This week has been hard.

Why do women have to go through so many changes emotionally, mentally, and physically when they’re pregnant and during the postpartum stage? I’m seven weeks postpartum and I have been dealing with a mild case of depression.

On one hand, I LOVE being pregnant and experiencing the excitement of childbirth and meeting my new baby. But on the other hand, I don’t like the sleepless nights and sadness I feel after having my baby.

To be real with you, it sucks.

But you know what? I’m working on it and doing my very best to stay strong. I have amazing support from my hubby and family. They have shown me a tremendous amount of love and care during this time.

Some days are hard while other days are great. I strive hard to focus on the happy moments and the blessings in my life.

Yesterday, I was eating lunch at the Fisher Building in Detroit and I was thinking about how good I felt. I then started thinking of all of the reasons why it was a good day for me and it made me smile.

And then, all of a sudden, I had this cool idea to write down a few things that made me smile this week. Today, I’m sharing my list with you, and who knows, maybe I’ll make it a regular thing to share on the blog. 🙂

I think after the week everyone has experienced, focusing on a few things that make you smile is a good first step to healing. 


1. Baby Smiles

Zephaniah (baby #5) is 7 weeks now. I can’t believe it! And I know every week of his first year of life I’m probably going to keep saying, “My baby is x weeks old now! I can’t believe it!” I can’t help it. It’s a mom thing. 🙂 But for real! I can’t believe it’s been 7 weeks since I gave birth to my sweet baby boy.

Zephaniah’s been starting to smile more, and when he does, it just absolutely melts my heart. Last night, I was playing peek-a-boo with him and he tried so hard to laugh. He just kept smiling at me and he had the cutest little dimple on his right cheek. Here’s a photo I captured with my cell phone. It’s blurry, but it’s still so cute.

A little blurry, but look at that smile!

2. Nature Photography

Earlier in the week, I took my children to Lake St. Clair Metro Park for a nature walk. We ended up staying there for FOUR hours. We had a picnic near the lake, explored the nature trails, and played on the playground. I brought my camera along and took nature photographs, one of my favorite things to do.

Detroit Life
I am loving this fall weather! Going out on nature walks gives me the chance to do a little nature photography.

 

3. Lunch at the Fisher Building

Every time I’m on Twitter, I notice the Fisher Building tweets out what’s for lunch. It’s part of their #FeastAtTheFisher weekday lunch pop-ups. “Celebrating food from every corner of Detroit!”

I’ve been wanting to go check it out and Thursday I finally was able to go. From Sweet Potato Sensations I ordered their black-eyed pea and collard green soup with a sweet tea and it was SO good! I definitely recommend them.

Feast at the Fisher
Feast at the Fisher is a weekday lunch pop-up held at the Fisher Building.
Sweet Potato Sensations
Have you tried Sweet Potato Sensations yet? SO GOOD! | Pictured here Owner Epsy and Claricha

4. Stella Good Coffee

After my lunch order from Sweet Potato Sensations, I visited Stella Good Coffee, also at the Fisher, for a cup of my favorite type of mocha: white chocolate.

Stella Good Coffee
Stella Good Coffee is one of fav places to get coffee in Detroit, and their staff is pretty cool, too!

5. BFF’s

How cute are these two girls? 🙂 I snapped this picture of them at the Mack Alive neighborhood party last Friday, 9/29/17. Their joyful spirit definitely brought a smile to my face. I shared the photo on my Instagram this week in hopes of spreading a little joy to others, too.

BFF’s | I attended the Mack Alive event on Friday, 9/29/17 and snapped this photo of these two happy girls.

6. #TBT Selfies

I love it when I get those memory reminders from Facebook. It’s always so sweet remembering a special moment. Selfie photos of a two-year-old Zhen (she’s now 4, soon-to-be-5 on October 30th) popped up on my phone.

7. Dreamers

I bought a new painting from Detroit artist Errin “Lightheart”. I was walking through the Artist Village at the Mack Alive event and his “Dreamers” painting caught my eye. I wasn’t even intending to buy anything at the event, but it was totally worth it. I can’t wait to get my new painting framed so I can put it up on my living room wall!

Errin Lightheart
Lovin’ this painting I bought by Detroit artist Errin “Lightheart”!

8. #BreastIsBest

Every Monday marks a new week for Zephaniah turning a week older. I mentioned above he’s now 7 weeks. Well, earlier in the week I had also realized I have been breastfeeding for seven weeks, too. That’s a great accomplishment and I feel proud of myself for sticking with it! 🙂

 

9. 1001 Inventions

Thursday I attended the 1001 Inventions media preview event at the Michigan Science Center. First, getting invited to the event is reason enough to smile. Thank you, MiSci! Second, it was an honor to meet Dr. Tonya Matthews, Michigan Science Center president and CEO, and Ahmed Salim, 1001 Invents co-founder and managing director. (Blog post coming soon of my experience at the 1001 Inventions exhibition!)

1001 Inventions
It was an honor to meet Dr. Matthews and Ahmed Salim at the 1001 Inventions media preview event at the Michigan Science Museum.

 

10. Henry the Hatter

I read this article on the Detroit Free Press: “Henry the Hatter aims to reopen by Thanksgiving at new Detroit store” by JC Reidnl. According to the article, Henry the Hatter moved to Eastern Market (2472 Riopelle Street) and owner Paul Wasserman hopes to open by Thanksgiving! I know many Detroiters are smiling at this good news. 🙂

 

What about you? What are some things that made you smile this week?

 

 

Also, check out: Date Night at MiSci’s Vintage Video Games Night.

 

Written by

Jennifer Hamra

Freelance creative Jennifer Hamra created her blog Good Life Detroit in 2015 after relocating from Tennessee to Southeast Michigan.

Inspired by her love for personal blogging and photography, Jennifer likes to share her favorite Detroit things, from cool places to visit (the hidden gems are her favorite!) to the amazing people she has connected with over the years.

When she's not busy juggling family life and her creative projects, you can find her at an art gallery, community event, farmers market, or spending quiet time at home with a good book and cup of tea.

Jennifer lives in the metro Detroit area with her husband Travis and their six children.

Connect with Jennifer on social media @goodlifedetroit on all social media platforms or via email at [email protected].