Olivia Michelle--6 Months

 She turns into such a character when the camera comes out!

Wiggles everywhere!

"Can I have that, mom?!"

LOOK, just look at the rolls all over! AH! So much goodness.

These eyes:

So much beauty, so much sweetness.

And look at her right cheek. She has her Daddy's dimple. 

I'm telling you, it slays me.

Olivia Michelle

Baby is here, and she is wonderful!

On March 6th, I woke up at 4am with contractions ever 10-20 minutes. 

As the day went on they stayed consistent enough to know that I was in labor.

By 3pm things were getting intense enough that I was ready to head to the hospital.

and here I am still on the easy end of things...

When we got to the hospital at 3:30, I was only dilated to 3.5cm. 

That was a little discouraging, but away from home and not feeling like I wanted to get all.the.things done, I was able to relax and let labor do it's work.

By 5:30, contractions were noticeably more intense and I was dilated to 5cm.

That was also when my water broke! I was pretty excited, because with Ava and Lucy the doctor had broken my water.

Things progressed very quickly after that!

At 7:30 contractions changed again, becoming longer, closer together, and harder to easily breathe through.

It was taking a good bit of concentration to hold control. I figured I was in transition, and Dr. McCarville must have figured the same thing.

At 8:20 he decided to check my progress. The next thing I heard was, "Okay, it's time to push!"

I had a breather in between contractions, and when the next one came I started pushing. Then another crazy thing happened-I just kept pushing! One mighty push with some deep breaths caught here and there, and my sweet third daughter made her appearance!

There were tears and laughter from Scott and I as we met our new little girl.

So beautiful and perfect!

 She even has a dimple in her right cheek!

 And a ton of long, dark hair!

Olivia means "Peace"

Michelle means "Who is Like God"

Now we are home and settling in to Life with Baby. 

Much love from all of us to you!

38 weeks

Here ya go, now that I'm almost 39 weeks!

At least the picture was taken on time...

32 Weeks

Zachary Ryan

My oh-so-sweet little nephew arrived this morning at 6:25am!

8lb. 14oz

21 inches long.

And oh-so-handsome.

36 hours of labor (my sister is some kind of superhero).

Ava couldn't stop being excited to meet him.

"We're going to see my new baby!"

She loves him.

Her favorite part was holding Ryan. 

(That was my favorite part too.)

 Lucy gave him lots of kisses.

 My dad with his grandchildren. 

(Looking all at the same time is always optional. Besides, isn't it better to get the real moment?)

Lucy wanted to touch the baby. She was very gentle.

My brother Titus is missing, but otherwise my family and our kids!

And folks, with his eyes wide open, the man of the hour:

Welcome to our family, Ryan!

I love you.

8 Weeks

Baby has a strong heartbeat, and is officially due March 1st!

This week...

has been crazy. Ava started running a fever on Tuesday night, and by today was such a mess that we decided to visit Dr. Renze. Miss Ava has Influenza B, so while she does not feel better, at least we know why she is sick, and hopefully the medicines will help (especially for her to sleep), and we are trying to get a lot of fluid in her.

...............................................................

A fun highlight this week: I hit the 31 week tomorrow, and I actually took a picture of the baby bump! This is definitely second child syndrome kicking in-I had a picture every month with Ava, and this baby has had two whole photos intentionally taken of him/her so far. But I love every inch of this child, and I'm glad I don't need pictures to prove that. :)...........................................................................................

So, while our plans have shifted, and suddenly we remember why sleep is a gift and special privilege to parents, we are learning even more about patience and flexibility. One thing in particular is standing out to me right now: My hubby made a point of being extra sweet tonight, and that spoke volumes after a very tiring day. Wow. The way he ministered to me without second thought was special and sweet-and I saw the tremendous value in going out of one's way to do something ordinary in an extraordinary way. Thank you, darling, for being such a wonderful head of this home and showing such love. You are fantastic.

Sweet Baby

April 29th

...is the "new due date".
November 14th is in no way forgotten...and I'm wondering what sort of new emotions will hit me as I reach the due date of my last baby, pregnant with #3.
And when people ask if "this is #2"...it's easier to just say yes. There are many of you that know what I mean.

I am excited about this baby. I can't express the overwhelming thankfulness that grips me at times, knowing I have a life inside me. What a precious gift!

Thank you, Lord, for Your blessings. They are marvelous and good!

She's 9 Months Old

Sweet Little One

After 15 weeks of pregnancy, I described it as this: "I finally just stopped fighting what was happening, relaxed and let the pain do its work. I stopped fighting what God was allowing, and surrendered my baby completely to Him, knowing that my child would be with Him, and I will meet my baby someday."

I'm absorbing the impact of missing someone so deeply that I never met, never felt, never heard. Last night I sat in bed and thought that I should go take something for my heartburn. Then I realized that I didn't have any...and I cried to my husband that I never thought I would miss heartburn, ever. I felt sadness as I easily buttoned my jeans, and looked at my BellaBand, now sitting forlornly with my other maternity clothes.

Where there is sadness, there is always a greater purpose. At the end of my day, at the end of my tears, at the end of my thoughts, there is this: hope. God has given me endless hope, and endless peace in everything. I will see my baby someday, and I am thankful for that. I am also thankful for the empathy I have gained for other women through this, and I am thankful that I can have more understanding and love for others because of this. God works all things together for good for those who love Him, and he bring joy renewed ever morning! Great is His faithfulness!

Endless thanks go out to those who have lifted us up in prayer and have poured out their support and love to us. I only pray that I can give back in my lifetime.

Blessings to you, and love and peace through the Lord Jesus Christ.

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks. For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

So Much Cuteness!

Now tell me, how would you caption this photo?

Peekaboo!

My big girl loves to sit up. Her Boppy facilitates this well. So, I let her enjoy and I work around the room, keeping an eye on her and enjoying her cheerful company.

I laughed when I realized what the view was from behind the loveseat...

"Hi, Ava!"

She got all excited...and my heart melted a little. Okay, so I was a pile of mush with that grin directed at me. Oh, have I mentioned that she loves teddy bears??? Loves them.

"Hello, my Baby, Hello, my Darlin'..."

I just had to get some pictures. We are both in pink, and she is my sweetest baby. *wink* Enjoy.

I said, "smile!" She winced. Nice.

I said, "smile!", and she stared. Oh, how I love those big blue eyes...

Her huge smile...the way she tries to eat her entire fist...
Squeaky is #2 in my book! (Her Daddy is #1.)