Our Little Darlin'.

 There's just no experience like a few days in the hospital surrounded by friends and family, a beautiful baby by your side and the feeling of a thousand beautiful emotions flooding your heart.

We met our daughter Wednesday, December 26th at 2:34pm, weighing 5lbs 10oz. 

She's an angel and we are overwhelmed with happiness. The feeling I found when Brady was born has returned, where the little things begin to take more importance, the support of family and friends will bring you to tears, and again, I've realized I'm surrounded by everything I've ever wanted. Things my dreams couldn't imagine- only plans that have unfolded from the good Lord. Plans that remind me that I'm exactly where He wants me. And that couldn't be more exciting!

Marcy's delivery couldn't have been any easier- it's been two days since my c-section and with the help of medicine, I'm only mildly sore. I want to hug every nurse we've seen. St. Francis in every single way, with both my children's deliveries has been wonderful! I keep reminding our lactation nurse Danielle (she's amazing too!) that it's quite alright if she came home with us tomorrow...I just love being here! 

 Right now, Brian has Marcy changed, fed, clothed and swaddled on his chest. He is in every way in love with our little beauty. He went shopping for her today because newborn clothes are way too big on her! He came back to the hospital with warm preemie onesies and swaddle wraps. Everything he bought is pink and her skin just glows from all of it! That's one sweet daddy. 

  Brady loves to come visit "Mondie" and kiss her head and cheek. And then act like an animal. I must remember, this is not going to be an easy adjustment for an 2 year old, only child. He has pushed every button on this hospital bed & he's made friends with each nurse. I can't believe how much bigger he seems now that he's standing beside our now 5lb 4oz little darlin'.

 I'm remembering those sleepless nights and reliving that -it's all you can do to keep your eyes open and uncrossed- feeling. My feet and ankles are so swollen. And call me crazy, but if we could back up and do this all over again, I would in a second! While I'm fighting to stay awake, I am proud to say- pink may become a color I love and I'm really enjoying this feminine world we've stepped in!

She's the most beautiful little lady I've ever laid eyes on. 

We're headed home tomorrow, and I'll be keeping you posted on life in the month at home with a newborn and toddler. And pictures. Lots of pictures.

Christmas Day & The Special One to Follow.

Our Christmas morning began at 3:30 a.m.

with a little tot so excited 

(I'm not sure if he understood about Santa or what had him hyped) to be awake,

 that he later crashed thank goodness for three more hours. 

Waking up to this sight, as our last day together as a family of three, had my heart so full. 

We opened beautiful gifts from family...

This one is from my sister. 

This is the sort of thing that I love to have at home.

Something beautiful, something meaningful.

And boy oh boy, did mom surprise me.

Who wouldn't smile at such a sight??

Pure happiness.

We shared breakfast together.

A sweet tooth, I have.

And just like every other Christmas I've known, my sister crashes before the party ends.

Like every other Christmas, this was such a special one.

We were together as a family.

It's somehow passed as quickly as I knew it would, like this whole year has, where spring, summer and fall have disappeared before we could catch them. 

2011 was the most beautiful year I've ever experienced as a new mother. Accepting every day as a beautiful gift, being handed the opportunity to make memories and live new experiences, to show excitement to learn, to get the chance to love with all your heart...

 I then saw life from a brand new angle. 

It took on a new meaning in every aspect, and 

no amount of gratitude could grasp the 

happiness I found in becoming a mother.

I became thankful for life itself and each new day.

Tomorrow, December 26th 2012 is the day our daughter will be born. 

How life will be lived with even more to love is an idea I can't yet grasp... 

Tomorrow our family becomes complete.

Christmas Eve.

Christmas Eve

has almost passed.

The little one is napping and on this lazy day and I should be, too.

Just two days away from having our sweet girl brought into this world

I'm still wrapping my mind around our family of four...and life itself.

I must think too much.

It's a sort of dreary day, cold and rainy that we're enjoying together as a family.

How has Christmas arrived and I've yet to grasp it?

There's not a thing I can think of that needs to be done.

Lists have been made, bags are packed, gifts are wrapped...

What am I thinking? I'm off to the kitchen to make some apple cider.

And snuggle in bed, maybe with a movie.

Rest is essential for such events in two days...

Passing the time.

My last post mentioned "pretty little things" for Marcy.

I found these little beauties while out and about and couldn't help myself.

Girly girl.

But not too girly.

-Will she even tolerate headbands and wraps?-

Because she has a closet full of her big brothers cool clothes to wear.

We're going to have so much fun together.

And I have so much to learn...

I'm learning now that Brady J loves to race things. Cars. Each other. 

He loves to kick and throw anything, just to see how far it'll go.

And more than anything, he loves having you in the floor beside him, playing.

I wonder what Marcy will love. If she'll be independent, as outgoing as Brady (I wonder.)... what kind of hair she'll have... you know, the important things.

I wonder if she'll even like these girly things...

It's beautiful to see their personalities develop into exactly what God intended.

We have five more days and one more closet to clean. 

I have a new project in mind to begin in the new year.

A treasure keepsake for our family.

Finding the time though, will be nearly impossible I imagine...

Missing my Fun.

My Job

is my fun. It's my outlet and my "hands on".

I love what I do, and I'm away from it until February!

I'm already looking forward to returning

(this is only my first week away.)

I'm now booking appointments for March

and would love nothing more than to go 

back, in the new year and begin working again with these

clients that always have a new picture, new idea, something different to try!

I'm missing my fun already, and I'm itching to jump back in and work.

Work is the wrong word.

Play.

Until then, I'm jumping into the unexplored world of headbands, embellishments and "pretty little things" for my Marcy Lane. If I'm not scheduled to work with clients, I have a brand new daughter (in six short days) to bring into the world of hair love.

In my "spare" time, I will be playing cars with my son and making pretty little things for my daughter.

Fresh Air & Sunshine.

While he naps, and my mind is jumbled but calm, I thought this might be prime time to blog.

I visited my wonderful new doctor this morning and while he found that Marcy's movement, breathing practices, and my fluids were well, her heart rate was dipping, which concerned him enough to move her delivery date up a day. She'll be delivered next Wednesday the 26th. Now I'm waiting on Labor and Delivery to return a message with the scheduled time of delivery.

I'm rolling with the change of plans here... 

reminding myself to live in the present... and not the future. 

I can't control what happens next, but that's how this beautiful story has unfolded, true? 

Thank you Lord for Your plans.

Right now, I'm letting go of the planning. The scheduling. The Christmas get-togethers, the parties, the decorations... We have a new baby to bring home, a toddler who will make the most wonderful big brother, and most importantly, a reason to celebrate this season way beyond the wild nature of the holiday hype. 

I can't express how happy my heart is with this beautiful day! I haven't even checked the temperature, but both back doors are open to let that warm afternoon sunshine inside our house! I hear our big dog snoring in the kitchen. 

Oh, what sunshine and sweet tea can do for your spirits. 

And a little time to myself.

Not wishing my life away by any means, but you know the feeling you get when spring has finally come? When you go barefoot and hear windchimes and life is just beautiful? 

That's pretty much how I'm feeling right now.

I needed this sunshine and fresh air.

(Listening to Paolo Nutini may be helping me smile, too.)

Happy Day.

There's just something magical about being home, surrounded by sunshine, and everything you love.

It's just good for you.

Just living is not enough... one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower. H.C. Anderson

Hopeful Hearts.

Today, we spent together, at home like I love.

The sunshine was warm 

and his heart was content.

We shared chocolate ice cream and listened to music

that sort of had me day dreaming of a spring day outside with my babies.

He picked a flower for his mama, and I found it possible to fall a little more in love with him.

With each new chapter, my eyes are opened to a new way of looking at life. 

Because time will never stand still. 

And these moments we have will only be memories.

With every new morning, I'm reminded by his smile that life is so precious. 

Too precious even, to take anything for granted.

It's just my nature to avoid the news...

but I did hear of the horrible news of today from two messages sent to my phone.

I honestly don't have words, and I cannot imagine the heartbreak or nightmare these children and families will be facing. 

How beautiful is this short life we've been given...

2 Corinthians 4:16-18  So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,  as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

A Sweet Waiting Game.

This picture says so much to me,

he had just a little silly moment

but there are few pictures that can 

warm my heart like this one can.

A little update around the house-

Brian's added a little touch of Christmas to our home!

(Thank you love, it looks beautiful.)

Have I ever mentioned how much I love being home?

That's a good thing, because I'll be spending lots of time here soon.

My hands and feet are swelling, doctors visits are happening twice weekly, and once again, we're waiting to hear more news on Thursday about Marcy's growth and a delivery date. Her NST results have been a positive thing, so now, we wait to hear an opinion Thursday!

Brady has shown so much excitement over bringing "Mondie" home. He hugs my belly first thing in the morning, he gives her kisses. He loves hanging out in her room with me, organizing her things.

Why can't these precious moments be bottled somehow? 

You know, saved for a rainy day and a sweet memories.

He just amazes me everyday. 

All of these moments, these memories that are made only once, have left such a spot in my heart, all I can say is just how grateful I am for this life He's blessed us with.

I'm just so happy.

Besides the peacefulness of this season, a brand new member of our family and Christmastime, I've undoubtedly lost my mind...

I totally missed another appointment I had today.

I forget anything and everything, and the thought of no sleep at all on its way makes me feel even more out of sorts! Life goes on whether I remember things or not. I feel like I apologize to Brian constantly for taking the wheel when I fall short of my duties... he's just more than I could ever ask for.

So here we go, waiting for the big news on Thursday!

Peaceful Feelings.

I've been filled with such a peaceful feeling,

 through all the chaos I've put myself through by preparing for Marcy, thankfully for necessary reason, because talking to a new doctor who took his precious time to sit down with me today and explain exactly our situation and Marcy's growth...also explained to us within the next visit or two (this week or next) and charting her growth, if we do not see a big improvement in her measurements, she could be delivered as early as next week. 

This may be the only time ever that I'm thankful for my crazy to-do list, type A mindset. 

But we're ready for her.

Ready to welcome her into this silly family.

To start a beautiful new chapter of our lives.

I listened to a song today from a CD my husband made me...

A few words couldn't have comforted me more.

The perfect words on the perfect day.

I am not skilled to understand
What God has willed, what God has planned
I only know at His right hand
Stands one who is my Savior 
-Aaron Shust

No one knows what the future holds, but knowing that we ourselves aren't responsible for creating it (sounds silly) but it's such a comforting feeling. 

Especially for someone like me. 
I'm only one person, and this is completely out of my control.

Brady is ready to meet his sister, too.

I found it funny he picked two flowers today 
instead of one.

I just had to post a little something that really warms my heart.

Last night I found myself looking through pictures taken over the past two years.

How two short years can change your life, whatever stage you may be in, is simply unbelievable.

I took an hour to remind myself of the beautiful blessings the past two years have held.

How this angel has brought us to life, and preparing ourselves to be even more excited to feel this love once again with a daughter. 

I grew up with the very simple dream of having a family and a happy and content life at home.

My dreams have come true, again and again.

 “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” 

-Mae West

December First.

 Today is December 1st, and I've accomplished my goal of having Christmas "finished" before it's begun.

We've decorated, bought, wrapped, and next comes the really good part.

The baking, giving, laughing and and lazy nights by the fire.

Hello to the beautiful Christmas season!

What a crazy time of year it's been for us. 

From winding down my work schedule for the holidays and Marcy's arrival, to the Christmas chaos, to "How and when should we celebrate Brady's 2nd birthday?!" to "We'll be delivering your baby 1-2 weeks early." from the doctor. In my mind, the entire house must be ready to welcome her home...

Oh my goodness, what a wild time of year.

Thank goodness for the energy and ability to tackle all of these things!

January will be quite the time to settle down.

Last night, we stayed up a little late. Brian caught himself cleaning and organizing the entire garage while I emptied my dresser drawers and organized my closet. 

Folks, even my husband was hit by the nesting bug.

He calls himself a "lifetime nester". 

I'm so proud!

May I introduce Charlie, our naughty little elf. 

To hear Brady squeal and scream "Chaaa-lie!! Hold You!"

just warms my heart with joy! 

He wants to hug Charlie, his new bud.

Now it's time to enjoy every little magical moment the Christmas season has to offer.

What I want most out of this last month of 2012 is to enjoy moments spent with my family of three!

A Grateful Heart.

Marcy Lane has reached 4lbs 6oz.

She's scheduled to arrive a week to two weeks early, 

which means she could very well be a Christmas baby. 

(Please forgive us, Marcy.)

She has a little of her daddy, mommy and brother in her already. Her sweet little nose looks just like Brady J's.
We were also told she has "good hair"!

(All Smiles!)

Right here, she's sucking on the back of her hand.

In every ultrasound she's been very lively but very shy.

Legs crossed and hands around her face every time!

Our spirits are lifted, I'm completely relieved, but once again shown that with prayer and support, even with something weighing a little heavy on my heart, is something I'm not designed to carry myself-

I can't thank friends and family enough for the thoughtfulness and sweet words of encouragement that have made all the difference in this small but very heavy burden on my heart.

Every base touched in the ultrasound has shown good news.

She's a happy, healthy baby that just appears to be tiny! 

Only a few short weeks until we can hold our second little angel.

God is so good.
Psalm 105:1-5
Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced.

A little prayer for Marcy Lane.

The holidays are quickly here, and quickly passing. Thanksgiving was beautiful, memorable and the very last one we spend without Marcy. She's all I can think about lately. Yesterday, the three of us stayed in our pajamas all day. We napped. We lounged around every hour of yesterday. 

It was incredible.

   We're 34 weeks along, fluids are great, blood pressure is great, my weight is great, and Marcy's measurements are great, except her abdomen is measuring smaller than expected. Overall, she's measuring 2 weeks behind, where her little belly is measuring 3 weeks behind. We were sure she'd be a small baby. Brady was 5lbs 13oz when we came home from his delivery. This really isn't much of a surprise, although knowing her little body isn't getting the nutrients she needs absolutely gets to me like crazy. And the most difficult thing, is knowing I (as her mother) cannot do a thing about it. So, the very best thing to do now is rest lots and eat well. That's every females dream, am I right? We'll be seeing a specialist this Thursday to learn more about her growth and what comes next. 

    I have the most supportive clientele that keep reminding me that "This baby comes before any hair appointment. Remember that." Thank goodness. Because the last week I'm working in December, I've of course overbooked myself and for that I'll be saying my apologies... I need to be taking care of that immediately... 

    I'm winding down completely in December, preparing this family for our little beauty to bring home, the freezing cold weather that is likely to hit, and all the hibernating that will take place in the Cox household! You know what that means?! Freeze ahead meals, lots of firewood, a super clean home (One couldn't hibernate in an unorganized, dirty house, because that wouldn't even be comfortable.) Lots of fresh blankets, movies, and oh... a sled. (A peek inside my nesting mind.) Who wants to bet we'll get a good snow this winter?! I wouldn't miss the little guys first time in the snow for anything. The least we could do is prepare for him to have a ball if it does snow!

    So, I know this little something is common with babies (By the way my google search shows..you know you'd look, too) so I'll be anxious to hear Thursday just what the next step is in her little journey to meet her family! And I'll be saying my prayers that He keeps His angels around our family just like He always has. We've been so so blessed.

    

Celebration for Marcy Lane.

 Every beautiful thing in these pictures were a gift to Marcy Lane from friends and family at her sweet shower! 

Her nursery is full of new diapers and onesies, socks and necessities. I cannot begin to explain our excitement for her very near arrival.

Making A Family of Four.

We're scheduled to visit the doctor this Monday, and hopefully schedule her arrival! 

Possibly in 5 1/2 weeks! 

Lots to do, but Marcy and I need lots of rest.

Thank you to all of my thoughtful family and friends that made this day so special for Marcy. Thank you for sharing your afternoon with us at her shower.

Thank You

for playing a part of this beautiful chapter in our lives!

...While I Inhale the Chocolate.

Basically this is quick "mom-needs-to-vent" post. Oh My Heavens, the day we've had.

God only gives us what we can handle, correct?

He apparently thinks I'm capable of surviving anything.

I have so much chocolate in front of me. Leftover Halloween candy has made it's way to mama, because that's more safe than a drink at this point. 

All I could think on the quiet ride straight home (As you can see, he had no trouble getting over his meltdown.) was that toddlers shouldn't even be allowed in public. Especially restaurants. 

They should be considered with the energy and unpredictable nature of a wild animal. 

 I vow never to take Brady to another restaurant (unless they have a play area to wreck) where every person around cannot enjoy their meal they are about to pay for. 

 Anyway, right now, he's asleep in his room, but fell asleep with his face on a "Play-A-Sound" book...

My husband quickly reminded me that I should simply be thankful for a healthy little boy.

I promise I am.

I've just forgotten how to breathe today.