Mothers Day 2017

We had a fun mother's day last Sunday. Clarke grilled out for us and we took a nice walk around the lake. 

I got a new lens for my camera, which I have been absolutely loving! Hence the reason for the walk. 

I think we are going to need more wall space in our house if I keep taking so many pictures......

Disney Trip!!!!!

We just got back from Disney World, and I wanted to blog about it while all the memories are still fresh! We had the best time, it's so true about experiencing the magic through your child's eyes, it's the best!

We started our trip with lunch at Chef Mickey's. I went here when I was their age, so it was so special. Chloe got to meet her beloved Minnie Mouse. 

We checked out our resort next, especially the awesome Finding Nemo pool.

The next day was a full one, spent in the Magic Kingdom. 

We had lunch at Be Our Guest, besides having to wait for our reservation, we loved it. It really is just like the movie.

Of course we had to do It's a Small World!

We got to meet lots of characters, eat yummy treats and I got to share the Country Bears Jamboree with the kids. It's a classic and it was so fun to see them enjoying the exact same show I once did too.

I was hoping the kids would make it to Wishes, but with small children you never know. Well we made it, even Luke enjoyed it. Perfect way to end the best day ever. 

The next day was more low key, I knew Luke would def need a nap after Magic Kingdom. So we headed to Disney Springs and then lunch at Wilderness Lodge.

That afternoon Clarke took Chloe to the pool while Luke got to nap. Then we headed to Animal Kingdom Lodge for dinner at Boma. Got to see the animals first!

Our last day was the Mary Poppins breakfast at the Grand Floridian.

Luke absolutely loved meeting Alice. It was the only character that he really smiled at. It was so cute. 

When we were getting ready to hop on the monorail we ran into Sleeping Beauty!! Chloe had wanted to meet her, and we just happened to be in the right place, right time. It was very special.

We took a quick stop at The Polynesian for some Dole Whip! 

Then we headed south to my dad's condo for a few days with family. I was so thankful to be able to do this. It was our first family vacation as a family of four. And now I can't wait to go back!!!

Luke's Birth Story

I had a scheduled c section planned for Monday, January 18th at 8am a few months before his actual birthday. It was weird knowing his birthday so long before it actually arrived, there was no mystery or guessing. I also really loved it. I'm such a planner, so it was nice to coordinate when my mom and Clarke would take off work, other family and friends could plan as well.

We left the house at 5:30am, to St. Mary's for me to get prepped. I got my fluids, iv started, and got ready for the surgery. It was weird walking into the operating room, so different than with Chloe. Snapped this last belly picture before walking into the labor delivery unit.

The c section didn't take very long, they gave me the spinal tap and shortly after Luke was here! Unfortunately the same thing happened that did with Chloe, my uterus wouldn't contract. They tried different medicines, but after nothing working, they put the bakri balloon in. I'm very thankful it worked again. I did get to do skin to skin for awhile, but it was really awkward.

They brought me back into our room, Luke was already there. I found out he was 8 pounds 5 ounces, I couldn't believe how big he was! I remember being cold, I snuggled him and the skin to skin regulated my temperature almost right away. It's so amazing. 

We had lots of visitors that afternoon. I just love this picture of Chloe and Luke, so sweet. 

Our first picture as a family of four!!

The following days we had more visitors, we felt so loved and supported.

We were lucky to go home the day before the blizzard hit. It really was perfect timing.

We got all ready for the big storm at home. The next day he had his first doctor's appointment, and the snow started falling just as we made our way back home. My mom got some extra days off from work, it really worked out so well. 

I feel so blessed when I look back on our time at the hospital, and his birth. I love being his mommy, and almost as soon as he was born I felt complete. I know it sounds weird, but it just felt like it was meant to be, and he was God's plan. 

I'm thankful for my doctor, who knew what to do when my uterus wasn't doing what it was suppose to, the caring nurses who took such great care of us and a great support system, many who brought us food so we didn't have to eat the not so great hospital food!  

So that's his story!!