
Brooke is so sweet! I love, love, love her spiky hair. Too adorable.
I’m going to be honest. I didn’t like the baby baby stage. I LOVED HIM WHEN HE WAS BORN- don’t get me wrong, but all he did was sleep, poop and eat. LOL I don’t know what I “thought it should be” but whatever I thought it was def. wayyy different. I loved to cuddle with him but he couldn’t really do anything and NOW it’s the fun part, don’t get me wrong, I didn’t want him to grow up fast or anything I just wanted him and his own personality. Which I have now. He is 3 1/2, talks none stop, plays games, reads to me, we color and we laugh. A LOT , because he is crazy just like his mom ;)
oh my gosh this is so cute! Brooke is soo cute and I am sure you and Billy are amazing parents!
Smiles & Giggles:-) I am now privilege to “mama” & him holding his arms for me to pick him up! *love*
Such a precious post!! I’m sure you make one amazing mama!
I love my husband with every fiber in my body, but somehow I fell more in love with him once we had our two boys. Even now at the ages of 4 and 7, I get teary eyed when I see our kids snuggled up with their dad. I love watching him carry the kids to bed. Makes me grateful for our family.
And morning snuggling in bed is one of my favorite things.
She is so, so cute! I am really glad that you are enjoying these first few weeks! You have made a great choice (subconscious or not, I don’t know) to enjoy these sleep-deprived days rather than getting stressed out and that is awesome!
Can I make a suggestion? Before you put a bumper (or anything else other than Brooke and her swaddle blanket) in the crib with her, please read up on the safety issues associated with bumpers, quilts, stuffed friends, etc. I know her crib looks barren, but it is safest like that for now.
I was going to mention the same thing. I thought bumpers weren’t advised for newborns anymore?
Breathable bumpers are ok. Bumpers don’t actually matter right now cause she can’t move but once she is unsaddled and can roll around that is when that stuff can be a concern. I had the cute bumper until my baby could move then put in the breathable bumper.
One of our family friends lost their 7 week old because of crib bumpers. They don’t have to be moving around a lot, just enough for them to turn over. They are cute, but…
Here is their story…http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/retail/2011-04-22-crib-bumper-safety.htm
I was going to mention this as well! Check into the info about bumper pads because from what I know (at least in BC,Canada) is that they are not recommended for newborns by our health authority because they shown a higher correlation with SIDS. She looks so beautiful btw, I love her headband ahh! :D
YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!! Seriously thank you so much for giving me this information. I really appreciate your help. This first time mom stuff takes a lot of thinking:) I am so grateful for knowledgable readers!
I bought a bumper when I had my first baby and a nurse told me not to use it because you want as much air flow as possible through the crib to help prevent sids. Of course she made me worried and I never used one for any of my kids.
Aww what a sweet post!
LOVE this list. She is beautiful :)
The thing I noticed with having little ones is that you have free entertainment all of the time. I could sit and watch a baby or toddler for hours…they are quite entertaining. I think you should post a video asap :) I have been trying to find this video of Kobe when he was about 3 for a few days to post on the blog…it is hilarious! Enjoy that little bug!!!
It makes me so happy you are so happy!
This has to be the cutest post ever! Love your insights on being a new mommy, especially number 2! So great that you and Billy are loving being new parents!!!
Love this. Thanks for sharing Janae! I can’t wait to be a mom some day!
It is so nice to see how positive you are about being a mom. Great post :). It made me very excited to start having mommy experiences in just a few days!
Omg she is adorable! I love the cupcake receiving blanket :).
So sweet. I love reading your posts about being a mom and Brooke couldn’t be cuter if she tried.
The changes in your relationship with your husband when you bring home a new baby (each time!) is the best. Your love gets deeper and you have a greater purpose together. Everything changes. It’s so wonderful! These are some of the cutest pictures of her. What an adorable baby! Being a mom is the greatest :)
How sweet! Just wait til she can start smiling back at you and laughing. When my baby stops what she is doing and waves to me, “hi mom”, when she cuddles in the crook of my neck, when she rubs and pats my arm to comfort me, when I go into her room in the morning to find her standing there smiling, listening to her baby babble on the monitor, watching her get excited about something. Oh man I could go on forever but I gotta get ready for work.
I see Curly in the picture on #6!
Love her little sleep sack with the ice cream cones on it. Are you sure that wasn’t intended for you?! ;)
I think one of the biggest things Craig is looking forward to is the ‘baby smell.’ He is always talking about it, and can’t wait for our little one to get her so he can smell her. lol!
#7 is what I can’t wait for! I will pick our our little lady’s headbands & other cute items & just stare at them…cannot wait to see her in them :D
Brooke is absolutely gorgeous! I think she looks like your nieces :)
Love this post <3
Oh my word, this is making me so excited for motherhood!!
Sweet heart– don’t get a bumper pad and make sure to give tummy time too. Love you J. E
seriously, you are the most amazing mother. your daughter is gorgeous and so adorable. it makes me so emotional just reading your posts! i’m only 20 year old and i hope to be as good a mother as you are to brooke. she is SO CUTE!
What a sweet post- Brooke is so cute and it’s clear that you and Billy are just over the moon! :)
Although I’m not a mom, when I got my puppy I was pretty much felt like a mother. I remember the first time Elmo tried going down the stairs. He was SO scared but I was waiting for him at the bottom. It was such a cute moment. LOL.
I really love all of the pictures with Billy and her. There is something about seeing a dad and his daughter.
PS. I think she looks like you while napping and Billy while awake. I can definitely see both in the pictures!
Not a mom, but love your list! I am an Aunt to many so I know how much fun babies are. I really like her spiky hair and fashion sense!
This is so sweet!!! You’re going to be a great mom! And about the bumper – lol I’m in NO WAY an experienced mom but I do remember seeing a segment on the news about how bumpers are dangerous for newborns because they can suffocate!
I loved this post! Her hair is beyond adorable! My favorite thing about being a mom was watching Adam with our kids for the first time. It seriously made me fall more and more in love with him.
so precious! Billy is a great father seeing how he juggles a million things and still has time for his baby girl. Your a lucky girl and I wish you guys much happiness.
You hit them all just perfectly! Especially number 10 there is nothing better then seeing a father love and care so much for their baby girl:) I’m going to add the snuggles and the milestones they accomplish everyday!!
Congrats you two! You have a darling family:)
I think watching my husband with our kids is the sexiest thing in the world.
I love snuggles, smooches, and getting to do kid stuff(zoo, museums, music classes, etc.) during the day because it’s my job ;-)
This was too cute to read- I am excited for Brooke to read all these posts when she’s older. I think you should make her a file & present it to her on her 13th birthday :)
Seeing my husband with our daughter, even now at nearly 14 months, makes my heart melt. Cuddling and the sound of my daughter’s laughter are by far my favorite parts of being a mom. It’s an amazing journey!
What a nice thing to read as I start my day! This has to be one of the happiest posts and the pictures are so beautiful–I just love that spiky hair too :) I’m so happy you’re happy!!
She gets cuter and cuter with every picture!!!
I can already tell you’re an amazing mom! Also, this list is giving me serious baby fever!
Love your list! It only gets better from here! My favorite things are when my four year old tells me he loves me and gives me a kiss. I also love when my two year old sees me and runs over to give me a hug and a kisses. One of the best parts of my day is when my hubby gets home and the kids run to him for hugs and kisses. It’s his favorite part of the day too. It sounds like Miss Brooke is going to be a happy girl. My mom told me to smile at my kids when they wake up, even if it’s three a.m. and you’re exhausted. It makes for happy babies. She was right, I have two happy, easy going kids. With as grateful and happy as you and Billy are, Brooke is bound to be a cheerful little lady! Keep up the great work you guys!
LOVE all your pics of sweet brooke! being a mom could be the best thing of all time, i love it! I dont think I could do anything more that made me happier, than to be with my little. I love brooks hair, seriously the cutest thing in the world. Everything is new when you have a baby, and more exciting! oh, i know just how you feel about falling more in love with baby and hubby everyday, especially when you see him holding your little girl : ) im so happy for you Janae! I read your blog everyday, im glad things are going great there. you seem like a natural at being a new mommy!
Seriously Janae I think I’m about to go find me a baby to steal. Oh my gosh talk about making me baby hungry! Brooke is PERFECT! And I love her and you and Billy. Cutest. family. ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This post makes me want to have a baby!
I’m glad parenthood suits you and Billy :)
what a sweet list!! and her hair! ah, she is just too cute!!
OMG my heart melted reading this! She is so precious. I love her spiky hair! I think she looks a lot like Billy when shes awake, but looks like you when she’s sleeping.
Weird. But oh so adorable!
Billy must be a wonderful dad, he looks so loving (so do you as a mom too!). I love your positivity, I really want to be a mom too especially after reading this. Brooke is very lucky!
Brooke is precious!
Her spikey hair is adorable! Just wait until she starts cooing – my hubs and I giggled so hard at Ty’s first “story” to us that we had tears in our eyes. He tells the best jokes,too. ;)
I love the unlimited snuggles with my baby boy, and the way his whole face lights up when he sees us. I love how he has to grab absolutely everything – including my hair – and stuff it in his face. Watching him eat next month for the first time is going to be so fun!
One of the best moments for me was when my daughter smiled at me for the first time and I knew she was smiling at me and not because of gas. I laughed and cried, a moment I will always remember.
I love the hugs and kisses and I also love that my kids think I’m cool. I know this will change when they get older but I really love it :)
I am loving reading about your journey as a new mom! :) you make it look easy girl!
LOVE the list. Agree with them all. My baby is now 13 months and it seems impossible that he’s so big. He’s learning to walk and constantly wanting to practice, so he doesn’t like to cuddle so much anymore. I get my cuddle fix about 2 hours after he’s gone down the night, sneak into his room, and sit with him in the glider. He snuggles right in so I can smell his hair and his face and it’s my most favorite part of the day. I didn’t think it was possible, but you’ll see, how you love them more and more everyday. LOVE the blog (I’m a new reader). Keep up the good work.
I love this post!
P.S. I tagged you in my blogpost today!
This is the best post ever. I don’t have any child yet (but we’re working on that) and I hope to be as positive as you are right now.
I do have 3 cats and they are pretty much my life. Does that count?
I think she is the (girly) spitting image of Billy!
Tears. This is such a special post. Congrats again!
I love this post, she is so adorable.
I hope breastfeeding is going well. By now you are prob in so much pain..just remember 2 more weeks and you are going to be pain free…and it is worth it.
If you ever decide you don’t like her anymore, I will gladly take her off your hands. Her hair kills me. I love it so much. I will be so disappointed now if I ever have a baby and it doesn’t have great hair like that.
She is truly one of the most precious babies I’ve ever seen!
I’m dying over that ice cream baby blanket!! So cute!
I love all those things too…..I completely agree with the last one. It wasn’t until I had Logan that I realized I could fall even more in love with Colin :) I love when you choose a good dad :)
I love Brooke she is such a cutie. It’s nice to see you in this role. It reminds me of how exciting it was to be with baby Logan…..I am now entering the 3rd year and I’m kind of over motherhood ;)
j/k :P
Congratulations, she is really adorable! I think me eyes would tear up if I saw my husband holding our baby like this (we don’t have one – yet).
Wait until she starts talking and the words are “Mommy, I just love you, your the best” totally makes your world.
Oh, I agree, and I am not even a mom! My niece is so wonderful and she makes me melt. Even when I hear her saying at age 6 (to her mom)
‘mom, you are the bravest, the coolest, oh I am so proud of you’
really makes you tear up & melt!!!
I know you have your blog to share with her when she gets older, but I think you should get this list professionally printed and framed.
Just such a wonderful experience, and something for you both to treasure when she is older!
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