6/52

652 copyβ€œa portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014β€³

(And thanks to the ever lovely Jodi for inspiring us all…)

It’s been one of those weeks that makes me long for pre-parenthood days…when Ryan and I could decide to sleep in until ten and then leisurely lounge in our pajamas while we both read a good book. Until…of course…I see her sweet face and she rubs her mouth against my cheek in an attempt to mimic my kisses. That desire quickly floats away.

Parenthood is both exhausting and exhilarating. If anyone tells you its going to be easy, they’re lying, but if they don’t also tell you it’s going to be glorious, they’re holding back truth.

I’m not sure if she’s going through a growth spurt or fighting off the virus her cousins came down with over the weekend. Whatever the cause, she’s been a handful, and I could use a full-body massage (along with a full nights sleep). But she’s also been showing me how she loves me:

She nuzzles her head into my shoulder when a stranger comes close.

She flaps her legs and waves her arms as soon as I come into the room.

She wants to nurse, not to eat, but to just rest against my body.

She giggles profusely when I kiss her on the mouth.

And so it’s been a hard week, but a good week, and I know that next week is going to be just as challenging and wonderful.

652.2

17 thoughts on “6/52

  1. sallybr

    Your descriptions of motherhood are incredibly real and touching and beautiful… not as beautiful as Lucy, but keep trying, ok? πŸ˜‰ πŸ˜‰ πŸ˜‰ πŸ˜‰

  2. mangiabella

    praying for rest for all of you!!! Oh Bella some days have us living hour by hour, but once one gaze from those precious eyes leaves us breathless, even in exhaustion!!! Sophia’s been battling 102-103 fevers 3 days straight, bless her heart!!! Last night, she had an awful night terror (night terrors are very different from nightmares, check out this link: http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/sleep/terrors.html ) – had I not known what it was, it would have really freaked me out, and even knowing it’s pretty creepy, but thankfully, a friend of mine’s daughter had the same thing a few years ago and I remembered the details…reallyyyyy bizarre, almost like a hallucination. I’m definitely running on prayers and caffeine…but then I see these pictures of Lucy’s sweet face, and those eyes, and that smile, and it’s just a ray of sunshine on a weary day. thank you for sharing!!!

  3. Renee

    Monet,

    Lucy is gorgeous and these photos are so beautiful! Would you mind telling me what kind of camera you shoot with? Thank you =]

  4. Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking

    Aww, little Lu. I’m sorry it’s been a challenging week, Monet, but it sounds like there is so much about her that keeps reminding you why you do it! She’s a sweetie pie. I can’t wait to meet her and see you guys again (fingers crossed) in March! Also – I love the new blog design! So refreshing and “you.”

  5. Eileen

    How can something that cute be so challenging – lol! I don’t believe it for one minute πŸ™‚ Hope you have a Happy Valentine’s Day and a restful weekend.

  6. TheKitchenLioness

    Monet, looking at pictures of sweet LucyΒ΄s face always makes me happy! Hopefully all will be well this coming week! Parenthood is certainly challenging and rewarding!
    Hugs and kisses,
    Andrea

  7. Kelly @ Inspired Edibles

    Look at how big your sweetheart is becoming! She looks like a toddler in that first photo. Parenthood tests our courage and stretches our limits in every way imaginable — all opportunities in disguise. A good night’s sleep and a big belly laugh have served me well over the years :).

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