Welcome to Our Family Liam Alexander

A few pictures to hold you over, until I can write my birth story. Liam Alexander was born on May 25, 2011. 7 lbs and 7 oz measuring in at 20" long. He is a very calm and peaceful baby and absolutely perfect in every way possible.

Warming up Baby Liam after he was born.

7 lbs 7 oz--We had to weigh him twice to make sure he wasn't 7 lbs 9 oz like his older siblings.

First Bath

Tyler and Keira meet baby Liam for the first time. Keira told Nana that morning that she wanted to stay home and have a PJ day instead of go to the hospital to see baby Liam.

I think she was happy she came to the hospital instead of staying at home. Keira holds baby Liam for the first time.

Tyler was singing "Rock-A-Bye-Baby". A friend of ours said, " From the look on his face, you must have told him he was sharing a room with Liam for another 15 years!"

Uncle Jon visiting baby Liam in the hospital. What a great photo!

One proud Daddy, snuggling with Liam and talking with his Mom on the phone.

Love love love these gloves. They don't fall off. Made just for Tyler by his Great-Auntie Cindy.

Not a full day old and trying to hold up his head! He's going to be a strong little booger.

Tyler visiting us in the hospital. He plopped down in the chair and made himself comfy.

"Hi, baby Liam!"

Time to go home!

Please Anyday

I just read one of my good friend's blog about her "list to do" before she has her baby. Mind you she's 3 weeks behind me and has a list. I don't. Oh dear.  I can't believe this baby can come any day. I'm so very anxious and excited, but somewhat mentally unprepared at the same time (as stated in a previous post). My Braxon Hicks are getting stronger, but they just are not consistent enough to go to the hospital--sigh. Common muffin, mama wants to hold you! Plus, your little legs have no where else to stretch, unless they pop a lung!

Week 38 and Still Big

We were hoping little corn muffin would make an appearance this last week..even had a few moments we were certain, but the muffin decided to stay right where (s)he is. Nice and comfy in mama's belly. As the time approaches Randy and I are getting antsy to have muffin in our arms. Mentally we haven't been as prepared for this child, because we thought for sure that Tyler would be our last baby. (For those who do not know, Tyler had a list of medical issues that we feared facing with a third child.) Once the decision was made to have a 3rd child though, there was no going back. We were lying in bed the other night and I think the reality of a 3rd infant in the house after 4 years hit us. Now we are thrilled and can't wait until the muffin is born!
The last two weeks have been a little difficult. Thankfully I've been able to take it easy at home and enjoy time alone cuddling with the toddlers I watch and having art time with them. I'm quite surprised that they have been okay with staying at the house and haven't complained even a little bit!
Week 37 and so far this week have been difficult on my body. My ligaments seem to pull and tear in every direction and my hip sockets...ooohhh...the hip sockets ache no matter what position I sit or stand. Sleep has been lacking and almost impossible. Around 3 this morning I finally found a position that was comfortable and had a solid 3 hrs of sleep before I heard shuffling from the other room. Yes, it was time to wake up and get the day started for the school go-ers.
Besides playing the waiting game with our corn muffin, life is good and God supplies. We couldn't be happier. I hope this note finds each of you in a similar stage of happiness and joy. All our love!

Awe Struck

I don't remember every taking note of my belly when I was pregnant with Tyler and Keira. I know that sounds horrible, but if you were around, I was extremely ill and never thought I should study my belly. The other night while getting ready for bed, I caught my reflection and just dropped everything! I can't believe how big my stomach is! It is magnificent! I ran to the top of the stairs to show off my pride and joy to my husband who was also stunned by the size my belly has gotten this time around. When I started the 'trek' back to the room, my son Tyler called me into his room for a hug and kiss. I walked in, he flipped over to look at me and was instantly stricken with awe! The look on his little face was priceless: jaw dropped open, eyes wide, and a gasp! He proceded to say, "MAMA! You're belly is huge!" All I could do was laugh. He then asked me if God was going to let his "baby" in his arm get as big as my baby in my belly. (He believes that he has a baby growing in his arm.) I let him down softly and informed him that his "baby" wouldn't get much bigger. The conversation continued for five more minutes with his little eyes as huge as saucers the entire time. I love my little man. :)
On another note, the girls that I watch crack me up on a regular basis. They are so good for my heart.
I was taking them to our weekly circle time at the local Chic-fil-a and asked them, "Can Ms C.j. take a nap and drive at the same time? I'm so tired!"
Paige was quick to say, "No, I think that's a bad idea. You're so silly Ms C.j."
To which I replied, "yeah you're probably right. It would be a bad choice. I could cause a wreck and hurt a bunch of people."
"Yeah! Let's do it!" replied Chloe.
Cue Ms. Cj's laughter. :D

Well those are the great memories of the week. Hope you enjoyed them as much as I did!

Baby Update

Four weeks ago we found out that our little corn muffin had a spot on his/her heart. We were a little worried not knowing what to expect, but when we went back this past week the Dr said that the spot was getting lighter and going away. Praise Jesus!
This precious child of ours is our 3rd and has been extremely gentle on me. Keira and Tyler were hardly easy on my body. I was constantly sick and was diagnosed with Hyperemesis Gravidarum. A serious condition where the mom can not keep down food, looses more weight than gains and needs to be hydrated and monitored closely. Thanks to Jesus and an awesome mid-wife, Jana, I haven't suffered with HG with this baby. I still get sick here and there, but NOTHING like before. I will have to write a journal on that journey alone, but talking about healing--wow!
On another note, I may not be suffering from HG, but I do have the aches and pains of a normal pregnant woman. Ligaments are stretching and joints are loose causing hip pain and a great deal of balancing complications. Yes, this can be quite humorous at times. Lower back pain after sitting or sleeping which requires me to hobble around like an old lady for about 5 mins before it eases up--also humorous, I'm relieved no one is video taping. And the hardest side effect--lack of sleep. This little corn muffin has me up with his/her movement every morning at 3 am sharp. I swear (s)he believes (s)he is a tumbler in the Olympics or part of the Riverdance cast!  The good news? I have a strong and healthy baby that I can not wait to hold in my arms.

A Little Miracle Baby

One of my friend's wife went into pre-mature labor at 26 weeks. Their little cutie pie of a boy, Liam, was born healthy and is now getting use to his new life outside of his mama. It's so scarey to think of having a baby at 26 weeks! He was smaller than a barbie doll when his was born, but has a strong will to survive. I can only imagine what "mama and daddy" are going through. Their entire experience brings flash backs of Tyler's time in the hospital. While Baby Liam is doing well he still has a ways to go before he can go home. Please keep him in your prayers! The family just started this blog to keep everyone updated.