Everett Tristan Neal has finally arrived!!
Born February 20th at 5:32 AM. 8 lbs 6 oz. 19 3/4 inches long. And absolutely Perfect!
We are in the greatest of love with this precious gift!
2.25.2014
2.18.2014
Thoughts on Pregnancy and Motherhood.
The journey to motherhood is quite simply beautiful and incredible. Although there are most definitely the moments of uncomfortableness and misery. I often find myself with my hands resting on my belly feeling my sweet boy move inside me wondering how in the world anyone could question the presence of our masterful creator. God so delicately and perfectly designed a woman for this job. I am learning that things I have found annoying all my life or "useless" were made specifically for feeding my son or keeping him healthy. Every part of me has a purpose in sharing and growing this child... it's incredible!
As the pregnancy has progressed I have had countless things to consume my mind with worry about how Everett is growing. Surviving the first trimester free from a miscarriage, or putting something unhealthy into my body that he would ingest to much of and would harm him for life was cause for this new mom-to-be's mind to be in a constant state of array. I yearned for each doctor's appointment to know he was still doing well for at this time there was no indication to me that he was. I couldn't wait for he moment to feel him moving and know for myself during the day that my boy was healthy and well. Once we hit that mark it was the worry of feeling him move enough. During stretches that seemed to be less active I would fret over him. I know I could have/ should have let God do all the worrying for me but that's not human nature at all is it?! I trusted Everett's health in God's hands but found it to be a mother's instinct to worry about her child.
And Now as I am preparing to welcome my son into this hideously crazy world where so much evil seems to reside I am realizing that my worry has only just begun. This little man will be mine and his dad's sole responsibility and as frightening as it is I am so looking forward to this part of motherhood. I my worries will continue and grow as Everett does... but I know God has all of our backs!
Also, I recently read Jenny McCarthy's Belly Laugh's, not a fan of hers, but this book puts the funny and reality in pregnancy that had me laughing out loud on the couch and Drew looking at me like I lost my mind. I highly reccomend for anyone venturing down this journey for the first time!
As the pregnancy has progressed I have had countless things to consume my mind with worry about how Everett is growing. Surviving the first trimester free from a miscarriage, or putting something unhealthy into my body that he would ingest to much of and would harm him for life was cause for this new mom-to-be's mind to be in a constant state of array. I yearned for each doctor's appointment to know he was still doing well for at this time there was no indication to me that he was. I couldn't wait for he moment to feel him moving and know for myself during the day that my boy was healthy and well. Once we hit that mark it was the worry of feeling him move enough. During stretches that seemed to be less active I would fret over him. I know I could have/ should have let God do all the worrying for me but that's not human nature at all is it?! I trusted Everett's health in God's hands but found it to be a mother's instinct to worry about her child.
And Now as I am preparing to welcome my son into this hideously crazy world where so much evil seems to reside I am realizing that my worry has only just begun. This little man will be mine and his dad's sole responsibility and as frightening as it is I am so looking forward to this part of motherhood. I my worries will continue and grow as Everett does... but I know God has all of our backs!
Also, I recently read Jenny McCarthy's Belly Laugh's, not a fan of hers, but this book puts the funny and reality in pregnancy that had me laughing out loud on the couch and Drew looking at me like I lost my mind. I highly reccomend for anyone venturing down this journey for the first time!
The Waiting Game
I was just sure I would have Everett this weekend. At our last Dr's appointment we had made some progression, plus there was a full moon this weekend so it was fail proof. I had been walking some evenings to try and get things moving and I just knew KNEW we would be holding our boy come Monday. Needless to say the days passed with some contractions but never amounting to much, more labor signs surfaced but nothing radical enough to send me to the hospital. We had a Dr's appointment this morning bright and early and I was hoping/wishing/knowing she would say we were far enough along we needed to just go right on over to the hospital... NO SAY! We made some progression but not enough and Drew and I went off to work today very disappointed.
I tried to keep myself busy this weekend with some sewing projects for Everett that I had wanted to do for a while. The first was some simple burp cloths with some leftover fabric I had from his table coverings. After I got those finished I tackled a changing pad cover. I had recieved a white one from the shower but had really wanted to make one that would work better with his room. I hadn't found any that I really liked in the stores, they all seemed to be pastel's ... none of which would work with his room. So I followed THIS tutorial and ordered some fabric online from Joann's that I loved but they didn't have enough of in our store. The tutorial was super easy and very quick to do!
I tried to keep myself busy this weekend with some sewing projects for Everett that I had wanted to do for a while. The first was some simple burp cloths with some leftover fabric I had from his table coverings. After I got those finished I tackled a changing pad cover. I had recieved a white one from the shower but had really wanted to make one that would work better with his room. I hadn't found any that I really liked in the stores, they all seemed to be pastel's ... none of which would work with his room. So I followed THIS tutorial and ordered some fabric online from Joann's that I loved but they didn't have enough of in our store. The tutorial was super easy and very quick to do!
2.12.2014
Change of plans!
I knew just as I posted our plans for Everett's arrival things would change... and they have!
I have had a bit of a hunch that our little man has a stubborn streak much like hismother father.
E has already been quite obvious about things being done on his terms and his timing. So just as we were planning on welcoming him into the world this weekend it looks like he will make this decision on his own, with God's help obviously, and not us!
We had an appointment yesterday to check that all was continuing in favor of an induction and were all shocked to find that was no longer the case. My doctor informed us that should we decide to "wait it out" my blood pressure seemed to be cooperating to do just that. I had been grappling with the idea of being induced and the disappointment of not going through the whole "natural" childbirth experience, so I picked to wait it out even with the disappointment of not being guranteed to meet Everett this weekend. We are learning our first rule of parenting... PATIENCE!
There is a full moon on Saturday night... maybe that wives tale will be true for us. Or maybe we will go another week or so but it will be up to Everett and the Lord.
So Everett, sweet one, whenever you decide you are ready we are most certainly Ready!
I have had a bit of a hunch that our little man has a stubborn streak much like his
E has already been quite obvious about things being done on his terms and his timing. So just as we were planning on welcoming him into the world this weekend it looks like he will make this decision on his own, with God's help obviously, and not us!
We had an appointment yesterday to check that all was continuing in favor of an induction and were all shocked to find that was no longer the case. My doctor informed us that should we decide to "wait it out" my blood pressure seemed to be cooperating to do just that. I had been grappling with the idea of being induced and the disappointment of not going through the whole "natural" childbirth experience, so I picked to wait it out even with the disappointment of not being guranteed to meet Everett this weekend. We are learning our first rule of parenting... PATIENCE!
There is a full moon on Saturday night... maybe that wives tale will be true for us. Or maybe we will go another week or so but it will be up to Everett and the Lord.
So Everett, sweet one, whenever you decide you are ready we are most certainly Ready!
2.10.2014
Arrival Date is Set & Nursery Photos
At our Dr's appointment last week our Dr. decided that we needed to go ahead and schedule to be induced a week from that day. I have been having some increasing blood pressure readings and she is concerned that if we let it go past 39 weeks then Everett or I could get unnecessarily sick. This means the date is set... Friday night we will be going into the hospital and Saturday, hopefully, we will be meeting our son!
The scheduling of this event has allowed for a lot of nostalgic feelings on my behalf and some anxiety. This weekend I felt compelled to live every moment as "this is our last without kids." Our last Friday night dinner with Mom and Nana without kids, our last Saturday sleeping in without kids, our last breakfast at IHOP without kids, Our last movie date for awhile, our last church service, our last.... Drew finally thought it was necessary to remind me that our lives weren't ending we were just having a baby. I wasn't intending to be dramatic I just thought that now having the ending date in sight we needed to be a little more appreciative of the freedom we had this weekend just the two of us. I found myself being even more aware of his movements in my stomach and already missing those sweet times we have shared just the two of us during this pregnancy. His Dad can hardly wait another moment though to share in the joy, and was initially put off when I pushed back the induction date so Everett's birthday would not be on Valentines' Day... he has been very patient awaiting the arrival of his son.
The nursery is prepared, the diapers are placed, the wet wipes are warming, clothes are washed, and we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our precious Everett!
Here are some pics of his nursery... it is a mix of clean lines and rustic. White freshness meeting metal and wood textiles. I chose Orange and Turquoise as accent colors against the grey and white. It is a great mixture of baby and masculine without feeling to one sided or the other. I wanted to have pieces that can grow with E. I absolutely love the way it turned out and can't wait to spend time in here with our little man. Sometimes Drew finds me sitting in the rocker imagining I am rocking Everett to sleep. It is my favorite room in the house!
The scheduling of this event has allowed for a lot of nostalgic feelings on my behalf and some anxiety. This weekend I felt compelled to live every moment as "this is our last without kids." Our last Friday night dinner with Mom and Nana without kids, our last Saturday sleeping in without kids, our last breakfast at IHOP without kids, Our last movie date for awhile, our last church service, our last.... Drew finally thought it was necessary to remind me that our lives weren't ending we were just having a baby. I wasn't intending to be dramatic I just thought that now having the ending date in sight we needed to be a little more appreciative of the freedom we had this weekend just the two of us. I found myself being even more aware of his movements in my stomach and already missing those sweet times we have shared just the two of us during this pregnancy. His Dad can hardly wait another moment though to share in the joy, and was initially put off when I pushed back the induction date so Everett's birthday would not be on Valentines' Day... he has been very patient awaiting the arrival of his son.
The nursery is prepared, the diapers are placed, the wet wipes are warming, clothes are washed, and we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our precious Everett!
Here are some pics of his nursery... it is a mix of clean lines and rustic. White freshness meeting metal and wood textiles. I chose Orange and Turquoise as accent colors against the grey and white. It is a great mixture of baby and masculine without feeling to one sided or the other. I wanted to have pieces that can grow with E. I absolutely love the way it turned out and can't wait to spend time in here with our little man. Sometimes Drew finds me sitting in the rocker imagining I am rocking Everett to sleep. It is my favorite room in the house!
2.09.2014
A Baby shower for Everett
A few weekends ago was Everett's Baby shower. I can't believe that it has already come and gone and now we are literally in a holding pattern waiting for him to arrive!
I have been beyond blessed with my wedding and now baby shower. We have been showered with so much love from those around us!
My shower was held at my Aunt Tammy's house and I was quite excited to see what she did with the decorations because if you know her at all you know she is a master decorator/ party planner. She gives attention to every single detail and it pays off!
I was so excited to have my Aunt Paula and Rebecca drive in from Dallas to join in on the festivities! They spent Friday night with Tammy and Neeley decorating and preparing for the next morning. I was told to arrive at 9:45 sharp and when I did my breath was taken away.
My Aunt Tammy has a way of displaying the most ordinary thing in such a way that you would have never imagined. The dining table was decorated with the giant elephant Everett got from Nana at Christmas and some monogrammed letters alongside precious balloons. Kelsey had written Everett a poem that was framed and displayed there also. Reading that was what triggered my first but definitely not the last tears for the day. The entry table had a sign in book with an adorable elephant and turquoise and orange candle votive. In the corner on a hutch was 5 precious pictures of Grandy when he was a baby, the first Everett and my Everett's namesake. The food was incredible! I could have just sat and eaten all day while someone else opened the gifts people brought. Everywhere you looked there were some detail for the shower whether large or small no corner was untouched.
I looked over before the guests actually began to arrive and while my family and hostesses were busily working in the kitchen to see Nana sitting in a chair in the corner taking it all in. I walked over to her to find tears streaming down her face. The moments were precious and overwhelming. Am I really going to have a baby?! Nana nor I could really grasp it.
We were immensely blessed in attendance and gifts at the shower. I opened one amazing gift after another. Each gift was incredibly thoughtful and specifically selected for Everett, Drew and I.
I cannot Thank my hostesses enough for their contribution for making that day so special. Especially to my Aunt Tammy and Neeley who worked tirelessly to make sure it was picture perfect.
We had some incredible hostesses for the baby shower. These women have supported and loved on me, Drew and Everett and blessed us beyond measure already... Traci Epps, Nancy Farren, Neeley Fort, Leann Jones, Rhonda Kimbrough, Tammy Schmidt and Bailey Schniederjan.
We are well equipped, ready and waiting for our boy to arrive!
Neeley, Rebecca, and I took this picture together to document our 3 pregnancy stages... Neeley due in August, Rebecca due in May, Me due in February.
Nana thought she should join in too and so she debuted her pillow baby bump!
I have been beyond blessed with my wedding and now baby shower. We have been showered with so much love from those around us!
My shower was held at my Aunt Tammy's house and I was quite excited to see what she did with the decorations because if you know her at all you know she is a master decorator/ party planner. She gives attention to every single detail and it pays off!
I was so excited to have my Aunt Paula and Rebecca drive in from Dallas to join in on the festivities! They spent Friday night with Tammy and Neeley decorating and preparing for the next morning. I was told to arrive at 9:45 sharp and when I did my breath was taken away.
My Aunt Tammy has a way of displaying the most ordinary thing in such a way that you would have never imagined. The dining table was decorated with the giant elephant Everett got from Nana at Christmas and some monogrammed letters alongside precious balloons. Kelsey had written Everett a poem that was framed and displayed there also. Reading that was what triggered my first but definitely not the last tears for the day. The entry table had a sign in book with an adorable elephant and turquoise and orange candle votive. In the corner on a hutch was 5 precious pictures of Grandy when he was a baby, the first Everett and my Everett's namesake. The food was incredible! I could have just sat and eaten all day while someone else opened the gifts people brought. Everywhere you looked there were some detail for the shower whether large or small no corner was untouched.
I looked over before the guests actually began to arrive and while my family and hostesses were busily working in the kitchen to see Nana sitting in a chair in the corner taking it all in. I walked over to her to find tears streaming down her face. The moments were precious and overwhelming. Am I really going to have a baby?! Nana nor I could really grasp it.
We were immensely blessed in attendance and gifts at the shower. I opened one amazing gift after another. Each gift was incredibly thoughtful and specifically selected for Everett, Drew and I.
I cannot Thank my hostesses enough for their contribution for making that day so special. Especially to my Aunt Tammy and Neeley who worked tirelessly to make sure it was picture perfect.
We had some incredible hostesses for the baby shower. These women have supported and loved on me, Drew and Everett and blessed us beyond measure already... Traci Epps, Nancy Farren, Neeley Fort, Leann Jones, Rhonda Kimbrough, Tammy Schmidt and Bailey Schniederjan.
We are well equipped, ready and waiting for our boy to arrive!
Neeley, Rebecca, and I took this picture together to document our 3 pregnancy stages... Neeley due in August, Rebecca due in May, Me due in February.
Nana thought she should join in too and so she debuted her pillow baby bump!
2.04.2014
Wedding: The Day After
Having dabbled some in wedding photography I knew that to have a timely reception we would not be able to spend the time I wanted to really get some good pictures of Drew and I the day of the ceremony. Since we were already in beautiful Santa Fe we had our photographer hang around the day after the wedding with us to take some pictures of us in our wedding attire without all the pressure of people around and waiting on us. I left my hair down, did minimalistic makeup and we walked around the grounds taking some of my favorite pictures from the whole weekend.
These pictures are the romantic images I dreamed of when planning our wedding that capture the love and adoration between my new husband and I. Looking back 10 months later the love has only grown and the adoration is more present every day!
These pictures are the romantic images I dreamed of when planning our wedding that capture the love and adoration between my new husband and I. Looking back 10 months later the love has only grown and the adoration is more present every day!
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