Five on Friday: Best Friend Visits and Newborn Photos

It’s been quite a while since I’ve done one of these Friday posts and I’m glad to be back in the game! I’ll be sharing an update on how this blogging maternity leave has been next week, but now that little man is napping more I’m finding a bit more time to sit down and write.  I am excited to get back into the swing of things and start writing more posts and updates soon.  For now, here’s an update on the last week or two in the English house!

1) Best Friend Visits

This past weekend my best friend Haley came to visit to meet Caleb and catch up.  It was so, so good to have her here! I loved getting to catch up on life, eat yummy donuts at KC’s new Donut Lounge, and snuggle our sweet little man.  Haley was a baby whisperer and Caleb fell asleep so quickly in her arms! It was crazy to think back to when we were freshmen in college wearing silly outfits and staying up for late night dorm adventures.  Now we’re swapping travel stories and snuggling our babies! It’s crazy how the time flies and I am so grateful for this girl who’s been with me through it all.

2) Small Group Starting Back Up

I mentioned small group in this post on how we protected our hearts during the newborn weeks, but I can’t say enough how grateful I am for how all these folks stepped up to lead as Jordan and I took a step back from leading group.  Our friends Liz and Matt did an awesome job leading discussions, planning family meals, and loving on everyone and reminded me how lucky we are to share life with these people.  I love how they snuggle our baby nugget and can’t wait for al of our families to grow together!

3) New Life Rhythms

This week was the first week I started to feel like I’m figuring out a routine of sorts with little man.  He’s starting to follow a pretty good eat, wake, sleep routine during the day and it’s been nice to have some predictability to the day, even if it doesn’t follow any sort of time schedule at this point.  He’s taken about a two hour nap almost every day in addition to some 45 minute-1 hour naps and it’s been so nice to have some time to take a shower, think about blogging stuff, clean, or just have some time to myself.  I’m starting to feel so much more confident in hearing his cries and understanding what he needs (most of the time, anyway) and love how I’m growing more comfortable in my new identity as a mama.  You’re the best, Caleb!

Hubby found a creative way to incorporate baby into his routine that makes mama very happy!

4) Newborn Photo Shoots

While Haley was here we snapped some photos of Caleb in all his squishy cuteness.  And oh my heavens, y’all, these pictures are TOO cute.  They were quite the adventure to get because we stopped several times to nurse, calm little man, or just take a break.  I’m creating a blog post with all my favorites for next week but for now, trust me when I say they are ADORABLE  Unreal, guys.

Real talk…I couldn’t think of a fifth thing to add here.  Mom brain is in full force.  So I’ll just end by saying I’ve missed writing and sharing with you all and am excited to share more soon!