1 Year Post Partum – Happy Birthday Maddox

At this time a year ago, I was sitting in the hospital bed thinking I was going to deliver a baby really soon.  Unbeknownst to me, I wouldn’t deliver him for another 14 hours and 3 epidurals later.  Maddox’s birth changed my life.  Beckham’s birth was unreal in so many ways and miraculous in its own way, but Maddox’s birth was very different, and I left the hospital a very different woman.

I won’t go into details Maddox’s birth.  You can read it HERE.  But God taught me some amazing things on June 25, 2015.  He taught me I can do what I think is impossible.  I’m stronger than I thought I was.  I can deliver a 9 pound baby despite doubts.  I can love another child just as much as my first.  And that all these things are possible because of Him.  I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. 

Although the initial postpartum experience was so much easier than Beckham’s (c-section), once we got home, I was a hot mess.  The recovery was much longer (although still easier if that makes sense), breastfeeding was JUST as hard, and I had an extremely over active toddler waiting for me at home.  It honestly didn’t get easier until 6 months later when he was sleeping at night and I figured out how to pump 4-5 times a day with a toddler running around (who gave up his nap 1 month after Maddox was born) and a baby that needed constant care.  I believe God let me go through that trial to show that I can’t do this mothering job on my own.  I HAVE to rely on Him.

Reaching this 1 year milestone feels absolutely amazing.  I cannot believe it’s here!  I really can’t.  Maddox is the most lovable, happy baby.  He started off so fussy and is probably one of the happiest, easy going babies you’ll meet.  He’s my love bug and snuggles me unlike his older brother ever did.  He’s the best sleeper (such a shock from  how he started off).  He’s starting to eat whatever we give him and he already drinks through a sippy cup and sucks through a straw (we found out both these things by accident…thanks big brother for leaving your cups around the house).  He adores Beckham and watches everything he does.  #ohlordhelpme  Those two are awesome together.  And their personalities couldn’t be more different at this age.

He just started taking lots of steps and standing up from sitting down.  Sometimes he gets shy when he first sees someone and I’m holding him…he’ll bury his head on my chest.  It melts my heart.

It took me a while to really embrace another child due to postpartum stress and adapting to two kids, but I couldn’t love that kid more.  I really couldn’t.  I’m so excited to go through another year and see how he grows.  I’m beginning to see what people say about cherishing these years…they truly are amazing to see such a developmental growth physically and in their personalities.   Look at all that change in 1 year!

Maddox, if you’re reading this someday, thank you so much for giving me a good fight into this world and showing me how strong I am.  And thank you for a being a laid back baby…well, after 6 months :).  You’re more than I could have asked for!

I used to sing “You Are My Sunshine” to Maddox every night when he got out of the bath tub as he laid his head on my shoulder and just listened.  Therefore, I decided long ago I’d do this theme for his 1st birthday.  Plus, it’s in June which is perfect since it’s a “sunny” month.  I can’t wait till Sunday when we’ll celebrate this last year!  Of course, I’ll share all the details. 

What a fun year!  Happy Birthday Maddox!

Hahaha…it’s a shame he’s not very happy.  Thanks to my brother for taking these adorable pictures in 90+ degree weather!