Hi friends, a real time post here.

I am knee deep into Dustin’s first week back to work and I have to admit that I am utterly exhausted. I wrote a post yesterday on Instagram and talked about the struggle of being in the newborn stage. I described it as “trying to learn a new language while someone is banging pots and pans in the background and another is whispering horrible things in your ear telling you that you can’t do it.” They want nothing but need everything and it’s just a lot.

I am also struggling a bit with Postpartum Depression as I predicted I would. I’ve got a great support system and I’ve been super open and honest with Dustin about how I’m feeling and we’re working through it. As much as Christmas has snuck up on me I’m really looking forward to spending time with friends and family next week, it’ll be a much needed reprieve from this monotone marathon of feeding and sleeping and comforting all day long.

I am grateful for Hayden and remembering my 2nd miscarriage a year ago this month, it hits even deeper. But I’m not going to say this season is easy and dealing with my mental health dipping on top of it makes some moments feel impossible.

On a brighter note, we were so incredibly blessed to have an amazing photographer come out to take photos of Hayden and our little family. I didn't think it was going to be possible but God ended up blessing us in this really special way and I am so grateful.

Enjoy these photos of our sweet little man and if you are in the Middle Tennessee area I highly recommend Jess Harris Photography! You can check her out on Instagram and Facebook.

I hope you enjoyed this little update, I’ll be posting a 1-month update on Cinnamon either next week or the week after. But I needed to write and check in, my heart misses it. Also, don’t mind the lump on Hayden’s head. It’s an external hematoma that he received during birth. It already is way down since those photos and you can barely notice it anymore. I promise he’s okay and we didn’t knock him against a wall or anything like that. 😂

Have a blessed week and whatever holiday you’re celebrating in these coming weeks, I hope it’s filled with joy and love and peace.

xoxo – Ry

Enjoy the many facial expressions of our Hayden James!