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!

Baby Sprinkle

We have the best friends in the whole world. Seriously. Our Sunday School class hosted a double "sprinkle" for two of us (out of the seven that are currently pregnant!!) on Sunday afternoon and it was incredibly special for Mark, Wyatt and I to celebrate the impending arrival of baby girl with some of our favorite people.

Not to mention she got some super cute stuff :)   Cannot wait to welcome this little one into the world in February!

Surprise!

LOVE these helpers!

Wow, times have changed since college :)

My girls!

The partners in crime... this party wouldn't have happened without my sweet family!

I certainly wasn't expecting this one! For a girl that can sniff out a surprise quicker than a reporter on a scoop, I did not see this party coming. Mark REALLY got me good. I had absolutely no idea that he and his family had been plotting and planning for months. Thinking I was attending a welcome home party for a friend, Wyatt and Mark escorted me to our neighborhood clubhouse Friday evening where I was greeted by dozens of my favorite people, a sea of hot pink and multiple collages of super embarrassing photos courtesy of my mom. :) 

I was blown away by the amount of work my family  put into this celebration. From logistics,  invitations,  decorations, the cake, flowers and everything else... wow. It meant the world to me to celebrate with so many special people- some who traveled very long distances to be there. To simply say thank you would not be enough. I was beyond touched. What a GREAT way to ring in the big 3-0 :).

Pumpkin Patch 2011

Actually, I want to go to the fair...

Two weeks ago we had the opportunity to take Wyatt and Delaney to the Shelby County Fair. My son, being the thrill seeker that he was, LOVED it and didn't want to leave. In fact, for the last 10 days, we have had the exact same conversation every.single.morning.

ME: Wyatt it's time to go to school

Wyatt: Actually, I want to go to the fair.

Perhaps by the time my child stops negotiating, the fair will return. In the meantime-- here are our memories of the evening :)