Hayden's First Two Months

My entire pregnancy people continuously said "it will be here before you know it." "Just wait until he gets here, it will go by so fast." "He will be grown before you know it".

Well this morning I spent a little while sulking and crying and completely swooning over my now two month old baby. It literally feels like yesterday Roy and I were anxiously awaiting his arrival in room 373 at Rush Hospital. Now I am taking two month pictures of my baby. Now I am counting down the days that I go back to work (13 days, by the way). Today I am watching every movement, smile, and counting each breath and second with my sweet baby. Because yes, everyone was right, it flies by. 

I used to dread middle of the night feedings, or fussy nights, or waking up the next day just as tired as I was before I laid down the night before. 

This morning at 4:30 I woke up after my son decided to sleep for 6 hours straight (YAY) and although I was so happy and RESTED, I found myself a little sad as I gave him his bottle. This was the beginning of him not needing me as much as he did. 

He changes so much. 

He smiles at me now. & for someone who cannot say a word- I can tell how much he loves me (and its a lot) and that I am his entire world. He studies me all over. We have conversations (even if he has no idea what I am saying)- he smiles and stares at me as if he does.  We talk about all the things he could be when he grows up. I tell him how many people love him. I make sure he knows each day how amazing his Daddy is. I let him know how supportive and encouraging he is. How even though things and people have tried to tear him down- he still stands with his head held high. He is a role model & an excellent one at that.

I am learning to enjoy every second with Hayden. I now look at him and realize that tomorrow, I will never have this moment with him again. It will be a new one & I will never get those moments back again. He will be bigger-even if not noticeable right that moment. Pretty soon he will no longer need to be in my lap, or rocked to sleep, or kissed on his chubby cheeks until they are pink. Before I know it I will be loving on my sons children. Trying desperately to remember those small moments. 

Our life has changed so much. My life literally revolves around my husband and my son and I would not have it ANY OTHER WAY! 

I am going to try to keep this blog updated. For those of you that can continuously do this daily or even weekly more power to ya- you must not be a new mom. HAHA

I will leave you with some 'tid-bits' about Hayden. 

ONE MONTH TID BITS

Favorite food: Enfamil Gentlease & the breast 

How much I am eating: 3 oz every 4 hours plus Momma's milk

Favorite toy: His MAM pacifier
Weight: 7lbs 13 oz. (lost a good bit after birth)

Favorite bedtime routine: a warm bath, some good lotion, and a good book. 

Favorite time with Daddy: When he comes home and gets lots of loving

Favorite time with Mommy: Morning time- when he is in the best mood! 

New this month: Loves his swing 

Big changes: Circumcision 

TWO MONTH TID BITS

Favorite food: Enfamil Gentlease and breast milk (until 6 weeks)

How much I am eating: 5-6 oz every 3-4 hours
Weight: (not to sure- was 10lb 6 oz @ 6 weeks so im guessing around 11.5 pounds or so)

Favorite toy: Hayden LOVES his play mat and mobile on his swing. 

Favorite bedtime routine: Warm bath, rocking in the glider, and warm bottle

Favorite time with Daddy: Evening times curled up on Daddys lap- while he talks to me

Favorite time with Mommy- Morning times- we read a book (On the Night You were Born is our favorite) and time in our play mat. 

New this month: Hayden is cooing, following faces, swatting at his toys, and smiling (A-LOT). 

Big Changes- 6 weeks shots (he did great- hardly cried), and growing lots and lots of hair!

first smile captured on camera where he actually KNEW he was smiling and what he was smiling at

one month

two months 4-26-13

Growing so fast

Newborn photo- Andrea Graham Photography

Newborn photo- Andrea Graham Photography

Until Next time, ENJOY! 

Life as 'Mom'

Both of my boys are snoozing so well so, I decided I would submerge myself in my blog.
Life is grand.
I have finally (just about-but probably not hardly)- mastered being a mom and wife. Today, after no sleep at night (yes, Hayden was up majority of the night) I managed to dust the house, do the clothes, dishes, and put hot food in my husbands tummy when he came home, OH and I conquered the hardest of all the ENTIRE day; a happy baby!
Talk about feeling accomplished!?

If you would have talked to me 2 weeks ago, or asked me how it was going the conversation would have started on my end in complete tears. Being a Mom is hard. Breast feeding is hard. Having a sweet dehydrated baby the first week of his life-is hard. But buy the sweet grace of God through lots of prayers- we made it.

As many of you know, Hayden spent his first weekend on earth (after one day at home) back on the Peds floor @ Rush. My milk had failed to come in on 'day 3' like everyone had harped on- and I was feeding my sweet baby a little bit of colostrum (yes its good fatty stuff but not enough for an already growing boy).  Yes, I felt like a failure as a Mom. I had thought that this was how hard it would be for the rest of my life. BUT, after a jump start of fluids and some formula added into our diet we were discharged and sent home to give this whole new life a go.

So glad we got a second change at this. It has been a world of a difference.

Our parents have been amazing. If anyone reading this is pregnant or a new mom- GET HELP. Having a parent there to hold the baby (they love it) while you and the spouse grab naps is ahhh-mazing.
Obstacles I have discovered are getting out of spit up P.Js and putting myself in the shower and cooking a hot meal.

Yes, when you are a new mom you do not start out wearing cute clothes (youre still toting baby weight) and you do not have the energy to put the entire bag of makeup on your face or blow dry, root boost, tease, and straighten your hair.
My attire consists of pajamas covered in formula spit up, breast milk, some powder and mascara, and a tad of lip gloss on a good day.
I look forward to doctors office visits to get out of the house and dress up. (If I have the energy of course). Oversized T's & Yoga pants are where its at 2 weeks post partum. :)

I would not trade this life for a trillion dollars. Its amazing. I spend the entire day feeding and making my sweet baby boy happy. He depends on me from the time he wakes up until he lays his sweet head down at night. Its wonderful. I find myself holding him and staring at him and crying sometimes. I look at him and find myself in prayer over him often. I cant get over how perfect he is or how God allowed Roy and I to be parents to such a small, sweet, content, and handsome little boy. He has ten fingers, ten toes, a beautiful round head, and when he wraps his sweet little hand around my finger he has me smiling and crying at the same time. Talk about being 'wrapped'.

I will say this- I just THOUGHT I loved my husband. When I watch him feed, hold, or study our baby from head to toe, consumed completely in his offset gaze, it is so moving. I am so thankful God put Roy Oliver into my life. He was a great boyfriend, he is an amazing husband, and an outstanding Father. I know he has longed for this role for so long. He spends so much time talking about what they're going to do together. Reminiscing on what he did with his Dad so many years ago.  I have chills just talking about it. Hayden is so blessed and has the most excellent role model. I am enjoying every second of him being this little but I cannot wait until he realizes what an amazing person he has for a Dad. He has conquered so many obstacles and his head is still held high. No negative thoughts grace his mind and no hateful words come from his lips. He is full of love and positive energy. Its infectious. I feed off of it and I know Hayden already is. I catch him smiling quite often at his Daddy already. He knows how awesome he is, even at 16 days old!

I have about an hour to shower and get ready (we have a doctors appointment in the a.m) and I am sure most of you have discovered there is no point to this specific blog except the fact that we are blessed. Which if you have read any of my other blog posts- you can see that, being blessed is something that I harp on and mention quite often.

I hope this finds everyone well. I know I spend a lot of time dragging on and on about my original Vice boy, but now I have two. Two beautiful (yes, beautifully handsome) dark haired, big eyed, perfect to me Vice boys, so the dragging out goes double.

Until next time, Enjoy.

2.26.13

The wait is finally over. I know SO many of you have waited and anticipated this blog/post. No more mommy-to-be posts. This is officially a MOMMY BLOG.
Expect it to be long. Maybe even drawn out. This was the most amazing thing I have ever experienced in my life, next to marrying Roy. So endure it or hit the 'x' button.

I had the hardest time coming up with a name for this post. I settled on his date. It signifies so much in our life.

Monday 2-25-13 entailed nerves and excitement greater than ANY night before Christmas that I have EVER experienced.
Literally, we are walking in the hospital (we arrived about 11:15) and I look at Roy and tell him I dont know if I can do this. The thought of induction scared me. The thought of being a mom within the next 24 hours scared me. It all scared me.
Once we got to the floor we were settled into a room and let me just say this is where things started becoming wonderful. The staff on the 3rd floor of Rush are absolutely wonderful. From housekeeping to the physicians. The experience was one that was superb.

My nurse was Misty Sisson and she was absolutely wonderful. I could not have envisioned as wonderful of a nurse as her. She was so sweet and so encouraging. Being a first time mom is the most nerve racking thing you will ever experience. She made me feel confident, like I had done this before.

At 12 pm I was given a dose of Cytotec. It is a medication that you take that (if your cervix is ready) will begin to 'ripen' the cervix and push along labor.
3 doses later (8pm) I was given the last dose and had moved from 3cm-4cm.
Roy and I got a not so good nights sleep (nerves). I started my next morning at 3am. I took a long bath, got ready, and at 4am a Pitocin drip was started.
10am I was 5cm and at 1030 am on Tuesday (2-26) Dr. Nelson came around, broke my water, and the contractions came long and strong.
I had a wonderful anesthesiologist (Dr. Graham) who was so sweet and so personable. He came about 11:15 and the epidural (which I was more terrified of than anything) was not bad AT ALL.  I had made it to 6cm without an epidural and was ready to go after it. I got a little rest and at 2:01 pm we started pushing.
By 3:00 on the dot we had a beautiful baby boy.

When I tell you I have been told literal HORROR stories about laboring and delivery- I will first hand be the GOOD story.
I LOVED it. I loved laboring. I loved delivery. I loved it all.
The thought that within a few minutes-hours I would have a son safely in my arms made any bit of pain completely worth while.
There was no screaming and yelling like on the movies. Even through the strongest contraction and toughest pain I was able to breathe, cry a little, and get through it.

At 3:00 pm when I looked down at a beautiful baby boy screaming at the top of his lungs and looked to my left and saw my husband with tears in his eyes starring at me whispering "you did it, i love you so much"- there was NO PAIN that could take me away from that moment. It was perfect. It was beautiful.

The first breath was so beautiful. It was a gasp. For the past 10 months Hayden had lived off of me. Taken breaths off me, eating off me, sharing my blood. The Lord had granted us a healthy pregnancy despite so many different 'obstacles' and now here he was breathing and surviving on his own. He was his own sweet little person.

When you become a parent your entire life changes. Cliche', I know. But, it does. I love my husband on a level that is completely out of this world. I delivered this 'mini' version of him. They even sleep just a like. :) Roy is completely content and consumed with Hayden. We both are.

Grant it, nights have been hard and there have been some obstacles since his birth but those are mini hurdles that we cleared with absolutely no problem.

I love everything about him. I love everything about being a wife. I love everything about being a mom.
I find myself looking at him and Roy often and usually finding myself extremely emotional. To say I am blessed is a complete understatement. These two boys consume my entire being. I now know what it means to love unconditionally. My marriage has even taken that role. I just THOUGHT I loved my husband. I really had no clue.
Hayden was 7-10. 19.5 inches. He was born at 3:00 pm on 2/26 and he is perfect.

I know I am not 'blogging' but rather telling a little bit of a 'story' so I will just let you look at pictures and enjoy those.


Besides, I have a fussy baby who needs a bath and food.

Until next time, Enjoy!

Preparing and anticipating (The day we got to the hospital)

We make a good team. :)

Dr Nelson with Hayden- Day #2

Our little family with Missy our nurse. 

Welcome Home!

Headed home.

Love this photo.

We love our swing.

He controls the paci. 

He loves the activity mat. So alert these days.

2 weeks old & handsome as ever.

37 Weeks- Full Term

Well, no baby for this anxious momma (& daddy), yet.
Tuesday- February 12th Roy and I went in for our 37 week check up.
I had dilated from 2.5 externally and 1 internally to 3 'all the way through.'
Doc stripped my membranes @ 9:30 (which if anyone is reading this and is pregnant- DECLINE THIS). It was painful and 29 hours later I am still not in active labor. I had some strong contractions throughout the night but nothing that would start labor.
Yes, at first I was disappointed- BUT I have realized that I have been wanting more time with Roy and I am able to have yet another day to cherish with him.

I will say this too. It is bittersweet. 10 weeks ago @ 27 weeks I was diagnosed as 'threatened miscarriage', placed on bed-rest 2 weeks later, and scared to death for the safety of my baby.
So to God we owe not only a praise for allowing me to make it to a safe zone (32 weeks), but a Hallelujah for allowing me to make it 10 weeks to FULL TERM! I am so thankful that we are to this point. All of his little systems are developing and the only thing that can happen now is weight gain for Hayden. You all know how much I love a sweet, chunky, lovable little baby. I cannot imagine that at any point now I will have one of my own.

At 37 weeks Hayden is gaining about 1/2 ounce a day of weight and is developing his meconium (first poop). He is brushing up on his skills for the outside world (blinking, sucking, inhaling, exhaling, and gripping). He is about the size of a winter melon which is about 18.9-20.9 inches in length and anywhere from 6.2-9.2 lbs in weight. (Its unreal to me that he could be 9.2 lbs already according to this? Do they really expect me to tote him around for another 3 weeks?  HAHA- OW.
Doc says without the membrane stripping I would more than likely go within the next week. I am to the point where I am just like 'whatever'. HAHA. I know he will come when the Lord is ready for him to.

Tid-Bits:

How big is baby? Approx 6.2lb-9.2lbs (the size of a winter melon) 

Weight gain/loss? Holding steady.

Movement: 

Few, far, & in between. Hayden is super low. I get a few really good jabs every now and then though. I really am going to miss those.

Food cravings: 
Nothing really....GASP!! (SHOCKED? SURPRISED?)
I have been nauseated a lot of the day. I havent been up to eating to much.

Belly button: Still an Innie

What I miss:   

I am not sure that I miss anything this week. I am content with everything just as it is.

What I'm looking forward to? 

My next Doctors appointment. (ON February 19th).
Ready to see if there is any progress. OR maybe we wont even make it to our next Doctors appointment!? :)

Mommy reflections: 

Still having a lot of anxiety on labor. BUT I have the best support system. My husband is amazing. He is such an encourager and huge supporter. I know I cant do it on my own but having him there next to me will make it all worth the while.

FOR FUN- I am going to include our list of things that we have packed for the hospital. If anyone has any add ons or tips PLEASE feel free to leave them. I read through a ton of suggested lists from websites such as (thebump.com, whattoexpect.com, momblogs, etc) and sort of compiled my own list with the suggestions from those. 

For Momma- 

I packed some cute but cheap nursing gowns that the MIL found at Motherhood Maternity. 

I have a comfy 'coming home outfit' that include elastic waste (for comfort from bloating or to be gentle on an incision, if I have to have a section) and a cute little jacket that will cover me since I expect it to be chilly. 

I packed granny panties. BIG OLE COTTON panties that I found on sale at Wal-mart (3.50) a pack. I am bringing them just in case. Apparently the hospitals provide some pretty 'stylish' mesh undies, but they just dont appeal to me (who knows, i may love them) but I am bringing my own JUST IN CASE. 

I packed some nursing pads, a nursing sports bra (i probably wont wear a bra to be honest but it may be necessary for the drive home), nursing cream, some extra pads (i know the hospital provides these as well but I have heard a lot of cons to them, so I packed some of my own. Again, just in case.) 

I packed some slippers for walking the halls either before or after labor. Hospital floors are nasty. (FYI). & PILLOWS. I want to try to be comfortable while fighting through contractions.

I think this pretty much covers me. 

Hubbys side of the bag- sweat pants, basketball shorts for lounging/sleeping, boxers, t shirts, a pair of jeans, & 1 polo for pictures on our 'coming home' day. Men are so easy to pack for, by the way. 

In general/For the both of us

TRAVEL SIZE EVERYTHING- shampoo, conditioner, contact solution, toothpaste, toothbrushes (with cases), deodorant, dry shampoo (for me), straightening (me again), emijays (umm me again), OUR CAMERA and our VIDEO RECORDER, the kindle for entertainment, my ear buds for my iPhone (music), 2 towels and 2 wash cloths (I know the quality of hospital towels/rags. It is not something I want scraping my skin after hours of labor and delivery AND HAND SANITIZER (for the bedside)-  I don't want people holding my baby all germ-y. 

FOR HAYDEN- His diaper bag is filled with outfits for the hospital stay as well as his coming home outfit. (Each outfit has socks and toboggan to match) we all know babies get COLD easily. Burp cloths (my cute ones) probably more for pictures than anything, I have a beautiful blanket to cover him in the car seat, some swaddling blankets (just an extra just-in-case), one Dr Brown bottle (just in case) wipes, diapers (yes, i know the hospital will give us these but I am bringing some for..you guessed it..just in case).

I think we are ready. THINK (keyword). I feel pretty prepared but I know that I will never be prepared for that day until it actually arrives. I know that Roy and I just have to trust in the Lord that we are more than ready and prepared to become parents. Our lives are about to change drastically for the better and we could not be more ready. 

Hope you enjoyed the blog. (MAYBE THE NEXT ONE WILL BE A MOMMY POST, instead of a MOMMY-TO-BE post). 

37 weeks

Until next time, Enjoy!

NINE MONTHS PREGNANT

Who thought it would be funny to say women are only nine months pregnant? Its not a very good joke. Women are actually 10 months pregnant. Yes. Ten out of the sole 12 months of the year women share their bodies with another human being. Totally worth it, dont get me wrong, but please give us credit for 10 months. Not nine.(HA-HA) Give credit where credit is due, folks!

We went to the doctor Tuesday, February 5th and had a BPP (Bio physical profile). This measures the baby, weighs him, checks all his little body parts, and mine as well. My cervix has shortened from 3.9 cm to 2.7 (YAY), my cervix is super soft and favorable, im dilated right @ 3, and Hayden weights approx 6.3lbs. (DO THE MATH)- @ this rate by 40 weeks he could be a minimum of 9-10lbs. SO, doc says we are to come back next week (the 12th) and be re-checked. She is going to do a procedure called stripping the membranes (google it) and send us walking around Meridian for the day, then we are to come back and see if any progress has been made. Usually, when the cervix is favorable, doing the procedure causes labor/delivery to be prominent within 48 hours. Crossing our fingers that we will be admitted Tuesday night and see our sweet baby by Valentines Day.

What better gift on a day that exemplifies love to receive!?
Please pray for us. This momma has been super emotional. I am so ready to see my precious baby boy but I know the days of Roy and me cuddled up and spending one on one time is coming quickly to a close. I have been so thankful for the time we have spent together here lately. I know that my love for my husband will grow tremendously and on a different level. I am looking forward to that!

Please be in prayer for us that the after the procedure that Hayden will come on out and meet the world and all the wonderful people that are going to love him!!

Tid-Bits:

How big is baby? Approx 6.3lbs 

Weight gain/loss? Gained 2 pounds. I have been loving some food here lately. :/ 

Movement: 

The movements feel like huge waves in my belly. 
The movement that is more noticeable are the contractions I have been having. They have been strong (just not regular). 

Food cravings: 
Special K red berry cereal? Crazy, right? I could eat bowl after bowl of it. HAHA

Belly button: Still an Innie

What I miss:   

Feeling good. I am achey, my back hurts pretty badly, my legs are sore from the weight of th baby- BUTTTTT now that the complaining is behind us- HAHA- Its going to be worth it. 

What I'm looking forward to? 

My next Doctors appointment. It may be the last time I write on my pregnancy. Hopefully my blog will turn into a MOMMY blog! :) 

Mommy reflections: 

The anxieties of labor are starting to creep slowly into my mind. I know that millions of women do it over and over again, so It can't be that bad- Plus the end result will be so worth it. I know that the baby in my arms will void out all the discomfort of the pregnancy and all the pain of the labor. Gods miracle business at its best. A Child. How could I complain after receiving that gift? 

Every good, wonderful, and perfect thing is from above. -James 1:17

Also, I don't know if any of you had the pleasure of meeting Jack Cleary but he was a wonderful christian man who loved God, Alabama football, his precious wife, Helen, and he loved to whistle and sing. He is one of the sweet little men I have been able to get to know since my move to Butler. Mr Jack passed away in December and his sweet wife brought us a little gift the other day for the baby. In it (another favorite of mine) was a little Volkswagen hippy bus. Mr Jack had these little cars- Helen left us a little note on it- and I found myself extremely emotional. I loved Mr. Jack and am so thankful that the baby has something from him. (I am attaching pictures below).

I am going to attach some photos. Please be in prayer for doors to open for Roy and I. For us to know what door to walk through and what one should close. 

Please be in prayer for a successful procedure next Tuesday because we are so ready to meet Hayden! 

Until Next time, Enjoy!

How amazing is God!?
This is me 15 weeks pregnant on the left & 36 weeks pregnant on the right. 

The car from Mrs. Helen

Sweet little note. #cherishedgifts.

thirty-five weeks

Finally.

Since 30 weeks pregnant ( December 29th) I have been on bed rest, taking a medicine called Procardia (to stop contractions), and just about miserable. However, I learned really quick in this pregnancy- you do whatever it is to keep your baby safe. It is the motherly instinct at work instantly. 

On Tuesday, January 29th, I was taken off bed rest, Procardia, and allowed to 'do as I please'. 

I am still between 2-3 cm dilated, my cervix is super soft, and Hayden is ready whenever we are. I got one shot of Celestone (steroid to 'jump start' the LH hormone in his lungs (make them develop quicker) and had the second shot on Wednesday morning. 

Doc says whenever Hayden gets ready, he can come. I think Roy is getting more anxious than me. He is so ready to meet his son. It is such a blessing to have such a Godly man for my son to look up to in his life. He is such an amazing and strong person. 

We finally got the carseat installed in the car (which was so exciting) and everyone but Roy Oliver has their bag packed. [I am going to have to do this, I am too OCD]. HA-HA.

My diaper bag came in & I am obsessed with it. It is a Kalencom in Doodlebug print. I have all of Hayden's sweet little items in it. Im working on the post for this. I figured it would be good to throw out there Hospital necessities for Mom, Dad, & baby. (No promises but, I may try to get to this tomorrow). 

I have switched up his hospital outfits as well as his coming home outfit (I received an outfit at the shower that I absolutely adore).
His room is in order and aside form the pack in play and swing in the corner, everything has a place, believe it or not.

His drawers are full and his closet is covered in baby items floor to ceiling as well as clothes from one side to the other. This baby is so blessed.
I cannot wait for him to see how much people love him already!

Tid-Bits:

How big is baby? weight- about size of a coconut! Although his momma is looking and feeling like a beached whale- I know this means he is healthy. So momma has to deal. 

Weight gain/loss? Lost 2 lbs. Can I get a hallelujah? 

Movement: 

Movement has slowed some. I still get some really good jabs every now and then but the doctor says they get to this point when they are about ready, plus its not like he has much more room to squirm and worm. He has stretched me to the MAX. :) 

Food cravings: You will never guess it. Yes, Chinese food. I do not know what is wrong with me. I crave it so much. It never gets old. Maybe its the indulgence in so much salt?? Or the soy sauce, or crab ragoon, or egg rolls, or seseame chicken, or the lo mein..or the....GEEEEEZ, I am craving it again. Great. 

Belly button: Still an Innie

What I miss:   

Rest. I dont sleep too well at night and when I do, I wake up with crampy legs and when I try to roll over to my side/back- I either 1. cannot breathe or 2. pull every muscle in my stomach. Lovely. But, so worth it.

What I'm looking forward to? 

My next Doctors appointment. We will get a B.P.P (Bio physical profile). We will check all my levels, the babys positioning, and his weight. If he is upper percentile on weight we will more than likely schedule an induction. WHOOOOO. Fingers crossed.

Mommy reflections: 

It has become very surreal this week. I cannot tell you how many times I have looked at Roy and said "I am a little scared" or "Can you believe we are going to be parents?". He always grabs me, holds me, and says "I know and I cannot wait". He is going to be such a huge help. How spoiled am I to not have 1, but 2 Vice men that are going to love me so much!?? 


**Thanks to all the prayers yall have given and continue to give to our family. They are breaking through and God is surely and faithfully opening doors for us.
 I LOVE to see God work. He is amazing.** 


I am going to attach some pictures.
Until next time, Enjoy!

35 wks 1 day. 

I have more breathing room! He is dropping even more.

Changing table together & organized!!

Log Truck from RT (He hasnt decided on a name yet) & Monogrammed letters my sister had made!
Arent they precious?

His little dresser area. 

Above the changing table.

The cross is sitting on Roy Olivers bible when he was little.
its precious moments and i love it. 

The infamous rocker I still get emotional over. The camo blanket is from Haydens cousin Jackson.

Crib area.

So serene. I cannot wait to rock my sweet baby boy in here!

Goodies for Hayden & the act of a selfless Mother

To say that we are blessed would be an understatement.

Sunday, (January 27th) Roy and I were given a huge baby shower in honor of our sweet baby boy, Hayden. It was amazing. To say a small town comes together to 'shower' people is one thing. But we were covered from head to toe in gifts. I realize more and more each day how big of a blessing comes from this 'small town' living. 

Everyone knows the crazy mixture of emotions that having a baby entails- with anxiety being one of them. It is such a blessing to be able to bring my baby from the hospital to a HOME. Surrounded by two people who will love him unconditionally. BUT you never feel like you have enough. Especially as a first time Mom. I have googled, read, and racked my brain on all the things that he will 'need'. I left registry lists to near necessities in hopes that majority of it would be filled. The Lord always provides to those who are faithful. For this I have been reassured. 

The food, gifts, and company at our shower was one in a million. 

I could not have asked for a better shower nor a better place to live during such a huge part of our life. 

The food was fabulous. Sarah (my sister) had the cake and cupcakes made through Publix. I don't know if any of you have had a Publix cake before, if you haven't you have missed out, but they are DE-VINE

 The food consisted of cheese straws (yum), chocolate chip cheesecake balls (yum), a gorgeous fruit carriage, some of the BEST chicken salad sandwiches I have ever eaten, Pimento cheese (yum), toasted pecans (crack-basically-they were devine), and some of the best punch! Did I mention, YUM?

 The fruit carriage was so cute! My sister and her mother-in-law (soon-to-be) were the heads up of this. It was one of my favorite things about the shower!! They did an excellent job, dont you think!?

The 'sign in' table for the shower. Cute little basket full of goodies. 

If I could suggest ANYTHING to any MOM-to-be or BRIDE-to-be, it would be to have a baby or bridal 'tea'. This is where the hostesses open the gifts, write them down, and put them on display for everyone to be able enjoy the entire shower. This also allows for the guest of honor to be able to mingle with her guests, actually get to eat, and actually get to look at all of the gifts. It is fantastic and my favorite type of shower.

My hostesses and me (minus Debbie Lewis and Dede Adams)

Below, a few of my hostesses went out and purchased a few "need" things and pieced them together to make centerpieces that I could take home and use for the baby! The books were my favorite.

This is Hayden's Graco pack and play that we will put by the bed as a co-sleeper until he is old enough and Mommy and Daddy feel safe enough to move to the 'big boy' crib. 

 Here are a few shots of the tables filled with gifts. There were so many wonderful things. I have went through everything probably 10 times and still feel like I have overlooked something.

Little Alabama/Misc table

Monogrammed "dress up" table

Some more of the Alabama table

Daddy (Hayden) got some camp!

 Now, grab a kleenex, tissue, or an entire pack of angel soft T.P. The little insight to this precious little rocker may or may not make you cry. BUT, if youre female, have a heart, or know the gift of a child, be prepared to shed a few tears. Just as the shower was coming to a close 3 members of Roy's family that are absolutely precious to us came by with this rocker.

This rocker was given to us by Roy's Aunt Rhonda, Uncle Sloan, and his cousins Loren and Rayney.
This was Roy's rocker when he was little. If you look closely you can see scratches on the top of it- Roy's mom told me this was from when Roy tried to take a "play" screwdriver/drill and "take it apart". The history behind the rocker only starts there.

When Roy became to 'big' for the rocker his mom decided to pass it down to her brother, his wife, and the start of their new family. They had 3 beautiful little girls. All of whom used the rocker. The last one to use the rocker was their youngest child, Mary Kate. Mary Kate was beautiful. (I never got to meet her) but the pictures I have seen of her do nothing but allow me to picture this vibrant, bouncy, beautiful little girl who was full of life. She looked just like her Momma, who (as you can see in the pictures below) is absolutely gorgeous. When Mary Kate was almost 3 years old, she passed away. This rocker has sat untouched in her room since then. It has been almost 9 years since God gave that beautiful earthly angel, heavenly wings.

Rhonda cleaned it and removed the baby dolls from it that have sat untouched for so many years in Mary Kate's room. All I could think as she told me this was how selfless. From the time we find out were pregnant a love that ONLY a mom or soon to be mom could ever experience overflows from your heart and surrounds that small little seed of a baby. As you and your baby grow, your love increases literally every second for him or her. Its overpowering at times. I have even asked "How in the world can I already love something that I havent even met, so much?" This only gives me a glimpse into the unconditional love I will have for my baby for an entire lifetime. So for a Mother, to give me something that symbolizes and reminds her so much of a child that is no longer here, is the most selfless, amazing, and Godly thing ever. It only demonstrated that even though Mary Kate is no longer here, the things Rhonda would do for her as a mom continues, even 9 years later.

I received so much more than a rocking chair yesterday. I received my FIRST life lesson as a Mother yesterday, from Rhonda. I realized that no matter what, you put yourself second when it comes to your children. Of course I have always been told this, but to actually see it in effect in front of my own face was the single most beautiful emotion I have experienced thus far in this pregnancy.
You do whatever it is to make others happy. Even if it means letting something go that holds so much room in your heart.
I still get emotional everytime I walk into Hayden's room and see it.

Rhonda wrote me a letter on her trip to Butler to give us the gift and I am going to share with you all.

"This sweet little rocking chair belonged to a little brown eyed curly hair darling of a baby boy. That baby boy grew into a spunky little guy who didnt have much time for sitting, so his precious mother, who is also a very loving Aunt shared it with a little blonde haired, blue eyed girl. She would be the first of three angel girls, that in time would sit and rock their baby dolls, pooh bears, read books, and sing in this chair. 
It has sat empty in a quiet room for some years now. We are so excited that in a short time now it will be filled! Filled once again with laughter and rocking, singing, and teddy bears! Our special gift-returned to you little, Hayden Wallace Vice."

Now that I am sobbing again (as are probably you), I will let you take in the meaning to be selfless.
 Be selfless in God's eyes most importantly.
Be so giving that your heart is about to burst.
Step outside your comfort zone and let the rays of joy pour from your heart into someone else's.
 Be Godly. Be a selfless Mom.

I was/am so appreciative of everything we received yesterday. The blessings that were showered upon our family is amazing and moving. But the gift of love, selflessness, care, compassion, and honesty that was given to us by Rhonda and Sloan and their girls yesterday is a gift that will NEVER be over used, under used, or thrown away. Its a life lesson that we will forever be able to carry with us.

Below is Rhonda, reading us the letter. 

Until next time, Enjoy!