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...

We're nearing the two week mark of a mile stone that I now reluctantly share with you. After a long (and all to short) 6 month journey, my baby girl has weaned from my breast. The 6 month journey being the amount of time I breastfed while also pregnant. Ella nursed at my breast for the last time on April 4th, the day she turned 9 months. She'd started waking just once in the night for a few weeks prior, and she'd nurse and then I'd make her a bottle of formula before putting her back in her crib to sleep. About 3 days before she weaned, she'd nurse a few times during the day, but not for long. I began to feel as though I was more and more dry as each day passed. I gave her the last of my pumped milk last Tuesday, marking the official end to her receiving any breastmilk (for now). I look back on the time I've had with Ella as she nursed and my heart warms and my eyes fill with tears. I will forever cherish these memories. Yes, there are things I wish could'...

November 11, 2011: Ella and I were at Target doing a little shopping when I started to feel dizzy. As soon as I walked by Starbucks, I felt like I would vomit because of the horrible stench my nose encountered. I normally love the smell of coffee as I walk by Starbucks. At that moment, I had an inkling I could be pregnant. We went and picked up a pregnancy test while at Target and I sent Brent a text to let him know what was going on. I'd planned on waiting until Brent got home from work to take the test, but couldn't follow through. I decided if I was pregnant, I wanted to surprise him. Sure enough, in the middle of the afternoon, the test was positive. I smiled, I cried, I laughed, I told Ella how she was going to have a sibling (like she knew what I was talking about). I knew Brent would call or text me to find out the outcome. With Ella being extra fussy lately, I knew I could tell him I hadn't gotten around to it yet and he might buy it. Yes, I lied to my husband. I t...

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...