Warning : this is a photo heavy post.

My life has changed since February 7.  With the arrival of my sweet boy came less freedom, less outings with the girls, less spontaneous trips and activities with friends, less sleep and less me time.  It took me awhile to realize that my life is now less about me and more about him.  It is less about me + Jim and more about us as a family.

The addition of this precious boy has opened my heart and introduced me to life through a different lens.  There is more love, noise and laughter in our home.  There are more messes, toys, and laundry.  Things are crazier and wilder but also sweeter and funner.  And with the celebration of so many firsts, life is delightful and things are all new again.

So despite the loss in my personal freedom to do whatever I wish anytime I wish, I would not trade the last several months for anything.  Life has been somewhat challenging but there is strength in knowing that many women have done this before me — and that I, too, can survive these difficult times and grow as a momma.

Here’s a look at the ups and downs of life with my little love.

Week 14 Highlights :: Samuel at two months.  Layoff hearings — Samuel was a trooper at the hearings.  Celebrated Samuel’s 2 month birthday with red velvet cupcakes.

Week 15 Highlights :: Ate two pounds of See’s candy in a week — not helping my weight loss plan at all!  Samuel got his first set of shots — I think it was harder for me than him.  He’s getting good at imitating our facial expressions.  He’s taking the bottle and sleeping in the crib for the first time this week!

Week 16 Highlights :: Spring break.

Visited Sutter’s Fort.  Samuel did not enjoy being in the Ergo baby carrier so much.

Went on a Local Food tour with Auntie Cheryll and Uncle Marco.

My pink slip was rescinded!

Samuel’s first visit to Grandma’s house.  The picture on the upper right hand corner shows him with Grandma paying respect to Grandpa.

Week 17 Highlights ::  Samuel’s first Easter — we don’t celebrate Easter but it was fun dressing him up for photos.

Keeping track of major events happening in 2011.  This week — the marriage of Will and Kate + the tornadoes in Alabama and Georgia.

Week 18 Highlights :: Samuel 12 weeks old.  We were out cheering Auntie Julie as she ran another great race.

Sunday insert.  Fun facts to include in Samuel’s baby book.

Week 19 Highlights ::  Samuel 3 months old.  Celebrating my first Mother’s day.  Walked the Race for the Cure.  Enjoyed the Davis Farmer’s Market + Whole Earth Festival.

Sweet letter from my favorite peeps.

An activity at a faculty meeting.  I didn’t go to the meeting but someone put my name in the star and passed it around for kind words.

Awards night.  Met Auntie Debbie for the first time.  And Save Our Schools rally at the state capital.

Week 20 Highlights :: Visited with Auntie Thao and Uncle Marsh.  Attended a high school graduation.

I returned to work for four days and Samuel went to daycare for the first time.  I hate being away from him.

I really enjoy this project — love looking back at the weeks and seeing how my boy has grown.  I look forward to keeping up with it this summer.  And in the fall when I return to work full time.

Because I have so many extra pages and inserts, I’m going to have to split this year into two volumes.  Is anyone else experiencing the same problem?