Look for two

It doesn't happen often, but it did today.

Technically this makes 3!

My photos of Lucas' birthing

After this post I think Lucas's birth will have been very well documented. And the commentary will either be stale or nil. I can think of just so many things to say about birthing babies. "Miss Scarlett! Miss Scarlett! I don't know nothing bout birthing babies!" Yes, I'm losing it. 

I picked the best of mine to finish off this wonderful event. 

He seemed so alert for a newborn.

That is classic stink eye.

And here he's singing a tune. I know I've already used this once. 

That's a proud looking father. 

Newly arrived to the room for the holding of him to begin. 

Gee's hold. 

Papa's hold.

Carrie's hold. 

Looking a little hungry here. 

Yep that's what I'd say. 

Then mine.

Cindy's next.

Remember Adrian had never held a baby before. I was 18 when I did the first time. 

Yes, I'm looking right at you. Don't mess with me. 

It's April Fool's and I'm gonna work to not be a fool all day. It's currently 11:33 and I think I'm good so far. But I've still got a lot of ground to cover. Here's hoping. 

It's the rare two post Tuesday.

Got lots to do today so I'm off. 

Later...

Melanie's pictures at the hospital of Lucas's birthing

People I have very little to talk about, except girls' trip coming this week. And a three year old at school saying Gap closes at 5 dirty. Makes me laugh every time. Also....this Friday night is the school's annual gala which I pronounced gal-a and when I did, the same three year old chanted adamantly, "It's gay-la, gay-la gay-la." And everyone knows you can't argue with a 3 year old. But when I said gal-a it made me think "regatta gal-a" which of course is a Friends reference and that's why I say gal-a instead of gayla. 

Riveting story I know.  

Lets get to the pictures.

Just before this picture was taken, we had a synchronized re-sitting of ourselves on the couch. It was epic. 

The synchronized re-sitting happened while Lauren was laboring. We didn't point it out. 

This is the waiting people during labor. 

Now that's all the people. 

This is a sneak picture of Lucas from the hall just after he was born. 

So glad it's over. 

This kid is gonna be the greatest stink eyer......

Proud parents. 

On the way to the nursery. 

Once more. 

OK, one more. 

This has something to do with ringing a bell and a lullaby plays to signify another baby being born? Maybe? I missed that story. But that's not what I was focusing on here while looking at the picture. I was totally freaked out by the arms. At first I couldn't figure out what was happening. Is that an arm painted on the wall? Is that two arms painted on the wall? Then I realized it was Austin's arm, plus the nurse hidden behind his arm....or the nurse's arm hidden behind him. Neither of those sound good, but you get my point. It freaked me. Then I sighed and felt stupid. 

Welcome to the nursery baby Lucas. 

He's about to get checked from stem to stern.

Super cute name thingy made by Melanie. 

He's arrived in the room and about to be introduced to everyone. 

Papa getting a first hold. 

And Carrie.

And Lauren's Mom. Not sure what her Gmaw name is gonna be. 

And Lauren's sister Adrian's first ever holding of any baby ever. 

Then after all the spectators left town, the peeps came home for the hospital. And Gee was there to take pics. 

And Rori met her baby brother. 

Then Carlie came for a meet and greet. 

It was a success. 

And these are some gorgeous flowers. 

And there you have Melanie's hospital photos plus a few more of the birthing of the bambino (some out of order...picture me freaked.) I have mine to post and then I'm on to other stuff, sure to be mixed in with baby pics as well. I'll have to set a plan for the future posts. 

Then as Olivia was going to bed she announced to us all in earshot, "Remember people tomorrow (which is now today...don't get me started) is April Fool's Day. So don't fall for any weird stories or videos and then make a grand announcement about something bizarre having happened because it's more than likely not true!" Then she went to bed, but not to sleep before she sent this email to all the email females.... 


Hello all, 
This is your friendly reminder that tomorrow is April 1st aka April fools day aka the day you should not believe anything you read on the internet. Let's be ahead of the game this year people. No one is painting their sports field rainbow or any other color, that famous person probably didn't die, jimmy kimmel is probably going to put some fake video on the internet that everyone is talking about and seems too crazy to be true and that's because it will be. Let's be smart people. Ignore all strangely colored beverages and foul smelling food. Conquer the day and make it the fool. You've been warned. My job here is done.

And with that brilliant assessment by her, I'm off to find out if my bed's still inviting.

Pretty sure it will be.

Austin's pictures from the hospital and going home

Every night this week I've found Owen sound asleep in his bed with the overhead light on. I found him wearing his glasses or in the middle of a pile of clothes or school books. He's exhausted. He's got less than 9 weeks of school left and it will be his biggest hurdle yet. My mother's heart can't take it some days. And I've forgotten to mention he's joined the tennis team at school. I've only seen him play one match due to the fact he plays when I'm at work. Total bummer. But he's really loving it and hopefully it's a sport he'll play the rest of his life. And it helps him relieve the tension of studying so hard.  

But all of that got me to thinking about boys...boys finishing high school and baby boys being born. It will always be that way. Boys almost out of high school, all grown up, while baby boys are being born. It's a part of life. My boy isn't a baby anymore and I'm OK with that. But I also miss little boy kisses and little boy hugs and little boy goodnights. And stressless little boy lives. Thank God little boys' lives are filled with t-ball and digging in the dirt and climbing and throwing any ball they see. I see little boys and girls every day at my job. They run and play and act like twits and are super sweet and run to their Moms or Dads when they come to pick them up. Yesterday an 8th grader was pushing a 3 year old girl on the swing. He didn't have to do it. It was the sweetest. Then a 4 year old boy pushed a 5 year old girl off the slide. It takes all kinds.

Everyone says kids growing up goes by so fast. And it feels like it does, but time really hasn't sped up. I'm the mother of an almost 19 year old boy, and we lived every single day of those 19 years. But it FELT fast. I didn't miss much, except his single to win a baseball game when he was 13 years old. That nearly broke my heart. And when I said to God, "Why did I have to miss that?" I clearly heard him say, "He needs you there more when he fails." I understood what He meant. 

And so I'm glad he's almost 19 and out of high school. And sure I wish I'd done some things better than I did. But I know I loved as good as I could and tried to make the best decisions possible. I was as proud as any mother ever has been and took as much care to help him reach adulthood. It's been a great 19 years. And there's more to come.

So as these babies grow up, I know you won't forget, even on those really tough days, to get every hug you can, or every messy kiss that comes your way. Remember to write down the funny things they say and their favorite book and food and sport. And 19 years from now, you will have written on each of their hearts, the love you have for each one of your kids. And they will always know where home is and who loves them as purely as can be. It's all in a day's work of a parent. And as hard as it is sometimes, it's absolutely worth it.

First born Lucas made Lauren and Austin parents. He won the lottery of parents just as they did with their boy. The years ahead will be filled with so much fun. I can't wait to watch and see.        

Lucas just after he was born.

Getting checked out by the doc.

And not happy about it. 

So many first things ahead for him.

Look at that face.

He needs to be....

In those arms.

Is it just me or is he working the raised eyebrow 7 seconds after he was born?

The happy newly made parents.

So precious.

Snuggled with Mom the best place to be. Look at that tiny hand!

Leaving the cutest hospital ever.  

Rori's checking out the new creature from afar.

And why her Mama's holding it.

The other best place for him to be, all cuddled up on Dad's chest.

Poor Rori.

I'm up! I'm up...

Aunt Car Car came to meet Lucas.

Checking him out.

He's got that "Aww shucks I know I'm cute." Down pat. 

This child is so snuggly. 

Carlie is already wrapped around that tiny finger. 

Her goose is cooked. He gets whatever he wants from her. 

Wise Ninja used to say....I'm sorry but that's what came to mind. 

Now that's relaxed. 

And that.

Chubby baby feet!

You could put him in a glass of tea. Get it?

Already parting wisdom through the eyes. 

I'm thinking of a number between 1 and 10.

So snuggly!

And I love that blanket!

Cushy and fab. It's like a blanket commercial.

Luscious lips.

Rori finally got up close.

I'm sinking!!!!

Are you looking at me?

I have this printed out and hung. Because....O.M.G

As everyone should know by now I like to do pictures in order, but this was one of those times it wasn't possible. And it still gives me the quivers. I'm still on track for doing multi posts this week, but I'm not sure I'll finish it all. 

But come back for more! 

I know I will.

This is a posting done at 2:26. 

Some babies may be up, but this one's going to the sheets.

Night to all.