Melody's Memories: One month later

I cannot believe a month has passed since Ryleigh Ann entered our lives. So much has changed, and life will never again be the same as it once was. She has brought more happiness, fear, frustration, uncertainty, giggles, and love than I could have ever imagined. Not only that, but by learning about her and how to parent her, I have learned more about myself. Characteristics that I "knew" I possessed have become blantantly clear since becoming a mom. It is as if Ryleigh somehow holds up a mirror and forces me to deal with what I see. Who would have thought this parenting learning process could also be a real-life, "self-help" session?

Ryleigh is doing great. She definitely has a distinctive little personality, and I look forward to watching her grow and develop into her own little person. I think she is going to be a curious toddler, who studies everything to learn every little detail. She is very attentive when you get her attention, and she will stare deeply as you talk to her. And though she likes cuddling when she is tired, I feel she will be very independent. I can tell she does not have much patience (much like her parents) and seems to get frustrated easily. And as I stated when I was pregnant, I believe she will be a very active child, and will probably excel at sports...those legs of hers are always moving and kicking! Ryleigh will probably run before she ever crawls or walks. :)

We have been working to get on a more consistent schedule, though we're still not there yet. At this age, I am pretty much on Ryleigh's schedule, so I feed her when she's hungry, put her to sleep when she is tired, etc. It has made for some long, hard nights and a zombie mommy, but things will get better. Last night she gave me a 4-hour stretch, and I was thrilled! I know this is all part of it, but so far I must say the lack of sleep has been the hardest thing to get used to. I dont know what I'm going to do when I start back at work in a few weeks!

All in all, it has been an incredible month of many ups and downs. It is absolutely amazing to me that despite moments of extreme frustration, I still look at her and my heart jumps with love. Sometimes I tear up just looking at her and realizing that she is mine. Other times the enormous responsibility I have to God to raise this little bundle of joy is overwhelming. I guess that is the word I would use to describe the month in a nutshell: overwhelming. Every fiber of my being is in over-drive and every emotion is the extreme. Especially the unconditional love that overflows my heart.

Here are a few new pictures to share:

Ryleigh in her crib