8 pounds

Trying to keep his eyes open.
Um, this little honey outgrew this bathtub a long time ago.
Yum! Nothing is sweeter than a baby. This photo was taken on Monday.

Harrison had his first offical visit today at the ped clinic. He's gaining weight and a "picture of health." Dr. O was amazed at our story, "What a gift."

He eats about 3 ounces every 3 hours when he is awake and will sleep 4-5 hours at a time. We know that he can change his habits at any point and time so we are enjoying it day by day. I am enjoying my time with him and his smallness as I know that he will grow too quickly.

Our days at home fly by so quickly. I find myself continuously cleaning, washing, folding and wiping inbetween cuddling, kissing and playing. Caffeine and naps are my best allies, although some days are completely fueled by adoration of the gifts I have been given.

Henry has made the adjustment to big brotherhood well. The biggest change for him has been the slower pace of life. He and I were so used to daily field trips and some days we find it hard to get outside more than an hour before lunch. He's managing with the lack of stimulation. His neighbor "girlfriends" have been good to him by inviting him to play when they get home from daycare.

Sherry is doing well and back on her game. She had no other choice. . .her kids are full of energy! Ally started kindergarten this fall and Austin keeps her entertained during the day. I've been asked so often, how Sherry is doing and how it was for her to separate from Harrison. Again, Sherry is amazing and was the perfect fit for giving us this amazing gift. Life was emotional during the delivery. I feel like I kept my emotions in tact during this journey, but as I watched my son come into this world I couldn't keep it together. The 7 minutes, yes 7 minutes that Sherry pushed (she was even shocked!) were emotional for all of us. But then that was it. I finished crying, we hugged, kissed, exchanged a few words and it was done. Sherry became a special aunt and I became Harrison's mom. Scott and I held him until he had to go to the nursery for a bit and the next day Sherry held him, which was her choice. She will always be close to him and we've let her know that it's okay if he's her favorite nephew. My favorite pictures are still the ones where Sherry's family is looking over him. The pictures warm my heart and visually tell such an amazing story. Sherry and I speak daily and I give her Harrison updates. Scott continues to call her daily, because he always has. This experience has brought us so close and I am so greatful.

This mommy is signing off and going to bed! Sleep when the baby sleeps!

Inner Peace

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Well, we have made it through 4 nights at home and the boys and I are on day two of Daddy returning to work. Harrison is sleeping well and eating like there is no tomorrow! Henry is adjusting well as big brother. He's always asking, "Where's my baby?" Scott and I are enjoying ourselves and finding pure joy in our newest addition to the family.

Harrison has been on one outing since coming home and that was to church on Sunday. It was so fun to show him off, and of course share our amazing story with people who were surprised to see us with a baby. "What a gift!" was the familiar comment we heard. We couldn't agree more.

On the drive home from church, I felt this sense of inner peace and joy that I have not felt in so long. As I looked into the backseat at my two boys, I could hardly believe it was real. The feeling was almost indescribable. Although I know that Hudson can never be replaced, I found myself at this level of happiness that I have not felt for so very long. I can only believe that he had a helping hand in bringing Harrison to us.

Thank you again for your prayers and well wishes. We know that God was watching over us all with the help of our sweet angel.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Well, we have made it througg 4 nights at home and the boys and I are on day two of Daddy returning to work. I

Harrison Shane

Harrison Shane 7 lbs 5 ozs, 20 inches @ 9:05 pm

On 09-09-09 at 9:07 pm Harrison Shane was welcomed into the world by his family of love. He is nothing but a picture of health. He's alert, reserved and loves the attention he's getting.

My world has stopped in the last 24 hours as I have fallen in love all over again. Harrison is finally here. . .I can't stop looking at him and could hardly sleep last night. . . life seemed so surreal. He is a truly a gift from above. Every prayer was answered.

Although he is my precious gift, I can't help but feel my greatest gift is Sherry. She gave him life and brought him into this world. She did so with grace and beauty. She has such quiet strength and I have nothing but admiration for what she has given me. Watching her yesterday do such a difficult job with ease, love and at times laughter makes me so greatful to have such a beautiful person in my life. I love you Sherry and I thank you for every sacrifice you have made for me and my family in the last year +. Todd Shane, Ally and Austin--thank you for riding this journey with us and growing closer in love.

Thank you for your prayers and we'll be in touch with you again once we get home tomorrow. Thank you for being so patient as you wait for my update.

Night Before Induction

Twas the night before induction
and as they prepared,
Jen was excited
and Sher a bit scared

They'll toss and they'll turn
about in their beds,
while visions of a healthy baby
will dance in their heads.

Socks and oneies
and diapers galore
were stuffed in their suitcases
and set by the door.

Blanket knit by Mommy
folded with care
knowing that Baby
soon would be there.

Faces were washed
and teeth were brushed white
the kids were tucked in
and told to sleep tight.

Tomorrow's a big day
it will be like no other.
You'll stay with Grandma Helen,
then you'll meet Baby Butter.

Good night little darlings
in the morning you can play.
Say your prayers to God
that everything will be okay.

Now go to sleep, go to sleep,
go to sleep all!
Tomorrow's induction day
and we'll keep in touch with y'all.

Due Date +3

Ally found a cricket and gave it food, shelter and love.
Her mommy was surprised Ally would touch it.
Her daddy told her it had to stay outside.

Austin and Henry giving Great-Grandma a push through the nursing home.

At the nursing home Henry, Ally and Austin love to play with the kittens.
Here is the one we call Wild One. Grandma wanted to adopt this one, but Grandpa said no.

Austin aka: Bubba.

Ally giving her doll a ride in the wagon.

Henry taking his turn mowing the lawn with Uncle Todd.

Austin and Henry helped their daddies clean out vehicles this morning.

My sweet Henry

Thought I would share a few snapshots with you from our week. We continue just to hang out and wait. Sherry and TQ are going out with friends tonight for dinner and we're going to have a party at the house with the kiddos while they are away. When the cats are away the mice will play . . .

Due Date +2

Pokey. Always late. Tries to get one more thing done before moving on to the next task. Underestimates the amount of time it takes to get the job done. Sherry.

There has been no progress on Sherry's part since Monday. . .except for my child slightly moving her/his way downward. She's still at a one and hasn't effaced any more. Again, they are both doing well and that's all we can ask for. So at this point, Dr. Hill has us coming in on Tuesday morning for another check-up and has Sherry booked at the hospital for an induction on Wednesday morning. If there's no baby before then, I will have a child born on September 9 (09-09-09). I think that birthdate is pretty cool and so far can't find any bad omen or significance of three nines.

Leaving the clinic today, I couldn't help think about the day we scheduled our c-section for Henry. I cried and cried knowing the day I would become a mother. I had the same feeling overwhelm me today. I wasn't nearly as emotional today as I was a few years ago, however the feeling of becoming a mother (again) warmed my heart.

I told my mom on the phone tonight that I have almost conceded to the idea that my baby will never come out. She said, "Well, why would s/he? Sherry is so sweet and wonderful and has done such a great job nurturing this baby, why would s/he ever want to come out?" Although she's right, Sherry could speed up the process a bit. . . come on slow poke!

Today's The Due Date!

"You're a good mom." Henry said to Sherry as she was helping him use the potty this morning. I was upstairs getting ready listening to their conversation and I couldn't help but agree. Here we are live-in guests supposed to be taking care of Sherry, and I feel more like it's the other way around. She's a stubborn lady who must do it all herself. For the most part I let her because I know she likes things done a certain way and is naturally a caregiver to others. It makes her happy. . . and have you ever seen a pregnant lady angry? I'd rather not.

I've rarely seen her act selfishly and she puts others before herself way too often. So, when the opportunity arises to do something that I know I can do for her, I take advantage of it. But like Grandma Helen said while shaking her head at lunch, as Sherry jumped to refill her guests empty glasses, "Just let her do it." For now, I'll let her wash my dirty laundry because she insists, but I'll hang the non-dryer clothes on the line for her and fold my own clothes.

So today we celebrated the due date! We took the kids out of the house and went to visit Great-Grandma (who thought Sherry should be lying in bed) and went out for lunch. We followed up our lunch with a nap and who knows what the evening will bring. I don't think we'll find ourselves in the hospital because you can't peer pressure a woman into labor. (My sister called trying to peer pressure Sherry into having the baby yesterday. It just does not work that way, sis!)

Thanks for the wonder messages of inspiration and positive thoughts some of you have left me. My family and I appreciate your thoughtfulness and prayers. We are so excited! When I talk to Scott, he keeps telling me that he wants his family back. It's only been a few nights apart, but he's missing us. We look forward to being together once again.

Day 1

Yikes! Less than 24 hours until the due date!

Yikes! We might be temporary live-ins way longer than anyone expected! Scott drove Henry and I to Marshall on Sunday so that when the baby arrives we have one vehicle to take home. We look forward to the drive home together as a family. Until that drive home, Henry and I have set up a temporary bedroom in Ally and Austin's playroom and Scott returned home to work.

Sherry and I went to what we hoped would be the last doctor visit, but we are confident that we will return to our Friday appointment. Sherry is starting to dilate and efface. Both continue to be in good health. However, baby will most likely arrive next week the way things are progressing. Good thing Sherry and family can tolerate our company.

I am going to cut this short this morning as there are two little boys that need to be run ragged this morning. They have wwwwaaaayyyy too much energy!