Ok. I admit it. The blog has been a little quiet lately. Not because we’ve had nothing to share, but because we didn’t want to waste a single moment of these past 8 weeks. Our son Grady Ray was born on May 19 at 2:48am. Even though he was a week past his due date, our little man was only 7 lbs, 10 oz and 20 inches long. So tiny! His birth was truly one of the most amazing moments of my life.

Here’s the honest truth – I’m really not a baby person. Now don’t get me wrong, I’ve always wanted kids someday, but I just thought that the newborn stage would be something I’d have to survive to get to the “good part” of having kids. I have always kind of dreaded the “baby” part. Babies are loud and messy and way too delicate for a person who drops her phone at least once every day. From the moment Grady was born though, I came to realize that this wasn’t just any baby – he’s my son. And that pretty much changed everything.

Everyone tells you that you will love your baby and of course, you assume they’re right, but it is unlike any kind of love you’ve ever experienced. From the moment they laid Grady on my chest I was smitten. He was born as a stranger to me, other than the nine months of tiny kicks that felt more like having an alien living in my tummy than an actual tiny human. But then, there he was and I was madly in love. I can stare at his sweet face for hours. I physically miss him when I can’t hold him in my arms. I’d do anything for him. My heart melts when his tiny hands reach for me or when he smiles at me with his little toothless grin. Suddenly, “love” just doesn’t seem like a strong enough word.

All the things I thought I’d hate about motherhood, the sleepless nights, poopy diapers, loud cries – they don’t feel like the burden I thought they would be. Don’t get me wrong, there are tough moments. Moments that have challenged me and left me exhausted . . . mentally and physically . I’ve cried more, smiled more and gotten less sleep in the last 8 weeks then I probably ever have in my life. But overall, the thing I feel the most is LUCKY.

Being Grady’s mom feels like the greatest privilege of my life. I honestly never expected that. God has entrusted me with caring for this little miracle and I feel truly blessed. In a weird way, I even look forward to hearing his cries because it means I get to pick him up, hold him in my arms and comfort him. Losing a little sleep isn’t so bad when it means more snuggle time with him. And poopy diapers? Well, I’m not gonna lie – poop is still poop. There’s still nothing cute about poop. But every diaper change is worth it, knowing that I’m giving Grady what he needs. Who knew providing for a tiny human who’s completely dependent on you would be filled with so much joy?

So without further adieu, here are some of our favorite newborn photos of our darling boy! These photos were taken by our dear friend Alisa of Wee Ones Photography when Grady was exactly one week old. Isn’t he adorable? How could you not fall in love with this sweet face?

Photos by: Alisa McCormick, Wee Ones Photography