#MadeIn365Days Photo Diary - Week One

September 1st

September has always been one of my favorite months because it marks the beginning of the Fall season. Fall is definitely my favorite but there is something so amazing about Alaskan falls. They’re short but the trees explode with color so quickly that it’s hard not to love. Moments like the one capture this day for the kickoff of the photo challenge have become my favorites since Jasper was born. It’s so amazing watching him learn and grow. I can’t believe how much I love motherhood and this season of floor playing, not worrying about the messy living room or the dogs photobombing photos.

September 2nd

We finally got a glider in the nursery! The nursery has easily become my favorite room in the house and now that we actually have a glider, I find myself making excuses just to go in there and rock Jasper. I wasn’t sure if we needed one at first but I think it was a subconscious reaction to my being apprehensive about motherhood. But this glider has become our favorite place to hang out and cuddle. If you’re looking for me, there’s a good chance I’m here.

September 3rd

I’ve been working really hard on finishing up the nursery and recently ordered one of the finishing touches from the DUSA gift shop at West Point. This letter was such an unexpected surprise to find with my package and I knew immediately I had to share because it perfectly sums up why I love the military community. I also love the way this photo turned out. The camera strap actually fell in front of the lens creating the black area you see in the left corner. Normally I would have retaken the photo but in the spirit of the #MadeIn365Days channel I decided to just roll with it and I think this might actually be one of my favorite photos from the week.

September 4th

I’m printing this photo immediately and putting it somewhere in our house. I love how Gatsby’s relationship with Jasper is forming. If you haven’t known me for long, here’s Gatsby’s story: I adopted him from a shelter when he was 4 months old back in the spring of 2011. I had just ended my two year emotionally abusive relationship and felt so lost. Gatsby immediately became my partner. He has helped me through so much with my anxiety and depression and I firmly believe that there’s a good chance I wouldn't be around today if it wasn’t for Gatsby. He is getting older now and I try not to think about that much but I’m so happy that I will have plenty of moments like this left to soak up with him.

September 5th

When Jasper was born, I was on the fence about breastfeeding from the get go. I ended up hating it and it was clear that we were both struggling so we made the switch to formula. One of my biggest worries when I decided to quit was the unicorn of bonding that people make you believe you get when breastfeeding. I started reaching for my WildBird slings to cope with this. Almost 5 months later, we’re still babywearing as much as we possibly can. I would say Jasper is in a sling at least once a day, usually when we’re out and about. It’s also helped me cope with my anxiety about being able to protect him if there was ever an active shooter or other danger where we were shopping. On this day, we were running into Fred Meyer to have a coffee date with another mom and her son. Don’t let his face fool you, he actually loves being worn (most of the time).

September 6th

I posted this photo on my Instagram and talked about how I used to be so self concious about using a self timer to take photos, even in my own home. I was so happy when Justin didn’t even bat an eyelash at me saying we should take a family photo. I also love that the one family member not pictured in this photo is Hemingway. We were about to go out to grab dinner before Jasper’s bedtime, he got to stay up an hour later than usual. But I’m happy we took a moment to capture this photo. I feel like we don’t have enough photos of the three of us because Justin is usually busy or because we don’t have anyone to take photos so getting more comfortable using the self timer.

September 7th

Woke up starting to feel a little under the weather so this day called for lots of hot tea. Jasper has been puling himself up so I got him this walker at a thrift event. So far he just plays with the toys and occasionally figures out how to move backwards but I know it’s not going to be long before he’s really on the move. I seriously can’t get over how fast he’s growing. I know there’s some controversy around walkers these days but honestly I’ve approached motherhood by using my best judgement when it comes to all of the recommendations and woo out there so I’m fine with him occasionally using the walker if it keeps him occupied.

September 8th

I’ve never been a super crunchy person who’s in to natural remedies for anything, really but ever since picking up some essential oils from Young Living during my pregnancy, I’ve kind of become a believer. I can’t wait to pickup the Young Living starter kit. But anyways, about this picture. I’m sick. I can’t remember the last time I was truly sick but something has hit me this weekend. Elderberry Syrup was highly recommended so I’ve been taking this regularly and having lots of hot tea to try to kick whatever sickness this is before anyone else in the house gets it (or before it gets worse). Of course, it happens on a week where I had lots of work to do and lots of plans but hopefully this helps.