All things l.o.v.e. around here.

Meet Tag.
Tate's beloved blanket.
He has had an obsession for tags for as long as I can remember.
As a little baby he would rub it against his cheek and fall asleep.
Six years of wear and tear left tag hanging on by a few threads.
Problem averted thanks to my trusty sewing machine,
and I am officially the best Mom ever again!
(SHH... just let him think it while it lasts.)

I had big plans for pictures with her.
Big plans that involved getting lots of practice.
I would have newborns perfected after this & lots of beautiful pictures to show for it.
Now my big plans involve catching up on sleep at any possible moment.

Over a week ago I packed my bag knowing I would be spending a couple of nights in the hospital. All the anticipation that had been building would soon be coming to an end.

I had planned to be induced on the 9th, the day after her due date. I should have known that I wouldn't make it that long... I bumped it up to the 4th. We brought her here 4 days early. I wanted so badly to experience going into labor naturally, but was far too uncomfortable to go to my due date. I am now convinced that my kids need a little push to get them here.

The kids spent the night at my mother in law's. We were able to relax and enjoy a quiet night together. Cole gave me a blessing of comfort. My nerves were a little unsettled with all the unknown. The next morning started bright and early. I was up at 3:00 a.m., got out of bed at 5:00 and was at the hospital at 6:30. By 7:30 I was started on pit. The nurse let me know that my Dr. wouldn't be making his way over to break my water until 12:00. I knew that once he did things would happen quickly, so I asked to get my epidural around that time. The anastheseologist was going to be really busy at that time... but wasn't right then. At 10:30 I was given an epidural, but a very low dose. Within an hour my legs felt a little numb, but I could still move just fine. At 11:30 I had them give me the full dose. Almost immediatley I wanted to throw up & pass out. My drip bag was out. Once the nurse replaced that I felt better. At noon the Dr was there breaking my water. In fifteen minutes I skipped from a 5 to a 10. That's the way I roll. I was so numb I didn't feel a thing until the last few minutes. That morning they were having problems with the machine that tracks the baby's heart rate. I knew her heart rate was dropping from the previous read before it stopped. At one point I got all snappy with Cole and was so mad that he wasn't calling in the nurse for me. Poor husbands! I also knew that this baby was coming. My bed hadn't been switched over yet. The nurse, Dr. and Respiratory Therapist were all in the room and I remember wanting to scream: "this baby is coming! do something about it!" Instead, I politely said to the nurse: "I can really feel the pressure." She said "I'm surprised it took you this long." At that point my Dr. switched the bed for me and the next thing I knew she was here. I remember Him saying: "Ok, now one little push. Ok. No don't push."... and Andie was here. We loved her instantly. She screamed. The Dr's & nurse joked about the volume of her cry. I was so grateful for the sound. Cole held my hand and never let go. The Respiratory Therapist finally said, "do you want to get a camera?" They did their little thing with her and handed her to me, where she stayed for the next few hours. My Mom brought the kids. We all stayed together there in the room until I was no longer numb and could walk down with her for her first bath. This was such a neat experience. (With my others Cole was there for this part while I was being moved from room to room.) She loved it. She kept intentionally putting her little foot under the water. Tate's expression watching through the window was priceless. After her bath we went back to our room where we met with family and together celebrated this new life that has joined us.

It's hard to believe I am a Mother to three now. Cole and I talk about how long we waited to bring Andie into our lives. Now that she is here we aren't sure why we waited so long. She feels like she is right where she should be. Her sweet little spirit has already blessed our family with a deeper love and appreciation. Her big brother is already her protector. I have loved watching him with her. He comes home, washes his hands and says "can I hold her?" He is always dancing for her, like he is her entertainment. Ella is constantly asking if she can explore her while I'm feeding her. She loves to look at her little hands and feet and is amazed with how tiny she is. And then there is her Dad. I'm overwhelmed with the love I have for him when I watch him care for this tiny little girl. He is just as bad as Tate. Anytime he comes home he takes her from me. He loves to snuggle her to sleep, and I love every minute of it. Life has slowed down. I'm trying my very best to enjoy every minute of it.

Last Fall El won a coloring contest.

Her prize.

This sweet new bike.

She's officially a big girl & rides it everywhere.

Fleeting little smile.

The way to my heart.

Andie Jane

7 lbs. 19.5 in.

Our newest little one is here.