The End-of-the-School-Year Emotions! 2016

So I've found myself in tears on several occasions over the past week or so, and I know it's because the end of a school year is here. My emotional and mental calendar run not on the standard calendar but the school year. So the end of a grade or preschool class turn my emotions upside down. Or rather, turn them waaaaaay up.

Last week as I met with Mac and Paisley's preschool teacher, we discussed next year and even their graduation-- next year. My eyes swelled up with tears at the mere thought of no more preschool and my tiny tots in actual school-- for 7 hours a day. With this year ending I am grasping the idea that we only have one more year of preschool. Change isn't easy for me, in fact, Jordan jokes that I cried every time I left my parents to head back to college. True story. I like familiar and comfort. Yeah, yeah, I recognize change is healthy and good, but I'm never really ready to close a chapter of our story.

I come to the blog because I love to write, and that's the best way to express my emotions. I am an ugly-faced, gasping for breath, snotty crier-- especially when my chest is heavy with emotion and I am confronted with just how fast time flies.

This year Lilly Scott will finish her second to last year of elementary school. Second.to.last. So next year I may need medication as I endure THREE graduations. Lord, help me.

                                                                      August 2015

My kiddos have been so loved this year. Lilly Scott has received huge praise from teachers as she has accomplished so much. This year she was named one of the 'most improved' in her classroom, and she has worked her booty off. She got to go to the local baseball field where she paraded with others awarded the same and received dinner and a certificate. Even Paw Paw drove into town for the evening.

                                                                         April 2016

May 2016

Mac and Paisley have been so loved and adored by their teacher that I don't want to move on quite yet. When Wells started at the end of January, I didn't think I'd feel so attached to his precious teachers either. But here I am- ugly crying- thinking of another year to end. These women have adored, taught, photographed, painted hands, zipped up costumes, written notes, changed (Wells') diapers, washed hands, text me notes and pictures, shared stories, captured moments that I could not, and so much more. These women loved on my three littles when I entrusted a huge part of my world to them. Ms. Melissa, Ms. Norma, and Ms. Carol all get an award for how much they've 'mothered' M, P and W. All the teachers have a place in my heart just for faithfully teaching and loving our little ones. Even Ms. Brenda (Mac and Paisley's teacher from last year and Wells' for next year) shared her lunch when _________ forgot to take in Wells' lunchbox.

                                                                    September 2015

January 2016

May 2016

Teachers have signed the books that I designate to each of my babies, and I digress to even more emotion as I reflect the story and read their words and memories of the year with each Allen baby.

Paisley asked why I had tears when I picked her up last week, and I hugged her and just said because she's growing so fast. Mac asked if we could pray for him to stop growing-- probably because he's sick of my watering eyes. I smiled and reminded him that his growth is according to God's plan, and I have no doubt that God's plans are huge for him.. for every one of us, really. They/We have to grow in order to become what God created us to be.

                                                  Ms. Paula, Ms. Jennifer, Ms. Brenda
                                                                        May 2016

                                                               
                                                                 Ms. Carol, Ms. Norma
                                                                           May 2016

These sappy books, the fb posts about 'the last baby', and the end of the year are too much. I am a 'gift of time' love language mama/friend, and time doesn't slow for me. When I see how much we wanted and experienced for Mac and Paisley, and now they're 3 months shy of FIVE years old, I know that time is truly precious. I am so much more cautious to leave social media, texts, errands and open my arms and agenda to these precious kids that I've been entrusted with for however long He allows.

End of the year party

On to SUMMER 2016!!

Please tell me I'm not alone on this emotional roller coaster! Friends! Anyone?!

Wells Is TWO!

Man, oh man. Little (big) man is TWO. Let's not talk about how long he's been two. I've mentally prepared this post since Wells was 18 months old, but it's just now coming to fruition because I've let go of having all the pictures I wanted to post in order. They'll come. More importantly, let's celebrate Wells' first two years and share what he's like at this age.

Wells,

You may have just turned 2, but you're more like a triplet to Mac and Paisley. Where they go and what they do, you're right there with them. There are no obstacles for your mind and heart are set on whatever your eyes see. We've been told you literally bounce off walls to get from one thing to another. You're care free and so spirited. The things you do are quite hilarious, and you know it.

Counting is something you've gotten really good at, and you can get all the way to thirteen. Then we start back with your favorite trio: 8, 9, 10… The other day you brought had something in each hand. You held up the one in your left and said 'geen' and held up the right hand and said 'yeyyow'. Yes! You know your colors?! These older siblings are making me shine, kiddo! Thanks, M and P! Because let's be honest, I don't practice counting or colors. I'll encourage if you start, but I don't initiate it. Good thing siblings pick up where I slack, right?

We've gotten used to the missing front tooth, and just like they said at the dentist office, it's become who you are. The missing tooth actually fits your personality perfectly. Fun, daring, and cute as a button.

On your second birthday you weighed about the same as Paisley on her fourth birthday. You're in a solid 2T and quickly into 3T. (You're officially in a 3T now that I'm writing this.) You've surpassed the size Mac was in at this point in the season so dressing you for church has been interesting. I can stretch every day wear, but when we put you in those precious longalls with peter pan collar shirts, my heart skips a beat, and they barely fit. Shoe wise you've quickly gone into a size 8, which is only 1 size behind Paisley. People say you're a linebacker. Too bad (for you) you're also my baby and losing the one tooth was hard enough. I won't be signing you up for contact sports.

 This year we did your first hair cut. We basically took away the baby mullet. Dad had had enough of it.

You run and play so hard. When you're out, you're out for real. I will always cherish your chunky baby legs and round face. My baby you'll always be.

 The front door of our (old) house in October. 

We love and adore you, little Wellsy. You make us laugh and enjoy the little things. Your love for Mickey is unwavering, and we will snuggle you and watch 'Kiki' for as long as you'll let us. As for family names, you say 'Ma', 'Titi', and 'Coccy' for each sibling. Cutie pie, we think you're pretty special.

-Mommy and Daddy

Wells is 5 Months!

My Wells... These months continue to fly by us too fast. You're growing, changing, and interacting in every way. You are so loved with siblings to parent you and parents who adore you. 

You are blowing raspberries, teething, and being attacked by a sticker monster. 

This month you've laughed more and more. You've found your hands and are starting to discover your feet. You've rolled over! Both front to back and back to front. I'm sure you would have done this earlier if I were able to lie you down more. For one, I want to cuddle you all the time and second, you have a large cheer section that gravitates to you when the opportunity arises. I can't blame them. You smile ear to ear with each unique greeting. 

You love bath time. You kick with big eyes like all your might is displayed with each kick. You love when I cheer you. 

This month you've chatted up a storm! Anyone who makes eye contact and conversation falls in love with your social self. 

Paisley puts her baby things near you or in your absence. The swing, bouncy seat and crib are all up for grabs around these parts. 

We have taken a lot of selfies this month. I have to remember to get IN the picture with you as much as behind the camera. 

Here's Carsen loving on you a course weekends ago. Another fan right here. 

We love you sweet boy. Thank you for being you. 

-mommy and daddy

Wells Is Here!

We have been waiting for the arrival of baby Allen for several weeks. I was 38 weeks, 5 days, and I had no idea the birthdate was so soon...

I got up on Tuesday morning (November 19) to a text from my mom saying she had been thinking of me all night. I smiled and went on with the morning. Jordan had also teased that delivering on the 19 would be neat since Mac and Paisley were born on the 19 of August. I already had my weird wish to have an 11 in every kid's birthday- LS born 1/11/06, M and P born 8/19/11 and baby Allen would be born in November, the 11th month.

Tuesdays Mac and Paisley go to school so I get up and get ready before everyone wakes up for the day. I took a shower, and everything started as soon as I stepped out at 7am. When I stepped out I felt a heavy trickle...  like my water had broken, but it wasn't a gush like with M and P. I didn't want to set off any alarms so I went about getting ready as confirmation continued that my water was in fact breaking, although 'leaking' is a more accurate term.

I text Jordan my suspicion, but he didn't respond. Then I text my mom who asked if I was being serious. I am a jokester, but not about this stuff.

I text my doctor to let him know what was happening. We became close during my pregnancy with Mac and Paisley- early labor, 4 week hospitalization, bed rest at home alongside 2 visits to his office a week. In a nutshell, we adore Dr. Roberts and believe he's the best :o) He is definitely a blessing to our family.

Dr.Roberts teased me about being out of town and unavailable, which is so his nature. Then he called to let me know the hospital knew I was coming, and he would be by to see me in the afternoon.

All this was unraveling while I was getting ready, encouraging Lilly Scott to fix her breakfast (not really able to move or know what to tell her) and anxiously waiting for M and P to wake up.... I felt stuck, really.

Just the day before I had gotten a couple friend's availability in case I went into labor in the middle of the night or when Jordan was at work. Thank goodness for timing because this is exactly what I went to when all started happening. My dear friend Martha was getting off from the fire hall (she's GI Jane), and she came over to relieve me as I did last minute things... gathered hospital bags, started some laundry, gave instruction to the sub contractor who is finishing our mud room, painted my toenails. You know, the usual 'I'm in labor' kind of stuff. It's funny how the reality of labor changes after the first pregnancy. We always envision rushing to the hospital to immediately deliver the baby. After my water broke with Mac and Paisley, I was in labor all night- 17 hours later it was time to deliver. I was in no rush this go around.

One regret- I didn't eat. I didn't feel well the day my water broke with M and P so I didn't eat. I always promised myself to eat before I went into the hospital this time. Well, folks, it didn't happen this time either. I felt 'blah' and didn't have an appetite. I regretted that a couple hours later when my diet became ice chips, popsicles and ice chips. Yay.

Jordan got home, took Lilly to school and Martha stepped in as mom- getting M and P up, fixing their breakfast and checking on me. Then Jordan took Mac and Paisley to school.

My brother rushed to Chattanooga once he heard the news, and he arrived at the house as we were loading the car. He still jokes about our laid back nature as he drove (quite a bit) over the speed limit to be here.

We checked into the hospital at 10:15...

and I was admitted at 10:45

 

I had only progressed 10% effacement since my last OB appointment (3cm, 70%, -2 station) so I started walking laps around the L&D unit. Dr. Roberts came by about 1 and offered Pitocin. I declined to give my body a chance to progress naturally. Then he said we would check my progress at 5 and start Pitocin at 6 based on my progress or lack thereof. As we walked around the unit, I complained about being so hungry. Jordan reminded me that Dr. Roberts was my meal ticket, and I had dismissed him. :-/

I reflected on my last lengthy labor and that I had so little energy once it was time to deliver. We agreed that I would be checked at 3 and start Pitocin if I hadn't progressed. I was 4 cm, 80% effaced and -2 station. There was a 'forebag' of fluid on the baby's head that was most likely preventing me from progressing more quickly. The nurse- Voinette- found the bag's opening and the fluid was released. Contractions picked up from here.

We started the Pitocin at 3:30, and it was a game changer. I got my epidural at 4:30, and at 5:30 I was 5cm and 90% effaced.
Almost time!!

 

Protocol was to check progress every 2 hours unless I felt any change. I was so numb I didn't know what I felt. I certainly felt pressure during contractions but that's it. Come 7:30 the nurse checking me said, "You have no cervix. We need to get the doctor here NOW."

Dr. Roberts wasn't on call, but he came in to deliver the baby for us. He got there about 8:00, everything was set up, 3 pushes and our baby was born!!!

It was like Christmas morning when we found out what the baby's gender was. Totally worth all the anxiety and wait, I promise!

My friend happens to be our sonographer, and she was such a champion for me. She gave me the best of both worlds: I got to have a surprise AND monogrammed items. Her mom also made gender reveal cupcakes for us to share with the family once the baby was born. We got it all on video:

 

Wells' Gender Reveal

 

We welcome baby Allen:

 

Wellington (Wells) Stephen Allen

born November 19, 2013 at 8:21 PM

7 pounds, 14 ounces

20.5 inches

 

Wells' newborn photo album...

 

 

 

Mac and Paisley were at home in bed, but all grandparents, Uncle Jeff and Lilly Scott were there to celebrate the arrival.

At last, I get to eat!!! I chose a veggie calzone with meatballs among a few other last minute cravings. Let's just say I ate so much my stomach hurt.

Family and friends come to meet Wells in the hospital!

 The older siblings get their turn :o)
(I can't believe Mac and Paisley are 'older' siblings.)

 

Time to go home!

 

 

Traditional first picture at home

 

 

Ready for 'baby brother' and Mama to be home.

 

 13 weeks gestation to newborn

 

Thank you, Jesus for a perfectly healthy baby boy.

 

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Psalm 139:14

 

-Ashley

 

I want to thank all the incredible family and friends who stepped in to make it possible for us to have family there for delivery, picked up from school and cared for our kiddos while we were in the hospital. Thank you.