Thirty-Five

As of Monday, I am thirty-five. I can't believe it! I was 15 when my mom turned 35. I had a nice birthday. Brad and I were able to eat at Outback kid free. I even left the baby for a few hours with mom. It was a nice break. Brad and I enjoyed getting to talk without being interrupted and we didn't have to scarf down our food. Brad and the boys got me a parallel bible (NIV/Message) and a CD player.

Owen has decided that preschool is fun so I don't have to drag him into his classroom any more. I think he is making friends and feeling more comfortable with the kids. I hated leaving him unhappy. I know it was paybacks for me because I cried in preschool and kindergarden.

Well, Owen is up from his nap and demanding my attention. More another day.....

Happy Thanksgiving and Four Weeks Old

This is Wyatt on his first Thanksgiving and his four week birthday. He is such a sweet and content baby. We have noticed that he is much more alert lately and will follow objects with his eyes. He knows my voice and will sometimes cry if he is in the swing if he hears me talking. I hold him ALOT! He and I both like it.

We have so many things to be thankful for. We celebrated Thanksgiving at my parents home with my dad's family (his brother, sisters, cousins, etc.). We had about 50 people there and the food was yummy. This was the first time many of them had seen Wyatt.

I hope that each of you had a great Thanksgiving!

Wyatt's Two Week Check-Up

My sweet baby boy was 11 lbs. and 4 oz. and 21 1/2 inches long at his two week check-up (he was about 2 1/2 weeks actually). The doctor was happy (and a little amazed) at his weight gain. We were at the doctor's office about 13 days prior and he was 10 lbs. He lost down to 9 lbs. 15 oz. when we left the hospital.

I am enjoying every moment. I know that this is my last baby (permanently taken care of) and at times I feel some sadness. I love the cuddly baby stage. I know that I can NOT go through another pregnancy. Could you imagine?!? What if my next one was 12 lbs.? Also, I'll be 35 in a week or so. We are still open to adoption if the Lord lays it on our hearts, paves the way, and provides the resources. Time will tell.

Are these kids cute or what?!? Our Life Group had a Halloween Party on the Monday I came home from the hosptial. I wasn't able to attend but Brad and Owen went. They also celebrated Owen's birthday. It was such a blessing to me because we hadn't been able to celebrate with them because of my pre-term labor and the craziness at the end of the pregnancy. We have three kids missing from the picture (Judd, Emily, and Wyatt). We also have two on the way. That will make 10 kids and 10 adults. It's fun but crazy!!!

I will try my best to blog more often. We still haven't settled in to a routine. I have a feeling things will be this way until after the holidays.

Wyatt Daniel Patrick Highley

Wyatt was born on October 25th at 7:59 am. He was 10 pounds 8 ounces and was 20 1/2 inches long. He is so precious! We had awesome nurses and they fell in love with him. It was great for me because I felt like we got extra-special treatment. I had a nurse named Susan two nights in a row and she told me that she had bonded with him. She called herself grandma to him and she took him with her to her little area where she did her notes so that I could sleep. She didn't even take him to the nursery. He just visited at the nurses station. What a blessing!

I've had lots of help since we came home on Sunday. My sisters have been here and my mom. It's so nice to have family. The boys have enjoyed getting to spend time with their aunts. Auntie Laura had to go home on Tuesday and Aunt Chrissy will go home on Saturday. The boys are going to be so sad (especially Owen).

Judd has done better than expected. He kept telling me over and over how much he loved me in the hospital. I hope that I'm confirming to him that he hasn't lost his place in my heart. I have room for three. He has been sick so he has been grouchy but I don't think it's related to the baby. He seems to be doing better today.

Owen has been the best big brother. He has listened so well and just enjoyed having family here with us. He loves running around with Aunt Chrissy. She has spoiled him a bit since she has been here. We have been so proud of his behavior.

Brad has been working some and helping at home. He's always so good with the boys. Even at the hospital he could take Wyatt and walk him and soothe him. The boys have enjoyed having him home more than normal. We both feel a little overwhelmed (and very tired) at times but we mostly feel so blessed. We are both so thankful for theses sweet little boys and for all of our family and friends that have supported and prayed for us. Keep up the prayers! We have our work cut out for us.