A Whole Lotta Love

A Birth Story

Our beautiful little girl entered the world on Friday, May 13th, at 7:01pm. After several weeks of teasing, I didn't believe the contractions I was experiencing on Friday would be any different. At only 8 minutes apart, I thought she would make her debut the next day. But as I said earlier, this little one was sure to have a mind of her own. While picking up big brother & sister at "school", my water broke, and that was the beginning of her special day.

As I entered the hospital at 5pm, I had dilated to 3cm. Within the hour, I dilated to 5cm and then quickly to 9cm. No time for an epidural, which meant relying on controlled breathing & relaxation techniques. My method of relaxation = drugs. I was not prepared for this old-fashioned, barbaric way of giving birth. But to see that sweet, sweet face, it was all worth it.

Stats:

8lbs 1oz
19.5 inches long

brand new...

warming up under the heat lamp...

my precious family...

proud big brother...

sleeping beauty...

going home...

snuggling with Grandma...

chubby cheeks...

more snuggles with Mimi...

hanging out with PawPaw...

40 weeks, 10 months, 280 days

Our sweet little bundle is due on Friday. This Friday. Friday, May 13th. What does this mean? I will officially be 40 weeks pregnant. 40 weeks, y'all... Oh...My...Goodness... 40 weeks & still no baby. She is simply not ready. She is comfy & cozy. If I had to guess, she is a little on the stubborn side, too!

With all that said, Dr. Sam has scheduled an induction on Tuesday, May 17th, if she hasn't made an appearance. Something else to note about May 17th -- a full moon. Coincidence?

Cinco de Mayo & Beyond

On Cinco de Mayo, we were able to celebrate Papa's birthday at the Country Club. We enjoyed a great dinner and great weather, while sitting outside on the balcony. The kids were even able to play a little on the golf course.

posing...

ball girl...

Papa's little helpers...

a tired girl not wanting her picture made...

Q with Mimi & Papa...

Also that day, J's work had a surprise baby shower for him. What a nice group of people! They showered us with sweet little gifts for baby P, had a beautiful cake made, and ordered up some pretty competitive games.

here we are at 39 weeks...

On Saturday, our sweet four-year-old celebrated her birthday in "Hello Kitty" style. Lots of friends, Daddy's grilling, cupcakes and a piñata to boot!

an icing kind of girl...

Grace & Jack...

Lexi Jane...

Jayden...

flirting with Rees???


birthday girl...

Here are the boys putting together the perfect birthday gift. They awoke at 6am and finished around 9am. I think they did an AWESOME job!! Plus, we've had two exhausted kids on our hands since Saturday, from all the bouncing and bouncing and bouncing.

F O U R

My sweet baby girl is four today! I can't really tell you how it happened, but here's the proof...

sweet baby girl...

sassy little thing...

Happy Birthday, Sugar Britches!!

Celebration Station

With Mimi & Papa leaving for France this Friday, we wanted to celebrate lots of upcoming/past birthdays -- J's, Papa's, Ri's. Unfortunately, J had to miss his own party, with throwing his back out the previous day. He's been in bed for the last three days, trying to mend it back to health. We thought for sure that would bring on labor for me, but nothing.



Enjoy the following pics of our two sweeties.

Baby's Room

With only a few small details to finish up in the baby's room, I think we're ready. Thanks to Mimi for more of her time and beautiful artwork. My inspiration for the colors in the room were from a picture of a cherry blossom tree, and Mimi was able to duplicate it above the crib.

view from doorway...

We have a rocking chair getting reapolstered in a light pink giraffe print.

It will be placed in the corner to the right of the floor lamp.

closer view of the cherry blossoms...

sweet little dresser given to us by my friend, Robin...

J sanded it down and I re-painted it a chocolate brown.

Light pink knobs were added.

What new princess doesn't deserve a lovely mini-chandelier???

Unfortunately, the picture doesn't show how sweet it really is.

Big Sister needed a new princess light, too...