1 Month

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 sleeping, so we switched to the sleepsack. We changed hundreds of diapers and cleaned up far more poop blow outs than expected. We washed multiple loads of laundry on a daily basis (no one tells you about the amount of laundry a 6 pound baby creates). Dad slept through the night while mom woke up at midnight, 3:00am, and 6:00am to feed and listen to Becoming. Then, dad let mom sleep in while he read with EB on his chest (her favorite place to snooze). We went on many, increasingly longer walks to get fresh air and to put the awesome Uppababy Cruz stroller to use. Of course, we also went on many outings - Mark's for tea, Le Diplomat for brunch, Millie's and manicures - because mom and dad are determined to keep living their best lives accompanied by their best bud.

Eleanor Bea loves to eat, just like her mom and dad. Baby girl gained 2 lbs. 2 oz. in her first month, weighing in at 8 lbs. 3 oz. She is in the 25th percentile for weight, but the 90th percentile for height. Paired with her long fingers and toes, as well as strength (champ tummy timer here) maybe we have a future athlete on our hands... or a model because her budding smile and baby blues are captivating.

Eleanor Beatrice. Eleanor Bea. Ellie Bea. EB. Eleanor. Baby Bea. Baby Jesus. Baby girl is called many names. She absolutely lived up to the meaning of her names in month one - light and bringer of joy. So, what are we calling her? We lean towards Eleanor Bea and Ellie Bea, although we will see if the double name sticks in DC. As Jordan said, we will see what her personality is like as she grows up. Just no "Ellie." Please, no "Ellie."

Above all, Eleanor Bea has taught me how great our heavenly Father's love is for us as his children, as well as the importance of slowing down. The indescribable, unconditional love that we feel for her is a small taste of His love for us. He just wants us to spend time in his presence. As Jordan constantly reminds me, cleaning and laundry can wait. Baby snuggles cannot. We love you, EB, and are beyond thankful that God chose us to be your parents.