Ella Cate's Birth

 Ella Cate is 8 days old! This past week seems so surreal- everything, and I mean everything, went so fast. It seems I had just walked into my OB's office to confirm my pregnancy and I turned around and he is delivering her. Craxy.

Anyways, my induction was scheduled for Jan. 29th ... one week short of my due date. We arrived at 5:30 a.m.- and she was here by 11:01 a.m., weighing 7 pounds, 13 ounces and exactly 20 inches long.

It was incredibly fast and seamless (minus the two epidural takes) that all of my fears regarding inductions were laid to rest. She is absolutely perfect and dainty in every way. Other than the typical middle-of-the-night feedings, we have had no issues. She is the epitome of sweetness- only making a peep when hungry or in need of a diaper change.

Recovery had also been easier this time as well. As any new mother, I am bone tired, emotional and ready for some semblance of a schedule around here. Right now its all hands on deck.... and splitting my time between two children is something I am not used to. I know our "new normal" is around the corner- in the mean time, I am trying to focus on today - instead of the next 18 years. She is so precious.  Five years ago I would have felt unproductive sitting around cuddling a baby - now, its my top priority.

Wyatt adores his sister... it makes my heart sing to see the two of them together. We are all so happy she's here.. the Lord has certainly blessed our family!

Celebrating "2" with Delaney!

Miss Sassy!

Bouncy House Fun

Sticking Our Sticky Little Fingers in the Cake :)

Love this sweet girl!

I also love the details... Dum Dum Minnie was genius!

Digging in...

Mini Me and Mommy

 

From Uncle Mark, Aunt Ray Ray and Wyatt ...

Happy Birthday to my sweet niece! It's hard to believe two years have gone by. I still remember the day she was born like yesterday. She has brought us so much joy already, and I look forward to watching this precious girl grow up.

Speaking of, my baby boy is starting his LAST year of preschool tomorrow. He is thrilled to be in the "four-year" class as he calls it. I, on the other hand, am blubbering like an idiot. He is turning into a little man right before my eyes. The days are so long, but the years are certainly flying by. I wish these sweet babies would stay little forever!

Christmas Card Sneak Peek

We just finished up our annual photo shoot with my dear friend Erin at Lens Envy. I could sing her praises all day long, but the pictures will speak for themselves. Let me just say that she has some serious chemistry with the kiddos and incredible talent for getting those unexpected moments.

What a year. It has been a whirlwind and hard to believe that 2011 is almost over. My heart is so full with all God has blessed me with. I am beyond thankful for my family, great friends and good jobs. To Him be the glory!

Love, love, love these... I didn't want to post what we chose for the Christmas card, but here are a few of my favorites.

Delaney's Baptism

Our precious niece was baptized on May 15. It was a beautiful ceremony, and she did great! Her Aunt Rachel sobbed like a baby, however :) Isn't she gorgeous?! What a special, special day. Mark, Wyatt and I are so grateful to be apart of this little one's life.

Restore

I invite all of you to watch this amazing transformation. I really can't say enough to describe the difference between where out church was a year ago, and where it is now. I promise, you won't be disappointed that you spent five minutes watching this... I even made the cut during production. This girl who is usually on the opposite side of the camera squeezed in a sound bite, haha. Enjoy!

It's all for the Kids...

This is one of those rare posts where I will talk about my 9 to 5. Yesterday was very special to me, as it was the culmination of some very hard work. We are talking early mornings, late evenings and more than few chest pains along the way.

Yesterday, as more than 100 Hematology and Oncology patients rolled out of donated vans driven by volunteers at Barber Motorsports for the Indy qualifiers, I thought to myself that it may have just been worth it. As I watched the smiles as patient families shook the hands of drivers and received hugs from an A-list celebrities, I felt that it was a great day. But, when I witnessed this precious moment, I knew that the tears, stress and failures over the past few weeks no longer mattered.

Each and every time I begin to feel overwhelmed, our great, big God shows me the enormity of His love in these tiny, sacred moments. And ... I feel certain I am here for a reason. What an incredible feeling that is!

Thank you to all who made this day possible. You simply have no idea the impact this had on so many people. Wow!

and, yes, that is Patrick Dempsey to my left in case you were wondering ;) That was pretty cool too, I might add...