What a difference a week makes...

One week ago at this time I was trying to breathe through the peak of contractions that were coming strong and fast as my labor with Crew progressed. I was watching the second hand of a clock trying to figure out how it was that one minute could feel like an eternity! Fortunately I had Chip at one side and a wonderful anesthesiologist at another and it all turned out wondefully just an hour or so later.

It's so incredible to me how one week later [click to see proof here =)] I sit here feeling really great- the swelling has all but disappeared in my feet, the nights are going very smooth, and everyone seems to have just opened their hearts and arms to Crew- as if he's always been a part of our lives and daily activities. I just keep thanking God for how well we have adjusted so far- and I find that a minute now can go by in a blink, as I stare at Crew and just breathe him in, or as I watch his siblings or Chip love on him... it just seems too good to be true. The moments are precious, that's for sure, and I am trying not to take a single one of them for granted. Life is good and I praise God for every minute of each day that we have to celebrate new life, our growing love and the health and well-being we have at this time. It's truly a wonderful gift! The sun has given us record temps for the past few days and we have all been enjoying the outdoors- even baby Crew, in tiny bits.

Chip asked Isabella if she wanted to try her bike with two-wheels yesterday afternoon and we were all surprised and proud of her as she took off and never even once fell to the ground. She was a natural at it and it was yet another moment for me to capture on camera and smile as I watched another milestone be met with such enthusiasm. I am so glad I was home {and had a baby in my arms} as this "little-big" moment unfolded. It's the kind of stuff I really live for as a mom- especially as Teagan and moments like these were cut short for her. I see how God has given our family so much- even opportunities to cherish moments as simple as riding a bike.

Poor Ava though...she was bummed that she couldn't ride with two-wheels. Chip took her training wheels off and gave her a chance- but she's not quite ready. We all promised her she would have her moment when she got a little bigger...and as you can see in the last photo, she had snapped out of her little pity-party in no time and was hugging on Brock and Wyndham seemingly happy that she at least had a try at it.

Crew slept through the whole thing and has been a true joy all week. I don't want to "speak too soon", but have to say that at one week he is so mellow and still so soft and content and hardly squeaks or fusses at all. Life has gone much smoother than I had envisioned and anticipated at this point, and I think I owe it to many of you for your prayers for our family. It's hard to believe the week has gone by so quickly, and yet it's more than I could have hoped for- all wrapped in one.

Happy one-week birthday, baby Crew.

Here's to many more weeks celebrating the ordinary, wonderful moments in life!