5 Things I Wish I Would Have Known Before Giving Birth

I spent waaay too much time while pregnant reading about my growing baby, how to exercise, and what to eat when I really should have been preparing for taking care of a baby. Let me repeat: ladies pregnant with their first baby should spend less time worrying about their stretch marks and more time practicing what to do with a tiny baby.

I must admit that I was a bit shocked with how much work babies are. Sure, you feed them when they’re hungry, change their diapers when they’re dirty, and cuddle with a cooing baby when they need it. Reality sure is different.

Here are 5 things I wish I would have know before Helen came:

1) Some babies (READ: Helen) want to eat ALL the time. I read in pregnancy books and websites that most babies want to eat every 2-3 hours. “That’s a lot,” I thought, “but I guess that’s doable.” I didn’t realize that that was an estimate for formula fed babies. Helen wanted to eat for nearly an hour every 15 minutes. All. Day. Long. Oh yes. I felt like I was going to go crazy. Never a moment to myself. She’s finally spacing it out to about an hour. I can’t wait until she can go for 2 without napping.

2) Babies Cry. A LOT. “Sure,” I though, “babies will cry when they’re hungry or dirty. That’s easily fixed.” Little did I know that babies can cry for many more reasons: overstimulation, understimulation, being overly tired, wanting to be bounced, rocked, or walked, or crying for no apparent reason. And they can’t be rocked in a swing. Ooooh no. It has to be a living, breathing human being.

3) It can take longer to recover than you expect. During pregnancy I was looking forward to my period of recovery with dread. I knew I would be drained for a day or so and wasn’t supposed to do much for a week. That sounded like a long time to me. What with excessive blood loss and a bout of mastitis, I wasn’t feeling like myself for nearly 4 weeks. Four. Weeks. Now I hate bed rest even more.

4) Nursing moms need to watch what they eat. Not realizing that what I ate would affect my baby, I gobbled down two bowls of spicy tomato soup a week after delivery. Yikes. Helen was a basket case for a few days.

5) Newborns have erratic sleep patterns. They want to take many short naps during the day. Sometimes Helen will nap for 20 minutes, sometimes she’ll go as long as 2 hours. I still haven’t figured out a pattern (I should really keep a sleep diary). But she’s really good about sleeping at night. I’m VERY thankful for that. I usually get my 8 hours (wishing for more).

So there you have it.

Let me temper this with something happier. All of the crying, spitup and endless feedings are worth it when she smiles and tries to copy my words.

And when I read horrible stories about the atrocities of abortion, I clutch her tight and thank God that she’s safe in my arms.

To all you new moms: It get’s better. Slowly. Bit by bit. But in the meantime, it sure is frustrating.

To all you veteran moms: Thank you for all that you’ve gone through. You are way more amazing than I ever knew.

7 Responses to 5 Things I Wish I Would Have Known Before Giving Birth

1. Debbie 
   April 23rd, 2013 at 10:16 pm
   Your such a great write as well as photographer. Thanks for sharing. I am glad Helen seems to be sleeping well at night. I never had to go through as much as you, but I never had a good night time sleeper either. Always helpful to look for something positive.
2. Judy 
   April 24th, 2013 at 10:50 am
   Hang in there Erica, as you’re already finding out it does get better, slowly but surely. Better weather around the corner will help too.
3. candice 
   April 24th, 2013 at 12:03 pm
   My little guy just turned 6 months and has only JUST settled into more predictable and consistent daytime naps. the worst thing I did early on was read a baby sleep book someone passed along to me that basically told me I was doing something wrong if my baby wasn’t napping for 1&1/2 hours each time. I spent way too much energy worrying about trying to fit him into that mold and not noticing that he was happy and thriving despite his catnapping tendencies. I’m finally starting to relax now that I realize every baby will get there on their own timetable. :)
4. Heather Michelle@ A Sweet Simple Life 
   April 25th, 2013 at 11:50 am
   I’m 23 weeks along and this post is super helpful. Everyone has been pointing me to pregnancy books, but clearly I need to pick up something about the first year. Thanks, Erica.
5. Diane 
   April 25th, 2013 at 2:30 pm
   If she’s sleeping all night (or perhaps I am misunderstanding you getting 8 hours) than you are a lucky mama. None of mine slept all night until they were at least six months old. I found the best way to deal with babies is routine, routine, routine. Up at the same time every morning, breakfast, nap, play, nurse, nap, dinner, bath before bed, nurse to sleep and into their crib. I didn’t do any co-sleeping since I think it is unfair to the marriage to have a pile of kids in your marital bed. If they are tiny or sick, then sure, but the rest of the time, they go in their own bed so you don’t have separation issues when they get a little older.
   Try to give her a bottle now and again so you and Ruben (sp?) can get a little couple time when you leave her with your mother or sister for a few hours. Or at least so Daddy can feed her, too.
   Best
6. Laura 
   April 30th, 2013 at 3:16 pm
   She is adorable!! I agree with Diane on the routine. My firstborn was very much like Helen especially at feeding time and the cat napping. She didn’t not sleep through an entire night until she was over 1 year old!! So, when we had our second we decided to try a routine with her. Ahhhh! life was so much easier even though I had 2 children. Even if I was tired, I woke her up at the same time and such just like Diane described.
   Nevertheless, enjoy that sweet baby. She will grow up so soon. This is one thing I wish I would have done more with each child. They are such a gift from God. ;-)
7. Sarah 
   May 19th, 2013 at 9:15 pm
   Oh, honey. Let me just tell you that it gets better! When Ava was a newborn, I remember how delirious with sleep deprivation I was. I dreaded the long night feedings, awake by myself in a silent house with a baby who wanted to nurse and nurse and nurse. Ava started sleeping through the night at three months, and with sleep training (a gradual process), her naps eventually developed a rhythm. Having a routine really helps, and it’s never to early to introduce bedtime and nap rituals.
   Invest in some gripe water and infant gas drops. They are both miracle workers. I remember crying along with Ava when I couldn’t figure out why she was so upset and wouldn’t sleep. Oftentimes, she had trapped gas and was in pain. Who knew? I was a first time mom and she was exclusively breastfed! There’s a learning curve. You’ll get the hang of it ;)
   She’s beautiful. Enjoy those early months, because they grow so quickly! Mine is almost 14 months!

My Postpartum Recovery

I apologize in advance – this is a pretty complainy post. But I needed to get this off my chest.

Most people say that the third trimester is the hardest. Well, they’re wrong. The fourth trimester is by far the most difficult.

As I held my tiny, delicate, grey-skinned cone-headed baby close in my arms just minutes after birthing her I felt so happy, tired, and proud.

“Did I tear?” I asked Rebekah, our midwife.

I had, just a little. It was too small to require stitches. We also learned that I had had a small placental abruption, which is a fancy way of saying that the placenta had started to separate from the uterus, which could have contributed to my blood loss.

As I looked at myself in the mirror for the first time, I saw someone I didn’t recognize – pale green and overwrought. I wanted to laugh I looked so horrid.

Those first few days I was so happy to have our precious little girly here at last and be done with pregnancy and on the road to recovery. True, my body felt like it had been put through the wringer. Just sitting up in bed was a workout. My, ahem, bottom, was very sore and my tear was tender. I had to pull myself up by my arms; I rubbed a spot raw on one elbow. Sitting up to burp Helen and moving her from side to side in the middle of the night was torture. But somehow (by the grace of God) I was able to keep a cheerful outlook. Must have been some sort of hormones. ;)

Then, the baby blues hit.

The days melded into one long nightmare. I was SO sick of lying in bed and having someone else do everything for me. I dreaded nights. I was extremely tired since I had gotten basically no sleep the night of labor and adjusting to sleeping with a baby that needs to be fed every hour or so is tough. Self-pity set in.  So I decided to get out of bed and do stuff.

BIG mistake.

I completely wore my body out and set it up for illness. The next day I contracted mastitis, complete with fever. But it soon passed and I felt so much better. I read stories from women who had gone through mastitis, saying how horrible it was; I had gotten off easy, I thought.

Then the fever struck again, much harder this time. My temperature kept rising, nearly reaching 106. Finally, after a day and half, it broke. I hadn’t had any sleep, but I was so happy to finally be recovering.

Then my brain did something really strange – it wouldn’t let me fall asleep. Every time I started to drift off, my stomach gave a jump and my throat started to close. It was extremely frustrating. The only thing that would allow me to sleep was taking melatonin, and that only worked for an hour at a time. My stupid brain even went so far as to send me a scary dream about spiders to keep me from sleeping.

This went on for a day or two. I felt like I would never recover. Then two of my sisters and brother came for a visit and to help with housework. It really brightened my day. That night I was able to sleep naturally.

That was the hardest, most horrible week of my life. From then on I was super careful about how tired I got; I had learned my lesson. Soon I was starting to feel stronger (though taking a shower was still quite a workout) and learning to sleep with a baby that demands attention all through the night.

At four weeks postpartum I really started to feel better. And now, at five weeks I’m almost back to normal, besides getting winded at the stupidest things like walking up a flight of stairs. I am SO out of shape.

And now for the bit that I was always interested in when I was pregnant: how did my belly fare postpartum?

The first few days I looked like I was four months pregnant, minus the glowing skin and curled hair. My uterus was still large and making my belly quite poochy. I wanted to take pictures for y’all, but I was just too tired exhausted. At two weeks postpartum the “bloating” (for lack of a better word) had gone down quite a bit, but you can still see a bulge – about how I looked at eighteen weeks.

And you can see in the picture below how I look standing at 5 weeks postpartum. The pooch has gone down quite a bit, but it’s still pretty flabby, particularly when I sit down or lay on my side. I checked myself, and I have a diastisis recti (a separation of the abdominal muscles). So I’ll have to figure out a program for myself to heal that. Also, my tummy looks fairly normal in some spots and like a deflated balloon in others. Whatevs.

As far as inches goes, I was about 30 inches around my waist at 2 weeks, 28 at 4 weeks and now I’m 27.5 (about 1.5-2 inches form my pre-pregnancy size). I’ve got a LOT of toning to do.

For weight, I lost almost 10 pounds in the first 24 hours after birth. I lost nearly another 10 in the next few days. After my bout of mastitis I was only a few pounds away from my pre-pregnancy weight. And now I’m 114.5, at my pre-pregnancy weight (I would fluctuate between 110 and 115 pre-pregnancy). Just goes to show you that it’s inches/toning, not weight that counts. Though it’s nice, with nursing, to be able to eat like a horse and lose weight. ;)

Aaaaand stretchies. *Le Sigh* I got so many of them the last few weeks of pregnancy. My lower belly is riddled with them. And a few decided to pop up on my legs post pregnancy. What-EVS. But I’ve heard they fade, and as long as I get my tummy toned they shouldn’t bother me too much.

I guess pregnancy is a good tool to keep us humble, eh?

So there you have it – my road to recovery postpartum. I can’t tell you how awesome it is to be able to put up my hair and fix myself a cup of tea. It was the little things I missed the most.

I praise and thank God that we have a healthy little girl to call our own and that I had no major complications.

15 Responses to My Postpartum Recovery

1. Jemima 
   March 25th, 2013 at 7:02 pm
   Thank you for blogging your recovery story Erica – beautifully written. You look amazing postpartum!! Look after yourself & don’t be too harsh on that body of yours – after all it did something amazing – housed a baby for 9 months & delivered her into the world!! Well done! xx
2. Carolyn 
   March 25th, 2013 at 7:50 pm
   Thanks for sharing your story and congratulations on your baby! I also had diatasis recti. After I had my last baby (I have 6 children!) I bought a BelleFit postpartum girdle. It really helps with diatasis recit recovery as well as supporting the postpartum stomach as it heals. At only 5 weeks postpartum, it’s not too late for you to try one if you’re interested. I loved using mine!
   http://www.bellefit.com/
   And you’re right, the first month of a baby’s life is really the hardest to get though. Sleep deprivation is the worst. But hang in there, it does get better! I promise. :)
3. jill 
   March 26th, 2013 at 7:07 am
   Isn’t it amazing how God made us so strong. Reading your birth and postpartum story (and any woman’s story) and then to read you’re walking around like nothing happened six weeks later is amazing. God is so good, and He made us good also. I love reading your updates on your new little blessing. Even though I am waaaay past childbirth days and am now waiting for grandchildren!
4. DessertForTwo 
   March 26th, 2013 at 7:08 am
   Thank you for sharing your story! I’ve been thinking about you!
   Hope you gain your energy back soon.
   You’re blessed with such a beautiful little girl! :)
5. Deb R 
   March 26th, 2013 at 7:52 am
   Congrats on your beautiful baby! I’m glad to hear that you are feeling better, hormones do crazy things to women. Take time to heal your body! Kisses to your sweet beautiful baby!
6. Rebecca Lately 
   March 26th, 2013 at 8:18 am
   You look great, Erica! I’m so happy to hear that you’re feeling better! Stretch marks are so weird. With a couple of our kids, I didn’t have any at all during pregnancy but when I started losing the baby weight, they would pop up everywhere and were dark purple! They’ve faded, but now when ever my weight fluctuates a little, stretch marks appear and then disappear. It’s so strange! So, yeah, all that to say that yours will most likely go away. Thank you for sharing your story!
7. Erin 
   March 26th, 2013 at 12:59 pm
   Oh my goodness woman, don’t worry about your belly for another few months at least! Sheesh. There are some serious hormonal things going on in your body right now and it takes time for everything to settle down. That first month can be a rough one, it’s true. I also had very intense and vivid dreams, the panicking about going to sleep. Hang in there, it all sorts itself out.
   Yes, I got some pretty crazy stretch marks too – my husband calls them my warrior marks. ;)
8. Heather Michelle@ A Sweet Simple Life 
   March 28th, 2013 at 12:04 pm
   You look great, Erica. Thanks for sharing your story. :) I feel like not many people talk about the recovery, but I want to have realistic expectations so this is super helpful!
9. Diane 
   March 31st, 2013 at 1:52 pm
   Thank you for keeping us up to date on your recovery and Helen’s growth. Don’t worry so about your weight. You are breast-feeding and can now eat for one and a half! I also worried about becoming my slim self after I had my first child and became dangerously thin (I am a little taller than you, but got down to 105 pounds) so be careful to eat enough and to rest, as well.
   God bless.
10. Cait 
    April 2nd, 2013 at 11:30 am
    Thank you for sharing your story. I think not enough people talk about how hard recovery can be, when it’s all about the labor.
    A dear older woman I know, and mother of 7 (almost 8) who looks AMAZING, told me ‘Your body took nine months to grow a baby and you should give it nine months to go back to normal.’ I really appreciated that, to not put pressure on myself (even though I wanted to be back in shape) and just let it happen. Honesty I didn’t do anything though, so a year later there is toning I’d like to do even though I look about the same as pre-pregnancy. But the stretchmarks that were bright red are now a faded skin tone. I also noticed a huge drop around 4-6 months from breastfeeding, which hadn’t seemed to do much for me earlier than that.
11. JMN 
    April 3rd, 2013 at 6:40 am
    Yes, postpartum can be SO HARD, and so few people talk about it… I was down and out for months. Keep at it! Surround yourself with helpful and loving people, and be sure to take care of yourself as well as your baby. All best.
12. Bec 
    April 13th, 2013 at 6:20 am
    Hi Erica, just a “hello” to let you know I’m thinking of you and hoping you’re feeling okay. The first few months are tough, but wonderful, and it gets better every day … I hope you’re getting lots of support from your extended family and more sleep. Take care.
13. garysgirl 
    April 17th, 2013 at 12:37 am
    Yikes! You sure had it rough there. :( I have had Mastitis too-it stinks! SO painful! And yeah, isn’t it weird how tired you get of having everyone do everything for you, while you just lay there? lol I missed cooking and baking soooo very much…it almost drove me crazy! But by about the second week or so my hubby very sweetly let me fold a little laundry in bed…and that made me feel better about myself. ;) I know it’s all part of the process-God wants us mothers to focus on our newly born miracle and not to worry about everything else-but it’s still hard! ;) Glad you’re recovered now and your tummy looks great! :)
14. Erin 
    April 25th, 2013 at 8:27 pm
    I can so relate! We’re a very young couple, too, and I had a little boy, my first, on February 21st…my labor was induced with Wednesday night since my water had broken that morning at 4am. I went very quickly from a 2-8 and then got so stuck. They told me not to push so I had to fight the urge for at least 4 hours (I couldn’t sit down at all or it would get overwhelming so I had to keep walking which was exhausting)…then when I finally could it was very difficult. I pushed for four more hours until my midwife finally decided I needed an episiotomy, so he was finally born Thursday morning. I was exhausted–the first time I looked in the mirror my face was so swollen from pushing that I didn’t even look like myself…I had torn past the episiotomy, so I needed a lot of stitches, and every muscle I had in my body was sore. It was so hard to get in and out of bed…I definitely was forced to take it easy and I got stir crazy, too, and probably did too much. Two weeks later I got mastitis with a fever that kept climbing…it was beyond miserable. Once I got over that, my hubby got sick and so I was taking care of him and the baby all by myself and finally got sick too. I ended up having a horrible fever for another week. I was really at the end of my rope and my husband didn’t feel well either. When Jude was 6 weeks old I finally started to feel like myself again and life got a little bit easier…moral of the story–having a baby is hard work and you need to let your body recover or else you’re just asking for trouble!
15. Clara 
    May 14th, 2013 at 11:27 am
    Congratulations on your baby Erica!
    I’ve been following your blog(s) for quite some time now. For stretch marks, I recommend using Lush Cosmetics’ Lovely Jubblies. It is labeled as a breast cream but naturally, the lotion can be used in various other places to help tighten and smooth skin. Pricey but very worth it (toning can only do so much).
    Best of luck! I look forward to reading your future posts.

Helen Adelaide | Birth Announcement + 1 Week Update

Helen Adelaide

Born: Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 12:03 PM

Weight: 6 pounds 14 ounces |  Height: 20.5 inches

Whew. I gave birth.

I think I’m safe in saying that it was the most painful, exhausting experience of my life so far.

But it was so worth it.

This little girly is already growing & acquiring a double chin. It’s so wonderful to see her get stronger every day.

I can’t put into words how much I love her. She is so precious to me.

And that’s all I can write for now with this little dolly sleeping on my chest.

48 Responses to Helen Adelaide | Birth Announcement + 1 Week Update

1. Flavia 
   February 21st, 2013 at 7:20 pm
   Congratulations and blessings, Erica! She is so beautiful and how fantastic and thoughtful that you took the time to publish this blog post to share Helen with all of us. I hope you are getting as much rest as possible. I can’t wait to see pictures of little Helen as she continues to grow and thrive. Hugs to all of you!
2. Linda J 
   February 21st, 2013 at 8:01 pm
   Congratulations on your beautiful baby girl. Our daughter-in-law’s due date was 3 days after yours…………we are still waiting!! Enjoy your beautiful baby!
3. Claire L 
   February 21st, 2013 at 8:57 pm
   Congratulations! She is so awake and inquisitive-looking for being a week old. I love her name! Is there a story behind it?
   I enjoy following both your cooking and portraits of life on both of your websites. Can’t wait to watch Helen grow and appear with you in future posts.
4. Emily 
   February 21st, 2013 at 9:02 pm
   Oh, congratulations friend! She is absolutely beautiful. There is something special about baby girls. (Granted, now that I’ve had one of each, I can say there’s something special about baby boys, too). She is perfect! I’m so happy for you and can’t wait to hear and see more. Well done!
5. Sara 
   February 21st, 2013 at 9:05 pm
   Congratulations! What a sweet little peanut. :)
6. Kate 
   February 21st, 2013 at 9:32 pm
   Congratulations, Erica!! She is adorable, and what a beautiful name!
7. Sveta D. 
   February 21st, 2013 at 9:35 pm
   What a doll! She is so cute! I was able to attend a birth a few weeks ago, and it was incredible! It amazes me how much work you mama’s go through for the little ones. :) But it’s worth it. Be blessed! (I do believe this is my first ever comment…but hey, we stalkers have to come out sometime. haha!)
8. Kathryn Grace 
   February 21st, 2013 at 9:52 pm
   Ooooh, she is SO beautiful! So, so precious. I love her name! Can’t wait to see more pictures as she grows. Judging by these pictures she is going to be a beauty. :-) Congratulations!
9. vicki helgeson 
   February 21st, 2013 at 10:00 pm
   Erica, You don’t know me, but I follow your blog. It is just wonderful and a blessing to read. Congratulations to you and your husband on the birth of your precious daughter! Blessings, Vicki
10. Samantha 
    February 21st, 2013 at 10:14 pm
    Ohhh!! She’s beautiful!!! Congratulations, Erica!
11. Ayla 
    February 22nd, 2013 at 12:52 am
    Congratulations! She is so beautiful. Love the name, too :)
12. Begoña 
    February 22nd, 2013 at 4:30 am
    Congratulations! She’s is really beautiful and yes, giving birth is… I cant put it into words. The most amazing experience i have ever had, i felt like a lioness! Strong, powerful. If we did that, we can do anything!!
13. Josefin 
    February 22nd, 2013 at 5:56 am
    Congratulations! I’ve been reading your blog for a while now and I’m excited for you all the way from Sweden. God bless!
14. Martina 
    February 22nd, 2013 at 7:57 am
    Congratulations to both of you :-) she is beuatiful.
15. Jude 
    February 22nd, 2013 at 8:14 am
    Yay! I was so happy to see that beautiful little face when I clicked on your blog. I’ve been checking in each day, waiting with bated breath. Glad everything is well. Xx
16. jill 
    February 22nd, 2013 at 8:55 am
    What an adorable child. God’s blessings on the new addition to your family. She is so precious. I’m anxious to hear how you and Reuben decided on her name. Congratulations to you all!
17. Megan 
    February 22nd, 2013 at 9:50 am
    Oh my goodness she is SO ADORABLE!! Congrats! :)
18. Elizabeth 
    February 22nd, 2013 at 10:00 am
    I’m so thrilled for you! What a precious blessing. Enjoy every moment with the little one.
19. Hannah 
    February 22nd, 2013 at 10:22 am
    Oh, sweet gorgeous baby! Congratulations! Rest up and enjoy that snuggly newborn!
20. Sereina Charise 
    February 22nd, 2013 at 11:31 am
    Aww, how sweet! She has such a beautiful name. Congrats!
21. Dee 
    February 22nd, 2013 at 11:39 am
    Erica,
    I’ve never commented before but I have followed this blog and your cooking blog for quite some time. Congratulations on the birth of Helen! She is beautiful! Enjoy this time….they grow up all too fast. God bless!
22. Lauri 
    February 22nd, 2013 at 12:55 pm
    Congratulations to both of you… Helen is a cutie!
23. Barbara 
    February 22nd, 2013 at 3:04 pm
    Congratulations Erica! She’s a little doll. Love her name!!
24. Shelly 
    February 22nd, 2013 at 3:26 pm
    I’ve been checking in on you to see if you had your baby. She is adorable! Congrats!
25. Diane 
    February 22nd, 2013 at 5:45 pm
    Congratulations, Erica and Reuben! Welcome to the world, Helen!
    She is beautiful and has a strong lovely name. Blessings to you all!
26. Debbie Z. 
    February 22nd, 2013 at 7:24 pm
    What a beautiful little girl! I have been checking your website regularly, hoping to get a glimpse of the new baby…I am so glad she is here and the two of you are doing well. What a gift from God. You will take so many beautiful photos of her. She is lucky to have a photographer mommy. Best wishes to you and your husband as you embark on the journey of parenthood and all the joys it brings.
27. Dancing Fingers Singing Keypad 
    February 22nd, 2013 at 8:31 pm
    Have been a silent admirer of this blog and your cooking blog.
    Heartiest congratulations to you and your husband! Your daughter is gorgeous and so very cute!
28. Kristina 
    February 23rd, 2013 at 1:18 am
    She is absolutely, there-are-no-words adorable!!! So, so precious. Enjoy every moment. Congratulations! And thanks for letting us know. :)
29. Laura 
    February 23rd, 2013 at 2:54 am
    I’ve been following your blog for a while now and just wanted to say congratulations! I just repinned that second picture on Pinterest this morning but didn’t look at where it came from – so only just now found out that it was in fact your baby! She is absolutely gorgeous :)
30. Diane 
    February 24th, 2013 at 11:32 am
    Oh congratulations to you all! Such a lovely family. Thank you for sharing such adorable photos.
31. Debbie 
    February 24th, 2013 at 3:16 pm
    I have never commented here before, but I follow your cooking blog and use several of your recipes regularly. I checked over here to see if your baby had been born. I have to tell you congratulations and that she is honestly very, very adorable. I know you will enjoy these special days. Newborns are exhausting and the lack of sleep for parents is taxing, but the dawning of that special new love is the most amazing thing ever. I love snuggling a newborn and was happy to sit for hours with each of my three when they were tiny. Each time I had a baby I thought it would be my last so I cherished each moment of holding them. So many of the other duties of life can wait. Babies are tiny for such a short time. Happy snuggling!
32. Abbie 
    February 24th, 2013 at 8:46 pm
    Congratulations Erica and Reuben!
    What a beautiful little girl and I’m so happy that all went well!
    God’s blessing on you all!
    Abbie
33. gift4gab 
    February 24th, 2013 at 10:39 pm
    Congratulations! She is beautiful. I am so happy for your family.
34. JMN 
    February 25th, 2013 at 7:41 am
    I’m another reader who uses your recipes regularly (in fact my husband is making your meatballs for my birthday right this minute!) and I too wanted to add my congratulations on your beautiful little girl. And, yes, I fully agree with your assessment of giving birth – I have not forgotten the pain or the wonder and it has now been ten months since my little boy was born. In any case, many congratulations and thank you for the many recipes we’ve enjoyed from your blog over the years. All the best for these first weeks!
35. Menaka 
    February 25th, 2013 at 12:56 pm
    First time leaving a comment here.
    Congrats! She looks adorable, isn’t she? And that hat in the first picture, is it the turban style hat?
    I am due on April 12th; my 4th baby and I have 3 little ones at home. My first son turns 4 on the 3rd of April so we will for sure have a big celebration:)
    I loooove reading about people’s pregnancy (yeah yeah I am nosy) so I have been following your pregnancy update for a while.
    God bless you and enjoy your bundle of joy.
36. Rebecca 
    February 26th, 2013 at 6:01 am
    She’s beautiful! Congratulations and blessings. She’s looks like her Dad, hey?
37. Vanessa 
    February 26th, 2013 at 12:30 pm
    Oh my goodness, she is so beautiful! :) I love that second to last picture. ;) She is precious- congratulations!
38. Abigail 
    February 26th, 2013 at 7:40 pm
    Your baby is so beautiful!!!! :D How do you like being a mother? :)
39. Manu Grice 
    February 28th, 2013 at 11:06 am
    Warmest congratulations on the arrival of your gorgeous baby girl! I love reading your blogs and your rice pudding recipe has become a family favourite. Enjoy this precious time with your beautiful daughter!
40. Jelli 
    February 28th, 2013 at 10:54 pm
    Congratulations! You both made it through birth well, it seems. I’m so happy that you’ve got a healthy gorgeous little blessing girl to enjoy now. Yep, I agree that birth was pretty intense–more than I’d expected to be sure, but 110% worth it. God knows what he’s doing, and being a mama is beyond words incredible. Enjoy this new phase with Helen and Reuben. (Isn’t it great watching your husband in “daddy”mode?)
41. Moriah Mari 
    March 1st, 2013 at 11:25 am
    Oh, congratulations!! She’s precious! I am so happy for you and your husband.
    ~ Moriah
42. Madeleine 
    March 2nd, 2013 at 12:54 pm
    Hello, Erica. I just discovered your blog a little while ago, and have been so enjoying it! I am fifteen, and delight in so many of the same things! The Lord bless you and your darling little one. She is very sweet. I will continue to read your blog, because it’s so inspiring. My Mama said,”That will be you in a few years!” :)
43. Melanie 
    March 2nd, 2013 at 5:16 pm
    Congratulations! She is a beauty. Enjoy every moment. My baby is just over a year now, and on the one hand, the time has flown right by; on the other hand, it has crept by with so many precious, sweet moments. :)
44. Lauren @ Beautiful Fight 
    March 3rd, 2013 at 10:56 am
    Awww! She shares my birthday! :)
45. sarah marie 
    March 5th, 2013 at 10:25 pm
    Congratulations! What a beautiful girl with a beautiful name!
46. Cait 
    March 7th, 2013 at 8:05 pm
    Congratulations and blessings to you, Reuben, and baby Helen Adelaide. She is beautiful. Well done mama! My baby just turned one and I love to look back on her birth. What an incredible gift and experience, however painful and hard.
47. DessertForTwo 
    March 9th, 2013 at 8:54 pm
    Congrats, Erica! She’s beautiful! And what a sweet name :) Many congrats to you & Reuben :)
48. Sarah K. 
    March 15th, 2013 at 1:26 pm
    Aw,goodness. She is so perfect. I saw the first picture pop up around Pinterest, and I didn’t even realize she was yours!