More Pics

I thought I would post these pictures that David chose to send out to family - all the narrations are from David.

Spencer is about 25 minutes old (born in the water again, same exact tub that Ashlyn was born in although new location of birthing center). I chose this picture to show his bubba lips although they don't really seem to be like that anymore. Maybe the process of birth gave him natural effects of Botox.

Kylie is just busting at the seams to see her new baby brother. She ran out into the garage and was trying to look up at the car seat in the van but he was just out of sight for her to see, so I had Kylie go inside so I could video tape her and Ashlyn see their brother for the first time.

The second time Kylie and Ashlyn seeing their brother since the night he came home (about 20 hours old). Kylie is still groggy from throwing up, laying on the couch, and Ashlyn is looking at him as if to say "...who does this cracker think he is... I'll eat him for breakfast".

Spencer just over 24 hours old.

The Birth

Birth #3 was nothing like any of the others, so it threw me for a loop. I normally have the "textbook" labors, not this one. I awoke at 1:30 am Monday morning quivering from head to toe and could not stop - I tried walking, lying, David massaging, everything. I thought, "Oh, my gosh, am I in transition and never had a contraction?" I called my midwife, our friends who were going to watch the girls and our doula and we were ready to go to the birthing center. An hour later, after our friends arrived and we had spoken with the midwife and doula, the quivering stopped and I finally could time my contractions. They were only 10 minutes apart and 30 seconds long. Our friends spent the rest of the sleeping hours on our couch and everyone went back bed, including myself.

I was able to sleep until 7:30. Normally during this stage of labor, I want to be active - running errands, walking, etc. -, but all I wanted to do was sit. I went in and out of feeling hungry, feeling sick, quivering, having contractions - nothing was consistent, so I was not convinced I was in labor. I already had an appointment set for 11 am, so waited until them to go in. Much to my disappointment, I was only 4 cm, but the contractions had gotten more intense and closer together. We were told to get something to eat and come back. I was planning on going in with David, but the contractions were too intense, I stayed in the car and worked through them.

Upon returning at 12:15, she checked my again and, disappointingly, I was a 5, but she could feel my bag of water. I labored on the bed, on the ball, on the floor and nothing was comfortable, so I finally got into the tub. It was wonderful! Of course, the contractions were intense, but I could not imagine feeling them "on land", the buoyancy of the water took away so much pressure.

Finally, at 3:25 I was ready to push - it seemed like a lifetime (I was hoping for a 30 minute birth like Katy:)). 12 minutes later, Spencer David was out and on my chest. He was beautiful - he is beautiful - and sweet from the get go. We love him and are so excited to finally have him here.

I am so grateful for David, he made me feel strong and encouraged me the whole way - I could not have done it without him.

Labor and birth is an absolute amazing experience.

Baby Boy has arrived!!!!

Born Monday, July 21 at 3:37 pm - 8 lbs. 12 oz, 21 inches long. No name yet. Details coming soon...

Happy 5th Anniversary to Us!

July 18th marked our 5th year anniversary. Wow! 5 years! We had a great time celebrating it. David had told me for months to not worry about it or plan anything - something that is difficult for me. I tried to shove it from my mind and leave it all up to him. Needless to say, he did not disappoint.

Our weekend get-a-way began by dropping the girls off at Jared (David's brother) and Happy's house - a HUGE thanks to them especially since Ashlyn was not feeling her best. Then, he whisked me off to dinner at
where we reminisced about the last 5 years - all the changes and things we learned (and are still learning). We then returned to our humble abode and enjoyed an evening of peace and quiet where I opened my present:

(I have been wanting one forever!).

Saturday, we tried to sleep in, but, of course, I had a workout itch and David has an internal alarm clock that doesn't allow him to sleep past 8. Upon arriving home from the gym, I was met with a delicious breakfast and great conversation!

Continuing on with the celebration, we went to St. Augustine for a day at the spa. Well, David ran errands while I was pampered with an hour massage and pedicure.

We arrived back home around 4:30 pm where I was forbidden to enter the kitchen, so what better to do than go shopping at Target alone. The aroma that filled the house when I returned home, was to die for. Here was what was on the menu: Lamb Loin Chops, Cheese Dip on baguette slices, Savory Yam Souffle, Vichyssoise and Strawberry Soup for dessert - all made from scratch by no other than David himself.

It was all delici! We were able to enjoy this wonderful dinner alone (again, thanks Jared and Happy!).

You are probably thinking that this was all unfair to David, but he received 5 gifts from me - one for each year - and he said it was fun to plan and watch me enjoy it all. I am so grateful for a wonderful husband and look forward to celebrating many other anniversaries (maybe not so elaborately) in years to come!

Showering baby boy

A great, big thank you to all those who put together and attended (some in body, some in spirit:)) the shower for our baby. A fun time was had by all especially me particularly as my sisters ambushed me with kisses, not something I am fond of (maybe I can get a copy of that picture to post)! Oh, and I am not that huge in real life - it is the shirt. I think I need a professional photographer to place me where my best angle is shown off; I am convinced there has got to be at least one good side.

Stuck!

"Stuck, stuck, stuck!" Those were the cries of poor little Idget, who was just trying to get in her baby's stroller.

What a difference 10 days makes!

Can you tell which one is most recent (i.e. lower)?