I know that I've said it before, but I enjoy being pregnant very much- even when I'm running to the bathroom with morning sickness or aching with pain as I'm chasing my other little ones around and playing all day. It is an experience unlike any other. Even though we hadn't planned on becoming pregnant so soon after having Owen, we were thrilled to add another baby to our family. When I first became pregnant with Lana, I had been dealing with lots of anxiety. It was to the point where I was unable to sleep at night. Becoming pregnant made me so exhausted, and it forced me to sleep as soon as I laid my head on my pillow. I prayed to be released of my extreme anxiety, but I didn't know that the answer to my prayers would bring Lana. What a sweet sweet surprise. Lana's birth story begins a bit before her actual due date. I had my routine doctor appointment on Thursday, September 26th and measured at 2 and a half cm. A week later, on October 3rd, I measured 3 cm...

My younger sister had her baby girl on August 4th. The funny thing is that I had a dream that she was at the hospital in labor on the same night she was laboring! I woke up around 3am to do my routine potty break since Lana has shifted just enough onto my bladder, and I found a text from my mom saying that my sister was at the hospital and I needed to pray! Shortly after 6am Eastern time, Blakley Ann arrived! I spoke to my mom and my sister later that afternoon and heard more about her labor and delivery. I am so proud of my sister for having such strength and courage throughout the process of bringing a baby into the world! A bit envious, but I'm so thrilled that Christa was able to get Blakley (her first born, mind you) to latch on pretty quickly! :) I really wish I could have been there to cheer her on and help out, but I am always available for her to call any hour of the day! (I'm talking to you, Christa). Being pregnant, having two little ones, and Brent not being abl...

Almost 8 months have passed and I've finally made the time to write Owen's birth story. Rewind back to July 2012. I'd been dilated at 4 cm for a couple of weeks and I was having some stronger Braxton Hicks contractions as we drew closer to Owen's due date. I also worried more and more about how things would play out once we went into labor. I wasn't certain everything would work out with someone locally taking Ella while we went to the hospital. I'd been thinking of all the things that could happen. What if my labor was really quick and we didn't make it to the hospital in time? Thankfully, Brent's parents agreed to come down earlier than originally planned. They arrived on Sunday, July 15th. I felt better knowing we could simply drive to the hospital and leave Ella at home, where she is most familiar. The night Brent's parents came in, Brent persuaded me to go on a walk to try and start labor. We walked Sunday, Monday and Tuesday night & let m...

As Mother's Day approaches, I can't help but think about how this will be my 1st time to be "celebrated" on this day. A little selfish of me, I know. (ok, more than a little). ;) With it being more personal after carrying a child, giving birth and taking care of a little one, it's much easier to ponder on such an upcoming holiday. I've always had my mom to think of in May, but now it's a little different being a mommy myself. I remember how I'd make things in elementary school for my mom for Mother's Day and how I now look forward to seeing my own children's artwork one day. One memory in particular that sticks out to me-- I was in Kindergarten and we had a special lunch planned for our Mommies. We made placemats with our pictures, a special picture frame, and painted flower pots to give to our moms. I didn't think my mom would be able to come to the lunch because of work, but she came! I was able to serve her lunch and give the gifts to ...

I’ve always been captivated by each and every birth story I’ve heard or read. I still cannot get over how perfectly God made our bodies to carry, deliver, and feed our children. I don’t ever want to forget the details or emotions that came with our story. If you’re interested in the details of how Ella Rose joined us, then read on. Brent and I took a 7-week child birthing class at the hospital in order to prepare for our upcoming labor and delivery. Although we had a better idea of what to expect, there’s really no possible way to fully prepare for such a life-altering event. I kept going back and forth as to whether or not I wanted to deliver naturally or go with an epidural. I decided to take a Mind Over Body class in case I decided to deliver Ella naturally or in the event I couldn’t have an epidural. As the day drew nearer, I felt more and more compelled to deliver naturally. Brent was supportive of me wither way, and didn’t want me to feel like a failure even if I ended up getting...