We had the best visit ever with Pop and Gigi. Here they are with Sammy... even though he doesn't look so happy here:)

Me and my Dad (aka Pop) I feel so loved!

Pop and Sammy

So my parents came to visit our new little family on Wednesday. It was just awesome! Not only did they get to meet Baby Sammy and visit with us, but I finally got to meet my new little sister Lucy! She is just a doll!

I can't believe she is my little sister! I am so proud!

Lucy was so very excited to meet baby Sammy too! It was amazing how much love she had for him at such a young age. She held him close and kissed his little head saying, "hi baby Sammy." It was enough to melt my heart.

I am so lucky to have such a loving and generous family. I can't believe they came all the way out her to see us. We had a blast, I only wish it could have lasted longer, or we lived closer... or something. It was really hard to say goodbye:(

Thanks a million Dad, Jamie and Lucy for being in our lives and showing us so much love!

Lucy loves Baby Sammy... and we love Lucy!

Jamie (aka Gigi) and Sammy... she just loved him!

bad little kitty!

My Uncle Jim, Aunt Vicki and Cousin Caroline sent us these beautiful flowers! How lovely:)

We arrive on Sammy's b-day!

Okay, so let me rewind a bit...

Here I am on January 5th, the day Sam was born. It was 7:30 am and Brandon and I had arrived at St. Lukes Hospital in downtown Boise to do the second half of my induction.

We were SO excited! I was big as a house! I was so swollen too!

So Brandon and I get settled in our birthing room and they start the Pitocin (the drug to start my contractions) at around 8 am. By around 2 pm, my contractions were not strong enough and I wasn't really dilating, so (with some convincing on my part) the doctors finally went in a broke my water. It was a great feeling! The docs were a little concerned that I would need a cesarean if I didn't progress after that, but I was sure I would. Boy was I right. The contractions got stronger and stronger. I welcomed the pain. I just couldn't wait to meet my son. At around 3:30, I talked to my friend Debbie and she gave me the perfect advice at just the right time. She told me to let the contractions come. Don't fight them. Don't waist energy. I was alone in the room for about an hour after that and I followed her advice; breathing rhythmically through every sensation. When the nurse came back in the room at about 4:30 I had dilated from a 1 1/2 to a 6, and I was cursing Oprah on the television in front of me. That's when they decided to give me an epidural. After six painful attempts they finally managed to get the right spot and I felt a lot better.

From then on, everything went really fast. I could feel the baby moving down my birth canal- it was a strange and awesome feeling. Then, suddenly it was time to push. I only pushed for 1 1/2 hours. Brandon held one leg and videoed at the same time.
When I heard my son's little cry and looked at Bubba... it was the happiest moment of my entire life. I was so proud of us all. Proud of myself and my little son - we had a hard day. Also extreemly proud of Brandon... he has really stepped up and he is just a beautiful person. I can't believe how far we have come toghether. The whole experience was euphoric!
I looked down at my beutiful little baby on my chest and he looked at me and smiled. I couldn't believe it! I didn't think babies smiled when they were new! Wow What a day!

Unfortunately, little Sam had jaundice that got worse when we went home, so we spent the following weekend together back at the hospital. I stayed with him because I breast feed. It was difficult to see him in his little tanning bed. He wasn't always as happy as he looks in this picture. The first night he just screamed and I couldn't pick him up too much. I hated it. But, we got through it and now he is worlds better:)

Bubba's baby

Bubba and Lil' Bubba!

WOW! Look at those eyes!

I love, love, Love these pictures of Sammy! I think I see my eyes. Maybe he does look a little like me:) We are having so much fun... he is such an angel!
Click on this picture to blow it up. He is so cute, but of coarse... he's mine, so I may be a bit prejudice.

It's been rough... but OH SO WORTH IT!!!

Since we have been home, Sam and I have spent most of our days (and nights) in the recliner in the living room. I love to sleep with him on my chest. He is amazing!

OUR SON IS FINALLY HERE!
He was born Monday, January 5th at 11:07 pm. He's 8 pounds, 3 ounces and 21 inches long. He has beautiful strawberry blond hair and I think he looks a lot like Brandon. We haven't picked a name yet, but we will know in a few days.
I have never been happier in my entire life! I am so happy to be his mommy and start our little family! What a beautiful blessing. Thank you to all our friends and family who have been just SO supportive as we welcome our little bundle of joy into this world!

The baby was just born and I was still on the table when Bubba held his son for the first time. I have never seen him so happy. It was beautiful!

I will post more pictures and information tomorrow, but for now... just LOOK at our BEAUTIFUL baby boy! I can't believe he's actually here!

PS: All of these pics should be big enough to print, and if you click on them you will see them in a larger size. Enjoy!