Week 1

I can't believe you are 9 days old today. I can hardly keep up with all the changes you are going through. You have changed so much since we brought you home from the hospital. You are already filling out :) and I think you're longer too! We have taken over 1,000 pictures of you! I just can't help myself. I don't want to miss a thing.

You are eating like a champ and you are a great sleeper. I couldn't have asked for a better baby. We were discharged from the hospital on 11/30/12 and you wore the sweetest Kissy Kissy outfit. It was baby blue with smocking detail and a pretty stitched train on the outfit and hat. The hospital photographers got pictures of you in it before we left. I hope to have the pictures soon.

MiMa stayed home with us until Saturday. She was such a help especially as mommy transitioned through the baby blues. Thankfully they don't last long but do sneak up on you without warning. Then Granna came to visit from Saturday until Wednesday. It was so wonderful having an extra set of hands.  The laundry is already starting to pile up and I'm not thinking a shower is in the cards today ;) How could I leave that face?!?

The fridge is packed with food. Church members stopped by to drop off a yummy lasagna dinner. Granna made a lot of delicious food that we will be munching on for days and brought frozen dinners that will be easy to throw in the oven for next week.

You had your first appointment with the pediatrician. You did so well! You weighted 7# 15oz so you had already gained weight since being discharged (7# 11oz). Dr. Shawinsky gave us lots of advice about caring for you and child care for when I go back to work. I was excited when she told me that she recommends keeping you in the room with me until you're 6 months old. I don't want to give you up to the nursery yet!

Gassy smiles are my favorite!

We also went on our first family outing this week. We went to see the James Island Christmas lights. We dropped the pacifier getting out of the car and you immediately wanted it back. Slight meltdown by the time we got to the edge of the parking lot. I panicked and wanted to run back to the car and go home. "We tried, that counts!" But Daddy ran to the bathroom, rinsed off the bink and you settled down soon enough.

I love every little thing about you. I take pictures of you every day. I never want to put you down so I don't get much done but that's fine by me. I just want to soak up every second with you during this precious time. I am so sad about the idea of having to go back to work so I hope that changes as the day approaches. Once we have someone picked out to stay with you, I'm sure I'll feel much better.

You love baths! Especially having your hair washed...

You're stirring now so I'm going to tend to you. More to come...Love you Jack!

The Greatest Day of My Life

11/27/12

Jack, you arrived into our lives at 3:58pm. You were beautiful. You took our breaths away. We have never know such love was possible and all in an instant. There really is such a thing as love at first sight.

The day before you were born, I went for a drive and just enjoyed the last day before your big arrival with much anticipation. The fall leaves were gorgeous and the weather was beautiful. We listened to Christmas songs and I sang to you.

That night, after one last visit to Kickin' Chicken for cheese fries (our favorite food during pregnancy) daddy and I visited with Mima and Grandpa. They made you a beautiful craddle with rope detail that Aunt Kate and Uncle John helped build and stain. It was such a nice visit and everyone was so excited.

Around 10pm, daddy and I went to bed but we couldn't fall asleep. We were so excited to meet you. We spent a long time talking about what life would be like with you and all the things we hoped for you. After only four short hours of sleep, the alarm went off, telling us it was your birthday. Time to meet you.

We got to the hospital at 6:30. By 7:00, I was in my room, and by 7:30, we started induction with pitocin and Dr. Stickler broke my water. Labor was in full swing. The weather had changed, it was raining. A soft, calming rain. Daddy and I really enjoyed how nice and soothing the rain was.

You were such a good baby and handled everything so well. By 10:00, I was 6 cm dilated and full effaced. Time for the epidural. :) By 1pm we transitioned and by 3:00 we were ready to push. Mima and Granna had gone to let Sadie and Kramer out and I had to promise to wait until they got back to have you (not that I had any control over that) but you were such an angel, you waited so Mima could be there.

At 3:58 you took your first breath. It was so precious to hear that first cry. You were the most beautiful thing daddy or I've ever laid eyes on. After daddy cut your umbilical cord and I held you for a moment, they whisked you to the warmer. Mima was taking pictures the entire time.

You were big and healthy, 8# 4 oz and 22 1/4" long. I had worried you would be a little shrimp of a baby since I don't eat meat but apparently I had nothing to worry about. You were strong and healthy.

Granna, Papa, Grandpa, and Aunt Katie, came in to see you. Everyone took turns holding you and commenting on how much you favored your daddy. There was so much love in the room and all because of you. I'll remember that feeling forever.

There is nothing more beautiful or important that I could do with my life than to be your momma. It is the greatest thing I've ever known and I am so thankful that God trusted us enough to give us such a precious gift. I don't think I could ever take another day of life for granted. I look forward to spending my entire life watching you grow and become the person you are supposed to be. You and daddy are the loves of my life.

11/25/12 D-day

Well Jack, today is your due date. It was a gorgeous day. The sun was shining, it was 60 degrees, and it really feels like fall. There is hardly any humidity and the leaves are gorgeous. Your dad and I spent the day getting things done around the house and running errands. I have really enjoyed getting ready for you over the past week.

Yesterday I went to get a manipedi and enjoyed that so much. Your dad has been tending to his "daddy-do" list which includes hanging pictures, moving boxes, taking things to goodwill, packing the car, washing his car, etc. We are both so excited to meet you.

On Friday, we got our baby wagon, a beautiful Ford Explorer. It is black with navigation, leather interior, heated seats, a third row, and automatic everything. I love it. We are so looking forward to all the long trips we'll take it on to see grandparents, go to the mountains, tailgate, etc. It's just perfect and the first thing we did when we got home was put your car seat in. Now we're all ready for you.

Everyone is coming into town on Monday evening. We're scheduled for an induction on Tuesday. You seem to be taking your time getting here, which is fine with us, but our physician doesn't want you to go too long and it seemed easier to schedule the induction than to have to come back in for frequent checks, ultrasounds, etc. I keep thinking you'll come before Tuesday but that would only leave tomorrow.

Your room is all ready, the house is clean, and we are super excited to meet you. I was in your nursery today while on the phone with grandma. I don't think I'll ever be able to put you in it. It seems too far away from us.

Well that's all for now, I hope you are enjoying your last few days in there. You have the hiccups now and have been stirring all evening. I think you liked the big dinner I made for your dad. We had stuffing (with sausage for your dad's), mashed potatoes and gravy, roasted balsamic brussel sprouts, and apple-cranberry crumble.

I know I'll miss being pregnant with you so I'm trying to just really endulge in every move and wiggle. This has been a very easy pregnancy and really enjoyable for the most part. A little heartburn and nausea in the beginning is nothing to complain about. Your dad has been so wonderful, very encouraging and supportive the entire time. He is really excited for you to be here too. See you Tuesday, hopefully no later than Wednesday little Jack! We love you!

Thanksgiving 2012

Since baby Jack's arrival could be any day now, we won't be traveling for Thanksgiving. I'm a little sad to miss out on seeing everyone but I don't travel well anymore...i.e. I swell up like a puffer fish :) And since we could very well be birthing our little Thanksgiving turkey, Justin and I decided to lay low and have our own Thanksgiving dinner a little early. 

Brief side story: we had Justin's "coach present" (the watch) sized yesterday and joined Costo. I could write an entire blog on the Costo experience alone. We felt as if we were being inducted into a wholesale cult of sorts. It was an odd experience seeing food, electronics, clothes, you-name-it stacked to the ceiling and hundreds (literally) hundreds of people buzzing around carrying 5 gallon drums of mayo and 10 pound bags of Cheerios. We really did enjoy ourselves though. And had so many samples that we didn't even need to eat lunch. :)

Back to our Thanksgiving dinner. To make it extra special, we broke out the wedding china.

Mom bought glasses for my china last Christmas so we are finally able to enjoy entire place settings! They sparkle so pretty!

We came home and while Justin watched the Clemson vs NC state game, I made dressing, crock pot mac-n-cheese, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy, and rolls. I tried to talk Justin into getting a little rotisserie chicken at Costco but he wasn't interested. Either way, dinner was so yummy. 

You can guess which one was mine (the one with the milk). ;)

For dessert we enjoyed pumpkin cake and coffee. I was full as a tick and we'll have left overs (the best part) for days! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Ahoy matey!

It's been a while since the last post (I feel like I start every post that way) so there is a lot to share. We are t-7 days until baby Archie's due date, or D-day. :) Mom came down two weekends ago and we finished up registries and decorated the nursery. There is still a good bit to do with the nursery. I need to get a rug and a rocker but those things can definitely wait.

The changing table and night stand are below. We changed out a few of the knobs with pretty glass knobs that have old maps printed inside (if that makes sense). The chair will go in the corner where the end table is. The nautical flags are so cute. Just need to finish organizing the shelf above.

We got a wooden sailboat mobile for above the crib. It's hard to see in this picture but it makes the prettiest shadows on the wall.

Side view of the crib. We have wooden letters to spell Jack still left to hang and I'd like to find an old map of the Charleston waterway or harbor to frame and hang in his room too.

His shelf with all the pretty baskets, books, and Clemson piggy bank from uncle John.

 Aside from a few little accessories left to hang, the room is all ready for baby Jack. If it weren't raining, I'd be out walking the bridge :) Can't believe we are going to meet our fella in a matter of days!

Happy 60th Birthday Dad!

Today is my dad's 60th birthday!! We went to Aiken this weekend for a "burnin'" and a little Halloween party. Everyone had such a great time. He was on call and was called out for a robbery just before the party so we were a little anxious but it worked out perfectly. Dad got home just in time for us to have set up the decorations and food outside, for everyone to arrive in costume, and for Justin to get the fire started.

I brought my camera with the best intentions on getting great pictures but we were so busy enjoying on another's company, I completely forgot. Justin went as an angry bird. I went as a skeleton with a skeleton baby. Mom was a Clemson fan, Katie a witch, John was this big scary thing dressed all in black with red glowing eyes. I'm still not sure what he was but he scared Sadie (zombie cheerleader), Izzy (dinosaur), and Hunter (batman) to death. Lots of fun. Aunt Susan and Uncle Keith (Fred and Wilma) came too! They had the best costumes!

Around the fire we had big pots of chili, all the fixings, s'mores, dips, cupcakes, apple turnovers, etc. I haven't eaten that much in a long time! The kids loved making s'mores and did really well around the fire. I have to say I was really nervous with all that flammable material, especially with a dinosaur tail! I think Dad really enjoyed himself, I know I did. This year is going to be great...he'll go from "dad" to "grandpa" in a matter of weeks! Or day (wishful thinking) ;o)

Dad you're one of the greatest men I've ever known. I'm so thankful God saw fit to let you be my dad. I'm even more thankful that He's kept you safe through the years--you didn't make it easy for Him ;o)--so that we could enjoy all these moments with you. I hope this year is your best yet. Love you very much!

"Papa-Papa-Papa-Archie!"

Justin sang the above mentioned phrase "Papa Archie" to the tune of Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi" as he put together Jack's crib night before last (10/18/12). I have to admit, it was pretty funny. Not as funny as watching the faces he was making as he huffed and puffed with all the heavy lifting.

Things got tricky there for a moment as he tried to balance the springs on the car seat base while he screwed the springs into the crib. Just for the record, I offered to help...SEVERAL times. But "Papa Archie" wasn't hearing any of it. :)

At long last (well, really only 20 minutes) the crib was assembled. I have to say that a nursery looks like a nursery once the crib is up even if there isn't much else going on. I am so in love with Pottery Barn after purchasing the nursery furniture. The instructions were easy to follow, the crib was assembled in 20 minutes, it only took 12 screws (sometimes less is more), and it is gorgeous and super sturdy.

So is the rest of the furniture. The dresser/changing table arrived yesterday and plenty of other gifts and goodies keep rolling in.

Aunt Tara and Aunt Britt had the sham embroidered and sent the cutest fabric boat basket.

And last, but not least, let's take a look at the dining room, shall we?

Yes, this is ALL for Jack. This collection of baby paraphernalia continues down the hallway. He is such a loved baby and he isn't even here yet. :) But he will be soon. Only 5 weeks and 2 days left but I keep telling Justin I think Jack will be early or maybe that is just wishful thinking since sometimes I feel like I'm going to deliver this baby with every step. We'll have to wait and see!