She's Here! Meet Charlie Mae + Scenes from Her First Week of Life...

8/31/2016

As you've probably already seen if you follow me on Facebook or Instagram, our darling baby girl, Charlie Mae Starr Vaneria arrived exactly one week ago today, on Wednesday, August 24th at 10:48pm.

Born at exactly 8lbs and 20 inches (she likes to be precise, just like her parents), Charlie Mae is already the light of our lives in *every* way imaginable. Obviously. She is the most amazing thing that has ever happened to us and we seriously couldn't be more head over heels in love.

So, this post will be fairly quick because I'm still in the thick of the early days and am trying to make this time as low-key and Charlie Mae-focused as possible, but I wanted to break the silence and share some quick snapshots from our first week together.

A few highlights and notes:

We brought Charlie Mae home from the hospital on Friday the 26th and she and Sayde finally met. Sayde was totally weirded out for the first couple of hours, but by Saturday morning she had accepted Charlie Mae into the pack--now we're all just a happy little bunch snuggling on the couch.
My parents flew up from GA on Sunday to meet their very first grandchild (Ben's parents already met her, since they live here) and it was incredible watching them fall in love with her from the moment they walked in the door. So much love around here!
Breastfeeding has been going wonderfully thus far, and Charlie Mae is eating (and of course, pooping) up a storm. Just like her parents, Charlie Mae likes to eat. We took her to the pediatrician for the first time on Monday morning and she had gained weight--hooray!
Speaking of poop, we've already had two projectile pooping incidents that you would have to see to believe. Wow. I never knew that I'd be cleaning poop off of the walls so often! ;)
We gave Charlie Mae her first bath this morning. It was adorable and she only shed a few tears, so we considered it a success. Can't get enough of those hooded towels and Ben is obsessed with combing her hair!
So far {fingerscrossedknockonwood} Charlie Mae has been an amazing sleeper. We are 5 for 5 at night--she hasn't woken up crying once since we brought her home! I have to wake her up to feed her and then she goes right back to sleep. It's a miracle and we're just trying to enjoy it while it lasts!!! I hope I haven't jinxed myself just by typing this...

I should also mention that I will eventually share my birth story--either via podcast or blog post--but I'm not ready to do so yet. It was pretty traumatic for me and I'm still processing it, but I think it's important to share these kinds of stories so definitely want to eventually. For those interested, stay tuned for that information and I'll share it when I'm ready.

And now for the pics! Here are some scenes from life over the past week...

Yes, Ben is growing a paternity leave beard. Yes, Charlie Mae is almost always wearing just a diaper because it's hot around here. And yes, we have already taken approximately 10000 pictures of our little girl and I don't anticipate that stopping anytime soon.

Before I close, I want to say a HUGE, HUGE, HUGE thank you to the amazing ladies at Cape Cod Hospital who took care of our little family during our time there. We are full of gratitude for each and every one of you.

And thanks to everyone who has called, texted, emailed, messaged me, commented on my pics on social media, etc. I'm sorry I haven't had the chance to respond to each of you individually, but know that I've read all of your notes and congrats and they mean the world to me!

I'm not sure when I'll be back to blogging, but I promise to pop-in here and there over the next couple of weeks with updates.

Now back to Charlie Mae-land!

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Andrea link

8/31/2016 12:00:30 pm

So sweet, MC! She's seriously so cute. My birth was also extremely traumatic and not what I had intended. It took me months to come to terms with it and not sure I'd even talk about openly (my blog) now. Take your time with that! xo

Mary Catherine

9/1/2016 06:19:33 am

Thanks for sharing, Andrea. I think we need to talk sometime soon, as I think we probably have a lot in common when it comes to the birth experience. Lots of love to you and your precious fam! xoxo

Kayla link

8/31/2016 12:14:52 pm

She is just beyond cute! Huge congratulations to you and your family.

Nancy Baumgarten

8/31/2016 01:10:29 pm

Soo many congratulations!, she is a beauty with a twinkle in her eye just like her sweet Mom! Sending you love and many blessings , life is a true miracle! 🙏❤️ Nancy Baumgarten

Paula

8/31/2016 06:05:13 pm

So precious! I am so happy for you! Thanks for sharing pictures of this adorable little girl ❤️

Maria R

9/1/2016 06:28:26 am

So happy for your whole family - congratulations many times over! I know you've mentioned that your birth process was challenging, but from the view on the sidelines you are handling it with so much grace, poise and positive energy - it is inspiring! I don't know if I can be like that, but I will be keeping you as a role model in my mind come October when I'm going through this... :)

Ellen

9/1/2016 03:17:40 pm

THANK-YOU so much for these photos of the very beautiful Charlie Mae and co.!! I am so happy that you took the time and effort to post on the blog as I don't use any of the other venues. I have been waiting for this wonderful news and am so sorry that your birth experience was traumatic(had one of those eons ago too). Charlie Mae is exquisite, divine, adorable and perfect! Enjoy these moments, they go by so quickly and one can NEVER have to many pictures! Thank-you again for sharing and I will be waiting for when you return to your blog- don't rush!

Liz

9/3/2016 10:07:55 am

Congratulations to you Mary Catherine! She is beautiful and you look radiant. Sending lots of light and love to your family of three xo

Kyle Mikami link

9/8/2016 06:14:15 pm

I hope you enjoy every moment with your little one. It goes quickly so don't take any moment for granted.

Caroline C.

9/13/2016 08:55:00 pm

Congrats! I was the one next to you for a couple of classes JUST before you gave birth, back in that corner next to the props at Centerville Y. Back in our little corner, I was thinking about how you were about to embark on this amazing journey of going from a "couple" to a "family". And thinking of my own journey down that particular path, so many years ago now. Beautiful! Exhausting! Emotional! Life Changing, for sure, on so many levels. Love the pictures of your beautiful baby girl. Enjoy this special time in your lives, but don't be afraid to ask for help when and where you need it! Motherhood is for Life, and as the saying goes, it Takes A Village :)

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