Spring Break

There has been a lack of posting here.  I apologize for that.  Luke is 9 months and 1 week and as you can see, no letter has been written yet.... because we are still recovering.  

Here's the story.

We all went to Michigan for spring break to meet my new niece Charlotte 

(which was heaven because she is the sweetest little angel... ever)

Visited our dear friends and their son Easton, who is obviously Luke's brother from another mother. 

and then I went on to spend a week at my sister's in Holland.  We went downtown, ate at Cranes, stopped by the best place ever (which also happened to be my high school job), went swimming, worked out, watched movies, and of corse played and played and played.

and then.  

The day before we left for home... 

We had an attack of

 - - - the ORANGE vomit - - - 

My sweet little orange puker started with the bug and so graciously passed it to my niece Abbi, my unsuspecting brother-in-law Dave, and his puke catching, down the pants/in the hair Mama.  I know some of you can relate to how horrible it is to have a sick baby, but not all of us are so lucky to have a sick vomiting baby in someone else's home.  

You get an extra measure of 

uncomfortable 

watching your son vomit orange nastiness on 

someone else's 

carpet, toys, and couch.  

Lucky for me, I have the sweetest sister in the world who did not freak out or banish us from her home 

(which is something I would have considered)!  

Instead, 

she felt bad for us and then helped clean up the mess.  

WOW.

She may not have thought twice about it, but that incredible act of kindness was truly the hands and feet of Jesus to Luke and I.  What an example! I will not soon forget it. 

Love you Jenn :)

Luke {3-7 months}

**EDITED- VIDEO NOW WORKING :) **
Eric put together this video for me for Valentines Day of our little Lukey.  

L.O.V.E.
go HERE to see Luke's "Welcome" video
go HERE to see 1-3 month video

 Double click to see full-screen.

My ears!

As heard on what was supposed to be a short car ride turned very long car ride.

Mommy week #1

I just spent a fabulous week with my older sister Jen.  She flew down from Michigan with sweet baby Emily and I drove up from T-town with Luke.  We met in Nashville at our parents house (who so graciously let us hang there) for a week of mommy time.  
Can i just say-
SO.
MUCH.
FUN.
and long over due!  So much awesomeness happened that week!  We ate, played, shopped, cooked, talked, walked, witness a stray hot air balloon nearly miss my car on the landing,

went to an amazing art exhibit only to be totally unprepared, ate some more (worth it), and barely slept. Nothing changed in the sleep department, but at least this time it was due to late night chats and not a screaming babies- well maybe a little of both :).  


Luke and Emily got along great!  We were some-what relieved to see how sweet they were to each other b/c this happened last time they were together. You can see how cute they are in this pic- holding hands and everything.... awwwww! :)  

This will be a yearly event (just so you know Jen) I plan to make happen.  Maybe next year we'll spend our "Mommy week" in Holland... and maybe we'll add another sister by then??? (hint hint) :). 

Jen- you teach me so much about being a mom.  You are a selfless, fun, confident, creative, incredible mommy that I always learn so much from.   Thanks for being a wonderful sister to me and best friend.  I can't wait to see you again for Thanksgiving!

Dear Luke, 4 months

Dear Luke,

This last month has been what I like to call "the magic month".  I call it that because your little personality has just magically appeared, as if almost overnight  You are a non-stop-smiling-machine.  It doesn't even take any ridiculous effort on the part of your dad or I anymore.  Although, unfortunately- we are still ridiculous.... hmmm?  You are just undeniably happy.  We love to show you off.  Strangers and friends alike can share in your contagious smile.  The other night you woke up at 4am.  You weren't crying, but I could hear a lot of rustling going on from the monitor so I got up to check on you.  I found you on your back holding your feet, playing and cooing.  When you saw that I was looking down at you, you gave me this silly grin.  It made me laugh out loud, even at 4 in the morning!  Unfortunately, that laugh I let slip out made you think it was time to be awake and play, thus ensuing another 2 hours of happy awake time.

Just this last week you have seemed to find your voice.  Up until now you have been a rather quiet baby- when you're not crying that is.  You are good at exercising your lungs when you're upset, but really those times are few and far between.  We can almost see the surprise on your face when you let out a big sigh or coo.   It's like you realized you made that noise.  It melts our hearts every time we hear that sweet voice of yours.

This month you've tried out all your toys.  You like your play mat, Bumbo, bouncy, jumper, swing, and exersaucer.  We were surprised at how well you did in all of them.  You are one strong kid!  You can hold your head up so well and you continue to use those chunky legs of yours to stand tall.  You are still too small for most of the things we put you in, but with a little extra padding from blankets you fit alright.  We LOVE to watch you in the jumper.  You look so tiny in there, but you are so good at spinning around and hitting the toys. 

(this picture just makes me laugh!)

This month has also brought a lot of change for our family.  Your dad has accepted a new position in Nashville TN at Fellowship Bible Church.  We are moving.  I can't believe it.  We have been in Tuscaloosa over 3 years and we thought we would be here for quite a bit longer. While there are many exciting things about this move, there are also some very difficult things to say goodbye to here.  This place is very special to your Dad and I.
It's the place where we've been married the longest and have grown as a married couple.
Where we have made wonderful friendships.
Bought and built our first home. 
Where we decided to try and have a baby.
Where we became parents!
Where you were born.
It's the place where we brought you home to the nursery we lovingly prepared for you.

We have been unbelievable blessed in Tuscaloosa.  It has been a beautiful journey with the people here and we are so grateful.  Something I have learned in my short life is that although change can be so hard- it's always good.  It's always good because it forces us to rely on God as we face the unknown.  And that is such a gift because it gives us the opurtunity to increase our faith.  And you know what Luke?  God always proves to be faithful.  Always.

I love you always,
Mom

Luke and his Octopus

Please get off my head Octopus.

Don't make me do it....

Hiii YA!

I warned you

Don't give me that look.... Can we talk about this?

Come on...   I know you're faking.

Conversations

His expressions say it all.....

 That's weird

*sigh* this wears me out

Hey! What's over there?

Well, that's just silly!

OMG, no way!

WOAH there!  Way too close

Now that was funny

Rarrrrrrr

Gasp!

I can see you....

...but you can't see me.

I will get you octopus. I will get you.

Dear Luke, 3 months

Dear Luker,

Let's just start off this letter by saying I do not want to accept that you are 3 months old already.  It's no lie when everyone tells you this time goes by fast.  You have grown so much in these 3 months! You went from 6.9 lbs at birth to now almost 12.5 lbs!  Your chunky thighs and kissable chubby cheeks are one of my favorite things about you.  Yesterday I went through your dresser and pulled out all the infant clothes that no longer fit you.  I looked at each little onesie and sleeper outfit and could not believe those were once too big for you.  You are no longer an "infant" you graduated to "baby".

(Luke at 1 week old)

I do believe you are the most adorable 3-month-old baby ever! Of course that is a completely unbiased statement.  You have learned a lot of new tricks this past month. You can laugh, coo, smile, and sometimes entertain yourself for like- 15 whole minutes!  We found this out when placing you in your crib and turning on your mobile- it's so cute how you stare at it with such wonder.  Ceiling fans are also one of your favorite things to stare at.  You have learned to suck on your hands to help sooth yourself which leads me to believe you will be a thumb sucker. You grab at your feet, but haven't quite mastered getting a hold of them yet.  You can bat at your toys and at times grab hold of them.   Something else new that started this month is drooling and blowing bubbles- you do this a lot!  Which makes for many out-fit changes during the day.  It's so fun to watch you do all of these things because that lets us know you are developing!

You are on a 4 hour eating schedule now which frees us up to explore lots more places.  You have been to Atlanta and Nashville this last month and earned an A+ in car riding.  I really feel like I am starting to get the hang of this mommy thing- which is a relief!  We can do all kinds of fun things together now like; take morning walks (when it's not 100 degrees outside), housework in the Baby Bjorn (now you can face forward in it), trips to the store and church.  You love being outside and we can see your little brain working as you take in all the new sights, sounds, and smells.  You are unbelievably strong as evidence by you standing up completely on your own with-out any support from us except to help you balance.  You also show us your strength by how long you can hold your head up.  It's adorable when you do this because we can really see the shape of your sweet cheeks.  Another exciting milestone has been your sleeping patterns.  Sometimes you get up 1-2 times during the night and sometimes you'll sleep straight through *smile*. You are even beginning to show us some personality.  We have seen you mad, content, scared, happy, determined, and just plain sweet.

I love how you grip my arm or shirt so tightly when I pick you up and how you always find the nook of my neck when you are tired.  I love it when you hear your daddy's voice and turn your head from side to side to try and find him.   I love the noises you make when you are falling asleep and when you are eating.  As you can see Luke, you are a complete joy to us and give us some great entertainment!

You are an incredible gift from the Lord and you know what?  You are His.  He entrusted us to parent you but, you are His.  I will keep reminding myself and you of this when you are old enough to understand.  It is so reassuring and freeing to know that truth Luke.  My prayer for you is that you would come to know God's great love for you at an early age, that you would desire to walk closely with Him, and that you would be able to experience the full-life that Jesus offers.  You are my precious gift Luke and I am always yours.

Hugs and kisses,
Mama

Luke {1-3 months video}

Luke 1-3 months...

The last Monday

Yesterday was the last Monday I will be home with Luker as I am finally going back to work.  I cannot believe it has been 3 months already.  To be honest, my body is still recovering from said child and his entrance into this world.  But I did work out today which was a major accomplishment for this mommy. Also in case you were wondering, I am only working 2 days a week- Mondays and Fridays.  I actually have the perfect set up for this despite the fact that I can never take a long weekend again.  We are beyond blessed to have an awesome nanny one day and my wonderful husband the other day take care of Luke.  Now all I have to do is prepare myself for the actual day I leave for work.  I will not cry. I will not cry. I will not cry....

I might cry but, as long as I stop before I get to work it will be ok.  It will be OK!....... ?

I LOVE MY BATH TIME

Luke in his robe.... Oh I melt!

Squeeze your head off!!!

It has been so much fun to hang out with Luke.  I am one blessed mom.  I decided to take some pics of Luke today because the cuteness factor was off the charts and if I didn't do something quick I would have probably squeezed his head of from a cuteness attack!  Good thing I found an outlet

As you can see Child Protective Services, my baby still has his head.... I was just using a figure of speech to get my point across that my son is incredibly cUUUte.

Dear Luke, 2 months

Dear Lukey,
For the past 2 nights you have almost slept straight through.  Does anyone else hear the Hallelujah chorus in their heads?  No?  Just me?  Your dad and I were amazed when we both woke up at 3:30am and you were still sleeping!  Are we making a transition here or did we just get a stroke of good luck?  Either way it will be OK because to be honest Luke, as hard as it is to get up in the middle of the night to feed you, change your diaper, or rock you back to sleep, your dad and I really don't mind.  Don't get me wrong- we are much better people with at least 6 hours of sleep, but something about those quiet moments at night with you are so special.


One of our favorite times of day with you is in the morning.  You are such a happy baby in the morning.  Right after you get done eating you usually like to flash us a smile that just melts our hearts.  Your dad and I love it when you smile because you have one- great- smile Luke.   We love your smile so much that we do almost anything to try and get just one grin from you.  We've tried dancing, singing, making crazy faces, making stupid noises, and truly making fools of ourselves all for the possibility of a smile.  Even if we don't get you to smile, I seriously enjoy hearing your Dad talk in his baby voice- classic.

Your dad and I also like to sing to you.  Your dad gets his guitar out and we make up all kinds of songs to sing to you about your toes, or your hair, or your name "Luke Lawrence".  It's good times had by all and you love to stand and dance while we sing to you.  You also really seem to enjoy Bob Marley, Ingrid Michaelson, and originals by the husband and wife duo "The Hoffmans".


It's fun finding out the things you love.  We found out you L.O.V.E.  getting a bath.  No matter how upset you were before we put you in the bath tub you immediately forget about it as soon as your feet hit the water.  It is seriously CUTE!  You also love to be outside.  I usually take you out on the front porch a couple times a day and sit and rock you in the rocking chair.  You sit quietly on my lap looking all around and I wonder what you must be experiencing with all the new colors, sounds, and smells.  You also love to stand.  It is so funny how you kick your legs straight when you want us to lift you up to stand.  You get so excited your little arms flail about as if you were dancing to your own beat.  Which, I'm sure you are since you probably have one of "The Hoffman" originals stuck in your head.  What a blessing it is to see you grow and develop.  


We love you more than words could ever express Luke.  I hope you never doubt our love for you and I hope you never doubt the Lords incredible love for you.  


Keep jammin' (Jamaican accent implied)


Love,
Mom






**Letter's inspired by sweet Sara view her blog here **

Maybe not

Some of you devoted blog followers may recall this post.  I explained my excitement for Luke and Emily to meet and described what I knew would be a lasting and deep friendship between the two of them.  Well.... upon their first meeting this is what happened.   

I know Emily just wanted a lock of Luke's hair as a souvenir to remember him by, but Luke was not as willing to oblige.  Well, I'm sure next time they hang out they will be BEST buds. 

From Michigan to Alabama and back.

I have really been aching for my sisters.  Especially now that I have this precious bundle of joy, I really want him to be loved and spoiled by my sissies.  Well God has heard my sobs from my oh-so-far-away-home in Alabama and brought them to the ears of my sister-in-laws in Michigan!  YAY! 

Sara and Lora came to our little home in Alabama to give Luker some lovin' and me some serious sister-hood bonding.  I cannot tell you how nice it was to have them here.  When we picked Lora and Sara up from the B'ham airport Friday morning Luke was sleeping in his car seat in the back.  Lora and Sara immediately scrunched in the back seat for an up close and personal look at their new nephew.  Lora's eyes filled with tears and it just melted my heart!  It was so fun to see them with Luke- he LOVES his Aunts!  

 

Look at these amazing toys they MADE for Luke!  I have got to learn how to sew!

The weekend was full of games, laughter, food, DESSERT :), AND I even got a chance to get out of the house with the girls to see THIS movie.  Kinda weird, but- worth it to see Zac Efron.  I KNOW.... he is kinda young, but seriously CUUUTE :).  Not as cute as you though babe! ;)

Thank you Sara and Lora for making the financial sacrifice to come down for the weekend and see Luke.  We had a BLAST with you guys and cannot wait to see you again.

I could just eat him up!

My Luker.....

Luke's Video

double click to see without it being cut off.

Your BIRTH DAY -- June 25th, 2010

The week you were born was indeed a very busy week. Obviously, we had not planned on you coming early as everyone in my life was telling me-

"you have not dropped- you've got a long way to go"
"you are too small- he needs more time in there"

"you should emotionally prepare yourself to go over your due date"

Well these words stuck and your dad and I thought we would have to prepare ourselves for yet another couple weeks of waiting. I had planned on taking Friday the 25th off to start my maternity leave, 4 whole days before your due date. It had been very busy at work all of June and I had considered working that Friday just to help out but your dad convinced me otherwise. My last day at work (Thursday) I spent rushing around trying to finish up all the loose ends before leaving for good. That afternoon I had a weekly appointment with Dr. Meyers to check and see if any progress had been made. On the way to the appointment I called your Nana and aunt Joy and talked to them about how strange I was feeling. I told them that I seemed to be having a lot more "yucky symptoms" today (sorry to include that but it's true). Nana squealed with excitement and said, "Melissa, it's going to be soon!" I assured her it was not going to be soon and restated all the reasons why. I told her that your dad and I planned on going to Birmingham Friday night to stay at a Bed and Breakfast. We wanted to celebrate possibly our last weekend of "just us"( Little did we know that our last weekend of "just us" was in fact, last weekend). Nana was not happy about the Birmingham trip and said that she did not think this was a good idea. I told her that I would talk to Dr. Meyers and get her approval before going. Each time I had gone to see Dr. Meyers that month she would look at me and say,"Well nothing yet", much to my dismay. But today she had better news. She said that I was probably 1cm dilated and 70% effaced! I was pumped! Finally some progression. Dr. Meyers was happy for me too, but said that it didn't mean you were coming soon.   I asked her if she thought it would still be ok for your dad and I to go to Birmingham Friday night.  She gave me two thumbs up. So I happily went back to work to finish things up. I ended up working until 7:30 that night making sure I had not left anything undone. On the way home I called your Nana. I told her the good news I got from Dr. Meyers and told her we were still planning on going to Birmingham Friday night. Nana continued to try and persuade me not to go. I was still talking with her on the phone when I got home and all of the sudden a burst of liquid rushed out and then stopped. I thought- great just another one of the wonderful pregnancy pluses... loosing control of your bladder. I ended the conversation with Nana and thought- that was weird? When your dad got home I laughed and told him that I thought I peed my pants! We laughed and didn't think much more about it. About an hour later I became "uncomfortable". I didn't know what was going on, I was just restless. Soon after that I started to experience some contractions.  Well, I know now they were contractions, but at the time I was convinced I was just having some braxton hicks. Your dad kept telling me they were contractions and I kept assuring him that they were not!    He began to time them asking me every couple minutes if I thought I was having another one.  And I just kept saying, "I don't know?!"   About another 30 minutes later the contractions became a little more intense. Your dad went and took a shower and started gathering things up around the house to take to the hospital. I told him to "STOP!" ... I was determined not to go to the hospital because I was sure they would just send us home.  He just kept telling me- "Ok we won't go, I'm just getting things ready just in case".   Your dad was so sweet that night.  I was so argumentative and stubborn, but he handled me so well :).  Finally your dad said, "OK Melissa I think we need to go to the hospital.  You are having contractions about 5 -7 minutes apart." At this point, I was on the floor on my hands and knees still arguing with your dad. I finally caved in and got in the shower to get myself ready to go.  This made your dad very uncomfortable thinking we were going to have you at home.  We got to the hospital at 12:00 am almost exactly. Dad wanted to drop me off at the emergency room doors, but I could not stop my argumentative ways and insisted on walking. I don't know why I was acting so stubborn, but I was convinced you were not coming this soon. They wheeled us to the maternity ward where they hooked me up to the monitors and found that my contractions were 2-3 minutes apart. I kept saying, Eric they are going to send us home". Soon after being hooked up to the monitors they admitted us and brought us into our room.  I know your dad was thinking "I TOLD YOU SO!" But, being the good husband that he is, he didn't say it :).  The contractions were very strong and continued to come 2-3 minutes apart lasting about 1-2 minutes. I was exhausted and your dad was also exhausted.  We had been up since yesterday morning!  We decided to get an epidural at about 4am Friday morning. This is when we met our awesome nurse Ashleigh. She was a God-send. Your dad and I had been praying for a great nurse as we learned from the classes- nurses are the ones that get you through labor. I learned a lot about Ashleigh's life that night and I truly think God brought us together for a reason. (more on that later). Friday at about 7:30 am I started to get visitors much to my surprise. People from work came to wish us luck. At about 8:00am I was only dilated to 2. Each hour I dilated more and more. By 11:00 I was fully dilated and it was time to push!

Your daddy and the nurse were so encouraging.  In between contractions your dad got out the ipod dock and decided to play AC/DC Thunderstruck- in an effort to "pump me up".  We laughed so hard and I think nurse Ashleigh thought we were CRAZY! :)  I was in labor with you for about an hour and then Doctor Emig came in to deliver you.  You were born at 12:09 pm 7lbs even and 19 3/4 inches long.  When you came out you had the cord wrapped around your neck so the Dr. quickly cut it and took you away to make sure your lungs were not full.  You had also swallowed some meconium so they were making sure that it did not get in your lungs.  About an hour later they finally gave you to me.   Daddy then played "How Great is our God" on the ipod dock and even Dr. Emig sang along.

Luke, I cannot describe the overwhelming feeling I experienced when they put you in my arms.  You were instantly and intensely loved by your dad and I.  You are our perfect gift from God.  

Luke 3:22 "You are my son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." Thank you God for our precious son Luke Lawrence.

Us Lately...

I promise I am working on our birth story... but here are a few pics to tide you over until then :)

Luke @ 1 week old

Luke @ 2 weeks old

All wrapped up after his first tub bath- he has the cutest belly button!

Mommy and Luke doing a little afternoon reading together

Taking a nap with his favorite Teddy Bear