Caleb's birth story

So now that my sweet boy is almost 5 months old, I have finally sat down in order to write his birth story.

I convinced my doctor to induce me a week early since I just couldn't wait any longer to see my sweet baby boy, and I was completely over being pregnant! I was swollen from head to toe, we had just moved to a new town, still had no house, all of our furniture was in our old house (including the nursery furniture) but I wanted this boy here! So he agreed to induce me September 27th at 9:00 PM.

As Ryan and I drove to Midland Memorial, I got a phone call from labor and delivery telling me they had no room. Now if you know me I don't really like for plans to change once they had been made, so I informed the nurse that we were already half way there and we WOULD be coming to have a baby tonight! We got to the hospital and had to wait for about an hour and finally made it to our room. It is now 10:00 PM. I was thinking okay here we go, I'm going to get this medicine, the contractions are going to start, get my epidural and boom baby time....boy was I mistaken! Contractions began slowly and the pain started increasing it was a VERY long night of walking around labor and delivery with Ryan. By 9:00 AM September 28th I just couldn't take the pain any more and I received my first epidural (yes I did say my first).

After I got the epidural, I finally slept for a couple of hours. Then wait, wait, wait, slowly slowly I progressed and finally that evening around 6:00 PM Dr. Grose came in and broke my water. I received what was suppose to be another epidural because the first one had worn off by this time, however, this one wasn't done correctly and didn't take. After an hour of pretty intense pushing Caleb was born at 8:50 PM September 28. Man 22 hours of labor....WORTH EVERY MINUTE! Caleb was 7 lbs 21 1/4 inches long and just precious! He has forever changed our lives and made us love in a way we never thought possible! Recovery was very easy and we were actually released to go home the next evening!

Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store....

One of my all time favorite Christmas movies is How the Grinch Stole Christmas and my favorite line in the whole movie is "Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store, maybe just maybe it means something more". As I finished up my Christmas shopping and got excited about all the things I had gotten for Caleb and for Ryan, I had a wave of guilt overcome me. There are so many families out there that can't find the money for the next meal and here I am buying meaningless junk. I pray that I can instill the values in my son that make him grow up and realize that Christmas means something more than just the gifts. I know that he is just 2 1/2 months old right now and he really can't understand much of what happens around him, but I still worry that I am not good enough for him and that I won't do enough to lead him in the direction of Christ. I am reminded this Christmas season of a wonderful mother who is now in Heaven. How I wish she was still here for me to send a quick email to and receive back her encouraging words for a first time mom. I pray that I can have the same legacy in my children that she has so strongly left in her three!
The opportunity has come into my heart to teach children's choir at our church. I feel strongly that this is something I need to volunteer my time to take on and lead this. However, I also have an overwhelming fear that I won't be what the children need, that I will somehow let them and their parents down. I have never lead nor helped with children's choir before so I will be relying very heavily on God and praying that he use me in this position to draw these children closer to him. As I finish up this brief moment of silence as my precious son naps I want to mention a verse that was spoken on today in church, Revelation 21: 4 "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." I am so lucky to get the privilege of watching my son grow and change and I pray for the family of the mother I mentioned earlier. May they keep their faith in God this season as the upcoming anniversary of their mothers death looms.

Merry Christmas!

My Love

Welcome to the world my little sweet heart! Born September 28, 2011 7:40 PM 7 LBS 21 1/4 inches long! Ryan and i love him so much our hearts swell with all the blessings God has given us! We are moving into our home next week and we can't wait for what the future holds for our new family (hopefully he doesn't grow too fast!)

For the first time in my life I am not ready for what's next I am content and so peaceful with my life and what has become of Ryan & I and our relationship! Words cannot describe how having a baby changes you inside and out! I love you sweet Caleb!

Big Day!

So today is a big day for our family! I have been scheduled to be induced at 9 PM tonight! I am praying for a healthy baby boy, a smooth delivery, and a quick delivery! Before we head over to Midland we will be having a quick baby shower from some very sweet ladies here in Seminole! Ryan and I are so very blessed to be surrounded by people who love us and love Caleb already!

On top of all this that is spinning around in my head we put an offer in on a house and got back a counter offer. We still aren't satisfied with their counter so we are searching to find what we should do next...You might say it's going to be a bit of a stressful day! I keep trying to set my eyes on the end prize which is holding Caleb and finally getting to kiss his little nose!

I know that God has a perfect house for us I am just praying that we can clear our minds and hearts and really listen to what He is telling us! I can't wait to start our life with Caleb and our new home!

Here goes nothing!

Tomorrow is the big move! I can't believe we are moving with me being 35 weeks pregnant! We will drive half way to Dallas tomorrow afternoon ( that's about 5 hours away from here), and then the additional 5 hours to Seminole on Saturday! I hope we can find a home and sell our home here before baby Caleb comes, but things don't always work out the way we hope! All I know is that I am going to have a beautiful baby boy this fall and that makes everything else just seem menial! Ryan starts his new job on Tuesday, I really hope he's happy and enjoys his new working environment! I can't wait to start our new chapter together, he's going to be such a great daddy! I am going to post a few of our maternity pictures that we took. The amazing Mandy Bonds is to thank for these wonderful pics!

Giveaway time!!

One of my favorite blogs is having an awesome Twisted Twine give away! Hop on over to the blog and follow the directions for your chance to win!!!

http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/2011/08/bonus-giveaway-twisted-sugar-twine.html

Picture Window

Well I have finished it....almost...all that's lacking are pictures of my sweet baby boy!

Before

Why I made it in the first place!