Sleepless in Dallas

So I did it. Again. I drank caffeine today. I've said good-bye to this old friend long ago, but today seemed like a good day to try it again. Especially since my good friends gave us a can of Cafe Au Loit from New Orleans... yum. But those few sips of yumminess have caused me to sit in front of the computer at this odd time of the night which I rarely see. So when the restlessness first began, I opted to look at my phone. Oh, the iphone. A blessing and a curse. After an hour went by, I started praying. And another hour later, I decided to wake up and write this. I hope it will make me sleepier.

I have been meaning to write lately, so now I won't waste anymore time. And away I go...

We have been traveling a great deal this month. A great deal. I think we've just about broke our bank account from all of the traveling expenses. Though tiring, it's been worth it. I wouldn't trade all of the precious memories and quality time that we've had with our family and friends.

First trip of the summer we ventured off to California for Luke and Ashley's wedding. It was a beautiful occasion where we spent 10 days visiting family and close friends. It was also our first trip as a family of three to the beach.

One week later, we drove to Missouri for the weekend. I had a great time with my in-laws at their home in the country. I was reminded how much I miss the country, open star-filled sky, and the sounds of crickets (we live two blocks from Baylor Hospital, and unfortunately, hear a lot of sirens at night). And it was during this weekend that Sam rolled over for the first time! It was missed by Tony since he was away, but Sam finally showed Daddy what he could do after we were back home in Dallas.

The next weekend, we drove north to Kansas for 4th of July weekend. It was my sister-in-law, Annie's first time meeting Sam. The weekend was filled with lots of fun as we celebrated Grandpa and Grandma Bierman's 50th wedding anniversary, the 2nd Annual Highland Games, and of course, the 4th of July.

When we returned to Dallas, we took part in the Anglican Way Institute. Tony's sister, Valerie also flew in for the conference. It was a memorable week of great teaching and fellowship. This year's focus was on God's plan and will for marriage and the family. I am so blessed to have been able to learn from some amazing teachers.

In two days, we head this weekend to Missouri for the Alvarez wedding. We are looking forward to this joyous occasion. We are also anticipating some great family time.

Sam and Pop at Luke and Ashley's wedding.

Aunty Ileana with Sam.

Sam on Father's Day

Sam rolling over

Has it really been almost 4 months?!

He's here! And what can I say? Our lives are so different today than the first post. We laugh more, we (I) probably cry more, and we have never had so much love for one tiny, little person. And... we are rejoicing heavily in God's goodness to us!

Samuel Ray Howard was born at 6:45 am on March 9, 2011- Ash Wednesday. He weighed 6 pounds, 9 ounces. He was two weeks early, and boy did he come as a surprise to his mama and papa.

So here's my labor story:

I had a five hour labor from start to finish. My water broke while I was sleeping at 1:40 and the contractions came afterwards. The contractions started up pretty quickly and were very strong. I had to call my midwives a couple of times because they were pretty intense, but they kept assuring me that I was still in the first stages of labor, and that I needed to go to bed. I kept telling Tony that I felt I wasn't in first stages of labor, but even farther. But by the time 5:00 am rolled around, my contractions were 2 to 1.5 min apart. Once we got to the car, I felt the urge to push. When we got the birthing center at 6:00 am, I was dilated to a 9.5. I got in the tub for the last 30 min and he was born at 6:45 am.

It was a whirlwind of an experience, but am so thankful for it. I learned the importance of listening to your body and letting it do what it wants to do.

It's funny how it seems so long ago. Everyone says it, but it's true. It goes by so fast. I've spent the last four months soaking up this sweet baby boy. More to come later. And... I will get better at posting more often. :)

Love,

The Meltons

"God heard"

God heard us.

We now have a healthy baby boy on the way. We feel so incredibly loved by our Father that He indeed answered our prayers. The countdown is still going, but the days are fewer and fewer. We often talk about what he will look like, what our small apartment will be like with another body in the room, what his laugh sounds like...I hope that he has his father's beautiful green eyes, compassionate heart, and ability to make people laugh. There is so much hope in this little one.

We are anxiously awaiting your arrival, sweet boy.