Hello again, I've missed you.

I've toyed with the idea of "coming back" to the blog. I have mixed feelings: while I don't want to lose out on precious time with my baby, there is some downtime now and then. And blogging has always been a great way to simultaneously record and share what is going on in my life. So we'll see how it goes. Hopefully I can find a good balance.

If you read my blog, you probably know we welcomed Tegan Danny Smith into the world on July 14th. I can't believe it's been a month! We were surprised by his early arrival (he came 4 weeks early), and then spent 2 agonizing weeks in the NICU (ugh).  He is now healthy and happy and we are overjoyed to have him at home.

Being a stay-at-home mom is turning out to be a lot like I hoped it would be. Lots of snuggle time with Teague; time to dress, change, re-dress, and re-change him over and over and over; more laundry than this house has ever seen in the time we've lived here; the promise of a shared afternoon nap time; the busy-ness of getting ready to go anywhere (even just around the block). I am really trying to cherish this time, which I know is fleeting and precious. His helplessness and little lamb's cry fill me with purpose as I complete the seemingly mundane tasks to keep him happy and comfortable. I am so grateful I get to do this. I've waited a long time to do this.

It's funny, really, how other things in my life have suddenly taken a back seat. My work, for example. I continue to see a handful of clients each week, and I love that I get to still do that. But an hour or two away from Teague each day feels like plenty.

I'm just really happy to be a mom. I love my little family.