It's a Boy!

Noah's Here! Just wanted to let everyone know as soon as possible. Noah Wyatt arrived Wednesday, July 19, 2006 at 8:20pm. He weighed in at 9 lbs. 3 oz. and 20 in. long. Check out the cheeks- he's a big boy. His birth was perfect- God took care of us thanks to all your prayers, more details to come. Well, both boys are sleeping, so mommy's going to join them in dream land.

Okay, We're Ready... Sort of

Andy finished installing the carpet in the baby's room today, so the room is finished. I have to show off a couple pictures a bit, just because I am so pleased with the result and my remodeler, he did a great job!

A little commentary- for now, we have the pack n' play set up as a bassinet in the baby's room, we'll move Fisher's crib when he's ready but we didn't want to throw too much change at him all at once. The dresser is one we found at a garage sale a little while back that required a little TLC, but I think it's perfect now. I know most of you didn't see this room before and unfortunately I don't have any before pictures, but you wouldn't recognize it. I know I mentioned it in a previous post, but I really need to tell you about all the work that went into it, now that you can see pictures. Andy's workmanship included pulling off the paneling and built-in bed and closet units that was there before, raising the ceiling, running additional electrical outlets, framing in the closet, putting up drywall, replacing the window, moving the doorway, putting up the ceiling fan, painting, putting up crown molding and new trim, and laying carpet.

Andy would still like to build a door for the new closet and paint the new window, but I think it looks great. So I think we're ready for the baby to arrive. Honestly, though I still have some last minute "nesting" chores I'd like to do, so if the baby waits a little longer, it would be okay. I'm also thinking that the longer the baby waits the more dilated I'll be before the contractions start. Intellectually, I know that second labors are usually much shorter than firsts, but my biggest fear right now is still a long labor like I had with Fisher. Andy has had three cousins give birth in the last 3 months, we were supposed to be 3rd of 4, but Kheila beat me to the punch. So we're just waiting on our baby now.

Once the baby's room was done, we headed straight for the beach. It was so hot, that we came home for Fisher's nap time and then headed back. Andy's been working hard to get the room finished, so it was really nice to get some down time together as a family before the big day. Fisher has inherited a love for the water from both his Mom and Dad, so the three of us really had a great time splashing around. While we were there playing and laughing, I again found my self very aware of how grateful I am for those special moments. I've found that I'm really making a point of "seizing the day" the past several weeks, since I'm so very I'm conscious of how life is going to change soon. I hope that this is a lesson I'll carry with me and not a short lived change. After all, there will be future changes that I won't have the opportunity to know about in advance and I want to know that I lived every moment to it's fullest, loving God, my husband, my family, and all those God has brought into my life. I want to know that I've glorified Him in all that I do.

Still Pregnant!

Just to keep everyone posted, I'm still pregnant. The picture a post or two back may lead everyone to believe that I'm feeling huge, but I don't really. I feel great, my blood pressure is better than ever, my swelling is minimal, and I'm really enjoying having the baby inside me. It's fun to rub my belly when the little one starts squirming and to see Fisher give the baby kisses from the outside of my belly for now. I had an appointment with my midwife yesterday, she's happy that I'm doing well, the baby's heart rate sounded good, and I'm dilated to 2 cm. That's good, but doesn't necessarily mean the baby's on his or her way immediately. Some women stay dilated to 2 for weeks (not that I wish for that) before going into labor, so don't start holding your breath quite yet. The reason that 2 cm is exciting to me though, is that it's more dilated than I was with Fisher after 8 hours of contractions (only 1 cm), so this must mean that this labor will be shorter. Halleluiah! I'm just enjoying one day at a time for now. Hopefully Fisher and I will be able to make it to the beach another couple times before the new little one arrives. I'll keep everyone posted on any new developments.

As for Fisher, he's doing great talking more every day - the "sprinker" is one of his new favorites. You'll have to ask his Dad where he learned to drink out of a hose, cause I can't take credit for this cuteness! Last week Fisher and I went into TC for Cherry Festivities, I have to admit to being a Cherry Festival Junkie through and through. But this year, I got to do it in the name of making sure Fisher got to take part. We enjoyed an evening at the open space, the kids parade Thursday, and the zoo Friday. His favorites were the fish at the open space, the tractor, garbage truck, and horses in the parade, and the bear at the zoo. Over the weekend of the fourth, Andy and I took Fisher to the fireworks in Bay Harbor- it was so cool to see his reaction- he loved them (must get that from mommy). After each one he had an expression of "Ooh!" or "Wow!," and I swear I didn't teach him that. I love more than anything to see the excitement on his face over the simple things. I cherish each moment I have to witness his pure joy and innocence.

A Reflection

This weekend I had my 10 year class reunion. In some ways I feel so different from the girl I was on my graduation day, but as I think back to those memories I still get butterflies in my stomach thinking about the uncertainty my future held and my heart still feels sad to be leaving those friends to start a new chapter in my life. I also remember the excitement of starting something new and the endless possibilities that lied ahead of me. High School was a fun time, but it was also time spent coming into our own and discovering who we were as individuals, which wasn't always easy. Before the reunion Saturday night, I went out to dinner with 9 of my girlfriends. Getting back together again, I was reminded why I spent those years with the friends that I did, all for different reasons, but I am thankful for each of them. It was so cool to see us all as women so much more sure of ourselves, our views, and where we are headed. I think it’s even obvious in our pictures, what do you think? As I think about the trails and blessings of the last ten years, it’s evident to me that God has been so faithful through it all, for that I am grateful. Because I can be certain who holds the future I also look forward to discovering what He still has in store for my life.