Mackey Madness

The Sweetest Sound

2013-05-20T04:00:00.000-05:00

I finally managed to get Emory giggling on video and it is the cutest thing EVER.

I'm not even going to lie, I watch this video every single day. I love it. It is just the sweetest sound in the whole world and melts my heart.

My two sweet bunny loves. I love my family.

Home Feels Nice

2013-05-16T13:46:00.000-05:00

We are back from the beach! It was such a great trip and so nice to relax and unwind. The weather was perfect and Emory did so great through it all. I'll be sharing pictures soon, but today we are unpacking and resting.

Just one sneak peek of my cutie beach baby:

Ask Me

2013-05-14T04:00:00.000-05:00

Since I've had a lot of new readers in the last few months, I thought it was time for an "ask me anything" type post.

I have done two FAQ posts, so here's the link in case you missed those:

FAQ #1 FAQ #2

So go ahead, throw them all at me...baby questions, mommy questions, nursing questions, whatever you would like to know.

Be sure to follow me on Instagram (@MackeyMadness) to see pictures from our beach vacation!

Emory - Three Months

2013-05-13T04:00:00.000-05:00

Emory turned three months old on April 29. I'm not even going to say the whole "it's going so fast" like I usually do, but just know that that is still true three months in. I love watching her grow and change and getting little peeks at her personality. I see pictures of people with their new babies and that's when it really hits me how much E has grown. She's definitely not a smushy little newborn anymore.

- At three months, Emory is 12 pounds, 10 ounces and 24 inches long. She's in the 75th percentile for both. I think she's going to be a little chunker, for sure. Those thighs are starting to fill out! She can still fit in some 0-3 month clothes, but she's mostly wearing strictly 3 month clothes now. The only reason anything is too small is usually because of length. She is in size 2 diapers now.

- She's still not a great daytime napper, but she is a great great sleeper at night! She usually falls asleep around 9 pm, then I wake her up when I go to bed around 11 pm for a quick feed and she falls right back asleep until 6-7 am. I am tempted to cut out that last late feed, but I'm a little scared it will mess up our schedule. And mama loves sleeping all night. : )

- We are still breastfeeding, about every 3 hours during the day. She had a little bit of fussiness right around the three month mark during nursing, but I think it was just a growth spurt because it stopped after a few days. Who knows, though. I'm just glad that is over!

- She loves her hands and has them in her mouth ALL the time, usually the whole fist!

- She noticed her feet this month and is always looking at them. She loves to grab them during diaper changes. She hasn't quite gotten one into her mouth yet, but I think it's coming soon.

- She is talking and cooing and making sounds ALL the time. It's so cute because I can tell that she is really wanting to say something! She's also super smiley and overall just a happy baby!

- The drool is now happening in full force, dripping everywhere. No teeth yet, though!

- She laughed for the first time on April 4th. It was the absolute sweetest sound and I thought that my heart might explode. She did it when daddy and mommy were both there, so that made it even sweeter. It's a little tricky to get a laugh out of her. I can usually get about two a day doing a silly movement with her hands, but then she's over it. Haha.

- We accomplished several things this month just mommy and baby: we took a road trip to see my college best friends, we went to Target alone, and I wore her in a wrap while grocery shopping. She did so good with all of it. I keep waiting for the hysterical screams while we are out and about, but so far, so good. She is much better in the car now and rarely cries.

- She is rolling from her stomach to her back all the time and also from her back onto her side. She loves to wiggle around and roll. It's so cute to see her look of surprise when she flips over.

- We are still co-sleeping and when she wakes up in the morning and sees me next to her, she starts smiling and acting so silly. We just smile at each other for a few minutes before we get up. It's the best way to start the day.

- She is obsessed with the television. No matter which way I lay her on the floor, she twists around to try and watch it. Time to bust out the children's shows!

- She loves loves loves being sung to. She will stop whatever she's doing, even crying, to listen.

- One thing that was not so great this month: she pooped in the bath tub on me for the first time! It was a big fat hot mess and I couldn't stop screaming and laughing all at the same time. I called for the hubs to come help and he just busted into huge belly laughs. Whew. And lucky me she's done it several more times since then...but not once to daddy. No fair.

- She has really started noticing toys this month and she loves to play. I hold toys up in front of her and she reaches out to grab them. She has grabbed hold of several toys and even brought a few to her mouth a couple of times. She loves anything that makes noise or has bright colors.

- I can definitely tell that she knows and prefers the hubs and I over other people. She is constantly looking for one of us and watching us when other people have her. It makes my heart happy.

- I went back to work this month for the first time and it went pretty well. I am working one night a week and keeping her during the day. So far, so good! She and the hubs have enjoyed their time together.

- Nicknames: all pretty much the same. Pumpkin, muffin, bunny baby, Emmy.

- We went on several play dates this month and she does so good on them. She loves watching the older babies play. We have nursed in public (covered up!) and we are slowly getting better at that.

- Loves: mommy and daddy, ceiling fans, the swing, the play mat, play dates, pacifiers, sucking on her hands, kicking and wiggling on the floor, watching the dogs, splashing at bath time, noisy toys.

- Does not love: having to wait to eat, the bright sunlight.

- Tolerates: tummy time, mommy taking pictures.

Stop mom, just stop.

Oh Emmy girl, we love you so much. You make every day brighter. You make me a morning person, even though I don't want to be, just because I love seeing your smile when I wake up.

Beach Bound

2013-05-10T03:00:00.000-05:00

Well, we are off to the beach this weekend! Thanks for all the tips and advice on my post from the other day. I will definitely share what we packed and how it went when we get back.

This is how "we" packed...and I use the term we verrrry loosely. : )

Be sure to follow me on Instagram (@MackeyMadness) to see (tons of) pictures of Emory's first trip to the beach!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a $25 credit here.

I also guest posted over at Michelle's blog, sharing some new mommy thoughts.

Happy weekend!

Giveaway - Ma Cherie

2013-05-09T03:00:00.000-05:00

I'm super excited about the giveaway that is going on here today.

Ana is a sweet blog friend of mine, as well as the owner of a precious shop, Ma Cherie, featuring handmade crochet items and accessories. She was sweet enough to gift Emory with an adorable pink pig hat that we used in her newborn pictures. I can personally vouch for the amazing quality of her items! Her shop has a wide range of items, ranging from baby hats and booties to women's scarves and headbands.

This is Ana...isn't she stunning?!

My new favorite item...the cow hat. Adore.

Isn't everything so precious?! I want it all.

Ana is offering to give one reader a $25 shop credit, good for anything. Feel free to get something for yourself (a cute headband or scarf!) or something for a sweet babe in your life. Enter using the tool below. International readers are free to enter if they are willing to pay for the shipping.

If you can't wait, Ana is also offering a coupon code for readers...use the code MACKEY25 to get 25% off your order in her shop. That's one great deal!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Vacation with a Baby

2013-05-07T05:00:00.000-05:00

We are leaving for the beach in a few days (yay!) and I am so excited about Emory's first vacation and first time at the beach. That being said, I'm also super nervous about the car ride (9 hours) and making sure that we don't forget anything.

I'd love to hear from the seasoned mommies with any tips and advice.

Specifically a few questions that I have:

-How should I feed her on the car ride - pump and give a bottle or stop and nurse?

- What are absolute must haves for the beach with a baby?

- Any tips for handling a baby in the car for so long?

- Will this trip totally mess her schedule up?

And anything else that might be helpful! Thanks in advance!

It's Someone's Birthday

2013-05-06T13:02:00.000-05:00

Today is my sweet husband's birthday and I just can't put into words how much he means to me.

picture via Brandon O'Neal Photography

picture via Lindsey Caroon Photography

Happy birthday, baby! Emory and I are so blessed to have you in our lives and we love you so very much! Thank you for all that you do for us...you are our favorite baby daddy! : )

Still

2013-05-03T13:53:00.000-05:00

I've been doing the #SheReadsTruth Bible study of Hosea for the last few days and I wanted to share a few parts of the devotional that left me breathless.

"We run, we fall, we trip, we sin. He waits, stands, picks us up, and redeems us....despite all of our transgressions, He loves us anyway...the chasm of sin grows wider and we run faster, but our God changes not. He pursues us still...We are sinful, He is steadfast. We are fearful, He is faithful. We are broken, He binds up. We cherish idols, He cherishes us. His love and affection toward us do not change, no matter the depth of our sin."

(from #Shereadstruth Hosea Bible study)

Wow. This is so beautifully written and just makes me really see and feel the brokenness that I am and the way that God can make me whole. Ever since I had Emory, I can really feel even more how much God loves me. I cannot even put into words how much I love Emory - no matter what she does or how she acts. She's my daughter and that love is forever. And God loves me even more. More than that, which I can't even imagine, but more. More more more. I am His child and He cherishes me. ME, who did nothing to earn His love. Me.

You are His child and He cherishes you.

Breastfeeding Tips

2013-05-01T04:00:00.000-05:00

When I wrote about our breastfeeding story here, I got a lot of comments and emails asking for tips. I definitely don't claim to be any kind of expert on breastfeeding, but I have figured out what works for Emory and I and I would love to share my "tips" with those who are breastfeeding, pregnant, or even thinking about it for one day.

- Find Support

Whether it's a real life friend or a blog friend, find someone who has been there, who can help you, who can support you when you want to quit. Because believe me, at some second of some day, you WILL want to quit. Maybe because of the pain, maybe because the baby won't latch...but it will happen. And you need someone to say, "Hey, hang in there. It does get better. It does get better."

- Be prophylactic

In those first few days/weeks, use some kind of ointment or cream to nourish your nipples. I didn't use anything the whole time I was in the hospital because I was naive. I thought that since it didn't hurt the first few days, it wasn't going to start hurting. Oh, but it did. So just go ahead and do it. It might help. The ointment that I ended up using was called All Purpose Nipple Ointment (APNO). It generally requires a prescription but I'm telling you, it was magic for me. Pure magic.

- See a Lactation Consultant

If you are having severe pain or latch type problems, see a LC. Most hospitals have one on staff and have some kind of policy for after delivery. Where I delivered, you can see the LC for free for 30 days after delivery. They can usually help, but at minimum they offer tons of support. Don't wait weeks like I did!

- Get comfortable

Breastfeeding will not work if you aren't comfortable. Use a pillow of some type for support and make sure that your back is in a good position. I use the Boppy pillow. I had to try several different spots at our house to find a good breastfeeding spot. In the beginning weeks, I mostly did it on our bed, leaned up against the headboard because I was still learning. Once I got the hang of it better, I moved to the rocking chair and the couch.

- Experiment with nursing positions

This is good for everyone, but especially if you are having pain. It can lessen the pain since the baby is coming from a different position. I typically nurse in the cradle position, but sometimes we do lying down or the football hold. Find which one works best for you and baby.

- Forget what people say (sometimes)

Sometimes you just can't listen or believe what everyone says. People will tell you that it's not worth it, that formula is easier, etc etc etc. You have to take everything with a grain of salt. For me, it was the whole "it shouldn't hurt if she's latching right." People told me that. I read it on everything that I googled. And yet I knew that she was latching right. So finally when we went to see the LC, she again confirmed that she was latching right and said sometimes you still have pain and you just have to tough it out.

- Try not to give a bottle for the first month

I know that we all want our husbands/parents to take part in feedings, but really it's best if you can delay that for at least a month (per my LC). It helps with less nipple confusion. We gave Emory her first bottle at three weeks, but only because we had to because she wasn't gaining as quickly as they wanted.

- Use a slow flow nipple

This is key to me because you don't want them to start preferring bottle over breast. I thought that we were using a slow flow nipple with the Avent bottles, but it turns out it's not really that slow. The slowest nipple that I have found is Playtex. Slow flow means that the baby has to work for the milk, somewhat similar to the breast. This is what you want.

- Do whatever you have to do to get through the pain

Now not everyone has pain like I did, but some will. So if you are one of the lucky ones (ha!) like me, you will have some pretty awful pain. I cried my eyes out when she would latch on. It made me feel a little bit silly, but it helped me get through it. Also, I prayed a lot during nursing. Even if it was just "Lord get me through it," somehow spending that time praying made me focus more on Him and less on the pain.

- Don't feel bad

This is muti-dimensional. Don't feel bad that you might hate it the first few weeks. I remember feeling so guilty. Don't! It's normal. It gets better. Don't feel bad for dreading feedings or thinking about quitting. Also, don't let other people make you feel bad about breastfeeding. Some people give you looks when you say that you breastfeed. Or they say that you are robbing your husband of feeding. Or they don't like nursing in public. But this is natural and God-intended. I have finally gotten to the point where I can nurse in public (covered up) and look people in the eye and not feel guilty. I am feeding my baby. Sometimes I feel like there's a double standard - there's a big push to not make formula feeding moms feel guilty for not breastfeeding...and I love that...they shouldn't feel guilty. It's a decision for each mom to make on her own. But don't make a breastfeeding mom feel guilty either. Let's just love.

These are just a few things that helped me. Like I said, I'm no expert. Just a fellow breastfeeder who wants to help. It really does get better and it is SO SO worth it in the end. I love our nursing time now - being close to her, snuggling and cuddling, knowing that I'm providing nutrition for her.

Please please email me if you are struggling. I would love to help/support/encourage!

Looks Like We Made It

2013-04-30T04:00:00.000-05:00

I meant to post this yesterday because I know that y'all have been desperately waiting to hear (right?). But hey, better late than never, or so they say.

We all survived my first night back at work. All three of us.

She still loves her mommy!

It was rough leaving though, I'm not going to lie. I was sitting at the kitchen table - eating, pumping, and crying right at 6 pm. I wasn't sure that I was going to be able to walk out the door.

But I did, only because I had to.

I did okay in the car, but right when I walked in the door at work one of my coworkers ran up to hug me and the tears started flowing. They all pretty much know I'm a big cry baby anyway, so they weren't too surprised. : ) It only lasted a few minutes, though...and then I was ready to work.

Pumping at work was not too fun, mostly just because I'm such a germ freak and I hated having my pump in a hospital where so many germs are roaming around.

When I got home at 7:30, the hubs and the baby were snoozing away. I hopped in the shower and then climbed in bed with them. Once the hubs headed to work, I just tried to nap whenever she napped. I didn't get much sleep that day - I'd say about 3 hours total. I felt fine during the day, but it definitely caught up with me later that night. I felt like an 80 year old woman! We went to bed early and thankfully the next day I felt completely normal.

I haven't worked again since then, but I'm just so happy that the first day is done with. Surely that will be the hardest day to leave, right?!

Mommas out there, how did you handle your first day back to work?

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, Off to Work I Go

2013-04-25T04:00:00.000-05:00

Today my maternity leave is officially over. Cue the waterworks.

In my dreams, I'd stay at home with Emory and quit my job. I think. I do miss work a little bit. The social interaction and the crazy patients and stories, but I feel like my job is at home now. Emory is my job. Right now we can't afford that, so back to work I go.

I really can't complain, though. I'm not going back full time. I am only working 1-2 shifts a week, all at night. That way I can keep Emory during the day. It should be interesting! Hopefully I learn how to nap when she naps.

So tonight, I go back. I'm working 7pm - 7am. Then I'll come home and the hubby will head off to work. I hope that I remember "how" to work. I have all these nerves about not knowing my password to the computers, missing all my IVs, and forgetting how to chart. 12 weeks is a long time to be gone from work. But hopefully it's like riding a bike and it'll all come flooding back as soon as I get there.

After I spend the first few minutes bawling my eyes out.

I haven't left Emory for more than 2 hours since she was born. Now I'll be gone 12 hours. I fully expect to be a crazy wreck emotionally. It's hard to leave. I feel like she will think I abandoned her...like she will wonder where I am since I've been here her whole life.

But on the other hand, I'm excited for her and my husband. This will be their time. Time for them to get to hang out without me around. Time to make precious father/daughter moments.

And maybe, just maybe, we will finally sell our house and things will change. Maybe I will eventually stay home with her full time. But for now, I'm thankful. So very thankful that I get to spend all my days with my baby girl.

Easter 2013

2013-04-23T03:00:00.000-05:00

I was uploading pictures to my computer from my phone yesterday and realized that I had never shared pictures from Easter. I'm obviously a little late, but I like to use the excuse "new mommy brain." I'm not sure how long I can use it, but I'm willing to get away with it as long as I can. Some of you may wonder "why not just skip the Easter post since it's a month late?" Well, I thought about that. But Emory just looked too dang cute not to share. Go ahead and prepare for picture overload.

My little bunny.

Selfie. She totally gets it.

Can we say spoiled?

These two melt my heart together.

Dress: gifted / Bow: my Aunt / Socks: Target (Now she's an official fashion baby blogger!)

Easter pajamas!

What is there to say about something that happened a month ago? Not much. But at least now I documented how cute Emory looked. That's the important thing. : )

Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone

2013-04-22T03:00:00.000-05:00

While I was pregnant, I had dreams of play dates with other moms - all of us chatting, playing, talking - learning from each other while our little babes played together.

The problem - most of my friends live in different cities. Of course it's always made me sad, but it's been even harder since I've been a mom. So I decided to do something about it. I got on Facebook and created a Mommy and Me group for the city where I live. Then I invited all the moms that I knew and asked them to invite their friends.

So did it work? I'm happy to report that it has worked! We have officially had two play dates. What is super amazing/weird is that one of the girls that has been coming to the play dates is someone that I met through blogging! How cool is that?! It was definitely perfect timing with God introducing us now. She has the cutest little girl (you can check out her blog here) and has been a great source of information and support to me already!

I wrote all of this to basically say, whatever it is that you need to do or want to do, just DO IT! I have been thinking about this for weeks and I finally decided to just do it. I felt a little silly. I mean, who makes a Facebook group to meet people?! What do I know about scheduling play dates through the internet? But hey, it was all that I could think of to work with...and it worked! I was nervous to meet up with people that I had never even talked to before. I kept thinking, "What if we don't have anything to talk about?" There were so many things that made me second guess doing it, but I'm so glad that I didn't.

Face your fears. Be strong. Just do it. As long as your "it" is something good and positive, that is. : )

The Weight of This World

2013-04-19T01:00:00.000-05:00

I turn on the tv and see tragedy. I open the newspaper and read about death and hate. I log into Facebook and see sadness and despair. It is everywhere. Loss, crime, terror, tears, sickness, death, intolerance. I can't escape it. I look right, left, up, down...and it's always there. Someone is dying, a bomb explodes, a child is sick, people are doing horrible things.

I look at my daughter. My beautiful, sweet, innocent, pure daughter. She doesn't know anything about death or sadness, about loss or tragedy. Tears burn my eyes. I don't ever want her to know the hurt of this world. I don't want her to experience the bad, to come to realize that people knowingly and willingly do bad things. But it is inevitable for her to be hurt. Inevitable for her to come to know that bad does exist.

I ask God why. I want to know. Why does it have to be this way? Why are people so lost? Why can't they see You? I don't get the answer that I want. I won't ever be able to really understand the "why's" while I'm here. My mind can't fathom it, other than that I know it has to be this way. Because of Satan, because of sin, because we are lost. But it doesn't make it easier to know.

He tells me to take comfort. Pray. Hope. Believe. Trust. Love. He could change it all in a second, but He won't. It is our choice, our will. We have chosen. But He says do not be afraid. Love wins. Good prevails. HE prevails. HE wins. All is not lost. He knew it would happen this way.

So I hold my daughter. Tightly. And I know that I must teach her to love, trust, and believe. To take time to see the good. Always look for the good. To not get jaded by the world and its hurt. I will teach her that it's okay to not understand why it all happens.

Amid all the tragedy, I look at my daughter and I smile. God is here. God is good.

Letting Social Media Go

2013-04-12T13:06:00.001-05:00

Lately God has really been convicting me on the amount of time that I spend on social media.

It all started after I had Emory. I was breastfeeding and sitting with a lot of time on my hands, especially at night when I didn't want to talk or do anything that would encourage her that it was time to get up. So I downloaded the apps that I had deleted awhile back...Facebook and Twitter. I even downloaded Vine, though no one really posts much on it. And so that's what I did while Emory nursed.

Two weeks ago, E started sleeping through the night. So I didn't really have any reason to be on these apps all the time. But I still was. I was pulling them up constantly...while nursing during the day, eating, watching tv, etc. It was ridiculous really. And honestly a lot of what I was reading/seeing was negative. Lots of complaints, tons of griping, ranting, gossiping, cussing, etc. Definitely not things that need to be going into my mind and into my heart. A lot of it is about pride, too...seeing how many likes, comments, tweets, etc I get.

And then there was the whole lack of bible reading, praying, quiet time, etc. Oh, I made excuses for it. "But God, I just had a baby. I'm too busy. I'll get better as we get adjusted. I have a baby for goodness sakes!"

So God really struck me with the honesty of that: I had time for social media, but no time for Him. That is hard to confess, but it's true. That's the ugliness of my heart. I was more interested in what everyone else was doing than in what God wanted to be doing with me. He kept sneaking that into my thoughts, really convicting me on my actions. I would pray every night to raise Emory to love Him, but what kind of example was I really setting for her?

So I did it.

A few days ago, I deleted my apps for everything except Instagram. (Hey, I can have one at least, right?!) And in all actuality I might delete it, too. It's on the bubble. I feel like I spend less time on it because it's quick to view and love/comment, but I'll see. I rarely have time to get on my computer, so not having the apps on my phone cuts out most of the problem.

What am I doing instead now? Well during the day, I'm really cherishing my moments with Emory. Even during nursing, I sing to her, talk to her, look at her, enjoy her, pray over her. It's that whole cliche' "these moments go by too fast," except that it really is true...they do. In two months she has already changed so much. I just feel more focused on her and on what is going on now with us, instead of with other people. I pray a lot throughout the day, a little like one endless prayer, adding in bits here and there as I think of things. I read a lot to E from a children's storybook bible that we have and it really is good for my heart, too. I'm still struggling to get more bible time in, but it's a start and I'm determined to make it happen.

I really want to put good and pure things into my mind so that they in turn come out of my heart and mouth.

Now I just need to work on less tv. : )

Our Breastfeeding Story

2013-04-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

If you've ever thought about breastfeeding, planned to breastfeed, or wanted to breastfeed, I am writing this post for you. I always knew that I wanted to breastfeed when I had a baby. I didn't really even have to think about it. I had read/heard that it was best for baby and so I wanted to do what was best.

I have several friends who had breastfed before and they told me that it was going to be hard. So I knew that it was, but I just didn't get HOW hard. I didn't get it. I don't think there's any way to really "get" it before you go through it...kinda like labor.

image via Lindsey Caroon Photography

The first few days in the hospital, breastfeeding was a piece of cake. Emory latched on right away (using a nipple shield) and it was just easy. I counted my blessings, thinking that I was one of the lucky ones that wouldn't have any problems. And then we went home and week two happened.

During the second week, my nipples started hurting. It wasn't too bad at first and it was only when she latched on, then it would go away. As the days passed, my nipples got worse (I'm talking cracked and bleeding...tmi, I know, but it must be known). The pain became so intense. I'm being totally honest when I say that it was at least as bad as contractions, if not worse. I tried everything and nothing helped. Lanolin, gel packs, ice, heat, pumping, etc. It got to the point that I would cry with every feeding. As soon as Emory would start crying to eat, I would start crying. I dreaded feedings, which in turn made me feel like a horrible mom. It was so hard, physically and emotionally. It was hard on my husband, too, because there was nothing he could do to help me. He would just sit there beside me while I cried and fed her and he couldn't stop the pain.

A lot of people encouraged me to quit, told me it wasn't worth it, said that it didn't make me a bad mom for quitting. And I knew that. But I didn't want to quit. I wanted to do this. I had several friends who were going through this new mom/breastfeeding phase with me and a few who had done it in the past who encouraged me to keep going and push through. I texted them pretty much every single day, saying I couldn't bear the pain anymore, telling them that I wanted to quit, asking when it would get better. They all said the same thing, "It will get better! It takes time, but it will get better!" I didn't believe them. I felt like I was destined to be the one that had pain forever.

During the third week, I called the hospital lactation consultant and met with her. She watched Emory latch on and told me that she had a perfect latch. She was very supportive and understanding, but basically told me that I just had to tough it out until the pain went away. She got my doctor to call me in a prescription for an ointment that was supposed to help with pain. I didn't expect it to really help me, but I was ready to try anything and everything to keep going.

After using the ointment two times, the pain was so much better. It was bearable. I wasn't crying with every feeding anymore. I really started to enjoy breastfeeding again. By the fifth week, my pain was totally and completely gone and we were back to smooth sailing. I remember one day not thinking about pain, boobs, feeding, etc the whole day...and that night I knew that we had made it over the hump! It didn't consume my thoughts anymore and my boobs felt normal again...like plain old boobs again. I would say that by week six things were totally back to normal and we had no problems whatsoever. It might've been a little earlier than that, but we will just say six weeks to be safe.

And we have been great ever since. We are still breastfeeding now.

Honestly I still consider myself pretty lucky when it comes to our breastfeeding story. I didn't have any supply issues. Emory didn't have any latch or reflux issues. She was a rockstar from day one. Yes, the pain was absolutely AWFUL, but we survived it and it was only for about 2-3 weeks. I do want to add in a little side note, though, that I am totally not judging anyone who uses formula. No form of feeding makes any one mom better than another...it's all just personal choice. I was a formula fed baby and I think I turned out pretty great. : )

Basically I just want to encourage you if you are struggling with breastfeeding. Hang in there. Find support. It does get better.

Wow. Longest post ever. I was planning to share a few tips from my experience, but I think this is enough (or more than enough!) for today. Leave a comment if you're interested in reading my tips and I might do another post with them.

Emory's Birth Announcement

2013-04-05T03:00:00.000-05:00

Happy weekend, friends! We are off to spend the day with my friend, Nikki, who just had a sweet baby boy on Tuesday. Babies are everywhere in my life these days and I am totally loving it. Oh, and just a little praise to add in here, Nikki's daugther (that had the brain tumor) is doing SO good and progressing like a champ. God is so so good.

Emory - Two Months

2013-04-04T15:13:00.000-05:00

I didn't anticipate myself doing these monthly updates, but I love being able to look back and see how Emory is growing and changing. It seems like there are changes each day, so it is so nice to have all of this written down to remember. I hope that she enjoys reading these someday.

- At two months, Emory is 10 lbs 8 oz and 22.5 inches long. Her eyes have gotten even more blue lately. They are beautiful. She has officially outgrown pretty much all of her newborn clothes, mostly because of the length. She is wearing 0-3 month clothes.

- She got her two month shots and took them like a champ. The doctor told us that she is holding her head up like a 4 month old already. Woohoo!

- This month we definitely saw a change in her sleeping habits. She became a much lighter sleeper. We had several super crazy nights where she would stay up until 5 or 6 am. I'm happy to say though that the last two weeks she has been sleeping through the night, anywhere from 5-8 hours in a row. Hopefully it continues!

- These days our nights are typically sleeping from 11pm-6am, awake to eat, and then back to sleep from 8am-11am.

- She still naps a lot during the day, mostly in the swing or in my lap. She loves to snuggle.

- We don't have any certain schedule. We pretty much just go with the flow. I follow her cues and put her down for naps when she starts getting tired.

- Breastfeeding is still going perfectly! She is a great little eater and definitely starting to chunk up. She eats about every 4 hours during the day and every 5-8 hours at night.

- She is smiling ALL the time these days and trying SO hard to get sounds out. I can tell that she wants something to come out! She hasn't laughed yet, but I'm pretty sure it's coming soon.

- We are still co-sleeping and it is working great for us.

- She has gotten so much better in the car and rarely cries anymore, which makes for one happy mommy.

- She follows us with her eyes all the time now. She loves looking around and is fascinated by moving things.

- She has really started to love her play mat. She smiles at the toys dangling above her and kicks and kicks as if she is trying to go somewhere.

- Nicknames: Emmy, muffin, pumpkin, bobble head, Chucky doll. The Chucky doll nickname came about when she started being a light sleeper because we would think she was asleep and then her eyes would pop open. Haha.

- Loves: when mommy and daddy make silly noises, sucking her hands, her pacifier, the swing, eating, rocking, being read to, the play mat, bath time, going for walks, the fan, light fixtures.

- Does not love: getting out of the bath, when mommy takes too long to feed her.

- Tolerates: the carseat, tummy time, riding in the car.

I just looked back at her one month post here and SHIVER ME TIMBERS she has already grown so much! She looks much more like a baby now, instead of a newborn. My little love muffin is growing up so fast! These have been the best two months of our lives. We love our little baby girl!

On Being a Mommy

2013-04-02T02:00:00.000-05:00

There's so many emotions that come along with being a new mommy.

It's such an exciting time. There's happiness, fear, contentment, nervousness, joy, pride, and on and on and on. There is so much going on, especially those first few weeks. I have loved getting to know myself as a mother and figuring things out. It's been a crazy season of life these last 9 weeks.

I've had moments of total fear, moments where I've thought, "I don't know what to do! Who let me be a mother?!" And I've had moments of triump, moments where I go, "Heck yeah, mommy knows best." I've been saying that last thing a lot more these days. Not because I really "know" everything, but because I'm doing the best that I can and loving my baby girl the most that I can.

I've finally come to terms with the idea that I won't always have the answers. I won't always feel confident in what I'm doing. But that's how it works. Just when you figure everything out about your 1 month old, she turns 2 months old. Just when you understand your toddler, she becomes a preschooler. And on the cycle goes. So as moms we never really know it all. Every single baby is different and does things differently, so there's no sense in comparing and getting worked up about what "should or shouldn't" be happening.

Lately I've been more laid back about things, following Emory's cues and really just not stressing about sleeping, eating, pooping, schedules, etc. We are just living...really living and enjoying the days. Instead of worrying about all of that, I stare at her hands and her toes, I tickle her belly, I kiss her cheeks. And I can tell that she knows that I really love her by the way that she smiles at me, watches me, and curls up on me as soon as I pick her up.

This mommy may not know everything, but my baby girl knows that her mommy loves her. And that is what matters most.

In the Last Two Months

2013-03-29T04:00:00.000-05:00

Two months ago, God blessed us with our beautiful baby girl.

I had anxiously awaited her arrival for the previous 40 weeks and I knew that life would change for the better. I see things differently now. I see it all through her eyes, the way she sees things. I see how bright colors are, how cool the fan is the way it turns, how interesting the sound of a rattle is, how funny the sounds are that we can make with our tongues.

She makes me more patient, more loving, more thoughtful, generous, dedicated, passionate. She lights a fire in my heart, not just for her, but for this world. I love her and want the best for her, which means that I want the best for this world, the people, all of you. I want her to grow up in a happy, loving, God-fearing world. She makes me better.

Happy two months, Emory Grace!

Giveaway - Buhbay Art Print

2013-03-28T03:00:00.000-05:00

I have an amazing art print up for grabs today from the sweet Amanda from Buhbay. I worked with Amanda on a print for Emory's nursery and can personally vouch for the beauty and quality of her work. Plus, she's an absolute sweetheart, so that's always a bonus.

That's the print from Buhbay in Emory's nursery - the "you are the light of the world" scripture. I absolutely love how feminine and girly it is. It's perfect.

Today Amanda is giving one reader this amazing print:

Adorable, right? The winner can customize the colors...or just give it to me for Emory's nursery. Perfect idea, I think. Just saying. : )

If you want something else from her shop or just can't wait to see if you win, use the code MACKEY20 at checkout for 20% off your purchase.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Emory's Newborn Pictures

2013-03-27T03:00:00.000-05:00

And now I'm finally getting around to sharing Emory's newborn pictures. Some of my favorite pictures in the whole entire world. The way they capture her "babyness," her innocence, her purity...they are perfect.

We took newborn pictures at our house when she was 5 days old and she was SUCH a trooper. She mostly slept through it all, only needing to stop to feed here and there. Towards the end she got a little tired of the paparazzi and decided to poop on daddy, but hey, sometimes you gotta protest how you can.

Headband c/o The Hair Bow Company

Piggy hat c/o Ma Cherie

All pictures via Lindsey Caroon Photography

I can already see how much she has grown and changed since these pictures. She's no longer just a blob of squishy baby...she's gaining strength and personality. It makes my momma heart so sad and so proud all at the same time. Thank you, Lord, for Emory Grace.

That adorable pink lace headband pictured above is from the amazing people at The Hair Bow Company. They have SO SO much stuff - bows, headbands, shoes, hats, leg warmers, etc - and all for great prices. For example, the headband in the picture is on sale for $1.19 right now in a cheetah version! I know, right?! If you have a baby girl, know a baby girl, want a baby girl, or want to get Emory something (haha!), you should definitely check them out. Best prices I've seen. Use the coupon code "Mackey" for 10% off through April 19th.

Maternity Pictures

2013-03-25T15:01:00.000-05:00

I was getting ready to share Emory's newborn pictures when I realized that I still haven't shared our maternity pictures. Just a few (okay many) months late. We took these November 9th when I was 28 weeks pregnant. This feels like such a lifetime ago! So surreal to think that that little baby that is making the bump is now in my arms.

Note to self: do not wear stripes when pregnant. Yikes.

Psalm 139:13-14 "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

This was going to be our Christmas card picture, but then we didn't use it. Haha.

All pictures via Lindsey Caroon Photography.

I'm so glad that we have these beautiful pictures to look back on and remember such a precious precious time as we were getting ready to begin a new season of life.

From the Hospital

2013-03-20T04:00:00.000-05:00

When I was pregnant, I saw several beautiful photo shoots that took place during the labor and delivery process. I thought they were so special and showcased such tender moments, but I wasn't sure that I wanted a photographer in the room during such a private time. I did want to capture the hospital setting and emotions though, so we decided to take pictures the next day while we were still in the hospital, but when I wasn't so (ahem) vulnerable. : )

I am SO SO glad that we decided to do these. They are so special to me and definitely show the beautiful moments from the hospital.

All pictures via the amazing Lindsey Caroon Photography.