Everett Russell- A Birth Story

God has a great sense of humor and a powerful way of teaching me lessons about control and trust and surrendering; bringing Everett into this world was no different.  If you follow this blog, you know that initial blood tests would reveal a significantly low level of PAAP-A hormone, often associated with low birth weight, premature birth and even still birth.  Research on this hormone is still fairly new and I was reassured that the risks, although 3 fold for me, were still very low.  However,  I was very shaken by the news and my prayer warriors vicously threw up prayers for growth, health and a full term pregnancy.

Enter God's Sense of Humor...

At 39 weeks and 5 days, Dr. Branning decided it time to schedule an induction.  I was huge (50 inches around) and baby was huge (measuring 42 wks and approx 9 lbs).  It was time to force this little man out.

After a quick 5 hours of labor and only 50 minutes of pushing. Our angel arrived. The doctors were all surprised by his size, the L&D nurses called me a rock star (my ego liked that!).  He was finally here; all pink, chubby and perfectly healthy.  Never question God's perfect plan for your life, he's got your back and knows what's best.  Lesson learned.

My heart has doubled in size. Introducing Everett Russell Shempp.

2.27.14

3:51pm

8lbs 15oz

20.75 inches

Our family feels full and happy, grateful for a wonderful birth experience and a perfectly healthy baby boy.  Shempp- Party of 4!

Awaiting Baby Boy

I got my maternity pictures back today and I've been tearing up every time I look through them.  They are beautiful and capture perfectly the feeling of this pregnancy; causal, fun and full of family time.  That is exactly how the past 35 weeks have felt.  Very different from the first time, which was just as perfect, but more hectic (classes, showers, shopping, reading, waiting, worrying).  This one has been more easy-going.  It's been about spending special time with just the 3 of us, enjoying, celebrating with small groups of people; family and friends... no reading, no worrying, no hectic pace.  The blessings I feel are unmeasurable.  I feel so lucky to have had 2 great pregnancy's and I just pray that this baby's delivery is as safe and healthy as my first.

Seeing these pictures has been a realization that in just a few weeks, he'll be here with us!  This makes me feel 1.) freaked out...because, how was that 40 weeks? 2.) So excited 3.) Nervous about the unknown of being a mom of two.  I can do this! I am ready!  Baby is big (and so is momma) measuring about 2 weeks ahead of schedule (just like big brother).  It's time.  Time to turn this family of 3 into 4, time for new challenges, joys, memories and traditions.  35 weeks and counting....let's do this :)

A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

What a year 2013 was for us.  So many great memories made, fun times had, and milestones reached; James turned two, started a new school, made lots of new friends. Mom took a new job with Bayer and got pregnant with #2. Dad reached top wholesalers status at TransAmerica, got in super shape at Cross fit, took his dad on an amazing Canadian fishing trip, Cabo with friends, 2 amazing weddings for friends & family…..and on and on.  We are so blessed and can't imagine what 2014 will bring!

A few pictures from our latest 2013 adventures.

Holy Christmas Santa- Someone hit the jackpot ;)

  First Look

 Christmas Shenanigans

 Aftermath

 The new ride

 One Happy Family

Also during the week long break, we packed up the sleigh and took a 3 hour drive up north to Broken Bow, OK for a weekend get-a-way.

Charlie might have loved it most of all ;)

 Trying out the ATV in the woods

 Roasting S'Mores

 Family Hike

 

Had such a good time with this little dude :)

and this one too!!! 31 weeks

Wishing everyone a happy & healthy new year!