Our Snow Baby

We never get much snow here in Georgia, so the fact that Sawyer came home during SnowJam 2014 deserves to be well documented.

We left the hospital right before the big storm hit.  There were only a few flakes falling as we made our way home.  It did take us longer than normal to get home, but that had more to do with the our precious cargo than the snow.  

Sweet boy was not allowed to play in this snowstorm. We mostly stayed bundled up in the house trying to get the hang of our new normal.

Welcome to the World Baby Boy!

Exhausted doesn't even begin to describe it,.  Love doesn't touch it. I'm not quite sure there is a word that can fully capture the all-encompassing, completely overwhelming, explosion of my heart.  This sweet baby boy has taken us by storm, and I'm not sure who I was before him.

Much to my little OCD loving heart, sweet Sawyer had his own birth plan that was much different than mine. On January 8, 2014, my blood pressure decided to spike and thus began a little three-week journey we can now refer to as "waiting on Sawyer".  There were several trips to the hospital triage during this time and several phone calls that ended with "he's just not ready yet".  Finally, on January 24, 2014, at 39 weeks and 1 day, my doctor decided it was time to induce.  And that was the last full night of sleep I'll ever have. 
On Saturday, January 25, 2014, Andrew and I ate at Provino's before heading to the hospital.  We arrived at 9:30 pm on the dot.
Both of us were pretty giddy with excitement and anticipation.
Neither of us knew what to expect or how our lives were about to change.  I've thought back on this evening several times.  I'm not sure what I would say to those two people who were about to become parents. I imagine I would tell them to soak it all up because I've been trying to relive every moment since then.

My contractions started to pick up around 1:00am, and Sawyer's heart rate began to decrease.  The nurses kept coming in and telling me to change positions which made breathing through the contractions much harder.  I texted my mom around 3:00 am, and she and my dad made their way to hospital.  My contractions began coming back to back with no relief, but my body still would not dilate.  Finally, my doctor gave the go-ahead for an epidural.  The thought was that if my body could relax then maybe I would dilate. I was pumped for some relief, but everything after the epidural is pretty much bits and pieces.  My blood pressure dropped immediately after the epidural and Sawyer's heart rate also declined.  I remember lying there thinking I was going to pass out, but also hearing nurses swarm around me about how long he'd been down.  My doctor was called, and they gave me a shot to stop the contractions.  I knew that a c-section was coming at that point.  I cried.  I felt guilty that I couldn't deliver my baby the way I supposed to deliver.  Now, looking back, what does that mean anyway? And how, before there was even a baby in my arms, was I already feeling "mom-guilt"?

Sawyer Hearn Clower was born via c-section at 10:37 am with the cord wrapped tightly around his neck.  My doctor said the whole delivery was a "God-thing" because my little boy was meant to be born that day, via induction and c-section. No one knew the cord was around his neck. God had a plan the whole time.
I went skin-to-skin with Sawyer within an hour after he was born. Andrew changed before my eyes from my high-school sweetheart to a father.  I was in awe of how he handled Sawyer.  How he stood guard at the door for any visitor that might bring germs.

I never felt myself turn into a mother. But when he cries, my whole body aches, and when he looks up at me, my heart rises to my throat. It's a million times better than I ever imagined it would be.

Showering Sawyer

Sawyer is one spoiled baby already.  He has been showered with so many gifts that we had to call over Aunt Jackie and Uncle Brent to help us get started on sorting through the massive pile.  Luckily, Aunt Jackie is a pro at organizing new baby things, so this Mommy was in luck!

I'm so mad that I didn't get pictures of my first shower.  My sweet team from Northwood threw a shower for me to celebrate with all my Northwood buddies since I moved to a new school this year.  I was overwhelmed at how many people came out to celebrate baby Sawyer.  I miss those ladies so much EVERYDAY! 

Next, my "second mothers" Beth S., Beth C., and Wanda threw a Pinterest-Worthy shower with the help of Arley, Caylon, and April.  This shower went along with our nursery theme- sailboats and anchors.  Every detail was amazing, and I even kept some of the decorations to use in Sawyer's nursery.  I left with a car-load of gifts--and my Petunia Picklebottom Diaper Bag. Gah! 

Loved the Nautical Theme!

How can you go wrong with mason jars?

Mimi, Mommy, and Gigi

Then, Andrew's aunts got together for another fun, nautical-themed shower.  They even had a bunch of little toys out as decorations which are now in Sawyer's toy box - just dying to be played with! Big sister, Maci, would happily oblige, but Mommy says, "No!".  I have a feeling she's going to hear that word a lot here in the upcoming weeks. At this shower we were inundated with  monogrammed onesies (love!) and our carseat and stroller!

Beautiful (and delicious) cake! Look at all those cute toys around it!

Opening gifts. Shout out to Sheryl for all that writing!

Seriously, this mommy cannot resist a monogram.

Last, but certainly not least, my sweet sister-in-laws, Jackie and Crystal, and best friend, Katie, threw a little-man shower.  We played some really cute games like "Guess the 'Stache" and ate some really yummy foods. I loved that instead of a card everyone at this shower brought a book to go with their gift.  As an avid reader myself, I hope that Sawyer will love books just as much as me! 

Baby pictures of me and Andrew.  I hope Sawyer gets Daddy's good looks!

Loved the sweet cookies that Sharmilla made! 

This cake was Ah-Mazing!

Party Favors

Mimi and Gigi love to feel Sawyer move! 

Tidings of Great Joy

I know it's been a while since I've blogged, but this morning I walked past the mirror on my 100th 98th trip to the bathroom, and I caught a glimpse of my growing belly.  I really want to savor these last few weeks of being pregnant.  Sure, my ankles are swollen, I can't find a comfortable position for sleep anymore, and I've been on my hands and knees scrubbing baseboards, but I wouldn't trade it for a million glasses of wine. 

I walked into my son's room and looked around.  I started a mental note of everything that still needed to be done, but God's voice is louder.  His mercies are new every morning.  The curtains will get hung, daycare will get paid for, and, soon, my perfect baby will be sleeping on that beautiful bedding.

Sneak Peek of Sawyer's Room

I woke up to rain, but I was warm in my bed. My husband was next to me, and the dog had somehow found her way right in between us.  Maybe it's the pregnant hormones, but I'm a sappy mess this morning with my tree lit and Christmas classics playing. 

I have been reminded this week that life is all too short.  God's voice is shouting for us to not miss this season we are in.  I hope I always remember to praise Him...even in the rain.

P.S. - I just burnt the bacon...but who likes soggy bacon anyway?

The Lord is good to all: and His tender mercies are all over His works.

Psalms 145:9

17 Weeks

How far along? 17 weeks

Total weight gain? Still down 5 pounds

Maternity clothes? Yes! I have some awesome friends who have let me borrow their maternity clothes to add to my collection. Honestly, I don't know how you could afford everything you need otherwise. 

Stretch marks? I've been slathering on tummy cream every night, so fingers crossed!

Sleep? My legs are still hurting at night, but i have no problems sleeping soundly once I fall asleep. 

Best moment of the week? I'm pretty sure that I felt Sawyer move this week. I mostly feel it at night, and sometimes I think I can see my stomach move, too.  I could watch it for hours! 

Miss anything? Cold deli meat. I really want a Jason's Deli ham and Swiss...like NOW.  

Movement? I'm pretty convinced that I've felt him, but I really want Andrew to feel him, too.  

Food Cravings? Still totally crazy about sweets. Any and all. 

Anything making your queasy or sick? Chicken makes me gag. Yuck. I can't even think about it. 

Gender? My prediction was right! We payed to have a gender scan done at 16 weeks, and we were so happy to see little boy parts. Daddy is already making big plans for his son! 

Labor signs? way too soon

Symptoms? He must be sitting on a nerve because my leg is constantly numb! 

Belly button? In

Wedding ring on or off? On

Happy or moody? If you had asked me a few days ago, I would have said happy, but the past two days have been crazy. I'm definitely embarrassed to say that I have alternated between crying and yelling a few times. 

Anticipating? Getting the nursery ready!

Baby Names? Sawyer Hearn Clower

Proverbs 16:9 

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. 

13 Weeks

How far along? 13 weeks and 3 days

Total weight gain? Still down 5 pounds from my beginning weight

Maternity clothes? Yes, please! I have a few work pants that still fit, but my jeans and shorts are all really uncomfortable.  I've been living in comfy dresses for the past few weeks. Luckily, I'm spoiled rotten, and my sweet mom took me shopping for some "back-to-school" clothes. 

Stretch marks? Ummm...can we be honest? None that weren't already there. Ha! 

Sleep? Now that I'm not napping all day back at work, sleep is coming easier, but my legs are really hurting at night. 

Best moment of the week? Getting my appetite back! 

Miss anything? Is it weird that I'm totally craving a beer? I'm usually a wine drinker, but the smell of beer is absolutely amazing right now. 

Movement? I wish I felt something, but it's still too soon. 

Food Cravings? Ever since I found out I was pregnant, I can't get enough of sweets. I'm usually a salty person, but sweet is where it's at right now.  Also, I had a weird craving for tomatoes with balsamic vinegar this week.  Good thing I have a sweet hubby who will go to the store for me. :-)

Anything making your queasy or sick? Meat still has me a little weary. I did eat some fajitas this weekend and some of Gigi's Poppyseed Chicken last night. Yum! 

Gender? My prediction is boy. Andrew's prediction is boy. Mimi's prediction is girl. Ha! She can't wait to find out if she can start stocking up on little girl apparel at The Yellow Daisy Festival this year. We are going to pay to find out the gender early. Three weeks to go! 

Labor signs? way too soon

Symptoms? Despite the back surgery, my back has been killing me this week. I think it's because all of my ligaments are loosening up to make way for this baby.  I'm not complaining, though! 

Belly button? In

Wedding ring on or off? On

Happy or moody? Well, this would depend on who you're asking. Ha! I've been mostly happy with the occasional brattiness (is that a word?) thrown in. 

Anticipating? Can't wait to find out if this sweet baby is a boy or girl. Also, Andrew and I are both dying to feel it move! 

Baby Names? Our boy name has been decided since we got married since we are using family names from Andrew's side: Sawyer Hearn Clower.   We have been back and forth on girl names.  We're definitely using Dianne as the middle name in memory of my Granny.  I love the name Evelyn, but Andrew is not liking it so much.  I try to get him to agree to names when he is falling asleep or really in to a tv show. Some other contenders for girl names are: Collette, Holland, Hollis, Noelle, Charlotte, Lindly, and Jolie. I'm also open to any suggestions. 

Psalm 107:1

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever. 

Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah

Anyone else love that song like I do?  No?  I'm sure if Baby Clower is ever at Camp Granada his/her grandparents will be happy to save him/her! 

Andrew and I were so excited to tell both of our parents about the new bundle of joy. I had done a little lot of research on how to share the news, so I was armed and ready with plenty of ideas! 

My parents were on a cruise the week we found out, which actually turned out for the best, because I would have called my mom right away, but I'm so glad that I got to see her face instead!  Since my parents were coming back on a Saturday, we decided to wait until then to tell both of our parents. 

Andrew's parents, Gigi and Grandpaw, were surprised with this frame as house warming gift. 

My parents, Mimi and P-Paw, were given this book to unwrap together.  

By: Jean Reagan

Plenty of hugs ensued from both sets of thrilled grandparents! 

Big Sister is less than enthused since cousin Gracie has already told her what to expect...a lot less ball throwing.  Womp. Womp.  

Psalm 108:4

For great is Your love, higher than the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.