I’m in that awkward space postpartum. The place of dichotomy. The place of being in two places at once.
The place where you snuggle in and think, “I can’t believe it’s already been 4 weeks.” The place where part of you wishes you could find the snooze button and stop the world for just a moment longer.
The other side of 4-weeks-postpartum is the place of emergence. The place where you blink your eyes like a no-longer-slumbering bear and peek from your den to see if it’s safe to come out yet. The place where you say, “I can’t believe it’s only been 4 weeks.” because it feels like your heart has belonged to this tiny creature forever. The place where you long for a bigger world and a new normal.
I’ve scheduled my 6 week check up. My mind begins to awaken to life beyond my breasts, her hunger and the never-ending load of laundry.
Current news begins to become current again. Creativity flows; I’ve filled an entire steno pad and still my mind buzzes like a hive of honey-filled ideas.
My husband catches my eye across the room and I see the twinkle there. I feel the twinkle there. I feel myself thawing and warming…smoldering like an ember that awaits the spark.
Vivian is thriving. Double chinned.
Gorgeous skinned.
And those baby feet that get me every time.
We’re 4 weeks in to the rest of her life and loving every minute.
Chris McLaughlin says
Ohhhhh those baby feet get me every time, too! How special, Angela.
AngEngland says
Oh yes. The baby feet. 🙂
julie says
absolutely beautiful words, Ang. And the pictures of that gorgeous baby certainly don’t hurt!
AngEngland says
Thanks Julie! I’m usually more “how-to” but this is what was on my heart to share.
Jo-Lynne {Musings of a Housewife} says
She is GORGEOUS, Ang. I miss having a baby in the house. I LOVE babies! Many blessings to you!! xoxo
AngEngland says
I’m trying to savor it. She’s definitely a blessing!
BrannanS says
I have chills! She is just beautiful.
AngEngland says
Thanks! I think so too but I’m biased. 😉
selena says
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!
What a beauty she is!!!
AngEngland says
🙂 Thanks, Selena
Sherry Carr-Smith says
Lovely Ang! You’re not helping with the slight case of baby fever I’m developing 🙂
AngEngland says
Lol! Sorry about that. Baby fever is only cured by baby snuggles. So come to BlissDom and I’ll let you get a few snuggles in.
Andrea (Lil-Kid-Things) says
Ahh she is so beautiful!
AngEngland says
Thank you!
Danielle Smith says
She is simply heavenly my friend. What a blessing.
AngEngland says
She truly is a blessing. I’m trying to remember to enjoy every moment of it.
Deborah Aldridge says
What a beautiful blessing. Which one of her siblings does she most resemble at this stage? I know you’ve looked at all the baby pictures to find out!
AngEngland says
She looks a lot like her brother Micah and I think her skin tone is going to be a little darker like Micah’s is. She also resembles Brianna a lot in the full, pouty lips she gets and the way her nose and chin/mouth are so refined looking. Like a little doll – Brianna was like that too.
Stefanie says
Beautiful. I am years out of the baby stage and this took me right back to that blissful feeling of newborn beauty. Thank you.
AngEngland says
There’s definitely an in-between phase after the baby arrives. 🙂 I’m glad my words spoke to you.
Amanda says
Oh. Be still my heart. <3 She is beyond gorgeous Ang.
AngEngland says
Thanks, Amanda. She takes my breath away.
Vicky N. says
I just LOVE her!! (And you) 🙂 This post makes those memories come rushing back… 🙂
AngEngland says
I hope it conveyed my feelings clearly enough. It’s not my usual style post but that’s how I was feeling.
Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting says
Love this. And soon this will be me!! 🙂
AngEngland says
Hurray! Can you believe how fast it goes? I can’t wait to see your gorgeous little one soon.
Alli Worthington says
oh the little lips! I melt!
AngEngland says
That turned out to be one of my favorite pictures.
Tomekha says
She is BEAUTIFUL!!!!
AngEngland says
Thank you! And thanks for visiting Untrained Housewife.
Jenn says
So, so precious! Oh, how I miss having a newborn (and my little guy is only 8 months old!)
AngEngland says
It’s amazing to me how much changes just within that first year. Every month brings something new and wonderful.
Christiane Marshall says
Love your post. It’s short yet deep and poetic. And I can so relate even though my youngest is 28. Though I do have a granddaughter who is a few months old, so I’ve had a refresher! Very special post!
AngEngland says
Thanks Christiane – it’s only 250 words but looks longer with the photos. But of course you can’t have a baby post with baby pics right? Congratulations on your granddaughter – so lovely.
Nikki says
I love seeing the nonbusinessy and sweetness side to you. Excellent post. Yes ma’am this is how it is 4 weeks later. You begin to live and breathe again, if only for small stolen moments and they are so worth it!
AngEngland says
Oh yes – savoring the moments of magic when you can – that’s one thing having children has certainly taught me.
Cindy Reed says
Beautifully written and gorgeous photos! I love that you call this period “emergence”, as a new cycle in life’s journey begins.
AngEngland says
Yes ma’am. And Vivian and I are coming further and further out of our cocoon this week. We had a date night with her father last night in fact! What a fun trip it was for a nice dinner and movie night.