Amazed

My actual due date for baby #2 was April 1 but after we met with our doctor on Monday, we scheduled an induction for Friday - if we made it that long. A Friday induction meant we had to be at the hospital Thursday night so my parents helped us out and let Sweet P spend the night with them.

It also meant that Wednesday night was the last night my family of three would be together, just the three of us and it would be the last night my Sweet P would be the only child in the house. We wanted to make the evening special so we took her to Incredible Pizza and had a celebrate P party.



She got to eat whatever she wanted, which consisted of cheese pizza and crackers, rode rides and stayed up late.



She was celebrated.

The next day we enjoyed some donuts and dropped her off at my parent's house later that evening. Then it was time to go to the hospital.

I wasn't induced with Sweet P and let me just say, it was very surreal. Not having any real signs of labor but going to the hospital, knowing the next day there will be a tiny baby in my arms - so strange.

Anyway, we got checked in, settled in our room and I got hooked up to all kinds of monitors. As it turned out, I was already dilated and having contractions, I just thought they were braxton hicks contractions.



A few hours went by an as my labor progressed, I was entertained by visitors and the sister-cousins.



A couple of hours later, the doctor came in and had to break my water (too much info? sorry) and then 30 minutes after that the nurse said the baby would be here in 30 minutes.

What!? They had just told me it would be anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. Crazy!

Anyway, the nurse had me give a big push and then she called the doctor in.



Five minutes later the doctor arrived and 2 pushes later, he held my baby up and announced that we had a GIRL!

My little, 7 pound, 14 ounce Ava Grace.



The nurse placed her in my arms and I just sat there, amazed.



I had been worried I wouldn't be able to love her as much as my first or that I would love my first less somehow to make room to love another. I guess the Lord just made my heart bigger because I felt more love in that moment than I've ever felt. More love for Ava, my Sweet P and my husband - all at the same time.

I will never forget that moment.







After they cleaned her up, Eric went and told our family the news.




Then he brought Sweet P in to meet her sister for the first time.





Once we had some time alone as our new family of four, the rest of the family came in to meet our girl and share in our excitement.
















I thank God for the blessings of two healthy girls, a strong husband that stands by me through it all and a big ol family ready and waiting to celebrate new life.

Happy Birth Day Ava Grace.



You are loved.





Aren't the pictures AMAZING!? Yes, I know, I am very lucky to have Ashley as my sister and so very thankful for her to spend the day in a hospital to capture these moments for me. I will forever cherish these pictures and the memories you captured so beautifully. Thank you - times a gazillion!