So much gratitude

So as you all know by now, we welcomed our sweet baby girl, Alora into the world on June 20. I had a repeat C-section and everything went very smoothly, just as planned. We are so very blessed to have added another healthy, beautiful soul into our home. However, sometime later that day, I started developing a severe migraine. I assumed that this was just from a sudden change in hormones, as I get hormonal migraines quite frequently. Each day in the hospital my migraine got a little bit worse, instead of getting better. I had to ask friends and family to visit at a later time, as I was in dyer pain. (I'm sorry!) On the last day in the hospital, it was determined that I probably had a "spinal migraine" as a result of the spinal anethesia. It is when the needle goes too far into the spinal cavity and punctures a hole, thus causing spinal fluid to leak, which causes the migraine. There were 2 treatment options: 1-lay flat for 7-10 days until that hole heals, or 2-get another epidural and get a blood patch put over the hole. Seeing as it was already day 3 1/2, I figured I would wait it out. By day 10 post partum, I still had the migraine. So I made the trip back to the hospital to get the blood patch done. It helped some (but not completely) and I thought that I was finally able to function again. However, that was Monday, and by today, the migraine is back. So I think that either it wasn't a true spianl migraine in the first place, or it just didn't take. (there are some serious restrictions for 24 hours after the blood patch and the clot could easlily become dislodged).

So, my main point in writing all of this is because through all the pain of the last 12 days, I have also been extremely humbled, and full of gratitude. There has been such an outpouring of love, support, prayers and generosity from all of our friends and family. I am just so very grateful for all they have done. There have been so many selfless acts done on our behalf, I can not list them all, but I would like to say THANK YOU to everyone for being there for us. It would have been a much bigger struggle for us if we didn't have family & friends caring for Richie and Carter, for all the meals that have been brought in, for Rich being allowed to stay home, for the trips to the hospital & doctor appointments, and especially for all of the prayers that have been said in our behalf. It has really shown me what I already knew, which is that we truly have wonderful friends and family, and that even through our trials, the Lord will still bless us.

**You will need to PAUSE the music on the playlist at the bottom of the screen first**

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Getting ready for baby...

ALL DONE!!!

BEFORE:


RICHIE GOT IN ON THE ACTION. TOO:


PINK ON TOP, TAN ON BOTTOM


MY DAD PUT UP THE CHAIR RAIL:

A HUGE, BIG THANKS!!!!

So to all of my fabulous BFF's from book club......


THANK YOU, GALS!!! YOU ARE THE BEST!!!


So I am part of the best book club ever! And it is my favorite thing to do every month. I get together with the best girls ever, eat fabulous homemade dinners and yummy desserts, and we talk about a book for a good solid 6 minutes or so. Then we proceed to gab until wee hours of the morning, usually 2 or 3 A.M. about all things girlie. It is the best time ever. So last month, on May 22nd, I walked in to Jana's house, and everyone was there with for a surprise baby shower for me!!! It was totally unexpected! I really should have known better, because we just had a surprise shower for Jana 3 months ago, but I was completely oblivious and thrown off guard. (blame this on my pregnancy-induced mental retardation) Jana had to whole place decorated with pink, Haley had made the cutest diaper cake EVER, and Brindy had pain-stakingly made party favors out of rolled infant clothes, and made it into a bouquet of "flowers".
I didn't have a camera, and for me, this was misery, but I did steal a picture of the bouquet from Brindy:



Here is the diaper cake:


So thanks again everyone, for all of the super cute clothes and gifts, and for just thinking of me and the baby. You are all the best!!!

Richie's Kindergarten Graduation!!

So Richie breezed through kindergarten with a zest for learning, and a smile on his face everyday. His scored 100% or near on all subjects and is reading at a 2nd grade level. We hope his passion for learning never ends! Congratulations, Richie!! We love you!!
Richie getting his diploma from his teacher, Ms. Beier:




The proud gradulate:


Richie with his awesome teacher, Ms. Beier:




The kids made ABC books that were on display...Richie's is the red and white one in front: