Luke is here!

Luke David
January 3, 2013
8 pounds 6 ounces
21 inches long
2:15 PM

I am so so in love. Born at 37w5d, What an amazing blessing. He's here, he's healthy.. I couldn't be happier!

35 Weeks!

We made it to 35 weeks!

Currently I am 35w5d so I assume we will make it to 36 weeks as well, not sure how far from there until we will meet our second son though!  Monday night I was getting contractions every 3-6 minutes and after I had taken the procardia they only spaced out to 10-15 minutes instead of going away.  So we called the on-call DR (who was not from our practice) and he said if I came in he wouldn't stop labor, so just do what I was doing at home.  He wasn't super pleasant and made rude jokes about my DR, so I am really glad we didn't have to go in that night.  I am so so thankful for our wonderful OBGYN office - they are fabulous! The best plan would to be go into labor at night and deliver during the day when my DR is working. (Funny to plan such a thing, right?) But that's how much I love my DR. 

Tuesday morning we called my DR and they told us to come in and get checked- contractions were 4-7 minutes apart but I was only dilated to 1, and they would have sent us to L&D for some fluids, but we've been down this road before- so we got to come home.  They did want us to come back that afternoon and have the u/s done that should have been today.  Just incase he decided to come this early we would know his size. (Eli got stuck, and talk of csec if we make it as far as we did with Eli is very possible!)

I loved seeing him again, though everything is much more squished and it was hard to get a good look! One of his feet and hands is down by the head, and the other set is up at the ribs- totally uncomfortable if you ask me!

Today I got checked again and I am 2CM dilated.  Contractions have been heavier tonight but I assume that's because he checked me, never a fun process!  

My official guess for the date he will arrive is December 27th!  I am also guessing he will be 8 pounds 5 ounces... and he will need NO NICU TIME! He will be perfectly healthy. Praying! 

16 months!

Eli is 16 months!

He could be a big brother this month, and I know he is totally ready and will be the best!

He is completely obsessed with throwing his food over his high chair, which can be very frustrating, but he thinks it's the best game! Still working on methods to keep the food ON the tray. So far, no luck.

He is loving the song, "If you're happy and you know it" and stomping your feet is his favorite part.

He is the most observant thing you've ever seen! He continually amazes me with the things he tries to do just by watching us.  Helps his daddy feed the dogs and wants to help me with everything around the house.  He unloads the cups and bowls that go into his drawer from the dishwasher and puts them away.  Using the broom will keep him occupied for a good little while.  I can give him a little towel and he will wipe things down and "clean."

He can now open the heavy drawers of the nightstand- so now we have to figure out a way for him NOT to do that. 

His favorite toys aren't toys- he loves ANYTHING with a cord, my glasses holder, bottles with tops, etc. I hope he enjoys his Christmas presents, but I'm not sure he will because they are actual toys! ;)

He laughs way too hard when he burps or passes gas, and continues to try to make it happen..such a boy! 

We set up the Little People nativity scene and he can point out baby Jesus- I love that! 

Yard Work

For December, we have had some pretty warm- Some have even been in the 70s!  This one clearly wasn't that warm but it wasn't too cold either.  Eli loves pulling things around and this lawnmower was a birthday gift from his grandparents.  As you can see, the dogs are never far behind- and Eli wouldn't have it any other way..he loves the pups!

I love this last picture of him! 

Luke's Nursery!

Here is Luke's nursery!

I am so in love.

It's charming & cozy.

Many times already I have gone into the room after Eli has gone to bed and sit in the glider dreaming of our our life is going to change from being a family of 3 to a party of 4.  I am so excited for that change! 

It IS the smallest bedroom of four in the house, so I wanted to keep things simple and only include the necessities.  There is a BIG playroom steps away that he can enjoy all sorts of toys, and when the time comes we will be getting rid of the glider and can incorporate other items into that space. 

I do find it funny that I decorated the nursery in airplanes (even if they are vintage!) because I am scared to death of riding in them!  I don't know if I would do it for a million dollars.  Maybe if I was sedated. ;)

I do still need to get curtains- white out ones are the best! Though we can wait on that because Luke will not be in his room for months once he arrives- he sleeps in a bassinet next to me. 

Take my hand

The beginning of Eli turning 15 months was a little difficult for us.  He has a good starting vocabulary but doesn't have enough to pull together all of what he is wanting or needing at the time (unless of course it's milk "mil," food "yum yum," suckie "ukie," or water "ba - ba") Constantly he would have tantrums because we couldn't quite discover exactly what he wanted if it wasn't something he could easily point to.  I've been making a point when I want him to come somewhere with me, I hold out my hand and say, "we are going ________" (outside, upstairs, night-night, to take a bath, etc.)  He is quite the smart cookie and will now take our hand and walk to where he wants to go with us.  I am really thankful for this, we can go a whole day with no frustration due to lack of communication -- on either side!  Though it started out a little rough, 15 months has become my favorite! Even if I do say that every month ;) He is such a funny boy!

31 Weeks { Maternity Portraits

What do I love most about being a photographer?

Having talented photographer friends to swap sessions with. 

:-)

Just kidding.

I am so fortunate to know so many lovely ladies that are up for photo swaps, even if their end of the deal will not be able to come for a few months.  Tisha & I met a few years ago, and to be honest I was super intimated by her when we met-- but I have learned that she is one of the most genuine and lovely ladies around.  Her son is the same age as Eli, so while we were busy with photos they were swapping pacis & drinks. Thankfully neither have learned the, "that's mine" so there were no tears when one would take something of the others..just peaceful swapping of spit (yuck!) 

Here are a few of my favorites: