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.
{ Introduction • Week One • Week Two • Week Three • Week Four • The End • View 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!
Amanda
February 16, 2011 at 8:56 amSo lovely! Thank you for sharing such a special keepsake with all of us!
Martha
February 16, 2011 at 8:57 amoh this made me tear up. what a nice project!
Christa M
February 16, 2011 at 9:27 amWhat a beautiful project! I’ve enjoyed following along. Thank you for sharing it with us!! Best wishes to the family!
Marti
February 16, 2011 at 10:13 amCongratulations 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
jennifer
February 16, 2011 at 10:17 amthis 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?)
Funnelcloud Rachel
February 16, 2011 at 10:21 amSuch a sweet ending to the project! Will you be putting these in some sort of album?
Congratulations, Balchs and big sister Eleanor!
Jenae
February 16, 2011 at 10:24 amSo sweet. I got a lump in my throat…Congrats sweetie! Brothers are the best!
Laurie @ House to your Home
February 16, 2011 at 10:34 amThis was a great idea, I’ve enjoyed reading it, thanks for sharing it with us! Oh and those cheeks are just way to kissable!!!
shalini
February 16, 2011 at 10:47 amSuch 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.
Cherie
February 16, 2011 at 11:05 amEleanor 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
mribaro
February 17, 2011 at 2:03 amReally, I was going to say the same thing! Who was taking care of Eleanor while you were on your way to the hospital?
Making it Lovely
February 17, 2011 at 9:00 amHer grandparents were here with her.
jbhat
February 16, 2011 at 11:07 amI 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
Dianne @ The Inspired Housewife
February 16, 2011 at 11:15 amHow beautiful. Take it from someone who knows – you will appreciate those photographs someday more than you know. Time flies by too quickly!
Paula/adhocmom
February 16, 2011 at 12:12 pmOMG 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.
Kelly S.
February 16, 2011 at 12:19 pmCongrats 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.
Caroline @ The Feminist Housewife
February 16, 2011 at 12:22 pmAww! This made me cry. So sweet!
My son Dmitri is 19 months and I’m expecting # 2 at the end of March!
Cheryl
February 16, 2011 at 12:40 pmOhhhhhh, 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.
Kathy in Michigan
February 16, 2011 at 12:53 pmThank 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!!
wanderluster
February 16, 2011 at 12:55 pmA beautiful, fitting end to this project. Well, maybe ;) Such sweet photos that capture a very special time.
Alison At BrocanteHome
February 16, 2011 at 12:59 pmOh heck I just happened across your blog this afternoon and this darling little post made me a little teary! Congratulations!
Felicity @ Our Little Beehive
February 16, 2011 at 12:59 pmOMG 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
Melissa
February 16, 2011 at 1:09 pmWhat a great series! Congratulations to you and your family! Can’t wait to see more pics of August!
Rebecca
February 16, 2011 at 1:48 pmAw, congrats. Love the name.
JT
February 16, 2011 at 1:50 pmCongratulations to your wonderful baby boy!
Redlilocks {Swoon Worthy}
February 16, 2011 at 3:04 pmI’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
Alison
February 16, 2011 at 3:42 pmThis is such a sweet idea – thanks for sharing.
Congratulations on your new addition.
bink & boo
February 16, 2011 at 4:44 pmThis 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.
K
February 16, 2011 at 6:05 pmAww, 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!
Alice@AliceinDesignland
February 16, 2011 at 8:05 pmAwww 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.
nikki 29 chgo
February 16, 2011 at 10:16 pmwhat a great idea. very moving. thanks for sharing
Violet
February 16, 2011 at 10:36 pmAww how sweet! Congratulations to all of you- enjoy the babymoon =)
kq
February 17, 2011 at 7:26 amlove 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.
laurenjanelle
February 17, 2011 at 11:23 amThat is so sweet. I’m sure Eleanor will appreciate this a lot as she grows up.
ARTiculateART
February 18, 2011 at 11:47 amAw 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 =)
Crunchy Beach Mama
February 18, 2011 at 8:23 pmAdorable!
MommaRhyne
February 19, 2011 at 8:14 pmCongratulations. My 2 year old is named August… I just love that name!!So classic!
Liz@VioletPosy
February 20, 2011 at 2:21 pmCongratulations to you all x
Sarah Jane
February 21, 2011 at 2:02 pmThis 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!
jan
February 21, 2011 at 5:09 pmCongratulations to all of you!
The 4-6 Weeks Project (Week Four) | Making it Lovely
February 23, 2011 at 11:17 am[…] as a family of three. { Introduction • Week One • Week Two • Week Three • Week Four • The End • View All […]
The 4-6 Weeks Project (Week One) | Making it Lovely
February 23, 2011 at 11:17 am[…] the photos from week one. { Introduction • Week One • Week Two • Week Three • Week Four • The End • View All […]
melanie c
April 5, 2011 at 9:42 amhey 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!