Now that all the baby details are shared, I need to backtrack a little and share some more about our spring break!
The plan originally was for my in-laws to come to help us put our fence up and fix our master shower. But, after our HOA told us that family wasn't allowed to build fences and that we would have to hire a professional fencing company, plans changed! This (again) turned out to be a blessing since a few weeks prior we had an unexpected issue with Jeremy's car that took most of our fence finances. We still got the shower fixed along with some other small projects, but then we enjoyed spending time together. As I said in my previous post, this worked out perfectly. Seth was able to get cozy around them so that when the time came for us to leave him, he didn't blink an eye about it.
We celebrated Jeremy's birthday.....
We had plans for Easter Sunday, but since we got home from the hospital around 11pm the night before, things changed. I made sure to get Seth's basket ready so that I wouldn't forget that, though!
Of course, the $0.30 grass was his favorite. Jeremy's dad actually raked the house to pick it all up that night and I'm still finding pieces of it!
Seth got an early birthday present from Grandpa and Grandma (we told him once we got the fence up, we'd get him his own hoop - so we had to improvise)
So thankful that they made the trip, all that we got done and how the week ended! <3
For Seth, my sister was in town to help me do a little photo shoot with him. I'd definitely put her in the professional category with how awesome her shots come out!
So, for Lucas, I was having a hard time justifying the money it would cost to hire someone since my sister wasn't going to be able to be here. I know it's a skill and worth every penny, but it's also quite obnoxious what some people charge, especially when you add up the session itself and then prints/rights to the pictures. But, newborn shots were super special to me and I felt bad having them for Seth and not Lucas, so Jeremy told me not to worry about the money. I started "shopping" around and found this wonderful photographer with incredible prices and I booked a slot with her!
At exactly one week old, she captured these beautiful shots...
I think this one looks JUST like my Grandpa!
I designed his birth announcements and put in an order of prints earlier this week :D
Lucas decided to arrive two weeks early, which his Momma did not complain about at all. I had been feeling quite uncomfortable and ready for a while at the time and we had already had two false alarms with labor signs. My in-laws came into town for spring break to work on some projects that we had wanted to get done before he arrived. It's really awesome to look back and see how God worked in it all. We didn't do the projects we thought we were going to do and after Seth had got to spend most of the week with them, my water broke. Not only did this allow Grandpa and Grandma to meet their newest grandson before they went back to NY, but it also allowed us to just leave Seth at home with them instead of packing him up to go stay at our friends' like we had planned. I will take a moment right now to say how thankful I am that they were here and all that they did for Seth and for us. And how blessed I feel to have another example of God's hand at work in my life. I should never be surprised when these pop up so black and white.
So, a bit more detail. I have to mention that Wednesday we went and ate the magical macaroni and cheese because for all I know, it could have helped things along again hahaha Actually, that night was our second false alarm with labor. We went in since I was having contractions every 2 minutes, but was sent back home. Thursday my mother-in-law treated me to a wonderful pedicure that was incredibly relaxing and then we had a quiet night at home. Friday morning when I got out of bed, I experienced the same thing I did with Seth (although I didn't feel a pop). There was no gush, but there was no doubt that my water had broke! So a quick call to the hospital and throwing some things into our bag, we were headed out the door! The process got started as soon as we arrived - questions, IV fluids and pitocin.
I progressed pretty slowly just like I did with Seth. I wasn't feeling much pain with the contractions so they kept increasing my pitocin dose. I have to say, this labor was far more enjoyable (as enjoyable as labor can be) than it was for Seth. My doctor was on vacation just like she was for Seth, but I absolutely loved the doctor that I got. Since I was progressing so slowly, they actually did an ultrasound to make sure he wasn't breach and at that point the doctor checked me and realized that my amniotic sac had resealed itself (who knew that could happen!?). So, he broke that and we got things rolling! I voted for the epidural and was able to relax for a bit. Right around 7pm I started having awful contractions. My nurse gave me the button on my epidural to get an extra "shot" every 10 minutes, so Jeremy took control of that - closely watching the clock and giving me more when I could have it. Unfortunately, there was no relief. I was in pain and I desperately wanted to push, but I wasn't 10cm yet so my nurse told me to breath through them. Finally, the doctor came in to check me and told me I was clear to push. He set up camp along with the rest of the crew and after just 4 short pushes, our boy was lying on my chest at 9:01pm! They did have to take him over to the table to get him better stimulated, but they didn't have to take him to the nursery so I was glad for that!
That night my best friend brought me a big ole' big mac (since McDonalds was the only thing open) and Jeremy and I had our first night with Lucas! He was super duper sleepy so we were actually able to get a ton of rest, but the nurses and I were both anxious for him to start eating a bit more! The next day Jeremy's parents brought Seth for a visit.
Thankfully since Lucas and I were both doing well enough, we were able to go home at the 24 hour mark! Jeremy's parents stayed a couple extra days, so we had Sunday together before they left Monday morning and life began for the 4 of us : )
I have a quiet (I probably shouldn't say that out loud) moment. Both boys are sleeping and Jeremy ran to the store. I just wanted to hop on and give you guys something to read on this Thursday afternoon : )
For those of you that don't know, which all of you should, Lucas Jay made his arrival just about 2 weeks ago now! Tomorrow was my due date and it's crazy to think he's already been with us for this long. I've already started writing out his birth story and there will be official pictures and many more posts to come.
Jeremy and I both feel like life is a little surreal right now! It doesn't seem possible that we have two little boys in our home. But, life has been pretty great since Lucas joined us! The first couple days were rocky but I feel like we've settled into things a little bit already. Seth absolutely loves him. Anytime he hears him make a noise he has to go check on him. He loves to rub his head, give him hugs and kisses and occasionally hold him. He has his moments where he'll ask Jeremy or I to take him from the other one so that we can do something with him, but for the most part, he's doing awesome. Lucas is doing great as well. He has his days and nights mixed up a bit. He sleeps very well during the day but has some restless moments at night time and just wants to be held during those times, but we are working on it all still : ) It's taken me a bit longer to heal this time around I feel like. I'm assuming it's due to the second little one that needs me when the newest little one doesn't, so there isn't quite as much rest time as there was the first time around - but I'm 100% okay with that. And then there's Jeremy - my rock. He had planned on taking 2 weeks off for Lucas, but due to his early arrival that changed to 3 weeks and I honestly can't thank or brag on him enough. He completely took over on all the chores and errands. He was pretty much Seth's sole parent those first few days while Lucas and I figured things out and waited on my milk to come in. I know it hasn't been easy for him to be away from his classroom for so long (and the workload believe it or not is greater when you have a sub), not to mention still finishing out his semester of college courses. Things would not be as they are right now without him - he's basically amazing : )
So there's a little update and peak inside our life as it is - the 4 of us! Keep an eye out for all the official stuff and some sweet pictures <3
