A week with my mom.

The first week of Lila's life was wonderful, terrifying, happy, exhausting, overwhelming, and so joyful. I could not have done it without my mom. She was able to stay 10 days with us and her help, knowledge, kindness, and efforts far exceeded my expectations. I cannot thank her enough for everything she did for us, for her encouragement, and for her willingness to help us out.

Not only was she such wonderful help to us and taught us so much, but being with her strengthened me and my love for her deepened.. not just because she was there for us. My love for her deepened because of becoming a mother myself. Having my own child and experiencing the love I have for her opened my eyes about how my mom feels about me. 

That first week was difficult not only because it's a huge adjustment bringing a new life into the home, but because my body was weak and needed to recover, and the lack of sleep from our hospital stay finally caught up to us.

 My mom cleaned our home, did our laundry, made us meals, brought us breakfast in bed, helped out with Lila, slept with her for a few hours in the night, went grocery shopping for us, and always had a smile on her face. 

 One of the days while she was here we ordered sushi and she tried it for the first time-- my favorite: the Phoenix Roll from The Ninja-- and she loved it! So that was fun :)

 We enjoyed watching Netflix together, and spent a lot of time just simply talking.. talking about everything! We laughed and cried multiple times together throughout the week but it was all good things.

 We took lots of pictures and "Grandma Polly" absolutely LOVED bonding with Lila.

 We even got a few smiles caught on camera! She's so cute, how can you not love her?!

 I tended to have a moment every evening for a short time where I became emotional. It didn't last long, but one night during that time we had a knock at the door and flowers were delivered! It was perfect timing, and it put a smile on my face! They were from my coworkers!

Words can't describe the emotions I felt that week. All I know is that I sure hope that Lila will feel the same way about me someday, as I do my own mother. And I hope we have the same relationship too, because my relationship with my mom is extraordinarily special. 

I love you mom so much, words can't even describe. I would not be who I am today without you. I am and will forever be grateful for you and will always continue to look up to you as an example because you are amazing and perfect to me.

Thank you for everything and especially for sharing our first week of life with Lila together.
Love,
Kate