Obviously, our world is revolving around one little-ish bit of bliss in particular: Baby Oden. We’ve been stumbling through new parenthood for over two weeks now, and I wish I could say that it’s gotten easier than it was at the very beginning. Surgery recovery, breastfeeding issues, and the expected sleep deprivation are no joke. Being exhausted for a day or two is one thing, but the effects add up when there’s no reprieve! That said, we are so grateful to have the opportunity to do it all. We certainly don’t have a routine yet, but some patterns seem to have fallen into place. For example, after my last feeding of the night around 10:30pm, we go to bed as a family. John wakes up for the 2am shift while I “sleep” until Oden wakes me up around 5:30am; I feed Big O then let him sleep on John’s chest while I hang out with my new best friend (the breast pump) and savor a hot shower. Both grownups get a longer stretch of sleep. Bonus: Oden seems to not be bothered by John’s snoring! Another major issue for us has been breastfeeding. We finally have settled into a method that feels best for Oden and for us, but what an emotional roller coaster it’s been.We couldn’t have made it through this early period without the help of Grandma and the outpouring of love and support from friends and family has been a real boost during rough patches in the day (and there are many). Together, we’ll continue to blindly wander through our new life with Oden, figuring it out as we go.
“Bliss” certainly has a new definition over here. Take a peek.
Our hospital has an award-winning cafe. It’s such good food! (No, really!)
Sunset view as our labor process began. More on that soon!
My boys meet. Oden stopped crying and opened his eyes when he heard John’s voice.
John and our Wonder Doula, Amy. My dream team!
Newborn baby burrito.
9 pounds 9 ounces of adorableness. Isn’t he perfect?
Oden and Daddy decorated my first cup of black coffee in over 9 months!
Room service pancakes, coffee, and a baby on the outside. That’s a happy mama!
You guys, that’s ME. Unbelievable.
Our sweet neighbors sent over tulips and homemade brownies to welcome Oden!
My two babies.
Heart MELTED.
Our nurses at the hospital were positively amazing!
These lactation-boosting cookies are delectable! I’ll share the recipe someday…
This orchid hasn’t bloomed since right after our miscarriage. It came back the week Oden was born.
NOM NOM NOMMMMM.
After being bed-ridden for two weeks before giving birth, being outside this week felt like a miracle!
First family happy hour stroll! Many more to come. I bought drink holders for the stroller!
Mom’s spaghetti. Tastes like home!
John’s fortune from our Chinese take-out dinner before Oden was born.
LOOK AT THE BABY. LOOK AT THE BABY.
Liquid gold. Any mom who has struggled with breastfeeding knows what I’m saying!
Sweet gifts keep rolling in. Loved this one with cigars for Daddy!
I told you our nurses were fabulous! This sweet card arrived in the mail and totally made me cry.
Can you even deal? (PS- He’s pooping in this picture.)
Daddy brought me flowers in my favorite color. Swoon.
Long fingers.
Held captive in bed with Mr. Snoozy. Don’t wake a sleeping baby!
Cholula always has an eye on her Baby Oden.
We had some newborn photos taken yesterday. Can’t wait to see them!
Real life. #whatdayisit
Grumpy faces!
Family.
Bring it on, springtime! I’m ready to be outside in the sun!
So far, Oden is less than impressed with our walks.
Keeping me company while I pump. She’s never far away.
Hand-knit by Grandma!
We’re still learning that bath time is a good thing…
A baby in the bed is the BEST.
One year ago, we were exploring a new part of Utah on our first camping trip of the year.
Two years ago, we were embracing pond-skimming shenanigans at The Canyons Resort.
Three years ago, we hiked to Lower Calf Creek Falls in Escalante, Utah.
Four years ago, John was grilling his famous BBQ chicken for our pond-skimming crowd!
Five years ago, I was looking for baby humpback whales in Mexico.
Six years ago, Sarah and I were on a spring break trip to Todos Santos!
And my new reality…I love you, too, Oden.
You know. Just the usual bliss.
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the usual bliss 
Glad to See One Blissful Family That Is So Truly Blessed – Thanks for Sharing Baby Oden – Such a Cutie Pie (going to be a heart breaker for sure) – Cholula is a Great Big Sis too 🙂 Happy Weekend – Enjoy!
He’s already a heartbreaker! 🙂
I can just feel your happiness in all of these gorgeous photos. So many of us know exactly what you are going through….exhaustion and love all wrapped up in a beautiful package. Life is such a treasure. Congratulations!
It’s crazy to think that so many people have been through the experience of having a baby but no one can prepare you for it. Thank you for the congrats, Carol! 🙂
I know we’ve never met, but I love following your blog. And I am just grinning ear to ear for you and your family’s new bundle of joy. Your bliss is overflowing and contagious! 🙂
Ann, thank you so much for reading and sending your sweet words!
LOVING this bliss bits!!!!!!!!! The best. Despite the exhaustion you look beautiful & oh so happy. He is such a dreamboat- pure perfection. Thanks for sharing the realities of new parenthood! xoxo
He’s so dreamy! We are beyond happy. And beyond tired.
Congratulations, Amber!! What a beautiful, GORGEOUS baby. I’ll bet you’re glad to have all the pregnancy stuff behind you and with baby on the outside now! Don’t worry. You’ll catch up on your sleep in about 5 years.
PS – Babies make the best breast pumps. No bottles or sterilization required. 😀
Pregnancy was actually the easiest part of this whole process, but yes, we are overjoyed that he is here! Unfortunately, the little Mister has boycotted his “breast pump” duties. I use the machine anyway to be sure he gets the good stuff from Mama.