Hey, craft buddies ❤️ Popping in to share some updates and answer some FAQs from my birth video comments with you while I’m on maternity leave. I got nearly 1,500 comments on that video so (as you can imagine) it will take me a while to get back to everyone, but I promise I’m reading them all. So if you commented, I’ll see it when I can get to it, I promise! Also, if you missed it, here’s that video.
The first: Mr. Henry is officially one month old!
What?! How did that happen so fast? THANK YOU for all the love, sweet comments the past month (and beyond), and kindness you’ve shown us – we are so thankful!
We had some new family/newborn photos taken last week with our favorite photographers @paletteoflight – I can’t wait to see them and update the frames in our house!
Q: How is Henry doing?
He’s doing well and I’m soaking in all the snuggles I can! We’re getting longer stretches of sleep from him at night (hallelujah!) and more playtime during the day. He’s eating well and growing fast – he’ll be on the same tall-guy path as Finn at the 90th percentile for length. One day I’ll be the shortest in our family at 5’11”, I’m sure 😅 With a nearly 5-year gap between kiddos, we felt pretty rusty at first, but it has all come back to us and it is just like riding a bike!
Q: How am I doing?
Overall, I’m doing good – all things considered. My body is just now starting to feel more normal after weeks of feeling like I went through a war between COVID, birth, and my preeclampsia scare. I’m trying to rest as much as I can, and also find some time in our busy days to get a small act of self-care in to feel more like me (well as much as I can).
I’ve been very vocal about my struggle with Postpartum Anxiety & Depression with my first pregnancy. And I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t having intense emotions. Most of them have been around my health/blood pressure and ensuring I’m healthy for my boys.
However, there’s something about the newborn fog this time around that has made me feel more gratitude for this time vs. dread/anxiety/sadness. At about the 4-6 week mark with Finn, I was starting to creep into the depths of postpartum depression and I can totally feel the difference this time.
Q: How is your blood pressure doing?
Great! I’m officially off my BP meds and my readings have leveled off – woo hoo! Today I heard back from my OB doctor and she said I no longer have to do daily monitoring because my blood pressure has leveled off – thank goodness! I’m so thankful!
Q: How is Finn doing with the transition?
Overall, Finn is doing great with his brother! As to be expected, we’ve had some growing pains going from 1-2 kiddos, but we’re working through that. Now that he can see Henry is a great addition to our family vs. him being a replacement for him – we’re doing much better. I don’t blame him at all for feeling that way – it’s been the Finn show for the past 4+ years.
Thanks for checking in! Let me know if you’d like me to keep doing these updates while I’m out on leave. Have a great week! – Whitney
Great news overall Whitney!! Your newest boy is adorable. 1st one adorable too!
Wishing you all the best and a lifetime of joy! Your little guys are so precious and will be tearing around the house in no time bringing you and your husband laughter and wonder.
LOVE the updates! Please keep doing them.
Love the updates! Keep them coming!
Love the updates! Keep them coming when you can. The boys look adorable together! So, happy your doing well and the family is adjusting to the new addition! Many blessings to all of you and I look forward to seeing your new videos come Spring! 😁
Thank you so much!!
Please keep your check ins we love to hear you’re updates
So happy you’re doing ok! I love the updates so yes if you have time and it’s a joy for you, too, please continue them! You’re so generous with your time and what you share. Sending lots of love to you and your family!
You are so sweet, thank you!
Thank you for sharing this Whitney. Many women go through a lot of this and never feel they can share it.
I’m so glad you are getting better and your family is coming together.
❤️❤️❤️
You are so welcome! I feel like I need to given my platform, I want other moms to not feel alone 🙂
I’m so happy to have this chance to tell you how much I enjoy your YouTube channel. For some reason I get an error message each time I try to comment on any video. I’m 78 & not tech savvy. I’m thrilled for you & your family with your new precious son I pray for your health. Enjoy this time together.
Oh no I’m sorry about that! you can always comment here 🙂
Love the updates and so glad everyone is on the right path!!! My grands are 3 years apart, now 1 1/2 and 4 1/2, both boys. They did great together, the older one did want a little extra attention. I watch them while their parents work so when the baby naps the older one gets 1 on 1 attention.
Your boys will be best buddies, enjoy your time with them. Keep sharing pics and updates. Thanks for having us share in your life!!!
Yay so glad! Grandma time so parents can work is wonderful – we are thankful to have that with our family!
Whitney, I love the updates!
It’s great that everyone is adjusting to Henry’s arrival especially Finn. Henry is so cute! Also wonderful to hear that your blood pressure has leveled off and you’re feeling more like yourself. Yes, I’d love updates! Thank you, Whitney, and keep feeling better!
Thank you!!
I’m so so happy to hear things have calmed down for you & your family. Henry is the absolute cutest & Finn looks like he adores him. They’ll be best buds before you know it!❤️❤️❤️
Absolutely! Soaking it all in!
I would definitely love to keep seeing updates from you. Your little family is beautiful & you all are in my prayers.
I am just so glad you are doing much better and seem on the path to good health again. Finn and Henry are very handsome, and the four of you make a great looking family. Take it easy and enjoy this special time! Susan from North Carolina
Thank you so much, me too!
So happy for all of you!! God bless baby Henry and you, hubby and Finn. Thanks for sharing all that has happened to you with childbirth and afterwards. I know it will help a lot of people!! You are definitely my newest BFF, even though I am old enough to be your mom and you don’t know your my BFF!! Thank you Whitney for everything you do for all of us craft buddies! Wishing you all the best, and hopefully a full nights sleep soon!!
You are so sweet Mary! Thanks for being a craft buddy!!
Oh you’re so fortunate! What a beautiful family you have! Thanks for sharing!💕
Of course we want updates. Struggles are real and prayer goes a long way. So glad you’re all doing much better. Post when you can, but mostly enjoy your sweet family. Luv and blessings to you!
Dawn
(GrammyDawn)😘
Thank you!
Whitney, thanks for the family update!!! Your boys are so darn cute and you are going to be one loved and protected mama when they get older!!! Enjoy this time and keep sharing with all of us craft buddies, only when it fits into your schedule!!
Love and hugs to you all,
Dora
Thank you, Dora!
You have a beautiful family! Enjoy every moment with Finn and Henry! Time flies, as you well know, enjoy snuggling with both your boys!
Thank you so much!
Keep the updates please. With the birth of our son, I had postpartum depression, and it was awful. My husband was doing all that he could, but truthfully there was nothing he could do. And then one day I was sitting on a swing with our then 2-year-old daughter and the depression lifted. It was like someone turned back on the light. I shared my story with you because I’m sure other mothers need that connection, that other women have gone through the same.
Congratulations on the birth of your son.
I’m so glad you were able to get relief from your PPD, but I’m so sorry you had to go through it! Thank you for sharing your story, too!
So glad you are doing pretty good. I pray that the Postpartum Anxiety & Depression stay away. I know it can be bad sometimes. Thankfully they can give us something to help us get through those rough times.
May God bless you and your family.
Thank you!!
Thanks for the update! I enjoyed reading it, but I think you need to carve out as much you time or family time as you can, so the updates for us ought to be way down on your list of priorities.
I agree and they totally are! It helps my mental health to work on something outside of mom duties during nap time so that’s when I do them if I get the chance 🙂
I would love for you to continue with updates….only when you have the time, of course. So glad everything is starting to gel with Finn, the family, & especially your health. I know I don’t always comment, but I’m going to try to be better.
Take care…..love to you all.
Will do – thanks Kathi!
Whitney,
I loved the update. Your boys are beautiful, and I’m thrilled that you are doing so well now! My only question is how is ‘Daddy’ doing? lol
I always look forward to your videos and updates. I’m a dedicated ‘craft buddy’ for sure! Thanks for everything you do.
Thank you! He is doing great, however he’s the opposite of me and isn’t a big internet guy. So I respect his wishes and don’t share a ton about him 🙂
yes! i agree.. keep us updated! H is adorable just like F!!
glad youre feeling better this go round!
Thank you so much!!