She's Here!

Well, it's been almost 2 weeks since Miss Emerson Rose arrived, and she sure has changed our lives already! Around 1:45 on July 18, she was born via c-section. She checked in at 7 lb 9 oz and 19 1/2 inches long with what appears to be auburn hair. Yes, what are the chances that I could end up with another red head??? Bryson's hair was unmistakably orange when he was born; hers is dark, but it definitely has a red cast to it. I have to admit that I was filled with a lot of anxiety as I lay on the operating table that I did not expect to feel. I just was praying every second that she was going to be normal birth weight and healthy! The fact that she is absolutely beautiful (I may be a little biased, but seriously, she is.) is just a bonus!

See I told you so!


We're all adjusting to having an extra person around. The biggest challenge has been my restrictions from surgery, which include not lifting over 15 lbs. Avery is 34 lbs dead weight, and I've had a hard time sticking to the rules. But I know it's in all of our best interest. He is still a baby in many ways and wants to be held and cuddled too. Phillip has been great in taking over with him when he's home, and my mom has been in and out this week as well. Bryson loves Emerson of course, and he wants to hold her all the time. She was crying while I was in the bath the other day, and Bryson started singing to her and gave her a pacifier. He said, "Mom, I just gave her her sucky thing, and she quit crying!" Avery just stares at her and smiles like, "What in the world is that thing?"

I'm having a ball dressing her up. Phillip says it must be some form of child abuse the way I have dressed her and put hairbows on her head. It's just so much FUN! And this third time around, I think I'm enjoying the newborn stage so much more than I did before. I know that it won't be long until she'll be growing like a weed, and I'll be wishing that time would just slow down. So, I'm giving her lots of kisses and spending a little extra time rocking her. I'm not so worried about spoiling her or sleepless nights. I know that this too will pass!


But of course, as a mommy of 3 now, I'm busier. More mouths to feed, more messes to clean, more laundry to wash, more baths to give...etc. That's okay too. Even when things are really chaotic, I have to admit that I've been blessed with a beautiful family. For that I'm incredibly thankful!

~Love to all,
Bryson, Avery, AND, Emerson's mommy

The End is Near!!

Tonight is the eve of the birth of our little girl. I stayed home from church tonight to attempt to tie up a few loose ends and perhaps spend a few minutes of quiet time before things get crazy...or should I say crazier than they already are. Let me tell you, I am glad to see this pregnancy end! I have been so miserable the last couple of weeks that simply walking has been a trial. I'm not sure why; I don't think Emerson is going to be overly large or anything, but I have been sore and achy from my hips down. At the same time, I'm starting to feel the nerves kick in as I think about what lies ahead for me. The whole c-section, hospital stay, and recovery aren't things I'm looking forward to. I'm kind of a recluse when I'm not feeling well, and being in a hospital and trying to be cheery for all the folks who are excited to meet our little one will be trying. Not to mention that I start imagining germs on every person and thing in sight. No, I'm not crazy (at least not certifiable), but I do tend to worry about things when I probably should just relax.

On top of that, my mom is in Alabama with my sister, Rebecca, who just had her little girl last weekend. I'm glad Mom can be there for her since it's her first one and all, but part of me would love to be selfish and beg her to come home. But, I wont; I'll just have to share! By the way, my new niece is named Ava Julianne, and she's adorable in all the pictures I've seen. I just wish we could be together, but that will happen in time.

I doubt I'll sleep a wink tonight because I'm so excited/nervous/anxious about tomorrow. I'm just praying and hoping with all of my heart that she's healthy and everything is where it's supposed to be and working like it should. I'm also praying that I'll somehow be able to juggle three children, one with so many appointments it makes my head spin, and that I'll be able to be the mom I need to be to my three precious children. So if you think of us, whisper a prayer. We can use everyone you have to spare! I'll try to add some pictures whenever time allows. :)

And then Phillip decided to add another worry to my mind last night when he said, "What are you gonna do when she comes out a boy?" That would not be even funny at this point!

On my last night as a mother of two...I'm signing off!
Blessings to you all,
Bethany