Author: Allie Zottola

Six Weeks as a Mom

Sadie is six weeks old! I’ve been jotting down thoughts as they come to me, and here’s what I think of being a mom six weeks in.

The past six weeks have been the fastest of my life.

I love being Sadie’s mom, but I don’t really feel like a mom. What does that feel like? Will I know when I feel it?

Sometimes when Sadie cries, I’m the only person she’ll stop crying for. This is adorable and also overwhelming.

Seeing the joy that Sadie brings to our family and friends makes me so happy.

I knew breastfeeding would be a big learning curve, but the first few weeks were intense. We had some issues with clogged ducts, thrush, and engorgement. We pushed through, though, and I’m so glad we did.

It has been a big adjustment to realize that for now, I’m Sadie’s source of food 24/7 because she’s not a fan of bottles. Knowing that she won’t be breastfeeding around the clock when she’s in high school (or even a year from now haha) helps me realize that this time of nursing on demand is just a season and should be savored. I love when she locks eyes with me and rests her little hand on my chest.

Seeing Jimmy and Sadie interact is still one of my favorite things.

I feel so connected with other parents. Also, anyone with more than one child is a superhero. How do they do it all?!

I’m insanely excited for my sister to experience this.

We’re slowly getting better at getting out of the house and going places. Baby carriers are worth their weight in gold!

While we’re getting better at getting out, we don’t really have any type of schedule right now and I’m (usually, haha) totally okay with that.

I’m surprised at how much I don’t mind changing diaper after diaper… for now? I’ve always heard that when it’s your child’s diaper you’re changing, it’s not so bad. I’ve found that to be true!

I miss being as productive as I used to be. At the same time, being a parent and fulfilling the needs of our child is one the best things I’ve ever done.

The witching hour is real. I’d say it’s actually more witching hours for us. It’s hard and sometimes we both cry.

Bath time is the best! She gets so calm and curious. I love, love, love it.

I think I’m going to become ambidextrous. Sadie always wants to nurse when I eat, so I’ve learned to eat with one hand/left handed/balancing a plate on the couch/standing at the counter/etc.

It’s so true when people tell you that holidays become more special when you have a child. I’m crazy excited for Thanksgiving and Christmas this year!

The worry that comes with motherhood can be all consuming. Is she breathing? Does she have a fever? Will she grow up to be a decent human being? I’m learning to trust that God is in control.

Our pets have truly adjusted so well. It’s like a switch flipped and they realized there’s a new little human they need to respect. We still have days that are overwhelming and frustrating, but that’s to be expected.

I love dressing her up, but I think she’s the cutest in her pjs!

It has been strangely fun to discover which baby products we like.

Seeing Jimmy become a father has been absolutely amazing.

Sadie’s smiles melt my heart. I’ll do anything to make her smile.

My life feels so radically different than it did six weeks ago. It’s such a huge change, but one of the best changes of my entire life.

I still can’t believe God blessed Jimmy and I with our daughter. Like, she’s real. And she’s amazing. And we love her so much. It’s just indescribable and we are so incredibly thankful.

Currently: November 2018

It’s November! I’m really looking forward to celebrating Thanksgiving this month. The weather is becoming cooler here in Pittsburgh and the fall foliage is absolutely gorgeous!

Here’s what’s currently going on in my life 🙂

Current book(s) Still this one and also this one.

Current fun My parents, Jimmy, Sadie and I are taking a day trip to West Virginia!

Current project Redecorating our living room, and by redecorating I mean randomly moving objects, pictures, and decor to different spots. Trying to keep things fresh while using what we have!

Blue and gray hexagon geometrical watercolor art framed

Current prayer For everyone impacted by the shooting that recently happened at a synagogue here in Pittsburgh.

Current drink I’m on a smoothie kick lately. Nursing Sadie makes me crazy thirsty, so smoothies have been especially satisfying! Also, this tea from time to time.

Current blessing Smiles from Sadie! I cried the first time she smiled at me. It made every tough moment of her first few weeks so worth it.

Current excitement My sister and her husband are expecting! I’m so happy for them and can’t wait for Sadie to meet her cousin in a few months!

Current food Apple cider pork chops. I was feeling fall-ish and decided to marinate pork chops in apple cider vinegar, mustard, onion, and spices like sage and cinnamon. I then baked them on a bed of sliced apples. So good. Would anyone want the recipe?

Current obsession Bread! When I slept over my parents’ house, they had both rye and pumpernickel bread on hand and now I’m hooked. I took some pumpernickel home and have been enjoying it with runny eggs on top.

Current beauty product I need to pick up this curl cream because I’m all out!

Current laugh All the nicknames we have for Sadie. I started calling her Sader Tot before she was born, and now we’ve even shortened it to Tot. Among many others are Darth Sader and Hungry Chick.

Current confession Jimmy sent me to Walmart the other night because Sadie was having a fussy evening that resulted in both of us girls crying. What did I buy at Walmart? A shirt for Sadie.

Current goal Taking some time to watercolor. I miss it a whole bunch!

Current need A haircut. I haven’t had it cut since February. Postpartum hair loss is real! I’m tempted to do something drastic, but I don’t have the time or desire to keep up with styling a high maintenance cut, lol. Any ideas?!

Tell me something current in your life!