It's a GIRL!!

I was completely and utterly shocked when the doctor announced "It's a girl!"  I asked him if he was sure and he told me I could check if I wanted to.  I kept saying, "Justin, a girl.  I can't believe it's a girl."  I have been convinced that we were having a boy.  From the 13 week ultrasound and the tech already being able to tell what we were having (that made me think boy) to the dozens and dozens of people who studied me during my pregnancy and proclaimed, "Oh that's definitely a boy."  I mean, not one single person ever said they thought I "looked" like I was carrying a girl.  So, I was totally convinced this baby was a boy.  But I was totally wrong.

I was in labor for a total of 11 hours and it was a very long day.  There were times that I got pretty discouraged and feared a C-section might be near, although the nurse never actually mentioned that to me.  But after 4-5 hours of staying between 4-5 cm, I finally made progress very quickly.  I couldn't have asked for a smoother delivery.  I didn't have to push very long at all and our beautiful, healthy, perfect baby was born. 

The excitement of finding out the gender of our baby in that moment was overwhelming.  There are really no words to describe it and I really wish everyone could experience it at least once.  

I couldn't believe how much advancement had been made with epidurals since the one I had with Canaan just 3 1/2 years ago.  I felt so much better after delivery this go round; like I could get up and walk several laps around the hospital.  

We named our sweet baby Merritt Nell.  Justin's grandmother is Barbara Nell, so Nell is a tribute to our beloved Ma.Our very first family of five photo was eventful to say the least.  I'm sure that will be the first of many exciting family photos.  It may be years before we are able to snag a decent one, but I am so thankful and proud of my sweet family.

We were so blessed to have an abundance of family and friends to stop in and see us and even had a few to stop by just after we'd been sent home.  It means so much when people rally around you to support and encourage you during such a special time.  

Just as any "new" parents are, we couldn't wait to be discharged from the hospital and head home with our sweet baby.  It's amazing how much more laid back we already are with number three.  I have prayed for this sweet baby and imagined what he or she would be like for so incredibly long.  God has been so good to us; blessing us far more than we could ever deserve.  We give him all honor, glory, and praise for our little cherry on top!

Headed to the Hospital

So today is THE BIG DAY!  After my appointment on Monday afternoon, the doctor decided to induce me at 6:30 Wednesday morning.  I couldn't have been more relieved to know the end was truly near.   I am officially four days past my due date and can't believe the day has finally arrived to meet our newest family member.  I am praying for a safe delivery and a healthy baby.

So now the big question is will it be a HE or a SHE?  Oh, I cannot wait to find out!  Third pregnancy, you've been good to me, but I'm SO glad to see you go!  The next time I come back to our house, we will have our sweet baby with us.  This is one morning that I don't mind waking up super early!

Easter

To say that Easter was a bit of a thrown together holiday for us this year, would be a major understatement. My due date was the day before Easter, so I really hoped we would have an Easter baby and either still be in the hospital or perhaps just coming home with our newest addition.  Baby Stinson didn't agree with those plans, though, and decided to stay put a little longer.   So at the last minute, I basically threw together Easter outfits for our gang, as well as Easter goodies for the kids and our Sunday School kids at church.

I thought the kids looked adorable in what we did find in their closets, though.  I have tried so hard to keep everything business as usual for the kids, so as to not make this new transition any harder than it might already be.  So I guess it's only fitting that our Easter plans would stay the same as they always are.  Consistency is the key, right?

  

Even though I am beyond ready for this baby to arrive, I also want to enjoy these special moments with my two big kids.  But it is emotionally draining wondering when this baby will get here and when/if the doctor will induce.  I looked like a living Easter egg this year.

We still headed to Auburn, after church, to have lunch and an egg hunt with my grandparents.  We love catching up with our families any time we get the chance. 

My grandfather still wrote the kid's names on eggs that he dyed.  This is such a special tradition to me.  I had hoped that our third baby's name might get to be on one this year, but looks like it will have to wait until next year.

I hated that all of the great grandkids couldn't make it to our Easter lunch, but we sure loved seeing the family that did make it.  Aunt Edna brought a crazy amount of candy so there was no shortage whatsoever on that end.  We decided that our kids got more Easter candy than Halloween candy this year.  So even though our Easter was a bit thrown together and last minute, it couldn't have been more perfect.  Thankful, more than anything, for our Risen Savior and that because HE lives, I can face each and everyday!

Daddy/Daughter Dance

 Justin and Hadley had so much fun at the Daddy/Daughter Dance they went to last year, that going again this year was a definite.  The only problem was that the dance they went to last year was offered on a night of a ballgame, of course.  However, we lucked out when our very own Highland Elementary offered a duel Daddy/Daughter Dance and Mom Prom right after basketball season ended.

 I found Hadley's dress and matching headband at a consignment sale last year and thought then that it would make a fabulous dress for this very event.  We hot rolled Hadley's hair to give it a different look and make her feel a little more special.  Justin wore a pink shirt under his navy sports jacket.  The ivory cowboy boots Grandad scored when a tack store was going out of business were the perfect addition to Hadley's look for the night.

Moments like these make me stop and realize how quickly she's growing up.  Everyone says that once kids get in "big school," it really flies by.  I so want to cherish every moment.

I am beyond thankful that Hadley has a daddy who loves her so well and truly enjoys doing things with her.  When our basketball team made it to the All A State Tournament, in Frankfort, Hadley actually rode the bus with Justin and the team and stayed in a hotel room with him for one night before we came up the next afternoon.  It takes a special daddy to want his kindergartener to tag along, but Justin is so so good about things like that.  

Justin treated Hadley to a Chinese dinner after the dance.  Yes, our sweet Hadley loves her some China Buffet here in town.  Thankful for a daddy who will take time out of a busy schedule to be intentional with one of his kids.