Welcome to the World Nicholas James Jr.

I would like to officially introduce Nicholas James Jr. to the blogging world!

He was born January 21st at 5:40pm, weighing in at 9lbs and 20 inches long. Besides being much larger than anticipated, he was born happy and healthy after a twelve hour induced labor and about 20 minutes of pushing. I know it is not something said very often, but I had an incredibly easy labor. I was so comfortable after my epidural that I rested till it was time to push and once it was time to push - I did just that. I was literally told to stop pushing because it all happened so fast. After having to push for four hours with Marlee, I learned my lesson and was determined not to let that happen again. 

The next day we were sent home and the rest is history! I forgot how exhausting newborns were which is why I thank God for coffee every Sunday at church. I also thank Him for giving me two beautiful, healthy children. I wake up feeling so blessed everyday. 

Ok now for a little picture overload. Let the cuteness commence. 

My husband Nick was amazing as always. The best birth partner I could ask for. 

Headed home!

Marlee was not 100% sure what was going on - or if she was going to like this new baby. She kept her distance that first day. 

Big brother was all ready to hold him though! 

My three kiddos - so much love. 

Big yawns!

And lots of funny faces. 

My two angels asleep at great-grandmas house on baby day. 

Marlee was starting to warm up to baby Nick within a couple days. 

 And is now 'her baby'.

I questioned myself numerous times during pregnancy whether I was going to be able to not only handle having three kids but if I was going to have enough love to share with all of them. It is very clear now that although the days and nights are long, my heart has never been so full of love and happiness. I not only feel capable, I have never felt so strong. I love being able to share myself with my three little ones. 

So lucky to be a mom. 

Quick Update!

So I am well aware that I am behind on Marlee's one year photo shoot (which turned out amazing!) and vacation posts but figured I would do a quick overall update till then. Marlee is asleep so I need to use my time wisely!

First, baby number two is getting bigger everyday! I am now 21 weeks and starting to pack on the pounds. My extreme love for sugar in all forms does not help but I am trying to stay as active as possible. Baby number two has proven to make him/herself well known in the past couple of weeks. Literally a pain in the stomach. After a couple doctors visits, I was reassured that second pregnancy is harder on the body, which still makes no sense to me, but baby is healthy and right on track. I just have to walk around pretending like there isn't an occasional knife in my belly with the desire to curl into a tiny ball. The doctor also advised that I try not to carry Marlee around as much - yea that is going to go over really well. The good news is that we finally get to find out the sex next week! Nick and I are counting down the days till then! I should also tell my job soon about maternity leave but that is another story... 

Marlee Jo on the other hand has been such a peach! We have been really in sync with our nap times and she has even been a little bit of a cuddle bug which is so unlike her. Is it possible she knows a baby is coming? Or that I have not exactly been feeling the best? Either way, we have been really good with routine and keeping her on a schedule. The past two days, I have asked her if she was ready for a nap and she grabbed her bear and went to the bedroom. Sweetest little thing I have ever seen. Hard to believe that she is going to be a BIG sister soon! 

Work for Nick and I has been great. Nick works too much but he is doing a great job and selling cars like a mad man! We were actually able to do a little Christmas shopping with our checks this week - Christmas shopping - in September! As far as working in the ER goes, I absolutely love it. I have learned so much in the last two months and adore everyone I work with. The ER is something else though - never a dull moment! Love, love, love what I do!

I think that is a good run down of life as of now. Work and babies. I have three days off so am going to clean this house, watch some football, and kick my feet up! 

Happy Friday everyone!

Baby Lime

Well my anxiety filled two weeks has passed and after the longest doctors appointment of my life, baby lime (size, not name) is happy and healthy. Minor complications lead to an early ultrasound and -wala! - there was our little peanut on the screen. Big head, big belly, and little arms and legs were swimming all around. Heartbeat was a steady 156 and after shedding a little tear of happiness, we were sent home with a couple pictures and a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. The doctor does want me to take it easy for a couple weeks but besides that, everything is perfect. Next appointment is in a couple months and we should of know the sex then!

I will leave you with a picture of our little lime.

Hello baby!