11 months

Darling Rhetty,

11-months old today!!  Wow...

Despite sickness and saying goodbye to family, etc., I had to sneak in a quick update of our son.

The past month, I've really noticed the "boy" coming out in him.

He loves loud noises (and to create them!).
He enjoys rough-housing.
He is just "rougher" in the way he accomplishes things.

He discovered airplanes and LOOOOVES them.

He is still a sweetie pie and makes all of our lives that much brighter.

He is close to walking... taking little steps here and there.

His 7th tooth just broke the gums...

... and that's about all I can muster before one of my children demands my attention!

Thanks for checking in!!

nine

Yesterday, our little buddy turned nine-months old!!

I could say a bunch of things like, how fast it's going! or what a joy he is! or how big he's growing... but you already know that.

Instead, I'll share how...

- teeth numbers 3 & 4 are poking through on top
- he has this sweet little curl that fans from the nape of his neck... a third curly-haired child, perhaps?
- he absolutely giggles with delight every time I pick him up in the morning or after naps

and...

- how he's pulling up on everything and walking around furniture
- wants to be just like Bella and Summer... demanding the same of each thing they have
- how we're learning the word, "No..." and it's always hard to obey... :-(
- rice and beans are his favorite foods

and...

- how he says Dadada all the live-long day, but only Mamamama when he's crying
- how he loves to ruin Bella and Summer's toys or doll houses
- shutting and opening doors is his favorite activity

We love this little Rhetty-Boy.  O, so much.

------------
And just for fun, here are Bella's and Summer's 9-month updates.  And yes, Rhett has more hair than both my girls did... of course.  :-)

Rhett's new trick

As I was making breakfast this morning, I looked over to little Rhett sitting on the ground, mesmerized with his new skill of clapping.  It was so darling and he was just too cute to boot!!

I kept trying to get video all day to show to Travis, but ... it's harder than you may think to capture this little punkin, without
(a) the girls' voices overtaking the scene
(b) Rhett reaching to grab the phone out of my hand
(c) Rhett stopping to just smile and coo at me.

So... the video I DID capture portrays this all pretty nicely, I'd say.

All day long, he kept clapping his hands and we'd all cheer for him.  "Rhett, can you clap??" we'd say over and over and he kept obliging us.  Life dwindles to a pretty small picture of the world when you have young'uns.  I kinda like it that way.

And... as motherhood so easily does with subsequent children, this milestone brought to mind Bella's own clapping talent.  Gosh... where did the time go??  Blows my mind how fast the years have gone...

what I do (B&W)

me:

- trying to get everything in order for Christmas

::buying gifts is really difficult for me::

- feeling defeated in the "cleanliness of the home" area

::seriously wishing I had a housekeeper::

- trying to let the little things go and really just love my kids

::loving doesn't only mean snuggling;

it also means the hard job of being consistent in discipline and teaching::

 bella:

- doing great with her reading and writing

- would rather ride her bike more than anything else

- has more questions about the way the world works more than any kid I know

- is really turning a corner in obeying Mama and Daddy

::so encouraging::

 summer:

- we celebrated her birthday yesterday, because Trav will be out of town on her actual birthday

::she absolutely LOVED her whole day::

- she is struggling so much with controlling her anger and frustration

::it's hard to see your sweet-natured child enter this phase::

- still loves to just be held and snuggled and kissed always

::(i can do that)::

rhett:

- drools like a crazy-man... yet still no teeth

::this nursing mama won't complain!!::

- his favorite game is grabbing my face and/or hair, wait for me to say, "OUCH!",

and then he giggles like crazy.

::so cute.  it's safe to say his favorite word is "ouch."::

- he's started doing the "shy boy" game.  

someone will say hi to him and he gives a huge, gummy smile before 

nuzzling his head in my shoulder.

::LOVE::

a moment with my boy

We're just getting over a rough hump with Rhett's sleeping.  The 4-month & 6-month marks always seem to mess things up a bit... not sure why.  Anyway, he's doing better now... and the past few early morning feedings (around 4:30ish) has been extra sweet.  I don't seem to mind hearing his little moans for milk/comfort if it's just once a night, and when I sneak into his room, he hears me, sits up and reaches for me.  Those sweet chubby fists and wrists... and he quickly nuzzles for his nourishment.

For about the last 3-4 nights, after we finish our nursing session and putting on a clean diaper, I hold him upright for a bit, waiting for him to burp.  Down the hallway, our tree gives off a glow and I walk out to the living room to enjoy the bokeh of Christmas lights.  His little eyes squint at first, and then they lock in and daze, luring as all good Christmas lights do.

Last night was no different.  We nursed, I changed him, and smushed his cheek with my nose.  He kept leaning his body toward the doorway, and I understood.  He wanted to see the lights again.  So we crept the four feet down the hallway and when he saw them, his eyes squinted in that most adorable way.  Then his wet, little lips circled tight and his eyes grew large and he cooed, "Oooooh!"

He turned to me, in jerky, baby movements; put his chubby palms on my cheeks and opened wide his mouth as he dove for my mouth.  Of course, I kissed him back, my heart bursting with pure Mama joy at the wonder of children.  He looked back at the tree, circling his lips again and gushing, "Oooohh...", his heart bursting with the pure wonder of Christmas lights.

These interactions.... they are the dearest moments of mothering.  These are the moments that everyone means when they say, "Drink it all in!  It goes too fast!"  Because it does.  Even as I experience it, I know it's fleeting.  It's like trying to grab water as it pours from a fount.  I know these moments are precious.  I know they're extraordinary.  And, I can't hold on to them.  All I can do is love them, live them.  And maybe living them, while knowing you're experiencing the miraculous, is the best we can do this side of Heaven.

3 - 1 = 2

Travis' grandmother is unfortunately not doing well.  She has lived a long, full life (90 years!) and the end is near.  Instead of waiting for the funeral, a lot of the family decided to go now and visit while she is still cognizant and here.  We decided last minute, hours after Trav finished his master's cumulative exam, that he too will be going this weekend.  But, bringing our whole fam?  Headache, to the max (as much as I wish I could go).  Bella, though, is the lucky lady who's accompanying Travis.  She's old enough to remember and will also get to see her cousins and grandparents.

Which leaves me with the two little ones for the next few days.  I was really struggling yesterday with having a good attitude about being left behind.  One of those days where, in your head you know it makes sense, but in your heart it just is HARD and it hurts.  Plus, Travis worked from 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. yesterday.  There were so many times I just had to stop what I was doing, lay my hands over my eyes and cry out to the Lord, "THIS IS SO HARD!!!!  Help me through the next five minutes!"

I often fail to remember that He is our DAILY BREAD.  DAILY.  He is enough for the right now.  Of course, He is enough for all eternity, but we mere humans can't comprehend that scope.  If I look too far into the future (the next three weekends Trav will be absent, the 6-month deployment on the horizon, etc.) I can start freaking out.  Depression can quickly settle in and I become very bitter with our lot in the Air Force.  God was sweet and kind to remind me that He is my daily bread.  I must turn to Him and be filled for the "right now."  He giveth more grace each passing day.

That said, I have been pleasantly surprised at how well this morning has gone.  Of course we miss our B.J., but the house has been very serene and quiet and simple.  Is this how it was with two??  I suppose, before the baby becomes mobile/verbal, things are a bit easier.  Is it because I have one less child or because my child with the dominant personality is missing?  Probably a bit of both...

Bella is a source of energy and action in this home.  She is and always has been Questions.  Why is this the way it is?  How does this work?  Will you read to me?  What does this do?  Why does that mean that?  Will you read MORE and MORE to me?  What does this mean??  Constant curiosity, questioning, learning.  Summer, on the other hand, hasn't asked a single "why?" question ... ever, I think (except in regards to cleaning her room).  She loves quiet, imaginative play.  Playing "Mama" with her animals and babies.  I'm grateful for this chance to spend one-on-one time with Sums.  And I'm grateful for the time Travis has to spend with Bella.  Living in community is good and normal, but one-on-one time is truly special.

So, we got ready (Summer asked for some of my lipstick, to which, of course, I can't say no to that girl) and we did a few errands, played in the backyard and now are enjoying a quiet afternoon.  I'm very thankful for a different set of circumstances than I expected.  And I'm thankful for my Daily Bread.

catch up

I have been a serious blogger slacker.  Something about having three kids and homeschooling and training and trying to spend less time on the computer, etc.  The more children I have, the more my little world dwindles down to home and those four other people I live with.  Everything is about them: how I serve them, how I love them, how I feed them, how I clean for them, how I teach them.  Of course, it's all ultimately about Christ and how I can do absolutely nothing apart from HIM.  That truth is so poignant, lately.  I am in desperate need of His love and grace in my every day faithfulness to serve and love my family well.

While my life is far from glamorous, there have been a few fun/noteworthy items as of late.  We'll start with the kiddos:

Bella is doing well.  I can see that she is growing up and it is very encouraging.  For the most part, she has a good attitude and is willing to be helpful.  She is as inquisitive, as ever, and loves doing schoolwork.  We were butting heads a bit over reading (which surprised me), so we took a few weeks off of reading and began anew this last week.  I aimed to be way more encouraging and more consistent with just a little bit every day.  It has seemed to help and we always end our lesson with reading a few chapters of our read-aloud book, which is currently Farmer Boy, by Laura Ingalls Wilder.

The girl LOVES dancing (ballet in particular).  She gets books from the library on ballet and studies them constantly.  Whenever she hears music, she begins twirling and leaping and literally is probably dancing 85% of the day.  I'm okay with it, as long as it's not in public spaces.  She's been known to kick innocent passerbys.  She BEGSSSSSS to do ballet.  We've told her that she must prove to us that she's responsible and well-mannered and respectful to adults before she may take ballet.  Annnd... we've noticed much improvement in those areas recently.  The girl's got grit, I tell ya...

Summer ... oh, what to say about Summer.  We've hit a hard streak with this sweet one.  Is it because 3 is around the corner?  Not sure why exactly, but she struggles constantly (it seems) with controlling that little temper of hers.  She is sweet and compliant, until you pass her will and BOOM! that girl is NOT happy.  We really try and nip the tantrums in the bud, so instead she seethes and will respond with a void of emotions and lack of words.  Trav and I feel like we're new parents again.  Often, I just send her to her room to calm down and then go chat with her in a bit.  It usually helps, and we just keep bringing the problem before the Lord, asking for a change of heart within her.  O, these young years... they're so tough!!

And little Rhett.  Well, he had a rough two weeks, where he was waking all throughout the night and crying lots during the day.  It completely wore me out.  Of course, Trav was gone during one of those weeks and when he returned home, I felt pummeled.  Fortunately, Rhett's sleep has improved almost to where he was previously and we're all happier on this end.  He has terribly sensitive skin and I'm not sure what to attribute it to.  Last night, I gave him a bath and put some Aveeno lotion on his eczema-like skin. This morning he awoke with a rash all over his tummy and arms and neck and legs.  Ugh.  I'm not sure where I'm going wrong, or if it has to do with my diet or his lotion or clothes???  Seriously, parenting is TOUGH!!  And such a guessing game.

As for Trav, he is finishing up his LAST MASTERS class EVER this Thursday!!!!!!!!!  This has been such a difficult season for us both to put up with.  He began in 2009 and took one class at a time, with a few breaks in there.  The Air Force pretty much forces you to get a higher education degree if you want to promote.  It's incredibly stupid, as these guys already have a college degree and a degree in flying, but another one is necessary.  Trav is not a school kind-of-guy, so it's been challenging to remain motivated and consistent, to say the least.  ANYways, he's nearly done and we're both oh-so-glad.  Our last weekend with homework getting in the way.  Praise the Lord!!

As for me, I feel that I am finally beginning to warm up to this place as "home."  The weather is cooling a bit (but not nearly as cool as the rest of the U.S.), and we are actually able to be outside once more.  I am involved in a women's Bible study once a week, along with our Missional Community (small group of sorts, through church) once a week.  I go to a co-op for Bella's homeschool once a week, too, so my social life is building, though not overwhelming.  Like I said earlier, though, my life is very much at home and with my children.  It's simple and very basic, but what I firmly feel I'm called to do.  Even though it's mundane, I take joy in the fact that I feel needed and useful and fulfilled in what I do.

On the side, my dad and I are taking an online photography class together.  It's good for me to get out and shoot throughout the week.  I so enjoy that part of life and hope to keep learning more.  I also actually put a book on hold at the library - a reading-for-pleasure type of book!  I don't believe I've read for pleasure in.... well, a very long time.  Let's see if I actually get to enjoy this one!

That's it for now.  Thanks for reading, lovelies... I'll try and check in soon!

deliciousness

Somehow, other babies never seem quite as cute {to me!} as my own.  And I'm sure that's in this case, too.  So, oblige me, please, by allowing me to rave about how smushy, drooly, beautiful, & delicious this boy is.

Some "Rhett stats":

// he's doing the whole teething thing: 

- drool

- shoving every darn thing in his mouth

- DROOL

// he LOOOOVES his sisters... & they make amazing "babysitters"

// he is old enough for the jumperoo now (YAY!) &

it is by far his favorite contraption

// rolls, rolls, rolls... everywhere

// is just over four months &

by my scale at home, just over 16 lbs.

// has super sensitive skin, just like Summy did

- a rash under his chin

- dry, rough patches on his arms and legs

- red, bumps on his tummy

- never complains or seems to bother him, but sad

// is my DEAR, dear boy

::in love::

Photo credit: Bella

There's this boy.  He's white... actually, whiter than white.  And smushy.  And dimply.  And he appears to be bald, but really, his white hair betrays the eye.

He's the dearest thing I've ever held (well, okay, I've held two other things just as dear...).  He has completely captured my heart.  It's amazing how one can never truly know a mother's love until they become a mother.  Then, when the second one comes along, you can't imagine how you could possibly love the next as much as the first.  But you do!!  Because they're a-whole-nother person.  And you love them so deeply - and differently than you do the first.  And so it goes.

Back to the boy.  He's three and a half months currently, and he's got Mary Poppins rivaled.  Practically Perfect in Every Way.  He has his days.  He has his moments.  But, on the whole... well, smitten might be an adequate way to phrase it.

I haven't posted about him in awhile.... and I so want to remember these times, fleeting though they may be.  You may have heard, but babies do not keep.

At 3.5 months, Rhett:

// sleeps ~ 3-4 hours during the day & 12 hours at night

// nurses and loves it
// smiles readily, but always ALWAYS at Bella and Mama
// can roll from tummy to back
// still takes a paci, but doesn't need one to sleep
// if he's fussy, he can be calmed by being held
// loves bathtime
// loves being sung to
// loves snacking on his fists and playing with his toesies

I wanted to get some shots of Bella and Rhett this afternoon while Summer was napping.  After I had my fun with the camera, Bella begged to take some of my boy and I.  Of course, I obliged (as long as that camera strap was firmly around her neck!) ... and she gave me some sweet shots.  Most of them were off-centered, but they seemed rather artsy to me.  Thank you, Bells.

Photo credit: Bella

And now, thank you friends, for allowing me to gush about my boy.  We'll be back to our regular programming eventually.  Maybe in eighteen years or so.

B, S, & R

Bella: Well, my little girl is going to turn 5 in just over a month.  How crazy!!  She and Rhett really have bonded well, despite their initial meeting and every day, hundreds of times, she coos over him and proclaims her love for her "favorite brother."  And, he responds most to Bella.  Whenever she comes near, he lights up with a smile and coos right back.  I love these two.

We've decided to begin homeschooling Bella this year.  She missed the cutoff date for public Kindergarten by 3 days and well, I just feel like she needs some sort of schooling.  I am finding myself more and more passionate about teaching her, so this year we will embark on a trial run of homeschooling and see how it fits our family.  I ordered the curriculum and it just came in the mail.  Travis and I are working on turning our extra room/guest room into a school room.  We will begin in a month!!

She is just getting over her 5,210th (or something like that) ear infection.  The Dr. said it he couldn't find the tubes in her ears, so they might've fallen out which will more than likely mean another (her 3rd) set of tubes.  I've noticed her hearing decreasing over the past week and once the infection totally clears and tubes are put in, this should hopefully help.

Summer: Well, wouldn't you know it?  She's pooped on the pot for three days in a row now!  (And I'm sure she'll appreciate me proclaiming this news to the www, but after my last post, I just had to share!)  She's different than her older sister in nearly every way, and Travis and I are learning how to traverse the paths of "drastically different children under the same parenting" road.

She continues to be the goofy little girl we all love.  She naps well and eats like a bird, i.e. very little.  She LOVES stories and begs for us to tell her stories of when we ourselves were little children all day long.  She wants to be held, snuggled, loved on 24/7.  And of course, as we all know, she would eat that little brother of hers right up if we allowed her to.

Rhett: And this little darling has captured my heart in every which way.  He smiles all the time, especially when he sees one of his sisters or myself.  He loves to coo and simply is content to lie on the couch or sit in his bouncy and watch the household go about our business.  Currently, he is enamored with his fists.  He balls them up and waves them in front of his face, all the while cooing away at those curious things!

As of today, he is 8 weeks old and sleeping well.  I put him down around 7:30 or 8 p.m.  He'll wake to eat around 10, but is still mostly asleep while I feed him, and I'm feeling he's going to drop that feeding soon.  Then, he'll go right back down until 4:30 or 5 a.m.  After that feeding, he'll sleep til 7:30 or so.  I can't complain, no siree.

Travis and I were just whispering last night in bed, after we put him down, that we feel like he's always been a part of the family.  So beautiful and strange how that is: before your child comes into the world, you can feel like you just can't imagine anything being different, and yet, once they come, they feel like they've always belonged.

"Hey, there's Rhett Butler!"

Soooo.... Trav took the girls to see Monsters University last night.  The theater's walls are covered with huge photos of famous movies, actors, etc.  As they're walking out, Bella nonchalantly points to one wall and says, "There's Rhett Butler."  And Summer echoes her, "Ya, there's Wet!"

Trav was amazed and made them stand by the wall so he could text me a video.  I thought I'd share it as a timely video after my last comment about no one knowing the name Rhett.  At least my daughters will be well-versed in their literature and know these important names!!  :-)

(While my mom was here, we rented Gone With the Wind [the movie] from the library.  Bella loved all the Southern Belle dresses and then got rather tied into the story line.  She loved that "the man" shared her brother's name.)

one-month old little man

Our Rhett is one-month old today.  They say each subsequent child's life goes by faster and faster than the one before, and I'm claiming that as true!

This child is a dream.  For reals.  Not only the easiest kid I've had, but one of the easiest I've ever encountered!  (Granted, he's only a month... but still.)  He's quite content to follow our schedule of eat-wake-sleep.  He eats like a champ and has already gained 2-3 pounds.  He is quiet and observant while awake, content to be held or sit in his bouncy chair and watch the ruckus hubbub of the household move about him.  And he sleeps through girls' high-pitched screaming, vacuuming, dishwasher unloading, thunderstorms... you name it.

Granted, I've had live-in help for the past month, and we are just now beginning our life with just us five, but the transition to three hasn't been as hard as I thought it might.  Sure, we have our hours/days when the load seems overwhelming and I feel very outnumbered, but on the whole, Rhett has made the transition one of joy and overall ease.

He's begun to stretch out those midnight feedings, so I'm getting good 3-4 hour stretches of sleep and that does a wonder on one's outlook in life.

All in all, we are head over heels for our little guy.  The girls still coo over him (sometimes too much??) and beg to hold him all the live-long day.  He's unknowingly brought so much life and joy into this family.  We are thankful for you, Rhett James.

One random fact for the day: Rhett isn't as well-known a name as I thought it was!  When we named him that, I completely thought that it was known, although not used much.  But it's safe to say 90% of the time when we share his name, people look at us with confused looks and ask the spelling.  Then they make some "That's interesting..." comment and leave it at that.  It's made me a bit self-conscious when sharing his name because I feel like one of those people that pick a weird, random name for their kid!  Oh well... we love it and that's all that matters, right?

Rhett James

Thought I'd share the background of Rhett's name.  I enjoy hearing what sparks a couple to pick the names they do, so here's our story.  (Here's Bella's and Summer's too, if you're interested.)

Way back when, when I was early pregnant with Summer, I began the book Gone With the Wind. I remember at one point, while living in Mississippi, ripping on Scarlett O'Hara and how disgustingly selfish of a character she was.  My southern friend, Paige, quickly interrupted me and said, "But... have you read the book yet?  Once you read the book, you'll understand her more."  I was quickly silenced, because no, I had only seen the movie.  A thousand times, mind you, but still... the book is ALWAYS better than the movie.  So anyway...... I began the book a few years later.  It took me about two chapters to get hooked and then, wham bam, I couldn't put that book down.  Called my mom and convinced her to read it and we both wept our way through til the end.  So so good.

At one point, while reading the book, I remember thinking how much I liked the name Rhett.  Then  I mentally paired it with our last name and *ding ding ding* the lights went flashing and I fell in love with how it sounded.  I could just picture the boy/man: a handsome guy with shoulders like his Daddy.  Fortunately, Travis liked it as well.  We subsequently learned that Rhett means "advice, or counsel."  I have prayed that he would grow to be a man of wise advice and sound counsel.  That he would be full of wisdom from above and use it circumspectly.

We get one of two reactions when we share his name:
(1) most common: Brett?  Ray?  Rat?  What did you say??  Ohhh... Rhett?  Mmm...
&
(2) Rhett!!!  I love it!!!  I love Gone With the Wind.  :-)

Travis at first was telling people I named him after Rhett Butler, which isn't really the case, as he is rather a playboy.  But, I guess I did get the name from the book, and honestly, in the book, he's a lot more likable than in the movie.  All this to say, go read Gone With the Wind!!!

And we both liked James as his middle name.  In Trav's words, it covers a lot of ground.  You see, James is:
* Travis' middle name
* My dad's name
* My Papa's and great-grandfathers' names
* Travis' Grandpa's name
* My brother's first name
* My sister's husband's name

And all that to say, the moniker stands for many people we love and admire.

And that's a wrap!  Oh, p.s. today is my 7th wedding anniversary.  Of course, T-man is out of town... but HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, LOVE!! 

for my friend, Tabitha

I have been meaning to write.... but, you know how it goes.  Finally, my friend, Tabitha, wrote me and told me to at least post some pictures!  So here I am.  Time flies when you're sleep deprived, hormonal, a mite overwhelmed having fun!

I did pull out my camera today and tried to play around with some settings and, of course, I used my favorite subjects.  I also ordered a portrait lens (Canon 50mm f1.8) and it should be coming in the mail soon.  I'm super excited about the potential.

For now, enjoy some photos.  Know I'm deeply in love with a little boy, and trying my best to give two little girls the attention they want and need.  Mimi should be arriving in two days, so I'm holding on tight, folks!

 

meeting Rhett

Travis and I were so excited for the girls to meet Rhett.  We had talked about him for so long and dreamed about who he would be that we couldn't wait to share in their joy over meeting their new sibling.  We knew Summer would be OVER THE MOON.  She had adamantly held to the fact that it was her "baby bruddah" in Mama's tummy, and being the baby-lover that she is, her reaction was spot on: PURE ADORATION.  From the moment she burst into my recovery room, she shot straight to Rhett and begged to hold him.  She didn't want to share holding time and practically swallowed him whole.  And it's been the same ever since: she wants to see him first thing in the morning, begs to hold him, loves to boink his nose and pet his head and shake his hands and talk in a high, squeaky voice to him.  This girl has the word "maternal" defined.  For example:

Bella I was bit more unsure of.  At times, she would seem excited about the baby in my tummy, and at others, completely nonchalant.  When she entered the recovery room, it was warily.  Noticing me in the bed, she quickly came to my side and wanted to know if I was hurting and where and why, etc.  She stayed by my side the entire time and kept eyeing me, making sure I was still the same Mama.  When offered Rhett, she denied him.  Showed no desire to look at him, much less hold him.  Rather, she stayed near my bed and drew me pictures on her special notepad. Her reaction didn't surprise me, as she is my child who is more hesitant to love and show affection.  I knew that Rhett would capture her heart one day soon and there was no need to rush unfelt feelings.

The next day, we made it home in the late afternoon.  Again, Summer nearly attacked us at the door, begging to hold her baby.  Again, Bella showed no interest.  It wasn't until later, as I finished a nursing session with Rhett and he was lying, sleepily drunk on my lap, that she wandered over and sat near me.  His eyes went to her and his little hands involuntarily reached towards her.  Her face lit with awe, as she whispered, "Mama!  He's looking at me!  He touched me!"  And then, a little while later, "Can I hold him, Mama?"

Since then, she's been in love.  She studies him and cares for him.  She will be fiercely protective, I just know.  Such a loved little boy... is it possible to feel any more blessed or thankful?

The transition has been our easiest thus far.  Oh, of course the beginning is always difficult - getting used to less sleep, another being in the home, baby gear EVERYWHERE, etc.  But, really, third time's the charm.  And...... 'tis 9 o'clock.  Which means my eyes are drooping and the house needs picking up and I need readying for bed.  Goodnight, dear Reader.

Our boy

Rhett James

born on May 24, 2013 @ 2:13 pm

8 lbs 6 oz

20 1/2 in

Our birth story is beautiful and I will always remember it fondly.  I'll share snips of it with you quickly, before my little man wakes and the girls want another book read and dinner is to be eaten and... well, you get the picture.

Trav and I went in at 5 a.m. Friday morning to begin the inducement, and right as we arrived, I had my first contraction.  Fifteen minutes later, another one.  So, instead of beginning the pitocin, my doctor agreed to let me labor on my own for a bit before he broke my water.  I informed him of my fast previous labors, along with the fact that I was already 3-4 cm dilated and he was super willing to let me have my way.  Great doctor!  Around 9 a.m., my water was broken and the painful contractions began to come quickly.  You know, the kind that make you think getting a large needle stuck in your spine sounds like a perfectly splendid idea.  After my epidural was given, things relaxed.  I napped, Trav watched ESPN and did some homework... and around 1:30, I measured 8 cm.  Half an hour later, I felt the incredible urge to push ... and three contractions later, my SON was born.

I've always wanted a surprise, and boy, did I get my surprise with this boy!!!  Trav and I have been pretty convinced we're having a third girl since my 20-week ultrasound when we thought we saw little lady-parts on our child.  There have been some points when I thought/felt "boy"... but then my mind would go back to what I "saw" in the ultrasound and I would think "girl."  We had our nurse all antsy about the sex of the baby when we told her we had two little ladies at home and felt nearly 100% sure that our third was a girl.  As I began to push, she looked at Trav and said, "You tell Jenny what the baby is, okay?"

Minutes later, as Rhett emerged with a final, giant push (and yell!), I heard our nurse gasp, "No way!!"... and then I heard my husband exclaim, with much gusto, "IT'S A BOY!!"  And I broke into tears.  I'm not sure why... as I knew another daughter would have been my absolute joy.  The best way I can describe what I felt is two-part:

(1) I so desperately wanted a surprise.  I practically "knew" I was having a girl.  Rhett was the best, most-perfect surprise.  JUST what I had wanted.  Such a gift.

(2) I knew that, boy or girl, I wanted the child inside of me.  Whomever, however s/he was made.  What I didn't know was that, all along, he was Rhett.  I didn't know how badly I wanted Rhett.  And then... I birthed him.  And held him.  And he was mine - a gift from God.  So undeserved and so perfect in every way.

Travis and I were in awe and shock the rest of our stay - we still are.  He is our little love.  The girls... well, they have their own story and I'll share it soon, as time allows.  As for now, thank you thank you THANK YOU for all the well wishes, prayers and words of congratulations.  And thank you for letting me share my gift with you.