3

Nate,

It's your Golden Birthday! 

Happy 3rd Birthday, my sweet boy!



My passionate, funky, fiery, charming, funny, sweet, loving, quick-running, adorable, truck/train/"digger"-loving, book-reading, sandbox loving, self-potty training, third-born babe:

I love you SO much!

I am so blessed to have you in my life.  I am so blessed to be your mama!

I thank God for the joy you bring to my life every day.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Nathaniel Jude.

Love, Mama

Home Sweet Home

We're home, finally. We have enjoyed our first 24 hours together as a family of five.
It has been an awesome, albiet tiring, day!
Nate & I arrived home last night around 10 PM, changed, fed, and basically went to bed. He slept in 2-3 hour stretches all night, and I felt like a new person in the morning. It's amazing what sleeping in your own bed will do for you!
The big boys woke around 7:30 AM, and greeted baby brother by leaning over his bassinet, poking & prodding him, and giving him hugs and kisses. It was quite the reunion for all of us!
The day went relatively smoothly. We are all exhausted, so there were naps all around ~ along with a low-key, quiet day.

Highlights of the day: breakfast of cinnoman rolls, Jacob asking to hold Nathaniel multiple times, Wyatt asking, "where did the baby go?" when he couldn't immediately see Nate, me surviving alone for 2.5 hours during lunch & getting down for naps while Tim ran errands, having a family dinner together (Nate in his bouncy on the table!) of home-cooked rather than hospital food, and saying our evening prayers together as a family of 5.

Now it's off to get ready for bed myself (9 PM, quite the record) - the adrenaline rush is coming to an end, and the (hospital) sleep deprivation is starting to catch up to me!

Still here...

...in the hospital with my youngest son. We were moved from L&D to the Pediatric Unit last night. The accommodations are great, the staff is wonderful, but there is no sleep for the weary in a hospital. Between the screaming toddler next door, and his equally grumpy parents (the non-comforting type), staff interruptions, machine noises, and a Code Blue @ 2:45 AM, we were up a lot. And that did not include Nate waking to eat and be changed almost every hour. I don't even know if I slept!

Nate is still jaundice, and has been under a bili-blanket since Friday, 9/4/09. His bilirubin level has gone up from 11.5 to 12.2 to 12.8 and gone back down to 12.5 to 11.5 at 8 AM this morning, 9/6/09.
He was taken off the Bili-blanket at 12 PM today, so now we wait to see if it was the blanket or Nate's body doing the work of getting rid of the jaundice. If it's the former, he might stay another night and resume bili-blanketing. If it's the latter, we hope for a discharge late this evening - we will wait for another blood level at 8 PM this evening, and if his bilirubin is below 13, we will (hopefully) be discharged and free to go home, with follow up blood work and appointments.
Regardless of Nate's status, Tim will return home with the big boys tonight. Everyone is whooped, and needs a sense of "normalcy", as soon as possible!

S'all a waiting game now....I'm trying not to get my hopes up, and I'm not gonna lie, I really, really, REALLY want to go home! I miss my big boys so very much (though I enjoyed a short break today - a visit to my in-laws to see them! What a breath of fresh air, literally and figuratively) and I cannot wait to be reunited as a family again.
I know in the grand scheme of things, this is nothing - in comparison to parents who have babies who are much sicker, and who have much worse outcomes. I have been praying for sick babies much more during our stay and situation here. I simply cannot fathom what a parent must go through emotionally and physically during that time. My heart truly goes out to them, their babies, and the rest of their families!

He's Here!

We proudly present...

Nathaniel Jude
Thursday, 09.03.09
12:22 PM
8 lbs, 15 oz.
21 inches long

Total craziness -- I had an appt Wednesday, my due date of 9/2/09, she stripped my membranes, I was 2-3 cm dialted then, but cervix is far back & thick. I started having some contractions after the appt, but went to work, had some groups, etc. I zoned out during a few @ group (w/o letting on..didn't want to make anyone nervous!), and then had them on and off all night long, but was able to sleep through most/a lot of them.

They picked up at about 6:30 AM on 9.3.09, started getting a bit harder, but (silly me!) was hemming and hawing about whether or not Tim should go in to work and leave me home with the big boys. I kept praying for "clear signs" that he should go in vs. take the day off and use up a vacation day, LOL. He ran in to work to get his computer, and a few other things, and about 10 minutes before he arrived back home, I was certain he needed to be around, and was wondering what was taking so long. I was also paying bills. I'm so weird!!

Timeline of events, per my memory (which is still a bit fuzzy!):

8:30 AM, eat some breakfast, hang with the boys a bit, putz around.
9 AM, call Jamie & Steph (Tim's Brother & SIL) to give them a heads-up, ask them for help with the big boys. They say sure, bring them by, whenever...we think we have tons of time, Wyatt's labor was 22 hours start to finish, we have about 12 this time, right?
9:30 AM, I'm feeling like we need to have Jamie and Steph come to us, and pretty soon....and get on the way to the hospital. Tim is doing dishes.
9:45 AM, I take a long, hot shower and use up all the hot water. 4 + contractions in the shower in about 15 minutes.
10:00 AM, I'm exhausted, laying in the bed. The boys are jumping all over it, and me, and I'm trying my best to put on a brave face and keep them from jumping on my belly.
10:10 AM, Jamie & Steph arrive, I can no longer hold a conversation. I am getting grunty and pushy in my bed - but tell no one....I don't know why.
10:10 - 10:30, many contrax, Steph is helping me through them while the guys load the vans with our stuff and the boys & their stuff
10:30 AM, water breaks, in bed, I'm saying I cannot wait for an epidural and I'm gonna die repeatedly.
11-ish, getting boys in J & S's van, I'm trying to get out of bed without passing out, having too many contrax to walk straight. Stop to fix my hair. I'm a sweaty mess.
11:20 AM finally leave for hospital. I'm still mute, but manage to walk & wave to and blow kisses to the big boys with a big smile on my face. I love you babies!
11:45 AM, arrive at hospital (between construction on every road humanly possible - per Tim, I did not open my eyes nor speak a single word the whole way there. I was literally sleeping in between the worst contractions I've ever felt). Check in through emergency. Takes me about 5 minutes to get out of the car, due to contrax.
11:50 AM, ER staff takes me via wheelchair, asking ME "Labor & Deliery is on the 3rd floor, right?"....umm....yeah...I think you should know that!
11:55 AM, got in to a room, on monitors, checked cervix = 9.5 and I'm getting really grunty and wanting to push - told not to, OB is not yet here
12:15 PM, OB arrives, start pushing - no IVs, epidural, or other meds....holy cow! Small episiotomy needed, pushing is HARD.DAMN.WORK. Few choice words said here, in front of Mom & MIL. Classy.
12:22 PM, Nathaniel Jude arrives, BIG BOY! Repair work w/o epi or pain meds suck, but oh well! Whew. What a story, what an experience. I'm (we are ALL) still reeling over it!

Feeling great today (9/4/09), just tired, no sleep for the weary in a hospital. We will stay here until tomorrow sometime (I think?), Nate has jaundice and is under a bili-blanket. Nothing serious, just as a precaution. We are looking forward to being all under one roof again, I am missing my big boys so much!

Whew...more to come, with pictures....

Happy Due Date, Little Man.

I have loved spending the last 40 weeks together, I wouldn't trade any of it for the world.

And I am so looking forward to meeting, face-to-face, for the first time...whenever that might be!

I love you yesterday, today, and always.

Your Mommy


ETA: Non-Stress Test today = Happy Baby! OB check = cervix @ 2-3 cm, but very far back and thick.
I have an appt set for Tuesday 9/8/09, if I'm still pregnant, then we talk about induction for next Friday, 9/11/09. I don't think I'll make it until then ~ Dr. L stripped my membranes today, and "stirred things up" a bit, contractions seem to be happening about every 12-15 minutes right now, about 30 seconds long each. I've had to 'zone out' during a few (at work, ha ha!). We'll see....they could taper off, but I feel that they're doing something....

Full Term

37 weeks (and 2 days, I'm a bit behind!). Mr. Man, we are ready when you are.
I am feeling good, enjoying this pregnancy (except for the heartburn!), and not expecting....well, much of anything. My big boys were born at 40 weeks & 4 days, and 40 weeks, respectively. I can hardly picture a delivery earlier than that! Plus, I've always wanted a September baby....so we shall see. However, we are ready for him. Diapers stocked, clothes washed, bags packed. Everything is fairly "in order" at home, and we have very loose plans of who will watch the big boys while we are away at the hospital ~ depending on the time of day, and day of the week, of course! (4 PM on a Friday would be a lovely time...ha, ha)
I love feeling Little Man's movements, squirms, and jabs. At times they are uncomfortable physically, yes, but emotionally comforting and something special between me and him all at the same time! I love that I don't have to share him yet, that we are learning all about each other before he enters this big world. My heart is so full, and I cannot wait to meet him and see his sweet face, and get to know his personality on the outside. Well...I can wait, like I said above, I'm not getting impatient ~ I've never been one of those women who "so over being pregnant". Hence....3 babies in 38 months, right? Ha, ha! Don't get me wrong, I do my fair share of complaining and being grumpy, and uncomfortable ~ but I try not to give those thoughts/feelings too much weight in the grand scheme of things. I look forward to this baby making his appearance in His perfect timing, on special day.

***

I have been seriously considering and researching full-time cloth diapering for our family. I have purchased 9 g.diapers and found some really great cloth inserts (that I'm impatiently waiting to be delivered!!) and cloth wipes, special laundry soap, and am looking at a fantastic sale on some really cute diapers found here and am ready to have cute diaper bums running around. But.....what if I hate it? What if I'm too exhausted or frazzled or lazy to stick to it? We tried CD'ing with our oldest (for about a month, and this was following an emergency c-section/recovery, and in the midst of new parenthood) but didn't stick to it. But now that I feel like I have the "hang" of parenthood (or something like that, LOL) and I have multiple children in diapers....it makes sense, right? I actually like doing laundry and I like how this option could help us reduce waste, and essentially be more green, and save us some money in the long run. I also know that I have to be flexible in any decision I make ~ meaning, I will use dispoables if and when I want to, or feel the need to, so that I don't burn myself out.
Not to mention the overwhelming choices and opinions of cloth diapers and all of the accessories and "necessities" to go with...oiy!

We are also in the midst of tightening down on our budget. This includes cost cutting, menu planning, coupon clipping, and possibly getting rid of our credit card. So many ideas and choices, again.....I supposed it's a process of trial and error to figure out what works best for us.

Okay, I've babbled on long enough....

Emotions

It's been a tough few days. Hmph ~ actually, this pregnancy has brought more ups and downs emotionally than either of my two previous ones. I'm grumpy and have mood swings - a LOT, I am sure my husband would agree! Grrr....I find myself short on patience frequently, and snapping over the tiniest things.
We started potty training Jacob last week. I mean that in a very loose way ~ I have no idea what I'm doing, and frankly, he seems to sense that. He's gone on the little potty once, in one week, and dozens of other times on the floor, the couch, chair, in his pants, etc. I can see him squirm, hold his privates, and run around - all the while holding in his pee, then refuses to sit on the potty and/or go there. Yesterday I put a diaper back on him to give us both a rest. I know there is no "right" or "wrong" way to do this, but wow...it's exhausting! I feel tied down, stuck, and it feels like we will never get there. I realize that these are irrational statements, and that no kid has ever graduated from high school in diapers, but geesh~
So I'm getting frustrated over things that are pretty much out of my control. I guess it's a natural part of pregnancy ~ and typical (for me) for this point too. I remember feeling overwhelmed by "the future" with my other two. This time it's...."how will I care for 3 young boys? how will I keep my sanity? How will I work? What will we do for daycare? Will we be able to...?" and on and on. Then the negativity comes in ~ circular thoughts on how much work all of this is, how I can never keep up, I'm slacking, I'm exhausted, etc. Satan sure has a way of sinking his claws & teeth in after he has a hold, doesn't he? WOW. It's a gripping, overwhelming feeling.
But....the Lord makes every morning new, doesn't He? Thank you, God, for that! What a sense of peace I have today. I know that the Lord is going to provide everything we need for our growing family ~ physically and emotionally. I just have to let go, and let Him do so!
I have tons more I could add, but for now.....we are off to get ready for pediatrician appts for the boys. Fun times!

3 years, 18 months, 30 weeks

Summer is here! It has been hot-hot-hot for the past week, making it interesting being pregnant. Regardless, we are enjoying time as a family and fun summer activities.

Last week, we spent a week in Nashville, TN, with Tim's brother, SIL and nieces. We had a blast! It was about 90 + humidity every single day, but it was pretty tolerable with breaks in the A/C and getting into the water (pool, sprinkler, misting fan, etc) daily. We went ot the Country Music Fest on Sunday, June 14 and saw: Jack Ingram, Montgomery Gentry, Miranda Lambert, John Rich, Sugarland, and Kenney Chesney. (I'm sure I'm missing one or two in there.....I'll have to look it up!). AWESOME show. Sugarland was a surprise guest, and they stole the show! We had a blast. Tim turned 30 on the 15th, so we continued the celebration with a low-key day, and cake with candles, of course.
The boys did great on vacation, but didn't sleep nearly as much as they should have. Due to the time change, they woke around 6:30 (or earlier) daily, and were up 'til around 9 PM or so every evening.....with a nap or two in between there, but still. YIKES. They did travel really well, as did the new van - very comfy!

I have said several times recently that I love the ages the boys are currently at ~ 3 years and 18 months (aside from a few tantrums here & there, of course). They are playing so well together, able to run and do things together, both indoors and out, and overall are so cute! Don't get me wrong - they are busy and exhausting, but well worth it!
Jacob has the memory of an elephant. He knows song lyrics, books, and remembers things that happened weeks ago! We are still approaching potty training (I think it's me that's not ready, not him) cautiously, but he is showing more interest in sitting on both the big toilet and his little potty. So is Wyatt, so maybe this will be a two-for-one deal :)

Jacob got a tricycle, a T-ball & batting set, a little card table and chairs, and a baseball mit and ball for his birthday ~ Tim said it was his best birthday ever! (not sure if he meant Jacob or himself, haha). Jacob is just about fearless when it comes to water ~ he will swim in large pools with floaties on, and can dunk himself under the water. He loves fountains and wastes no time getting wet. He would honestly stay in water (with the exception of the shower...not a fan!) from morning until night if he had anything to say about it!

Wyatt is Mr. Funny Man. He knows how to make you laugh, and loves performing for a crowd. When he is tired, he runs around in giant strides, then will stop and start turning in circles until he falls over. He is starting to get interested in books (and actually reading them!), loves to brush his teeth, and anything sweet (or food in general, he honestly acts like he never gets fed!). His hair is lighter than Jake's and is curly ~ and eyes just as blue as his big bro. He is interested in babies, and recently, has proven himself to be more gentle around them. Whew! Wyatt is also more cautious around the water. He had a few dunk-under instances on vacation and has since not been as interested in submerging himself, even in the bath. He does, however, love the shower!

I am feeling relatively good these days ~ today I am 30 weeks and 2 days. This little boy seems relatively calm, though he is pretty active throughout the day (and occasionally the night). He has hiccups about 4 times a day. He reminds me, in many ways, of Jacob. No. 3 is waaaaay low in my belly, sometimes it feels like he is almost kicking my thighs. I have some swelling (especially at the end of the day), heartburn almost always, and am often out of breath. I am also exhausted much more recently ~ but who wouldn't be chasing after these boys? :) I am finding myself wanting to get things done (i.e. moving the boys in the same room, ordering diapers on sale, and putting the basement back together after the plumbers' work) ~ but all in the same day, weekend, and basically right.now. Nesting much? Hmmm....I am also anxious about being able to care for 3 young boys and give them all the attention & love they need. But I know those feelings are typical for this point in pregnancy, and that soon I will feel more confident & emotionally ready. At 30 weeks, I am close to the end, but can't quite see the light at the end of the tunnel =)

Okay, off to get myself & Jacob breakfast, while Wyatt continues to sleep. Better get a move on early, as today is gonna be another hot one!

On Raising Boys

Lots of new and exciting news on Baby #3 front!

We are 20 weeks as of tomorrow, and on Friday, April 10, we found out the gender = BOY!
I am still coming to grips with the fact that I will be a mother to three, let alone three BOYS! There is going to be lots of wrestling matches, couch jumping, and trips to the ER in our house. I can surely sympathize with my MIL, who raised four boys...the woman is a saint for sure.

At the ultrasound, we found out our third son is healthy and happy and right on track for a due date of September 3, 2009. The tech was able to tell the gender without much effort, and it was in the back of Tim's and my mind that we saw "the goods" on screen up close and personal. We've seen an ultrasound or two in the last few years :) The tech put the gender results in a sealed envelope, which we promptly opened in the parking lot! I have felt for the last few weeks that this baby was a BOY, and my thoughts were confirmed via that slip of paper. From the pictures, he looks just like his big brothers.

Our third son does in fact have a name, but will remain untyped and unannounced until his debut later this summer. We are thrilled with the ability to get to "know" him for the next several months, call him by name, and bond in a more tangible way this time around.

We announced Number 3's gender (shall we call him "Trey" for now? I need a nickname!) to our families on Easter Sunday - April 12 - while hosting dinner at our house. We even got to have Chris, Liz, Hannah & Sophie on Skype to see their reaction. I believe Chris's words were, "I say it's a boy as the day is long..." HA! Other than that, the guesses were more than half for a girl.

Jacob & Wyatt are turning into fast friends. They are currently running around the living room, kitchen, and back again chasing each other, laughing and squealing. Jacob is saying, "come on Wyatt, let's go this way" and other sweet things to his little brother. It is amazing to see their relationship grow into friendship; I can only imagine (and pray!) that it will continue to strengthen with each passing moment.

Jacob will sit and "read" books for hours; he has an excellent memory and can recall most story books after reading it just once. He is starting to take more of an interest in Daddy doing things with him: changing him, reading with him, bathing, putting him to bed. He now will come up to us at random times, without being prompted, and say, "I love you Mommy" and give a hug. He is to turn three in June, and still has no interest in potty training. Oh well, in due time, I know!

Wyatt is our strong-willed, cuddle-bug. He is our little explorer, and our funny man. He loves to make people laugh. He can climb on to the couch, the bay window, the chairs. He can climb off our bed, and thinks he can get down the stairs face first! He loves to laugh, and Jacob makes him laugh the hardest. He says thank you to everything, without prompt ("dee doo"), and when appropriate. He has tons of energy, but knows his limits and often times "asks" to be put to bed - he will stand with his blanket and Guy and bang on his bedroom door until we take him in there for the night. He usually sleeps from 7 or 7:30 PM until (more recently it's been earlier! Eeek!) 7:00 AM.
Tim and I are trying to come to grips that our 15 month old will be a big brother in a few short months!

More to come, time to prepare the rest of dinner for my guys!

12 weeks, 5 days

Seriously? It should be called late afternoon/early evening/night sickness. And it surely doesn't "magically" disappear at 12 weeks. But I already knew this, somewhere in the midst of my "pregnancy amnesia". Blech.

I had a 12 week ultrasound last week. It was amazing! You could see that sweet little baby in there - wiggling, kicking, and hiccuping (yes, it's true - isn't that crazy?!) all over the place. The baby wasn't cooperating for the nuchal fold test (measures the thickness of the neck, looks for Down Syndrome/other genetic markers or neural tube defects - praise God all looks healthy and well!) so I had to lay on my side after drinking some cranberry juice. The baby then proceeded to go nuts! Ha, ha. But most definitely an awesome appointment - the halves of the brain were visible, the little heart beating away, arms, legs, tooth buds, ears, eyes, etc.

I got some really great pictures - to which Jacob promptly called the baby a "Baby Pumpkin". I still don't think he understands that there is a baby in my belly, and that his little world is gonna change yet again, but we keep dropping hints here and there!

I had my 12 weeks appointment today. All is well - got to hear the heartbeat after some searching by Dr. Lacoste - she says the Baby was moving all over the place, and mostly we heard movement. HA.

Okay, off to bed to get a break from this nausea.....iiiicck.

Because I never want to forget

We enjoyed breakfast and a lazy morning together as a family. Tim & I were drinking coffee (a bonus for me, b/c normally these days I can hardly tolerate the smell of it! Oh how I miss my coffee...), the boys had just eaten and were starting to play. Tim was playing music through i.tunes and turned on Bach. Wyatt started dancing to it. HA! I mean, the kid loves to "shake his booty" to just about anything (church music, slow songs, etc.) but Bach is definitely new! So funny.

Wyatt started taking his first steps this week - at almost 14 months old. Tonight was the first time he took more than 1 at a time! He seems indifferent to it right now, but I'm sure soon it will become a bigger deal.

I enjoyed some "me" time today - church, lunch & a movie with a friend while Daddy stayed home with the boys, even being sick! I love my husband - he is a trooper! The dishes were done, there was evidence of some major organization of the basement, the kids were clean and fed, and were SO excited to see me! Tim said he was so relieved when I got home. It's so nice to be appreciated. Love them!

I am also feeling Baby #3 move. I think I started feeling him or her a few weeks ago, at random, but now I'm feeling bigger movements (okay, bigger for the size of this kid at the moment - it's all relative, right?) and some that are defintiely noticeable. 11 weeks, 4 days today. Starting to (maybe) see the light at the end of the tunnel for sickness & fatigue. Still in regular clothes, but pants are certainly more restricting - but I most certainly was wearning all maternity pants at this stage with Wyatt, so that's new for me anyway.

Anyway, enough ramblings for tonight. Goodnight!

PS. Prease pray for L and her family - they are truly struggling with so many areas of their lives. Most of all, the need to know the Lord and His unconditional love...

updates all around

We are 11 weeks into pregnancy #3 - time is a flyin'!

"Morning" sickness, not-so-much. Late afternoon and early-evening sickness, YES. I guess that is not totally all true - I feel pretty icky all day long, it just seems to get worse right before dinnertime. Exhaustion definitely is a huge trigger too. I'm puking about 2-3 times per week, always at night and mostly after brushing my teeth (of course).

I am wanting to eat: cheese, bagels, pastas, baked potatoes, egg salad, and cheddar and sour cream potato chips. I have a big aversion to coffee (sniff, sniff!) and mint right now, so I'm chewing watermelon gum and using bubble gum toothpaste. The other night, at 8:30 PM, I cooked corn on the Cobb. Yes, seriously. In February, at that. But it was delicious! I am looking forward to warmer weather and yummy produce season. I am going to seriously do my best to try not to gain 60 + lbs with this pregnancy....that means lots of exercise and not as much eating this time! This will be healthier on both me and the baby and increase my chances for another VBAC delivery. (Jacob was delivered by emergency c-section, Wyatt by VBAC - I definitely prefer the latter!)

We have told all of our family, most of our friends, and Tim has told his work. I plan on telling my work this week or next, and then hopefully we can share with our small group soon. We have friends (in the small group) that are currently in the middle of an IVF cycle, and we didn't want to be intrusive. I'm trying to be extra sensitive to my friends who struggle with infertility. I am aware that there is no delicate way around it.


The boys are doing great!

Wyatt is 13 1/2 months, and still cruising around the furniture. He has 6 teeth, and is working on a few more. He has had his haircut a few times, and is turning into a great sleeper (8 PM -7:30 AM, or is that just today's fluke?)! We stopped nursing a few weeks ago, pretty flawlessly, though it was tougher on him than it was Jacob.

Jacob is working his way toward 3 at a rapid pace, carrying on conversations and loves to talk on the phone. He LOVES his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He gets really excited to see any or all of them! He can recognize almost all of the alphabet letters, both in order and out of order.
We (Tim & I) are starting to think about the process of potty training, but I'm fairly certain Jacob's not physically ready to start the process. He is showing some of the signs, but not all. I am starting to do my research, as potty training seems like a pretty intimidating subject!

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of my precious family. You have blessed me immensely; I am overwhelmed by your grace.

New Life

8 weeks, 5 days.
Due September 2, 2009.
3 babies in 38 months.
WOW - I'm pregnant.
Again.
(Surprise!)

I had a positive HPT on January 8, 2009 - I held the news to myself for 12 hours, through work, and after our guests (SIL, nieces, cousin) left for the evening. I simply blurted it out to my husband this time - no fancy cards or gifts. It was 11:30 PM, and he was just turning out the light for bed - I showed him the test and started laughing & tearing up. Talk about an adrenaline rush! We talked and laughed until about 2:30 AM - no rest for the weary.

Since, it has been a whirlwind few weeks - of nausea, vomiting, fatigue, oh and taking care of two busy boys! I am doing my best to just let the house, the laundry, and everything else go....thankfully I don't care too much, either.

Today was my first OB appointment with Dr. L. Based on my LMP, I should be around 12-13 weeks, but according to the ultrasound, I am 8w5d (thanks to breastfeeding).

3 babies in 38 months. Crazy, no?

I've always said I would love a September baby and that I needed to "not have a big gap in my kids' ages" ~ well, here ya go! God has a sense of humor. Thank you, Lord, for this precious gift. We look forward to this new sweet addition in our family. Please help us be the best parents to him/her that we possibly can be.

I still have to inform my brothers, SILs, and grandma. Not to mention work, friends, small group....

But first, sleep.

Sleep, sleep, sleep.