O N E   M O N T H   O L D
It’s been a month since Nolan Lane Eldreth came into the world. He fits into our lives so perfect. We’re slowly getting the hang of parenting. Our days off look a lot more boring now, (We take turns napping, ha)! Brandon is back at work, his week off went too fast. My days are filled with feedings, diaper changes, and cat naps but that feels pretty normal now. We’re on an adventure as we try to figure out this new life, working full time, running a part time business and staying afloat with friends and family. It’s complicated, unpredictable and messy at times, but I really wouldn’t have it any other way. In every season, including this one, I have been so blessed even when it gets hard. I’ll be returning to my day job soon, it’s truly bittersweet. I love every moment I get to spend with my little bear. I honestly can’t imagine a day without him but moms all over the world do it, as will I.

 O N E   M O N T H   M E M O R I E S 
He smiles a lot, especially in the morning.
7 a.m is his favorite, wish I could say the same for me.
He’s a content, happy baby
We’re still working on a bedtime routine.
He’s sleeping in his bassinet beside our bed. He wakes up 2-3 times a night. 
He can sleep through anything, the sound of a vacuum does not bother him one bit
He loves to EAT. We’re still breastfeeding, so far so good
He’s a thumb sucker
He’s an alert curious little thing
He’s very strong - we didn’t have the wobbly newborn head stage all that much.
He’s still fitting in his newborn clothes 
He legs are so tiny – ready for them to fatten up, ha! 
He still has brown hair and the prettiest blue eyes
He dreams a lot and makes the cutest noises
He loves to nap on our chest, we try not to make this a habit but it’s the sweetest bonding time 
We love rocking in his rocking chair
He has the cutest mean mug look EVER
Riding in the car is bliss…he falls asleep every time
He sleeps with a fan, white noise helps him sleep longer
He loves to hear me sing, it puts him right to sleep every time

I'm soaking in every moment of the newborn stage.  I can't hold and cuddle him enough. His fuzzy brown hair, baby blue eyes, soft wrinkly skin, and tiny little hands and feet just get me all in the mom feels. This perfect, tiny little human is ours to keep forever. The love we have for him is absolutely unexplainable. We love you Nolan Lane Eldreth!
Photos by, Jamie Sapp Photography.

Theme: Woodland
Decor:  Target, Kirklands, Nuloom, Etsy, Outdoor shop, handmade
Colors:  Brown, Gold, White, Grey
Photos by:  Haley Eldreth Photography

When we started brainstorming on a nursery theme we both agreed we wanted something different and unique. With our little bear's due date being in the winter we loved the thought of a woodland theme, yet simple. We wanted his nursery to be a room that we could easily add on to and change as he grows. Brandon and I made most of the decor items then shopped at all our favorite stores for the final touches. We were both very pleased with the outcome.

B I R T H
Labor began on Thursday, December 22rd around 10:25 p.m. After being told that he wouldn't come for another few days I pushed off the trip to the hospital thinking I would only be sent home. Little did I know it was the real thing; around 12:15 in the morning we were rushing to the ER with contractions only 2-3 minutes apart. By the time we arrived I was already dilated to 6cm, then on to 10cm all within 45 minutes. I had hoped for a slower process so our family and friends could get there in time but that wasn’t the case. Our little bear was ready to see the world rather quick. My hubby was such a wonderful coach through it all trying to keep me calm and assuring me everything was fine. I went natural for over an hour then (due to complications) the midwife decided that we would finally attempt an epidural, not knowing 100% if it would work. After two epidural attempts I was able to rest for a little while in hopes that a Cesarean wouldn’t take place. We gave it another go after I had rested and finally, Nolan Lane Eldreth, was born early that morning. The moment we saw him our hearts dropped to the floor and tears of joy overflowed us in such an indescribable way. A precious 7 pound, 15 ounce baby boy would hold our hearts in the palm of his hands forever.
 
1 Samuel 1:27 says "For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him" 
I had prayed for many years for a baby but wanted it to be in Gods time. The wait was a little over four years. We vacationed, traveled, and enjoyed every moment together. Now, we have a brand new addition that has given us purpose.  As I sit here and type this all up he's sitting by me while I'm in tears. The love is so unreal. Currently, he looks just like Brandon. He has his dad's dark hair and the prettiest blue eyes. I'm sure they will most likely turn green later on like ours. He has the softest baby skin and wrinkles that melt me. I never knew my heart could hold so much love. Life has gotten so much sweeter with him in our lives. I am completely obsessed with this little human. He completed me in every way and now that he's here it’s almost like I have to pinch myself and realize, yes, this is real life.  I'm so blessed to have a happy, healthy newborn and an amazing, genuine husband who has stood by me all during my pregnancy. The man that gave me foot rubs every night and never complained once, he is truly heaven sent. I love my life and this wonderful journey of parenthood so much.

​Haley Eldreth 

Nolan, 
The moment I saw you there was a place filled in my heart that I didn't know existed. You have brought so much happiness into our lives. We love you more than words could ever express. Thank you for making me a mama, I love you my little bear. 
-Mama 

I absolutely loved pregnancy. The first flutter, kick, hiccup...I miss it all so much. Pregnancy was such a sweet, magical time in our lives.  I loved watching my belly grow and counting down the weeks until our due date. Going to the doctor and seeing our little one moving and hearing the heart beat made me teary eyed every time. The anticipation of finding out the gender was unreal. The moment I saw blue smoke my heart overflowed with so much joy. Nolan Lane Eldreth would be his name and we couldn’t wait to meet him.  
​
I wanted to share some highlights from my pregnancy, I love looking back at all the memories. I loved my big growing belly so much, I actually miss it at times. Kudos to my husband (my amazing assistant) for taking the majority of my pregnancy photos. Also, a shout out to my sister Jessie for taking our maternity photos, you’re the best.