Weston Michael

As I sit here, and try to put into words the birth story of our second son, he is currently snuggled up against my chest.  Pure bliss are about the only words that are coming to my mind at the moment.  But, there is so much more--trust me.  Weston Michael is almost 4 weeks old, and I need to put his story into writing.  So, here it goes.....with a lot of pictures to go along with it!

The very early morning hours of April 27th had come.  This was the much anticipated date that we had been looking forward to for 9 months. It was my due date, and we had scheduled a C-Section to take place that morning since we hadn't had our little bundle of joy before then.  We were to be at the hospital at 6:00 AM that morning, and the surgery was scheduled to take place at 8:00 AM.

We left our driveway that morning at about 5:00, and we were hospital bound.  April 27th was here, and I was so nervous.  We were about to become parents of two children---two precious little boys.  I wasn't nervous about being a parent to two little ones, I was nervous about the morning's schedule.  Signing myself up for a surgery was something I would have never thought I would do.  But, the day was here, and I was about to meet our newest bundle of joy.  The excitement truly did carry me through the day.

We got to the hospital, got checked into our little room, and got everything rolling.  I got my IV, took some medication that I later found out I was allergic to, and continued to prep for the big event.  They wheeled me into the operating room about 8:00 that morning.  I remember not feeling well, at all.  I was completely miserable, but I was so excited to meet this little guy.....and that thought kept me going.  I got my spinal injection, and the big event was about to take place.  I had my husband by my side, and the time had come.  We were about to welcome this little soul into the world.  They started the procedure, and things didn't go completely as planned.  The spinal injection ended up not being completely effective, and I needed to be put to sleep.  They asked Carl to leave the room, and I remember not being happy about that.  But, as fast as the thought of Carl not being by my side came to my mind, I was just as quickly put to sleep---leaving me with no thought at all. 

At 8:38 AM that morning, we welcomed the most perfect little boy into this world.  Weston Michael made his appearance weighing in at 7 pounds, 5 ounces, and was 20 inches long.  He is perfect in every way.

The nurses brought him to meet his Daddy and Frannie who were waiting in the hall outside of the operating room.  They were both SO excited to meet him, and hold him. 

This would be our amazing doctor who brought our little miracle in this world.  Dr. Hamdi. 

And our nurse, Angie. She was amazing as well!  She is the one who took all of the pictures while I was in the operating room.  I will forever be so thankful for her, as the pictures are so very priceless to me. 

I remember waking up at about 10:30, and got to hold Weston for the first time.  It was love at first sight, truly.  I always think it is amazing how that happens.  People say they fall in love instantly, and that is exactly what happened with both of our sons.  I couldn't hold back my tears, as I was so overjoyed with happiness. 

Shortly after Weston was born, he got his first bath, given by Nurse Angie.

I remember continuously praying that morning before the operation.  I asked for a peaceful delivery, and that is exactly what the Lord delivered.  No, it is not what I had in mind, or that "picture perfect" delivery, but it is exactly what I needed, and he answered my prayers. 

I look back on that day.  April 27th.  That day holds so much meaning, so much emotion, and so much joy. 

I look at the pictures of my husband holding Weston for the first time, and it makes me fall in love with him all over again.  He is such an amazing Father, to both of our boys.

Carson got to meet Weston a little later that day (after a nap, in hopes he would be in a very good mood!) and I think he instantly fell in love, too.  We were all nervous about how he would do, since he does not do well in hospital settings.  But, it's like he knew this time around that his little brother had arrived, and this was something to be excited about!  G&G Brouwer brought Carson to the hospital, and Carl met them at the entrance door.  When he walked into the room, he plastered his shy smile across his face, and at that very moment, I knew everything was going to be fine.  He showed a lot of interest in Weston, and wanted to hold him.  All I could think about at that moment was "Life is Great"....all the while holding back tears.  We are so blessed.

Daddy and "his boys." He is so proud. Goodness, it sounds so neat saying boyS! :)

And so it begins already......a lot of loving and spoiling for this little guy.  Kisses from Mom, and snuggling from Dad.

Becoming a Mother is truly a dream come true for me.  I have always wanted to be a Mom, for as long as I can remember.  My Sister and I used to tote around our babies when we were younger, and I remember thinking back then that it was, in fact, the real deal.  We would put our babies in real car seats, put them in the back of our Grandparents' golf cart, and off we went.  I am sure we were headed to work, or to drop the kids off at daycare.  We would drive around the yard with our babies strapped in, because we were busy parents--you know. 

And now, the time has come, and the actual real deal is taking place.  I have two amazing boys who call me Mom, and my Sister has a beautiful little girl.  Our dream has now become reality, and I am so in love. 

We had a lot of visitors throughout our hospital stay, and we are so grateful for everyone that stopped by to meet our newest family member. 

Frannie and Weston.

Aunt DiDi and Weston.

Aunt Sarah and Weston.

Grandpa Brouwer and Weston.

Aunt Kasey and Weston.

Uncle Chris and Weston.

Grandpa Gary and Weston.

Cousin Kennedy and Weston.

Cousin Kendra and Weston.

Trishy and Weston.

Grandpa Mike and Weston.

Grandpa Mike and Lanette with Weston.

AND, one VERY Proud Big Brother!  This picture make my heart melt to pieces.  The love and bond that these two boys exchanged right away is so amazing. 

We had Weston on Friday morning, and were headed home Monday about Noon.  I was in a lot of pain, but was encouraged that each day would get better.  I was nervous about what home life would be like, and how I was going to keep my pain under control.  But, with each passing day, the pain did get better.  At about 2 weeks, I was virtually pain free, which is such a great feeling. 

I truly can't express in words how blessed Carl and I feel after the birth of Weston.  We are so very thankful, and overjoyed.  Life with two does take a little adjusting and getting used to, but it has been a wonderful roller coaster to be on :)

Carl and I had long awaited the birth of our second child with much anticipation.  We found out at 20 weeks in our pregnancy that we were having another boy, and we were both so very excited.  Having two boys, about 2-1/2 years apart, is going to be so much fun.  I am so excited to see what their relationship grows to be, and watch them become the best of friends.

I can already see a relationship developing between our two little ones, and that brings me such joy.  Carson loves to help with Weston, and he absolutely loves to talk to him.  Carl and I have now been put on the back burner, and Weston gets an ear full from Carson when he wakes up in the morning, instead of Mom or Dad.  He also loves to hold him, and point (or poke!) at every body part on his little body.  It is so cute, and I love every minute of it.

So far, things have been nothing shy of amazing since being home with our two boys.  Yes, things are busy, but we wouldn't have it any other way.  Now that we have Carson and Weston, we can't imagine life any other way.  We are constantly asking ourselves what we did with ourselves without Weston around.  He fits right in, and completes our family of four perfectly.

Welcome to this great big world, Weston Michael!  You are loved by so many, and we are so very grateful for you.  Thank you, Lord, for choosing us to be the parents of these two amazing boys.  We are trying our best, and will continue to strive and raise them in a loving, and Christian home. 

Easter, Round 3

(I am still trying to play catch-up with the blogging!  Hopefully I can get caught up soon, as I am about a MONTH behind!  Yikes.)

The week of Easter, we had a lot of fun coloring Easter eggs with our little Wee Lad.  Carson had so much fun with this activity!  Carl and I had a lot of fun, too.

On Easter morning, we were woken to a little 2 year old, sandwiched between the two of us, dishing out hugs and kisses.  It really is fun to wake up next to Carson.  He is so snuggly, and he buries himself in to your chest, which is the best.  We soon found out that the Easter bunny made a visit to our house with a little basket for Carson.  The bunny also came a week early to deliver Carson's John Deere tractor, too.  Boy, this bunny was busy :)

After we got up, got dressed in our Easter attire-- we made our way to church.  It was a lovely service, as always, and a packed house.  After church, we went to my parents' house, and Carson opened his Easter basket from Frannie and Grandpa Gary.  You would have thought it was Christmas 'round these neck of the woods, because brother got a bunch of goodies!  Have I said it before...that my Mom always goes above and beyond to make holidays extra special?  Because she does.  And she does a darn good job of it, too.  

I also had a lot of fun shopping for Natalie's Easter basket!  Yes, those would be adorable little shoes, and an outfit amongst some treats.  It's probably a good thing I don't have a girl of my own, because I could really do some damage!  So, I get to shop for my neice(s) instead!

After a much needed afternoon nap for the Wee Lad, we ventured our way out to the Brouwer farm, and did a little more celebrating.  This gathering is a little more wild and crazy, as there are 7 little children, and now 8 with our newest addition.  Phew, this family is a growing!  And who would have thought....Carson got yet another Easter basket!  We are now dealing with the after-math of Easter, and trying to find a place for all of Carson's new goodies.  I will admit that a lot of the candy made it's way to the trash, but his toys did not :)

Monkey see, Monkey do!

After we got home from the Brouwers', I think we were all ready to crash.  No time or energy to put anything away, we all got jammied up, and did a little relaxing before the real-deal of bed time rolled around.  Carson was tired, as we all were.  But, that is a good indication that we had a splendid day, and a wonderful celebration of our Risen King!

A Wonderful April Weekend

I am really behind on blogging.  As in, about a month behind!  So, I am going to try and play some catch up. 

I love our weekends together as a family.  Some weekends are jam-packed full of scheduled events, and others are more relaxing, and we go with the flow.  This particular Saturday was a go-with-the-flow kind of Saturday.  And, one of the last ones as a family of 3!

That afternoon brought us out to G&G Brouwers house, where Carson was on Cloud 9 with the animals.  He loves all of them.  The chickens, bunnies, kitties, sheep, cow, dogs, turkeys, and the donkey.  Dumb-Dumb would be the donkey's name.  He loves to feed Dumb-Dumb some treats, and giggles as he takes it from his hand.  It is so darn cute to watch him feed the animals.

On Sunday we spend the day outside.  Carl was cleaning out the garage, and washing things down, and Carson is always right there.  He is Carl's magnet these days.  He is his shadow--literally.  And Carl constantly makes comments on how he loves that!  He is a Daddy's boy....for right now.  I am hoping I can win him back over soon :)  Ha. 
Carl was washing down the mower, our bike trailer, and the car.....and Carson followed suit--of course! 

I always do, and always will look forward to our weekends together!  It is truly something that keeps me going during the week.  Knowing I get to spend a few days with our little family is something I love and cherish!

Week 39

Today marks week 39!  And as a gift this week, we got this cute little countdown in the mail from my Sister, to remind us of how many days are left until our precious little boy enters this world. 

And, I will let the picture of me being 39 weeks pregnant speak for itself.  I am ready to get the show on the road :)

39 Weeks

Easter, Round 2

We had such a lovely Easter, gathered with Family and Friends on the Saturday night before Easter.  We all gathered at my parents' house, and celebrated a Wonderful holiday.

There was an abundance amount of delicious food, as always, and a super fun Easter egg hunt!  This year, my Mom and neighbor friend, Kirsten, put on a stellar scavenger hunt that had everyone running around the yard, enjoying themselves.  The guys even really got into this one---that's when you know it was a big success, right?

There were four teams, and each team had a color.  They started out with a clue, and that was the start of the game.  After they found the first clue, that would lead them to the next, and so on.  At each destination spot, there was a prize for their team color, and a clue to where they were to look next.  Along with the clues, each team was to find 12 Easter eggs hidden throughout the yard, in their team color.  Well, unless you are like Carson, and he was just finding any and all eggs he could find.  He was yellow, but I saw a few other colored eggs in his hands.  But he was having so much fun!

I think each team member enjoyed themselves, and us ladies stood around and cheered our teammates on.  There was a lot of thought and time put into the game, and it was so much fun for everyone!

This would be Chris trying to figure out which clue he was missing.  He was pretty serious about this scavenger hunt game.

After the egg hunt, we were onto dessert.  Diane made a cute little Easter bunny cake, that was wishing Chris and myself a Happy Birthday.  You see, in my 25 years of life, I don't think I have ever had my own birthday.  But that's ok, celebrating with a brother isn't so bad :)

What a Wonderful way to kick-off our Easter weekend!