The 4-6 Weeks Project (The End)

I took a photograph of Eleanor each day until the new baby arrived, to document our last 4-6 weeks as a family of three.

{ IntroductionWeek OneWeek TwoWeek ThreeWeek FourThe EndView All }

You and mama were napping together in your room when mama’s water broke suddenly! She quietly got up, moved you into your crib, and then called daddy to take her to the hospital to have the baby. Your little brother, August Ray, was born less than three hours later.


You came to the hospital to meet your little brother, August, for the first time. You kept saying “baby!” and pointing to him. You sat on the bed with mama and pointed to his nose, stroked his hair, and shared your stuffed piggy with him. You were so sweet.

Mama and daddy love you so much, and they can tell that you’re going to be a great big sister. Congratulations, Eleanor!

Comments

43 responses to “The 4-6 Weeks Project (The End)”

  1. Amanda Avatar

    So lovely! Thank you for sharing such a special keepsake with all of us!

  2. Martha Avatar
    Martha

    oh this made me tear up. what a nice project!

  3. Christa M Avatar

    What a beautiful project! I’ve enjoyed following along. Thank you for sharing it with us!! Best wishes to the family!

  4. Marti Avatar
    Marti

    Congratulations to you all! I remember when you were pregnant with Eleanor and now you have August, bliss, pure bliss! What a lovely project that I’m sure you will all treausre forever. Enjoy these first few week and squeeze your babies as tight as you can to keep them little as long as possible ( my baby is going to be 15 this week!)

    Marti

  5. jennifer Avatar
    jennifer

    this is so great, what an amazing gift you have given Eleanor! am trying to think of a way I can do something similar for my daughter, maybe as she starts kindergarten in the fall …. thanks for the inspiration!

    (I know maybe you already said – what software/publisher are using to produce the actual book?)

  6. Funnelcloud Rachel Avatar

    Such a sweet ending to the project! Will you be putting these in some sort of album?

    Congratulations, Balchs and big sister Eleanor!

  7. Jenae Avatar

    So sweet. I got a lump in my throat…Congrats sweetie! Brothers are the best!

  8. Laurie @ House to your Home Avatar

    This was a great idea, I’ve enjoyed reading it, thanks for sharing it with us! Oh and those cheeks are just way to kissable!!!

  9. shalini Avatar

    Such a special girl little Eleanor is! I will miss this series. I hope you start something like this again once you’re back to blogging regularly.

  10. Cherie Avatar
    Cherie

    Eleanor may find it a bit troubling when you read her the story about placing her alone in her crib and then leaving for the hospital! “Mama?…” LOL

    1. mribaro Avatar
      mribaro

      Really, I was going to say the same thing! Who was taking care of Eleanor while you were on your way to the hospital?

    2. Making it Lovely Avatar

      Her grandparents were here with her.

  11. jbhat Avatar
    jbhat

    I am as happy as a clam for all of you. Best wishes to you all over the coming days as you begin to adjust to being a family of 4 in your charming home.

    jbhat

  12. Dianne @ The Inspired Housewife Avatar

    How beautiful. Take it from someone who knows – you will appreciate those photographs someday more than you know. Time flies by too quickly!

  13. Paula/adhocmom Avatar

    OMG that sounds fast. I hope things are going as smoothly as they can be. I can remember how hard it was bringing home baby number one. So crazy. I’m wishing you luck.

  14. Kelly S. Avatar

    Congrats again. You all have so many fun days ahead! And also some mornings like mine, when my daughter (8) pushed her brother (6) too hard, and they both ended up in tears….all before getting out the door to school.

  15. Caroline @ The Feminist Housewife Avatar

    Aww! This made me cry. So sweet!

    My son Dmitri is 19 months and I’m expecting # 2 at the end of March!

  16. Cheryl Avatar
    Cheryl

    Ohhhhhh, melt my heart. I’m with Dianne on the time flying by too quickly. You and Brandon have captured the best moments of your life (and will)!!! I’m so happy for you.

  17. Kathy in Michigan Avatar
    Kathy in Michigan

    Thank you for sharing your beautiful journey with us. What a special time and what a beautiful baby. Wishing all of you love, health, happiness and lots and lots of JOY!!

  18. wanderluster Avatar

    A beautiful, fitting end to this project. Well, maybe ;) Such sweet photos that capture a very special time.

  19. Alison At BrocanteHome Avatar

    Oh heck I just happened across your blog this afternoon and this darling little post made me a little teary! Congratulations!

  20. Felicity @ Our Little Beehive Avatar

    OMG we have the same dress form! I’ve never seen the same one before. My is a little stinky from being stored in someone’s basement before I bought it, but I love her so much.

    I love the water breaking story, it’s a special moment to share with your daughter. xoxo

  21. Melissa Avatar

    What a great series! Congratulations to you and your family! Can’t wait to see more pics of August!

  22. Rebecca Avatar

    Aw, congrats. Love the name.

  23. JT Avatar

    Congratulations to your wonderful baby boy!

  24. Redlilocks {Swoon Worthy} Avatar

    I’ve really loved this series, so touching! I felt like I should clap after reading the last one :) It’s been a brilliant journey and no doubt your daughter will be so happy you did this for her. Congrats once again x

  25. Alison Avatar

    This is such a sweet idea – thanks for sharing.
    Congratulations on your new addition.

  26. bink & boo Avatar

    This post made my eyes water. You are such a wonderful mother to capture these memories and emotions to share with Eleanor and August when they get older.

    This was such a fun series to follow–thanks for the inspiration.

  27. K Avatar

    Aww, this is so sweet!

    It reminds me of something my mum wrote when I was about three years old and my little sister was 18 months- a record of a conversation she overheard us having while we played together. I have always loved to read it and get a glimpse of the kind of relationship I had with my sister when we were small.

    I hope that Eleanor and August grow up to be best friends just like my sister and me!

  28. Alice@AliceinDesignland Avatar

    Awww how sweet. As the oldest child, I would have really appreciated it had my mother done this. Life forever changes once a sibling comes along.

  29. nikki 29 chgo Avatar
    nikki 29 chgo

    what a great idea. very moving. thanks for sharing

  30. Violet Avatar

    Aww how sweet! Congratulations to all of you- enjoy the babymoon =)

  31. kq Avatar
    kq

    love love love this project. I feel terrible asking a new mother this, but in some of your next posts will you talk about your tips for photography? I know you have said that you want to shoot manual, but seeing your results here really indicates that you have mastered some of the skills. Can you share your tips? Now go back to sleep.

  32. laurenjanelle Avatar

    That is so sweet. I’m sure Eleanor will appreciate this a lot as she grows up.

  33. ARTiculateART Avatar

    Aw this is so sweet! I think she’ll really appreciate this when she grows older and reads this! Wish my mom made something like that =)

  34. MommaRhyne Avatar

    Congratulations. My 2 year old is named August… I just love that name!!So classic!

  35. Liz@VioletPosy Avatar

    Congratulations to you all x

  36. Sarah Jane Avatar

    This is so sweet. It made me tear up as I thought of how my little one will react when “Bob” gets here. One week to go…hopefully no more! Congrats again. You look great!

  37. jan Avatar

    Congratulations to all of you!

  38. […] as a family of three. { Introduction • Week One • Week Two • Week Three • Week Four • The End • View All […]

  39. […] the photos from week one. { Introduction • Week One • Week Two • Week Three • Week Four • The End • View All […]

  40. melanie c Avatar

    hey nicole – where are you going to get your book printed? i know there are lots of online book printers, just thought i’d get a recommendation from you –
    thanks!