Working Mama

I never would have thought that getting laid off from my full-time job at 34 weeks pregnant would be a blessing in disguise. It was because of this little hiccup in my career that I got to spend 19 glorious weeks with my little nugget. I couldn't imagine going to work after the sad U.S. norm of 6-8 short weeks. For anyone who has to go through that, I tip my hat off to you.

It was May when I got the call from my former manager at MetLife expressing that a position had opened up on his Corporate Brand and Marketing team for Brighthouse Financial. After a few discussions, we agreed that I would start in July.

Needless to say, I snuggled and held Elijah tight for the coming weeks leading to my first day of work. I made sure to savor the moments that I had with my boy, making the most of each second.

I literally wanted to hold on to him like this for a week

The first week was hard but it has gotten easier. Having Jeremy on summer break from school and able to be home for the month of July has helped ease into the transition. He updates me with photos throughout the day and I would probably be a blubbery mess if it weren't for those hilarious selfies he sends. Those two know how to have a good time while I'm away.

Although I miss Elijah tremendously throughout the day, it feels good to step out of my sweats and have conversations with my coworkers. Lucky for me, I have been surrounded by a great team and they keep my spirits up by having me laughing (sometimes non-stop) throughout the day.

Coming home to a smiling baby is the best feeling in the world. It is easily the best part of my day and I don't put him down until it's time for bed. I am beyond grateful for the time that Elijah and I spent together. I know he's in THE BEST hands while I work hard to provide for his future. I hope he saves all of those milestone moments for home!

Pool Days

Splish-splash this is NOT a bath! This July we took Elijah to our neighborhood pool for a little dip in the water. It took us an hour to get ready plus 2 trips back to the house only to be at the pool for a total of 45 minutes.

Lucky for us, we had the entire pool to ourselves as we soaked up this special 1st-time with Elijah. While he didn't love it, he didn't exactly hate it since there were no tears. We cracked a few smiles by hoisting him up in the air but that was pretty much it. I'm sure next summer will be a different story when we head to the pool. Fun times are ahead!

Baby, You're a Firework

Elijah's first 4th of July is officially in the books! With him only being 4 months old, we kept it pretty low key with a short trip to the Indian Trail parade down the street. We found the perfect spot in the shade under a tree which he couldn't stop staring up at. It's fun to see what little (or in this case big) things catch his eyes these days.

Was it the best parade we've ever been to? Well, let's just say it was definitely no Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, but we got some free candy out of it and we got to showcase his cute Independence Day outfit. That, in itself, was worth it. Hopefully next year we'll be able to catch a few fireworks. Hope you all had a great 4th of July!

The Life of Eli: Month Four

Our love for Elijah grows more each day. With Dad out of school for the summer, we were able to get some quality family time--just the three of us. IT. WAS. AWESOME.

Elijah is on the smaller side for a four-month-old but we noticed a definite growth spurt, where he demanded more milk and slept a bit more. He has officially transitioned out of all newborn clothes and fits comfortably in 0-3 month clothing, size 1 diapers and weighing in at 12 pounds, 4 ounces.

Our boy is happiest in the morning where we cuddle, babble and giggle to no end. He has also taken an interest in story time where he enjoys listening and looking at each page.

Highlights for Month Four were:

Entertaining Mom and Dad with Instagram filters.

Watching Dad play Madden.

Memorial Day!

Lunch dates with my friend, Emily!

Hanging with Grammie, Grampie and Auntie.

Having Daddy home for the summer!

Hanging out with Mom on the regular.

Celebrating Mom and Dad's 6th wedding anniversary!

First road trip to Asheville!

First food truck Friday!

Hanging out with my Tía, Sairy.

Shopping at the mall with friends, Elyse and Sawyer (not pictured Josh and Jeremy).

Having a tantrum when waking up from naps. (I get that from my Mom)

Not so sure about the outside world.

Celebrating Father's Day!

Celebrating my buddy, Sawyer, turning 2!

Afternoon walks.

Hanging with Spider-Man.

Cuddling with Mom.

Road trip to Raleigh to set up my college fund! Thanks for your help, Uncle John John!

My favorite part of bath time is snuggling in my towel right after.

Here I am just being cute (even when I cry).

It's so fun to watch Elijah discover the world more and more, day by day. We love you so much, little peanut!!!