An Easter Baptism

Clayton was baptized today. A very special moment. He waited until today to do it because he wanted some of his extended family to be here for the celebration. Ronnie's parents and brother were able to share in this special occasion, along with several of our church friends. Ronnie and his dad actually baptized Clay. No words really to express how I felt watching it. The last 12 days have provided me with two incredibly treasured memories. My heart is full.

The Day Before

The day before Elena was born, I had a routine weekly OB appointment. We discovered I was not any further along than the week prior (much to my dismay). The doctors had previously discussed inducing at 39 weeks (which I now was), but lots to consider and be careful with with a prior c-section patient. I was first told, no induction under any circumstance because of my previous section, but I talked with a doctor during my 35th week that presented me with some different information and some good reasons to potentially induce. At 39 weeks, I fit those "good" criteria. Baby was head down, head was very low, possibly engaged which drastically reduces the likelihood of it flipping back to breech and also reduces other risk factors like a cord prolapse which is more likely in a woman with multiple pregnancies when the head is not low and engaged.

So....we decided to take advantage of baby's good position and further the odds of a successful VBAC. The nurse left to check with the doctor regarding scheduling of the induction. I was still a bit skeptical at this point because the week before I was told I had to make it to 3 cm on my own because no Pitocin for a prior c-section gal....blah, blah, blah....just lots to consider. Anyway, when the nurse came back in and asked, "How does April 12th sound for a birthday?" I was shocked.
"Tomorrow?!" was all I could say. Thought if this really did go through, it would at least be several days away. Nope; just a few short hours.

I called Ronnie on the way out and asked him if he was ready. Like either of us had a choice about this birth thing. It was going to happen soon enough if not the next day! Anyway, we got our friend, sitter, and brother-in-law in place to watch the other kids, snapped a few last photos together of our "little" family, and went out to dinner to celebrate.

I also planned to sleep that night, but that's not so easy when you know you're having a baby the next day. :)

Introducing Elena Grace

OK, so no more promises! But here she is....and lots of her!

Elena Grace was born on April 12th at 12:14 pm. She weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces, and measured 19.5 inches. We love her terribly already.

Her birth was special. She is perfect. Four feels unexpectedly wonderful to me.

Our first few days at home have been very good. Elena is such a peaceful and content newborn. The adjustment for the other kids has been surprisingly uneventful. The boys are totally smitten with their new baby sister and Gabriella is proving to be quite the little mama to "Baby Na-na" already.

We are blessed. So very blessed. Thank you, Lord, for another beautiful healthy baby, a safe delivery, and your plan and creation of this amazing family.

Baby Ticker is Gone! SHE's here!

I just removed the Baby Ticker. That was kind of weird. Feels like it's been there forever and to see ONE day left until my due date. Surreal. Even more surreal has been holding our newborn daughter these last four days. I love her with a depth I just can't explain. Pictures coming this afternoon! I promise!

Still Pregnant....Some Progress (Take 2)

I wrote a post yesterday with the latest update and then somehow, unknowingly, deleted it. So here's the abridged version sans photo since I'm short on time.

As of yesterday morning, 2 cm dilated, 50% effaced, baby still head down. We wait....continue to wait! There was talk of an induction next week if I had made it to 3 cm, but since I haven't, we stay the course. Truthfully, I'm feeling better about this scenario. We'll see how much longer s/he holds out. Definitely been a little trickster so far!

Last weekend was hard. The pain and exhaustion really caught up with me and by Monday, was completely drained. Finally got a decent night's sleep on Sunday and Monday and have a renewed sense of peace about God's timing. Had some great prayer time this morning and have been savoring this day with my two youngest. The routines that we've developed over the last few months will soon be altered and I so enjoyed the one-on-one time I had with T and G today. Always do, but I realized how much I treasure it today. And even loved my one-on-one time with my unborn one as s/he hiccuped for a long time this morning before I got up. So amazing to experience life like that.

Baby, ready when you are! We adore you and can't wait to stare into your eyes and hold you very soon! A treasure, you are.

3 Weeks

Yes, three weeks to go. I'm officially full-term tomorrow, so I'm thinking that's a great day for a baby. Or even today! I feel....done; overdone to be exact! Ready to go. Ready to not be pregnant anymore (although I constantly remind myself I'm likely going to miss this someday.) Truly, I'm just so ready to meet this little one. This one's just felt different all the way through. Probably because he/she was a surprise gift from the beginning. There just feels more of an element of surprise to this precious life and I'm dying to see and hold him or her. Reminding myself lots that it's all in His timing....and soon enough. (Yes, I will be saying that over and over and over again!) :)

I think all is pretty much prepared. We completed our powder room remodel a couple weeks back and I love it! Didn't think I could love a powder room so much! I'm regretting not having taken a before photo 'cause I sure love the after! Yesterday, we finished getting Gab's new furniture completely set up and her old nursery set moved into the baby's room. I haven't ordered any new bedding yet (should we need it), but I'll probably just hold off until we meet this little son or daughter. Ronnie set up our new double stroller today (love it so far) and two new rocking chairs should be arriving in the next 10 days. I've washed all the windows upstairs and washed and ironed the curtains in our bedroom and the boys' (just have needed to do that for a long, long time.) Have a smattering of boys' clothes and girls' clothes washed, along with boppy pillows, and the infant car seat padding. Anything else? I'm sure, but really just feels like we're missing a babe!

At this point, I guess holding out for another two days won't be such a bad thing. We have tickets to see Michael W. Smith tomorrow night. He was the first concert I ever went to. We're taking Clay with us. Expecting it to be wonderful.

Baby and Gaby

Baby is head down!! Yay!! Yay!! Yay!!

And this adorable little girl who now cheeses every time we take a picture of her turned 18 months old today! I guess I'm glad she's getting older with another one soon to be here, but seriously, where has the time gone?