I have decided that I should include my new credientials after my name like all of those fancy people who actually become certified in something get to do. I worked hard for that title and I'll continue to work hard to keep it, so...Rachel Rimar, SAHM it is! :o)
But seriously, our precious baby girl has finally arrived to join our family in person. Brynlee Elizabeth was born on March 29th at 9:07am weighing in at 9lbs 8oz and 20 inches long. So far my only claim to ownership is delivery and dark hair. She is a spitting image of her daddy! We are so very in love and beyond grateful that God has entrusted us with such a task as raising this little bundle....who is growing too fast already!
So how is this whole stay at home mommy gig going, you ask?! Well, let's just say I'm thanking my lucky stars that I get to be with this little munchkin all day....and for chiropractic adjustments. I am truly blessed to have a husband who is willing to be away from his girls all day in order to provide for us and allow me to be home with her. Monday was my first official day on the job, since Phil went back to work then, and let's just say it was...uhh...hectic?! Bryn decided she wanted to boycott all naps from noon until 6pm. Not because she didn't need them, just because she was all outta whack. Thus being thankful for a chiropractor. Yesterday we both went in for an adjustment and holy moly was that ever needed! If you aren't a believer, become one! Baby girl is back on a much more regular (and sane) schedule.
Now, to answer a few of your burning questions...
How are you adjusting?
Phil got to stay home for 2 weeks after Brynlee's arrival, which was fantastic. We had family in town for the first week and plenty of meals brought to help out. I also prepped lots of freezer crock pot meals to use for the next few weeks. I highly recommend doing this, whether you're expecting a baby or not (why didn't I do this sooner?!).
How is she sleeping?
So far, so good. She slept awful in the hospital, but with round the clock annoyances who could sleep there?! Since being home she sleeps great at night. Now that we're back up to birth weight (and some) I'm letting her sleep longer between feedings at night. She'll usually go 4-5 hours. Every night she sleeps well I feel thankful...I know it could end/change any day, but here's to hoping it doesn't!
What do Charlie (the dog) and Bear (the cat) think?
Charlie is protective, which we expected. He started getting very protective of me late in my pregnancy, so we figured he'd pass that along to Brynlee when she arrived. If she cries, he searches the house until he finds her and will typically lay down near her to make sure all is well. Bear could care less...I mean, he's a cat.
How has staying at home been?
I've only had the official title for 3 days, but I feel beyond blessed as a stay at home mommy already. The stay at home wife part is what sometimes gets neglected at the moment, but Phil has been uber supportive and quite understanding. For now, Bryn and I are getting to know one another and what type of chaos our days will typically consist of. If I can manage to make the bed and think about dinner...it's been a successful day in my book. Baby steps for now...at some point soon I'll be able to care for this little girl and her daddy while he works hard to keep us at home. Our new normal is still in the works.
How'd you pick her name?
I have always loved the uniqueness of Philbrook's name and the style of name that it is...a double name with a nickname or shortened name within it (Phil). We thought we'd try and find a name with that similar style. We came across Brynlee within the first few days of finding out we were expecting and it stuck. We'll call her Bryn for short. As for her middle name, Elizabeth, that's one that she'll share with me and my mother. I always knew I'd drop my last name when I got married. To me, sharing a middle name was more sentimental than keeping my maiden name in the mix.
What's her birth story?
Ahh yes, I most certainly will answer this. But, let's save that for another time...it's deserving of it's own post.
