Harper's Homecoming

Hospital stays are a catch 22. 

The perks: 

• 24 hour nurse service.  This includes but is not limited to: pain pills at the push of a button, unlimited access to a wealth of knowledge regarding new born babies, constant vital checks that reassure a new mom that the baby is doing great....the list goes on
• Wonderful visits from friends and family
• Family being willing to bring me special order meals at the drop of a dime
• Lactation consultants checking in on a daily basis to cheer me on
• One on one time with my baby girl

The down side:

• 24 hour vital checks that mean being woken up, even if it is the one hour of sleep you have gotten all day.
• Hospital food
• Hospital showers
• The lovely baby alarms on the maternity floor that go off at all of hours of the day...and night
• No one on one time with my little man

After four long days in the hospital, I was given the choice to go home or stay one more day due to having had a c-section.  I was feeling relatively great and decided it was time to begin my life as a mommy of two.  I could not wait to get home and be a family again.  After packing up my precious (and very pink) bundle of joy and lots of hospital goodies, Matt and I ventured home to tackle life as parents of two.

The greeting we received from Harrison was nothing less than picture perfect.  He was waiting at the window as we pulled in our driveway and waited at the front door with outstretched arms.  He was all smiles saying "baby, baby" as he lovingly greeted her at the door.

I can honestly say that the transition coming home has gone more smoothly than I could have hoped for.  Harper has been an amazingly easy new born.  She cries only when hungry, sleeps all day, nurses like a champ, and even lets mommy get 4 hour stretches of sleep at night.  We went today for her one week weigh in and she is 7lbs 12 oz.   She is gaining weight beautifully and I could not be more thankful for this easy going baby girl.

Harper's first nap in her crib

Harrison has been a dream.  He loves his baby Harper and has been so eager to help mommy.  He loves to hold her, and sits beside me as I nurse her so he can help burping her. He is my alarm system whenever she is hungry, running to me saying "Oh no, baby" when she lets out a hungry cry.  He loves having someone to stare at and talk to in the car.  And he has slept through any and all noises (grunts or cries) at night. 

One tired, but very proud Daddy :)

I am telling you, things around here are pretty wonderful.  My only trying time has been a bout of Mastitis....yes, Mastitis.  She has had no mercy on this new momma and I am praying that my medicine works quickly because there is not much more painful than Mastitis to a nursing mom. 

Also, thank you to those of you who prayed for my family and to those of you who left such wonderful loving words of encouragement on the blog or on Facebook.  It is such a blessing to feel your love and support and we are so overwhelmed by the love we have been shown by family and friends over the last week.  We are an incredibly blessed family!!!

Brotherly Love

Giving Harper some lovin while she was still in mommy's belly.

This little guy was made to be a big brother!!!!

My little family

Harrison could not wait to meet his sister.... 

And look at all of her dark hair!!!!!

She's here!!!!!!

Introducing

HARPER LOVEJOY WADE

7 pounds 14 ounces

19 inches long

born today at 7:40 am

Perfection!!! 

Pay it forward

I have had some blood pressure issues come up over the last week and after lots of testing and lots of Dr. visit, my Dr. has decided it is best for both Harper and I if we go ahead with my c-section tomorrow.....TOMORROW!!!  I have so many emotions right now, I can not even think clearly to describe how I am feeling at this point.  Maybe the best word to sum up my feelings right now is ready.  I am so ready to meet her.  So ready to make this amazing addition to our family.  So ready to come home and just be a family of four. 

Matt decided to take me out on a date last night.  He wanted to spoil me before we made our big transition into life with two.  All day we talked about getting a delicious steak at a nice restaurant in town.  We don't splurge on dates a lot, but he felt this was an appropriate occasion and I could not have agreed more.  After dropping off Harrison, we made our way over to Stoney River.  When we walked in, it was pure madness.  The hostess politely told me it would be an hour and a half wait.  We put our name in knowing they always exaggerate the wait.....well not this time.  We waited an entire hour and forty minutes.  Normally we would have gone somewhere else, but we both had our hearts set by this point.  We started looking for a seat while we waited.  A sweet couple offered their seats to us as they could tell I was ready to go into labor at any minute.  It was hard for me to accept seats from someone older than us, it felt wrong to me, but they would not take no for an answer.  We had some small talk with this sweet couple about Harper and Harrison and then they were called to their table.  As Matt and I sat there for another hour, we held hands, laughed, and enjoyed some people watching.  It was a date all in itself.  Perfect.  Finally, we were called to our table.  We were so hungry we ordered our food before we ordered our drinks, but with one look at my belly, the server did not question us :)  We sat and enjoyed one of the best dates I have had in a long time.  Our eyes were bigger than our tummies and we definitely splurged (but we will have a pretty awesome lunch today!).  After finishing our dessert (yes, we were totally living it up and being fatties) we asked for our check.  Our server politely told us there was a note on our check.  The note read "God Bless Your Family" and I noticed the dessert had been taken off.  I smiled at our server and told him how much I appreciated it.  He said, "It wasn't me.  It was the couple over there (he pointed to the sweet couple that gave us their seats)."  I told Matt the dessert was taken care of and the server interrupted me.  "No, they took care of your entire bill!"  I was shocked.  Tears (yes, cue the water works) started to fill my eyes.  The server explained that he was not supposed to tell us, but he was as shocked as we were that perfect strangers would pay for our dinner.  We quickly made our way over to thank them.  They were there celebrating their 17th wedding anniversary and with sweet smiles, told us how happy they were for us and that God was really blessing our family.  I thanked and thanked them, but had to walk away before my tears flooded their table. 

As Matt and I drove home, all we talked about was the love of this couple.  They did not know us, and sacrificing their seats was more than enough of a thoughtful gesture to this huge momma.  But no.  They went out of their way to show amazing kindness, generosity, and love to us.  I don't know their names, and I will never be able to tell them how much that meant to us.  Matt and I talked last night about how those two acts of kindness changed our night.  We were immediately challenged to not only look for ways we could randomly love a stranger, but we also talked about how we were going to intentionally raise our children to be loving, giving, and helpful people.   

As our family actively looks for ways to show God's love to strangers, I challenge you all to do a little searching as well.  We can share our stories together!  Think of how these small changes could affect the life of a stranger.  Who knows, maybe...just maybe someone will even be able to see the love of Christ through these random acts of kindness. 

Update

Yesterday I had my weekly checkup.  My mother in law had offered to watch Harrison, so I thought I would take advantage of the afternoon to do a little shopping, lunch with a friend, and treat myself to a pedicure.  I got to do none of that, and it turned out to be quite an eventful Dr appointment.  When I was asked how things were going, my only complaint this week was my blurry vision.  For almost a week, my always perfect vision was failing me.  I can still see, but things like road signs and big screens at church were all of a sudden blurry.  When I mentioned this to my Dr. she immediately coupled that with a significant change in my blood pressure.  She walked me back for an ultrasound and gave me orders to go the hospital for more tests.  Even though it was amazing to see my baby girl yesterday, I could not help but watch her and question whether or not I was really ready to meet her that day.  My ultrasound went perfectly, she passed all of her tests with flying colors (including weight.  My precious girl is already more than 7 1/2 lbs!!!).  After spending 3 hours in triage, I was given the clear to go home....no baby.  I do have one more round of tests, the results of which will be in tomorrow morning.  After spending a couple hours yesterday thinking it might be baby time, I know now I am ready for her.  I will however ask for your prayers.  Please pray that Harper will come when she is ready.  Pray for my c-section and for a speedy recovery.  I am nervous about recovering from a c-section with a toddler, but I am blessed with wonderful family and friends who are all eager to help.  Also, pray for Harrison.  I am very anxious about his transition through this process.  He is one very loved little boy, and I want this to be an easy transition for him.  It is going to be a major adjustment for our family, but I could not be more excited!!

Here is a picture from my ultrasound yesterday....check out her chubby cheeks!!  Just like Harrison!!

Dinner with the Davis'

Some very dear friends of ours came to visit Saturday night.  They even brought the dinner so this prego didn't have to cook....now that is true friendship :)

Our time together is always filled with so much laughter.  We always enjoy our visits with this precious family.

And when it came to Avery and Harrison....forget the fun and laughter.  Can you feel the love?!?!

Here are some pictures of Avery and Harrison I pulled from my archives :)

Introducing......

Our new nephew!!!!  (I know, a little tease....trust me, I wish I was introducing Harper too!)  Kaden Wade Taylor was born on May 11th and could not be more perfect.  It was amazing holding all 7 lbs 13 oz of him...I forgot how tiny newborns are (probably because she feels so huge in my belly :)  I was excited for Harrison to meet his new cousin, but unfortunately he chose to nap the whole time we were there.  Here are pictures of this gorgeous little boy.  Can you see the look of jealousy in my eyes.  I am now more ready than ever to meet Ms. Harper!!!

12 years ago....

12 years ago today, a boy asked me to be his girlfriend. In the last 12 years we have: learned how to drive, gone to prom, graduated high school, completed college, got married, bought a house, finished a law degree and a masters degree, and now we have an adorable little boy and a precious little girl is on her way. My life has been filled with so much love and happiness since that day, and I have him to thank for that. I am living the life I dreamed of as a little girl and it would not be possible without the love of this man. Here is to many many more dozens of years filled with love and laughter!!!

Things I Do Not Want To Forget....

I have always wanted to be a mom, I knew this at the tender age of 2 when Courtney was born and I followed my mom around the house with my baby (Calli the Cabbage Patch doll).  Even though I am living the life I always wanted, I am surprised by the contentment that has filled my heart.  I can honestly say I have never been this happy.  I don't care about keeping up with the latest fashion trends, a bigger house, a nicer car, or even starting my career.  Right now, my husband and babies are what make my heart feel like it is going to explode with happiness.

Life with a toddler is always busy. Sometimes an exhausted busy (I partly blame being 9 months pregnant), but mostly a laugh-so-hard-my-sides-hurt-busy. Every month I note what Harrison is up to, but there is no way I could share with you every awesome detail of this little boy's life (although I try :). I feel more than blessed to be his mommy and I still can not believe all of the joy that he brings to my life. I have started noting little things he does, just because I do not want to forget them.

Here are some things about Harrison (at 20 months) that I do not want to forget:

• He sometimes laughs in his sleep
• He loves to sing along to songs.  Even though he can not say the words, he babbles right along with the tune
• He mimics everything I do.  From cleaning, to dancing, to scolding the dogs, to putting on make up, to reading books, to cooking...he tries to do it all
• Every morning he talks to his daddy in the bathroom as he gets ready for work
• When people leave our house, he loves to waive bye at the window
• When Matt leaves for work, instead of waiving, he gives pretty sloppy kisses to his daddy through the window
• He LOVES to be read to.  He will bring us books, make us sit on the ground and then climb into our lap for story time.  I must read 10-20 books a day to him
• Matt and I go in his room every night and watch him sleep.  As precious as he is awake, he is so peaceful while he sleeps
• How happy he is in the mornings
• He blows on his food with me when I tell him it is hot
• He says "Brrrrr" when he is cold
• He lifts up my shirt to kiss the baby
• He does not like it when my hair falls in my face.  He will brush my hair away from my face
• He walks around to pictures during the day and says "Dadda" as he points to Matt
• He loves animals as much as I do
• He loves to cuddle under blankets
• When he says "Oh No" he grabs his chubby cheeks
• He says "cheese" when he sees lightning
• He gives the best hugs in the whole world
• He asks for help when he can't do something on his own
• He has discovered the art of climbing onto the kitchen counters :(

After his third haircut....is he not adorable :)

Happy Mother's Day (just a few days late)

I have been really bad about blogging lately and I blame it on Harper :) Any downtime I have, I am laying on the couch soaking in the relaxation, and that my friends is no exaggeration. Lucky for me, I have one super cuddly little boy who thinks I am laying on the couch just to get cozy with him (and no one tell him otherwise). I had taken a two week break in blogging due to this laziness and now I am trying to catch up. Even though Mother's Day was Sunday, I think it is important enough to revisit! So here it is.....

Proverbs 31: 28-31

"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."

I have been blessed with a mother that not only loved me and nurtured me, but also one who taught me what is means to be a Godly woman, wife, and mother and for this I am forever grateful. I have always loved my mother, but now that I am learning what it means to be a mother myself, my respect and appreciation for her has grown by leaps and bounds. Being a loving wife and a patient mother is not always as easy as it should be and I am so thankful to have the wisdom of my mother at my disposal. When I start to doubt myself, I call my mom. When I have questions about my child's health, I call my mom. When I want to cook a delicious meal, I call my mom. When I just want to talk about my day, I call my mom. I know that every one thinks their mom is amazing....but mine really is :) I am so thankful to have this precious woman in my life. Even though I am 27 with a family and home of my own, she is still willing to take the time to teach and love me as if I were 4 all over again.

I will never be able to repay her for what she has done for me, but I think it would make her pretty proud if I can provide my children with the same love and support that she did.  Those are some pretty big shoes to fill, but I will give it my best!!!

20 days!!!!

Normally I try to be one happy pregnant lady, but I need to be real with y'all.  I am huge and uncomfortable.  I have reached the stage where, let's face it, nothing is easy.  Bending over leaves me out of breath, holding Harrison leaves me nauseous, and daily activities leave me feeling like I have been hit by a Mack truck at night.  Sleeping is not comfortable, much less enjoyable.  Throw in a couple pretty sore ribs and I am not the most pleasant person to be living with.  I have not been taking it as easy as I should.  It is so hard to "prop your feet up" when nesting happens to be at the same exact time spring cleaning usually hits me.  I have been keeping myself (and my husband) very VERY busy with a to do list a mile long.  I am happy to say that more than half of my list has been crossed off since the sun decided to finally come out.  My goal is to finish all remaining to-dos by the end of this weekend so I really can take it easy for my remaining two weeks.

As uncomfortable as I have been, there are some awesome things that come with being this super pregnant.  I love feeling her respond to our voices and loud noises.  Last week, Matt and I saw my stomach transform into a really odd cone shape and watched a foot raise up right under my ribs.  I love rubbing her bottom and feel her move in response.  She also gets the hiccups several times a day and I love watching and feeling my belly bounce with each hiccup.  It really is an amazing experience, I just can not wait to finally meet her!!