Capital Chapmans

Thank you, Laura and Dean, for capturing these sweet moments of our family. The photos were taken when Eleanor Bea was 10 days old. It's crazy how now, 3 weeks later, she has changed so much. I'm trying to soak it all in and enjoy all the tenderness of this time because I'm realizing how quickly it all goes.

Today we celebrate one month with Eleanor Bea. This has been the sweetest time of my life (the month leading up to our wedding comes in second, but it honestly doesn't even compare). Time needs to slow down! The first two weeks as a family of three were full of helpful extended family and friends. Yollie woke up in the middle of the night so mom could sleep, Cici eagerly changed many diapers and let mom sleep in the mornings, Aunt Jenna made sure baby girl was always dressed in style, Grandpa made sure the basement was safe and sound for the DC Chapmans while fighting a cold, and G-Dude snuggled for hours on end. We also celebrated EB's first Christmas and Facetimed family in Nashville and Champaign (thank goodness for technology). All the DC honorary aunts and uncles have also covered us in love - perks to being one of the first babies in the crew! We swaddled and reswaddled for two weeks until EB relentlessly showed us that she prefers the comfort of her arms while sl

Ali Bowen put together a list of must-haves for newborn and mom. I used her recs as a launching pad to curate my own list of baby and mom necessities for the newborn days. BABY Activity Mat SkipHop Vibrant Village This isn't ugly like so many activity mats, and Eleanor Bea loves it! Baby Pillow Boppy Lounger Pillow This is also super transportable and great for when the baby is awake. She lays in it while I'm cleaning, etc. Bassinet Design Dua Beautiful bassinet that transports easily between rooms for naps and bedtime. Car Seat Uppa Baby Mesa Love that this so easily goes between the stroller, car, and house. Diaper Bag Petunia Pickle Boxy Backpack Pricey, but worth it. Fabric is wipeable and it is organized well. Diaper Compressor Dekor Hands-Free Diaper Pail This looks nice and is practical. You cut bags to meet your needs, so there is less waste and no compounding diapers to make them fit. Diaper Cream Beautycounter Baby Daily Protective Balm Awesome alternative

Everyone has their own take on what's essential to pack for the hospital. Below is a list of what I found helpful. I packed four separate bags, which made for simple organization.  Baby Bag The hospital provides nearly everything that you will need for baby, so all the swaddles I brought were unnecessary. However, I'm glad that I packed a few items. Cute newborn hat - While Sibley provides hats that are made by residents at the nearby nursing home (super sweet sentiment), they look like smurf hats. I purchased this pink striped hat with a bow.  Boppy nursing pillow - Great for nursing but also to sit on because your booty will be sore Going home outfit DSLR camera Phone charger Mom Bag Robe Slippers Black pajamas that unbutton for nursing- I felt like a new woman changing from a hospital gown into these on day 2. Honest Organic Nipple Balm Hair dryer and brush Mini toiletries  Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, face oil, mild soap, body lot