Harper's arrival

Little Harper surprised us once more and came 16 days early! To say we were a bit shocked would be a bit of an understatement! Yes, technically we knew she could come anytime, but we just kind of figured she would follow suit and come just a few days early like Ella and Cade. The Monday night before, Chris and I had spent quite a bit of time talking about all the things we needed to do in the next week to get ready for her arrival. Little did we know she was coming pretty much the next day!

I want to document all of this pretty much for my own benefit. I want to be able to look back and read it in five years and remember it like I do now. Anyways, that Monday night, I slept so well. The whole last month, I had been waking up every couple of hours for various reasons (that all of you mommies know so well! =). However, I didn't wake up once Monday night. I woke up Tuesday morning and felt so great! The kids and I had a fun morning at home. We ran to Lowe's, had giant icees and soft pretzels at Sam's Club, then stopped by to see Chris at work. Cade fell asleep on the way home. Ella helped me re-pot a plant for our dining room, then I laid down next to her and we both napped. After nap, we baked banana bread and made homemade ice cream sandwiches for dessert that night. Chris came home, we grilled out, played outside until dark, then enjoyed our dessert. Needless to say, the kiddos were more than ready for bed and so were Chris and I! I was getting ready for bed, all the while thinking about the little things I needed to do the next day, and was getting ready to lay down... and my water broke! Chris said the look on my face at that moment was priceless, and I'm sure it was! I couldn't believe it!

I've always thought one of the funnest parts about having a baby is having no idea when it will happen and being surprised when you go into labor. This time around was definitely the best surprise yet! It took us a few minutes to wrap our minds around what we needed to do. I just started having contractions when I went into labor with the other two, and stayed home for the first few hours. Since my water had broken though, we knew we needed to get to the hospital. We immediately called grandparents and then a friend from work, who was able to come right over and stay with the kiddos until Mamaw and Papaw got there. We are sooo thankful for that friend and for Mark and Cheryl hitting the road as soon as we called! Chris and I headed to the hospital and about thirteen "short" hours later, our sweet Harper Noelle was here!

My last prego shot- 37 weeks 4 days- taken while we were out playing in the yard Tuesday night. I had absolutely no idea she was coming in just a few hours!!
Finally resting (after the happy juice kicked in =) Chris was such a trooper! This picture was taken about nine o'clock Wednesday morning. Poor guy had been up since five o'clock Tuesday morning, but didn't leave my side the whole time. Harper Noelle! They put her on my chest and Chris and I both started laughing and crying. I will never, ever forget that moment getting to meet Harper face to face. She was so amazing! And she immediately started belting out that precious, little cry. Such a sweet sound! So in love! Proud Daddy's heart was melting... 7 pounds 6.8 ounces- such a big girl! Love her so much! And I love this man so much! Happiness Meeting Mamaw
Meeting Pap and Grammy Love sharing my babies with my mommaWhat special, special memories!