And we danced

Friday was my sweet hubby's birthday. We celebrated with a family evening, dance party (Ellamae always steals the show), presents, and a fancy dinner. We had fresh ravioli filled with mushrooms and cheese in an Alfredo sauce. Dipping bread and oil. And a bottle of vino.

We finished it off with cheesecake and fresh berries. It was a feast.

I love you Jake for all you do, the man you are, and the man that you strive to be.

Two

Two babes. Two hands.

It has been a busy two months with Lincoln here. 

It is the hardest when both kids want my undivided attention and I can only give it to one of them. Then, you are asked to choose, sometimes choice is based on urgency, or tending to the infant, and other times, because my heart is broken when I can't help my sweet girl, I chose to help her. I think that all of us have learned to have patience and understanding and are getting a system down. Just as it was before, I learn everyday as a mother. I love this blessing I have to be a mother, and couldn't be more thankful for these two.

Lincoln is growing so quickly on us. I sometimes just want to hit the "pause" button. Maybe it's because of that newborn smell, or those sweet tiny hands of his that lay on my breast as he nurses, or those darling snores he lets out when he is swaddled up tightly. 

The good news is that I don't have to be SO sad as he grows, because, I am lucky enough to see what comes next through Ellamae.

The way she "jumps" and just runs up on her tippy toes, or the bounce of her little curls, oh, and the excitement in her voice when she points to Jake or I to show us something...saying "mama, mama!!" or "dada dada!!!" I love watching her grow and learn in all the exploring she loves to do. She soaks up everything you tell her like a sponge. I love this girl and getting to know her personality is so special.

And then when the two are together, oh, my heart overflows with joy and love. Thank you, Lord.

Then there was Lincoln

It was a November evening that seemed similar to any other. Jake got a call and was asked if he could help at work for a couple hours. Before he left, he kissed me on the head and joked, "Let me know if I need to meet you at the hospital". We both laughed.

I had noticed a lot of movement from that sweet babe in my tum that day, but didn't think of it as anything serious. Ellamae and I continued on with our night: a couple of books were read, some bubbly toes turned wrinkly, tiny teeth were brushed, and some hymns sung by a night light before our kisses and prayers goodnight. Gradually I was noticing more and more movement, and realizing they were contractions. Nothing too painful, but they were coming about every five minutes. 

I did what I often do, I called my sister asking what my next steps should be. (I am pretty sure I knew what to do, but I wanted to hear her voice and be reassured about how this whole going into labor "on my own" thing works.) After a few calls to the doctor, my mom and dad, and several to Jake, I found myself on the way to the hospital with my mom. My dad stayed at our house to watch Ellamae and Jake waited anxiously to hear from me if it was more than Braxton Hicks. 

I didn't think much was going on, because between contractions, now three minutes apart, I was feeling fine and could not believe that tonight was really the night. 

After getting checked by the on call doctor, I was told that my little stinker had decided to flip on me... yup, surprise he is now breech. I was freaked out to say the least. Iimmediately  called Jake and said get your butt here ( a little different verbiage), because we are having a csection and ASAP. 

My contractions were strong and hard, I just wanted to push. I was upset I couldn't, I just kept thinking I am ready to do this, may I please?

Jake came in minutes later and kissed my head again, squeezed my hand tightly and I couldn't help but tear up. 

I was so happy to know this baby would be with us soon, and that I had Jake there. I never had surgery before, so I was worried about the unknown. Jake was so calm, loving, and reassuring. We grew a lot closer that night. 

The next 15 minutes were full of anxiety, pressure, an unforgettable stench, cringing, and strange sounds. But there was also lots of hope, prayer, love, hand squeezing, anticipating, finally a delayed cry, and tears full of so much happiness.

And there he was. It all happened so quickly. Two hours before he was born I was tucking my sweet baby Ellamae into bed. 

Jake and I were so blessed already and couldn't ever imagine being happier, and then there was Lincoln.