Finally - he arrived!

As many of you know by now, our son Beckett Price Stokes came into the world on Sunday, July 26th at 2:18 PM. I went into labor late in the afternoon/early evening on Saturday; my labor was 21 hours altogether. Although it started out nicely and progressed pretty well, we hit a few major speedbumps and, in short, Beckett was "thisclose" to coming via emergency c-section. I'm happy to say, however, that I literally gave it everything I had and with the help of Jeff, my mom, some amazing nurses and Dr. Wilson, the little guy was able to be delivered after 3.5 hrs of pushing. It was, without exaggerating, the most traumatic experience I can recall, but of course he is worth it. As you also probably know by now as well, he was a whopping 10 lbs 1 oz and measured 22" long, which is why the labor & delivery were so tough. We have absolutely NO clue how this gargantuan weight happened - ahh.. And sufficed to say my recovery is going more slowly than most, but I'm getting there day by day.

All the cliche sentiments which people express when they have a child are simply true; I have absolutely fallen in love with this little man and am in awe of the sheer fact that God created him through Jeff and I. Every day already he seems to be changing and growing as he takes in this crazy, amazing life which he has just been introduced to. I can't wait to re-live the magical moments of discovery he'll be experiencing continually as he takes it all in for the first time.

Here are just a few pictures from the birth and this past, first week. Our Picasa web album has many more photos if you are interested, and of course you can always check up with us if you are on Facebook.. Enjoy ~

The Nursery

I'm very delighted to report on this 4th of July that we have (mostly) finished the nursery! Thanks to Jeff, my mom, and even Lauren (haha) we were able to get many pictures hung, little clothes folded and items organized last night. We still have a rug that is supposed to arrive next week (thanks, Price's!) and the oh-so-comfy recliner to move up there after Beckett moves from his bassinet by our bed to his crib. But this is generally it! Enjoy some photos ~

Approaching the finish line...!

This week has been most interesting for us, as I have hit the 37 week mark and am now considered full term in my pregnancy. Having many Braxton Hicks contractions and feeling extremely uncomfortable (and yes, still nauseous... ah!) most of the time, I headed into my appointment on Wednesday not really sure what to expect. Well, we ended up finding out that I am already 2 cm dilated and 75% effaced. Pretty interesting! Of course it's anyone's guess when Beckett may come at this point, but as the doctor put it, "that's a very, very good start".. haha.. We also kind of pressed him for his opinion, and he seemed to think I may go early.. again, no way to know.. but hopefully I won't be late!.. we shall see soon enough!

In the meantime, although I know it's not scientific I have had that late stage nesting urge. I have been so anxious and even hyper at moments the past few days, wanting to clean things up, finish up the artwork for Beck's nursery, and more... It's been almost comical at times: folding over the toilet paper in the powder room in a lovely little triangle shape like you find in hotels, and even vigorously scrubbing out Maya's food dish...??... Go figure!... But it sure sounds like what many moms report when labor is "just around the corner".. Now that corner may be a few days away, or a few weeks... who knows...?!

Happy Father's Day.. & a Bump Update ~

Technically a father for the first time this year on Father's Day, Jeff says he had a very nice day yesterday! We ended up meeting my family for a great dinner on the lake, and although hottt - about 90 and huuuumid as could be - the shade was great and the fans were going strong overhead, so we had a fun evening!


I also ended up taking a bump picture with the lake as my special background this time...

35-36 weeks

Later on outside Cold Stone's, Jeff and Lauren, aka two peas in a pod, were busy scoping out some cute little kitten's habitat.. aww...

Baby "Booty"

My sister has termed the stash of lovely gifts which we have been accumulating "booty"... haha.. Here are a few pix of much of what this child has received (though it's not even everything!), and a little bump pose for you, too...

He's getting so big, whew..

Memorial Day Weekend Wedding and Baby Shower Numero Dos

The busy wknd of traveling to NJ for Jeff's sister Jen's wedding and my shower finally came. It's tough to sum up as I am sitting in bed now, a week later and still recuperating from a nasty cold due to the serious lack of sleep and general craziness of the travel + the events of the wknd. I know the awkward misery of being the big pregnant girl at a beautiful wedding where photos are being taken left and right for all of posterity was definitley not something I'd like to recall nor experience ever again. Ha-ha!.. But to look at it objectively, I think everything turned out very nicely - from the wedding to my shower - and I greatly appreciate everything that everyone did for us while we were there. As you will see in a photo below, Jeff's cousin Brittany made an amazing cake for Beckett and I at the shower. She has such talent!

Enjoy some photos from the crazy wknd... I will say this: I vow to never again travel during a 3rd trimester of pregnancy, let alone be in a wedding - ha!

Jeff, his Uncle Tony, Little Anthony, Jr. and Grandma Chell outside the church on the big day. I think lil Anthony is ready to go...


Mr. & Mrs. Brian Kramli


Heading off in the limo...


During the post-ceremony photos at a nearby park - Jeff, his brother Bryan, wife Stephanie & I


Jeff & I in the courtyard of the quaint reception venue, Aldie Mansion


The Stokes Family at Aldie


Too precious. Anthony, Jr. and the beautiful little flower girl and Jr. Bridesmaid at the reception. They kissed eachother's hands and even danced together...


A twirl - oooo!


Jeff dancing with his Grandma Chell :-)


At the tail-end of the reception.. I was about to head out, as I could NOT WAIT to get to the hotel.. whew.

At the Jersey shore on Memorial Day for the shower. Sitting here with the amazing cake that Brittany made!


So cool!


With the lovely ladies from Jeff's family + a few friends who hosted or attended the shower.


Jeff and I at the shower... I thought this picture captured a sweet moment so I had some fun with it in B&W...

Bump Update ~ 30-31 weeks & Pediatrician Meeting

I think I've really reached that point where you say, "OH yea, she's PREGNANT".. haha.. I am definitely feeling large in the mid-section and more and more uncomfortable from the sheer size of this child! But he seems to be growing like crazy, and he tumbles around and lets me know he is in there constantly, so that's all good to know :-) ... Here's a bump update pic ~

I'll also take the opportunity to share that my mom and I met the pediatrician that Beckett will be going to on Thursday. The practice was recommended by a former doctor of ours, and I just couldn't be happier with what I saw and heard. Great to check that off the to-do list for our lil guy!