Brooks Matthew Robbe (5lbs, 11 ounces // 18.5 inches)

Many of you have been asking me to share my birth story.  I thought I would do just that!  I looked back through my old entries and I saw that I had posted one when Ethan was born too.  It was so fun reading the details of that special day.  I want to be sure to jot down the memories now before anything fades.

On Oct 24, 2014 (an official due date of Dec 1, 2014), I awoke at 5:30am to my water breaking in bed (or so I thought - but wasn't too sure).  I started having contractions about 20 minutes apart so I assumed they were just Braxton Hicks contractions.  I actually cleaned everything up and went back to bed until about 9:00am.  I was still experiencing the contractions every 15-20 minutes so I decided to call the OBGYN to see if they thought my water had indeed broken or not.  I was advised to immediately go into labor/delivery.  Freaking out, I started frantically packing my hospital bag and an overnight bag for Ethan.  I jumped in the shower, got ready, threw a load of laundry in the washer, straightened up the house, dropped Ethan of Grandma's house and we headed to the hospital.  We actually didn't get to the hospital until 11:30am.  I am immediately checked into triage where they run some tests and tell me "You are having a baby today!"  Umm....what?!?!?!

So at this point we start contacting the rest of our family to let them know that we are indeed having a baby 5-6 weeks early!  Ethan stayed back with his Aunt Lauren and Mom came to the hospital to support me!

I get checked into my labor/delivery room around 1:30pm along with my super awesome, amazingly supportive mom and husband!!  They are seriously the best cheerleaders and support team during labor.    I was given some Pitocen to help speed up the delivery process since Brooks had not really dropped much.  Once that was given, my labor began to progress very quickly.  Around 4-5cm dilated, I got an epidural to help with the pain -- holy cow -- the pain.  I almost forgot what it felt like and then quickly remembered!!!  The epidural was GREAT and relieved most (but not all) of the pain.  With Ethan, I honestly didn't feel much pain at all.  Unfortunately, this go-around with proven a little tougher. Nevertheless, at 8:41pm Brooks Matthew Robbe was born at 5lbs 11 ounces and 18.5 inches long.

Since Brooks was a premature delivery, the NICU nurses were ready and waiting for his arrival.  We weren't sure whether or not he would be whisked away or if I would be able to snuggle with him.  Everything was unknown.  We didn't even know if Matt would be able to cut the cord.  All that that worrying was for no reason - Brooks was born healthy!  Matt cut the cord and I got to have him wrapped up on my chest for a while!!  It was an emotional, beautiful and surreal experience.  Seriously, the flood of emotions that come right after the delivery are incredible.  Tears filled the room and smiles were plastered all over.  We were so happy he was here and that he was healthy.  Brooks was still taken to the NICU for observation and Daddy followed.

The next day Grandma brought our sweet little Ethan by the hospital to visit his new little brother for the first time.  Talk about an amazing, emotional and unforgettable experience.  Ethan has been anticipating this moment (as much as a 2 year old can) for a while now.  He sat on the chair and held Brooks in his arms.  He was so gentle and spoke so softly to him.  He admired Brooks and pointed out all his different features.  "Mommy, he has 2 eyes and 2 hands.  Oh, look mommy...feet."  He has adjusted well to his new role as a big brother.  I knew he would!  He has such a soft and kind heart - and his sweet spirit really glows now that he is a brother.

Grandma got to snuggle with Brooks.  Aunt Lauren and Micah too!!  Did I mention that my dad and brother were in China when Brooks was born?  They were finishing up another service project and actually made it to the hospital prior to him being discharged.  I was so happy they were able to make it too!

Matt and I feel so very blessed to have my family so close.  It was such a comfort knowing that Ethan was spending time with his family.  Knowing that he was having a blast with them really helped to put us at ease.  It allowed Matt and I have to also have special alone/bonding time with Brooks.  I will never forget those trips down to the NICU with Matt.  Sitting there, weeping and thanking God for this beautiful miracle boy - who surprised the heck out of us!!  Brooks looks so much like his Daddy!!  Dark hair, olive skin....but still has the newborn baby blue eyes.  He also has the Robbe stamp...the dimple in the chin.  Just like Daddy!  He is absolutely beautiful and we couldn't be happier or filled with more joy.  We know that each child is a gift from God and we will treasure this gift!

So on with parenthood we continue.  A mother of two precious and awesome little boys!!  Brooks is the most calm mannered baby.  I haven't heard a full cry out of him. I don't even know if I would recognize his cry at this point - I haven't heard it enough to know! I guess that is a good thing.  He sleeps so well and has adjusted into our family perfectly.  This next year is going to be so fun - I can't wait to watch it all unfold.

Until next time. xo

I miss being pregnant...

I never thought I would say this...but I miss being pregnant.

As many of you know, I had a rough pregnancy.  From the first couple weeks and up through my delivery, I had severe morning sickness.  I was on phenogren, zofran and sucking on countless preggo pops.  I was so hungry and yet the site of food made me nauseous.  Each morning I would adjust my schedule by 20-30 minutes in order to have my daily "bow to the porcelain gods" time.  Sickness made me late for work and had me running to the bathroom while meeting with students.  It was rough.

Another pleasant experience was the countless bathroom breaks.  HOLY COW!!  I didn't realize how many times I would need to go to the bathroom....especially in my final trimester.  One day at work I remember counting my bathroom runs....drum roll.....14!!  That's right, 14!  Let's just say my productivity had significantly declined.

I also remember how extremely tired and exhausted I was.  I'm not complaining here, it just hit me like a brick wall.  I would get 8-10 hours of sleep at night and yet I caught myself falling asleep at my desk.  I secretly positioned myself in a way that allowed me to nod off and look like I was intently working all at the same time.  It was brilliant!!  I remember a few afternoons where I had to go home for lunch and take a nap.  One afternoon I couldn't get up and ended up sleeping through the rest of the work day.  How horrible is that?!?!  Don't worry...I used a half vacay day for it.

And then there was the swelling, back pains, mood swings and zits.  I mean, it sucked.  It really did.

But 8 months after having my sweet baby Ethan, all I think about is...wow, I really miss being pregnant!!  I miss feeling those kicks.  Feeling his movements and knowing that nobody else knew what I was feeling at that exact moment.  I miss feeling his hiccups inside of me (and golly did he get them often).  I miss the bond of knowing that each morsel of food I ingested was feeding him.  I miss knowing that we were attached...physically and emotionally.

The joyous parts of pregnancy completely overshadow the hard parts.

A summer to remember...

"Wow" is the only word that can truly sum-up what we've been experiencing these past couple of weeks.  As most of you know, Matt accepted a new position which will move us 400 miles (Northwest) to Columbus, Ohio.  This (of course) is no easy task. Being 7 months pregnant, you guys probably think we are nuts!!  But God is good and we are comforted in knowing that he will carry us the entire way through.  I mean this sincerely...God has made his presence so evident these past couple of weeks.

This past weekend, Matt and I traveled up to Ohio to visit my family for the Memorial Day holiday. We decided to stop through Columbus for a day of house hunting.  We found a wonderful place just east of the city.  The area is safe, clean and booming with great shopping and restaurants.  Matt and I are burnt out with the restaurant options (or lack thereof) in Lynchburg.  The complex we are moving to has a GORGEOUS pool and sundeck...an added bonus was the 24/7 fitness center.  Can we say "hello pre-pregnancy body?"  One of the BIGGEST perks is that our house is located less than 2 miles from the hospital where I will deliver Ethan.

After we found our house, we headed to Cincinnati for a weekend of family, fun and relaxation.  Well, relaxation for me...I am not sure if Matt was totally relaxed as he decided to go skydiving with Gabriel and Dad on Saturday.  A small propeller plane took each of them up 10,000 feet where they jumped out (tandem style) and experienced a 5,000 foot free-fall.  Each landed safely and have some spectacular pictures to show for it.  I always wanted to do this myself...but now that I'll be a mommy soon, I believe I'll need to rearrange my "bucket list."

On Sunday we headed to the annual "Taste of Cincinnati" festival.  We love enjoying all the vendors, free goodies and great music. It was a hot day but luckily we were shaded by the high rise office buildings :)  I enjoyed a honey-buttered corn on the cob while Matt indulged in a deep-fried peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  It was quite a tasty day.

Now that we are back in Lynchburg, Matt is finishing up his last few weeks at the Richmond office.  He begins his new position on June 11.  Matt is actually flying back to Lynchburg on June 22 to help me tie-up a few loose ends.  My sweet momma is throwing me a baby shower on June 23 here in Lynchburg with all my friends, family and co-workers.  Luckily Matt will be here to help set up all the BIG stuff (i.e. tables, decor).  On Monday, June 25, the movers will be at our house to start packing things up.  We are not too sure how long the packing process will take but hope to be in our new house by the end of that week.  My sweet hubby will then drive me (and Sam) back up to Columbus.  I am ever-so-grateful for this as I was dreading the 8 hour trip by myself.

God has been so faithful and SO good. Thank you (everyone) for all your prayers and support. We will continue to keep you updated as things progress.  Until then...

XOXO