This is the life.

 

Our sweet son will be 5 weeks old tomorrow.

Yesterday I was doing "This little piggy went to the market..." to his tiny toes and he grinned and seemed to almost laugh! I am not sure if it was coincidence or if he really was enjoying the goofy voice I was using, but I am so looking forward to the day when I know for sure he is smiling at me on purpose.

Some other current Westley factoids:

He loves bath time. If he is crying, the moment his little body hits the water the tears stop and he becomes so peaceful and calm. We talk to him, clean all his little parts and squeeze warm water over his belly.  It may be my favorite part of the day.

The boy eats like a champ. He will take these hilarious breaks in between sucking where he takes deep breaths like you would if you sprinted around the block. I love it. It will be 3 a.m. and I'll be feeding him and laughing in the dark because it just is so adorable.

Poop/Pee/Spit up talk in

3

2

1

His poop has a lot of force behind it. One time in his first week I was changing his diaper and his eyes got all serious and he shot some poop at me. It startled me so much that I jumped out of the way, so not only was I covered in his sweet smelling yellow poo, but the white chair in the living room was christened as well (thankfully it's slip covered and washed beautifully). He has also peed on myself, Drew Jones and my Mom while we've been changing his diaper multiple times. Spit up is in a league of it's own. Almost every time he eats its a guarantee I will get a nice dollop of yogurty spit up down my back, and you know...it doesn't bother me one bit. This reminds me, last week in the middle of the night while nursing him he pooped and a bit of it leaked through his diaper and onto our bedsheets. Did I change his diaper put him to bed and then go back to sleep on the poopsheets? You better believe I did. When you are really tired and know you've only got maybe 2 hours until the next time you have to wake up, poopsheets don't look so bad to sleep on. (sheets have since been washed).

After I nurse him and change his diaper I'll lay him on his back and we will just look into each others eyes for awhile. Sometimes I will sing or talk to him and he will coo and make soft baby noises. But sometimes we are just quiet. There is a lot to get to know about him. He is his own little person and everyday I feel like I find out more.

He knows his Daddy. When Drew comes into the room Westley notices and turns his head to try to find him. 

We read books to him and show him each page and he studies the pictures. I also colored some black and white shapes on some paper for him to look at. He seems to prefer the triangles and squares over the circles and squiggles.

Elizabeth (from E Tells Tales) sent me a mix cd when I was around 8 months pregnant full of beautiful music. I listened to it that last month a lot, and now it is one of the few things that will calm Westley if he is really upset. We turn it up and sing along and a lot of the time he closes his eyes and falls asleep. Drew Jones said to me today that 10 years from now we will listen to these songs and it will take us right back to this time. What an invaluable gift in more than one way. Thanks again E. :)

He is 11 lbs now. It makes me so happy that he is eating well and chunking up. 

The enormity of my love for him continues to almost shock me. He is everything I've always wanted.

Here's his favorite song from the mix cd. It is the first song on the mix so I probably listened to it the most while he was still in my belly. I guess it makes sense that he likes it the best.

Summa Drew

He's back.

:)

Everything

The other day I was holding Westley, studying his little face. I felt something inside of me about him so clearly and immediately wondered if I could ever put words to the feeling. Just as quickly a movie quote popped in my head that covered it...

"You know, I always thought I was gonna be, I don't know, special. But I'm not. I'm just... I'm just an ordinary person. And that's OK. Because... you make me special. Don't you know that? Don't you know that you're everything in this world to me?"

 -Birdee Pruitt, Hope Floats

Photo by Keels Photography. Will be sharing more soon from our wonderful photo session with Chris Keels.

childhood favorites of lady lee

 This guest post is from my sister Stacia who writes a blog of her own, free to be stacia lee. All of what you are about to read is true. Some of it, embarrassing. Thanks for making me laugh Stacia!

Hello! I'm Stacia of free to be stacia lee, also lady lee's big sister! I have been debating the last 3 weeks what to post about on her blog .  How about a few of lady lees favorite things from childhood? Yes?!

1. Doogie Howser M.D- Oh boy did she have the biggest crush on him.  What can I say she has good taste (I'm talking about you Drew Jones)!

2. Free Willy- I watched this movie with her over & over again.  The theme song was played non stop in our 1993 Ford Escort station wagon!

3. The world of David the gnome - Do I need to say more?!

4. Mother Goose- She loved reading along with Mother Goose!

5. Strawberry Milk- in her younger years she would only drink pink milk! If we didn't have the strawberry powder, our Mom would add just a touch of red food coloring to do the trick.

Circa 1984

Circa 2009

The joys of being lady lee's sister!  Thanks for reading!
Stacia Lee

Dear Baby,

Today I was playing your white noise really loud in our faces
It was the only thing that soothed your screams and shaking lips
I laid you against the soft striped pillow and started browsing around the internet
I thought you had fallen asleep
But then I looked down and there you were
with your eyes wide open
Big saphire blue eyes looking at me
Blinking slowly
Opening and closing your mouth
All of your movements seemed slow and deliberate
Sometimes it's hard to believe that you are really real
Especially in moments like this one
You are more like a small, sweet smelling angel baby
I get to gather you up in my arms
Breathe you in and hold your whole tiny being close to me
Someday when you are all arms and legs I will remember these days
Just you, me and a speckled pup curled on the couch together
Doing nothing but being sweet comfort to each other.

What we've been doing...

I think I have the cutest baby in the world. 

This must be a normal reaction to having a baby. 

But, really he is the cutest. (in the world)

Feeding my sweet little.

I found this spoken word album about pregnancy and babies through Peonies & Polaroids.

This track put tears in my eyes.

how to be friends with a brand new mom

Hi everybody, Elizabeth here from E TELLS TALES. 

Candis has me beat to new motherhood by about six weeks, and I know one thing weighing on my mind these days is what sort of friend (or heck, human being) I'll be post-birth, so I've put together a little guide for those of you on the other side of that new mommy friendship: it's everything you need to know about being friends with a woman who's just given birth. 

First, be complimentary. No matter what she looks like, you say: "You look fantastic for someone who's just given birth." She will be thinking about how weird her boobs probably smell or how she hasn't had time to shower today, and it will probably make her cry that you said she looks fantastic, which brings us to number two:

Second, she will probably cry. So don't mind her if she bursts into tears (of sadness or joy) or needs everyone in the room to stop talking all at once so she can collect her thoughts. Just consider it one bout of hormones closer to normal (because she will be normal again).

Third, prepare to be ignored, just a little. Don't get your feelings hurt if your calls, texts, or emails go unanswered. It probably means the world just that you tried to reach out, even if she has no free hands to respond.

Fourth, if you visit The House of New Baby, try to:

+call ahead, even if you're related

+wash your hands before you touch the baby

+don't even bother coming if you're sick

+bring a meal with you

+clean something secretly (you know, load the dishwasher while you're "getting a drink of water")

+offer your services as an errand runner when you leave (return unwanted shower gifts, pick up fresh milk and bread, fill prescriptions, etc)

+stay only 20-30 minutes

And lastly, absolutely revel in it. There's nothing like being a part of a new life, no matter how big or small your role. That you got to witness a new baby hiccup or yawn is a tiny and spectacular blessing.  Because that's the honest truth--babies are blessings, and their mothers are saints. 

{print credit: keep calm gallery}

notecards and fro-yo.

Maggy writes an adorable blog called Living Tall about her everyday life and things she likes. Sound like someone you know? :) Today she is writing over here for all of us to enjoy. Thank you Maggy!

Why, hello! I am humbled and excited to be leaving a note here while the Jones' are busy loving on their new baby. Not yet being a mother, I can only imagine the joy and welcome change a new baby brings. So many congrats to you!

One thing I noticed when first reading Lady Lee is her Etsy shop. Is it me or can girls always find more notes to buy, stationary to use, and cards to save? I know I can. I will not attempt to deny that I am not the best at sending notes, but I am awfully talented at finding beautiful ones. When I lived in Boston, I would occasionally get off at the stop before mine on the T. This afforded me two distinct pleasures - getting frozen yogurt and browsing through the local paper goods store. It was such a peaceful way to wind down a work day. 

via

Perhaps I will try my hand at doing some more note sending, if nothing else it will afford me a reason to purchase lovely cards, instead of window shopping with frozen yogurt. Not that it isn't nice, it is.

My husband and I work with high school students and sometimes I receive text messages that appear to be written in a new kind of short hand. Typically I have to sound them out in order to understand. It seems as though numbers have found their way into the alphabet. Curious.

At least there are some things we can't abbreviate or hurry along. New baby Jones came at just the right time, with the right amount of preparation and detail. I hope that we can show our children how to continue living that way, being ok with taking some extra time and not feeling the need to rush. It's such a good habit to get into...plus it goes well with frozen yogurt. :)

upcycled craft: yellow pages gift bag fill

I've been so excited to share this DIY project Val from Oh, Hopscotch! put together! Simple, colorful and easy to do, you'll love.

Howdy! Val Smith of Oh, Hopscotch! here. Candis has been sweet enough to give me a guest post while she gets settled into her role of being an undoubtedly rockin' momma. I thought I'd share a craft project with you because crafting is one of the things I do best. 

So without further ado, I give you this fun idea for creating your own gift bag fill while upcycling those pesky Yellow Pages that you have hanging around, neglected due to your usage of new media. Maybe it's the designer in me, but I always love to give and receive a gift in a lovely package. 

 Here's all you need:
• Yellow Pages book (ours come in a much smaller size than they use to)
• scissors
• paint brush
• acrylic paints

Step 1:
Tear out a few pages. I used about 9 sheets to fill a small basket. Make sure they're mostly type with minimal color (too many graphics and colors can make it look cluttered).

step 2: 
water down your acrylic paint quite a bit and paint it on until you get full transparent coverage.

Step 3:
Once you cover all your sheets, walk away and let them dry completely. Seriously, patience is a virtue here.

Step 4:
Accordion fold each sheet like so.

 ... and so. Continue until the sheet is folded all the way.

Step 5:
Keep the sheet folded, and cut into about 1/4 inch squares.

Step 6:
Unfold the squares until they create these crinkled strips.

Don't they all look pretty? I really like the sort of tie dye effect that's happening.

Step 7:
Drop them in a sweet little bag with a gift, give them a toss for volume, and hand it over to a friend to show them how much you love them. Maybe a certain new Mommy would appreciate a present in such a pretty package?

Thanks for checking out my little guest post, and thank you, Candis, for letting me share such a fun project. Congratulations, Lady!

Mama's Day

Today's blog is written by my friend Rachael. She has a blog called Rae by Day where she does something creative everyday and shares it. It is really inspiring. She has great taste in all things so you are in for a treat. :)

Hi all! I'm Rachael and I have a little blog called Rae by Day where I share my creative endeavors. Check it out if you like. I am so happy to be guest posting for Candis while her and Drew are welcoming their new bundle of joy into the world! They are going to make fantastic parents.

With Mother's Day just around the corner I thought I'd share some hand-made goodies I found with you. To start off here are a few cards. I'm a big fan of the silly ones, but I think this year I might get my mom a more sincere and sweet card.

Silliness

From Left to Right, Gramkin Paper Studio, Able and Game, Wit & Whistle

 Sweet

Pup & Pony (Left)  Figs & Ginger (Top Right)  My Zoe Trope (Bottom Right)

You could always get mom something to hang on the wall too. Maybe a personalized portrait of the family? Or something colorful to brighten her day? Or just a sweet reminder that you are thankful for her?

Cordial Kitten (Left)  Mengsel (Middle)  Happy Life Prints (Right)

Maybe your mom is more the fashionable type. If so check out these goodies! I am a huge fan of he bird nest necklace. It's on sale too!

Apron Queen (Left)  White Lotus (Middle) Elk Horn Design (Right)

I hope this helped inspire some ideas for all those lovely moms out there.

A special Mother's Day wish goes out to Candis as this will be her first Mother's Day! Congrats again Candis!

a celebration of sorts

 A lovely post from sweet Molly at Mr. & Mrs. Rigoloso that gave me goosebumps when I read it. :)

Hi! I'm Molly from Mr. & Mrs. Rigoloso.

One of my favorite things about blogging is meeting amazing people like

Lady Lee.

I met Candis through the likes of Elizabeth from e tells tales and

Bridget from Tales of Me and the Husband. 

Although our friendship is relatively new, I knew I loved her

the moment I met her.

Isn't it cool how blogging affords us the opportunities to have friendships with people we otherwise may never have met?

I love that.

You meet people.

You read their words and realize you've felt the same way.

Or maybe you read their words and you are inspired, encouraged or challenged.

You admire their creativity. Their style. Their strengths.

You laugh out loud at their humor.

I am pretty sure I have done all of the above with Candis.

Let's imagine for a moment, shall we, that we are all here...

except that cake has a cute baby-something on it & not a bride & groom

Lady Lee + Me + You.

A girls' retreat.

We'd talk about baby Jones and how adorable he is.

And we'd thank Lady Lee for taking time for a girls trip while

baby/toddler Jones & Drew Jones have a father/son bonding weekend.

We'd beg Candis to show us the baby pictures just one more time.

And we'd listen with awe as she told us about the very day she and Drew Jones finally got to meet him.

We'd laugh, of course, probably until we couldn't breathe...

One of those good, hearty, feel-it-in-your bones kind of laughs.

And we'd eat some of these...

Because, let's just face it, triple salted caramel cupcakes

are heaven in cake form.

We'd catch up just like friends do.

We'd talk about what song we love at the moment & what fashion trend we dig.

We'd talk about how our lives have been made richer from knowing one another

& walking along each other's journeys.

We'd have an impromptu dance party. Eat another cupcake or two.

And then we'd laugh some more just because we're awesome like that.

Everyone would have a soft, comfy place to sleep with pillows & quilts aplenty.

Even though the camper looks small, it's really spacious inside and has a nice bathroom, too. Ha. We're imagining, remember?!

All in all, it'd be the perfect girls' weekend.

And truth be told?

It'd be a celebration of sorts.

A celebration of friendships. Of strong, talented women.

And mostly?

A celebration of Lady Lee and Drew Jones and their sweet babe.

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Meet Westley

Love.

tips for visiting a new mom (if you want to be invited back).

This post is from Bridget from tales of me and the husband. Is it weird that I love a lady I've never met in real life before? If it's wrong I don't want to be right. I love this post she wrote for me. And if you are coming to visit me, it's required reading. Enjoy!

hi hi hi!  i'm bridget from tales of me and the husband.  you may have seen me before because lady lee and i have been commenting on each other's blogs for like... almost two years now (holy moly, can you believe it's been that long candis?  candis???  are you there?  what?  you're covered in your own breastmilk and are elbow deep in baby poo??)  ok.  never mind.  moving on.

i am pregnant myself (see?  that's me at 24 weeks.  and a legit baby belly, not just one full of food but that's in there too.) though a few weeks behind lady lee so it's been nice to follow along, watch her blossoming belly, and grab a few tips along the way.

besides lady lee, my sister kate just gave birth in september to my sweet, sweet nephew quinn.  thus, i have had her footsteps to follow in as well.  she is a labor and delivery nurse, a lactation consultant (is that true kate, or did i just make that one up??), and a birth educator.  so, she's into this stuff.  well, she posted not too long ago about how to be the perfect houseguest to a new mom.  and while some may say it's too strict others will say "right on."  i'm not sure yet which camp lady lee will fall in but in case she's in the "right on" category, you'd best keep reading.  if you don't, you can't say i didn't warn you.

and it should be noted that kate first saw a similar post here.

numero uno. 

if you are sick, stay home.  that means you, sickie.  the new mom will hear that cough, sniffle, sneeze even if you don't and she will give you the evil eye as you fill her santized home with germs.  so, leave your dinner and gift on the doorstep and don't you even think about entering that house.  don't you do it!

numero dos.

don't show up unannounced.  she might be right in the middle of a difficult feed and lo and behold you end up seeing way more than you intended and she's been through the ringer so she's most likely entirely unaware (or plain old doesn't care) that she just flashed you.  so, give her a call.  and on that phone call see if she needs you to pick anything up.  diapers... wipes... snacks... eggs... wine... vodka... beer... where was i?

numero tres.

pamper mom.  give her some water, some cut up veggies, some trader joes peanut butter cups (they happen to be my favorite)... you get the picture.  even consider getting your license in massage therapy before coming and put that to good use.

numero cuatro.

wash your hands.  then wash them again.  if they happen to bump the doorway when you're leaving the kitchen just after washing them, turn around and redo it.  if you answer your cell phone after washing them, get your butt back in there and wash them again.  if you rub your nose, touch your ear, eyebrow, or hair, wash them again.  they should be red, raw, and cracking when you leave.  this is entirely an exaggeration that i had a lot of fun writing.

numero cinco.

don't kiss the baby on the lips.  or face.  come on people, we know better, right?

numero seis.

don't bring your small children.  as my sister put it, they are filthy creatures.  sweet, innocent, tender, yes.  but filthy.

numero siete.  

ask what you can do.  laundry?  filling the dishwasher?  painting the house?  washing the windows?  cleaning the chimney?  ya know.  little things.

numero ocho.

bring a meal and some snacks.  she will love you forever.

numero nueve. 

take a cue from mom.  if she seems tired, spent... get your butt outta there fast.  don't forget to vacuum on your way out.  

well, that should be it.  pretty easy peasy if you ask me.  i bet ya'll can't wait to visit!

Westley

He is here.

Westley James Jones

Came into the world on April 27th at 6:08 in the evening.

8 lbs - 8 oz - 21.5 inches

He has my eyes.

The past 7 days have literally been the the very best of my life.

Drew Jones and I often cry with joy just looking at his face. It is overwhelming in the most beautiful way. I am on the verge of tears just writing this.

Last night I told Drew how I've never been more happy in my entire life than I am right now. How there has been no other days I've lived that compare to the ones I am living right now. I weeped because I had no other idea how to release the fullness in my heart.

I have more to share. The story of his birth and more. But for right now I just want to hold them in my heart and mind. Plus, the writing will take time...and right now the only thing I want to do is hold and feed my Westley and pour over every detail of his face and little being.

Also, thank you for your prayers. They were heard and answered. The labor and delivery were blessed in every way and Westley is so healthy.

The rest of this week's posts will be filled by sweet friends who are guest blogging for me.  I've had the pleasure of reading through them all and they are awesome, so you won't want to miss them.

I'll be back soon :)

Love,

Me.