Hello Again + An Announcement + Our Disney Getaway

Dusting off the cobwebs of the dear old blog today.  To our readers, a big thank you for being patient as a lot has been going on lately {and that is probably an understatement}.  Now, if you follow Matt + me on IG, Twitter, or FB, you are most likely aware of some of the happenings going on.  The greatest joy in our life right now is...

WE ARE HAVING BABY #3!

This was very surprising and welcoming news.  We have always had our heart set on having at least 3 children and since we have had fertility issues in the past, we thought it best to try right away.  So, when I was feeling completely exhausted for the first part of the year, I never dreamed it was due to being pregnant.  We found out when we were a little over 11 weeks along...almost through the first trimester!!  This week we get the joy of finding out the gender of this little one.  This process is very familiar, yet so exciting even still.  We truly appreciate all of the love we have received from all of our family and friends already concerning this announcement.

In other news, Spring Break happened to be a pretty exciting week for us too.  We were able to take the boys on a family vacation to Orlando, Florida.  Our time included staying with our our friend, Robert {aka Uncle Robert}, going to Disney's Magic Kingdom, and visiting the ocean.  All of it was a bit of fantastic whirlwind.

Magic Kingdom was every bit of the magic and more.  Jude loved it so much.  To a boy that loves boats, cars, trains, and Mickey, well...it was a moment that he won't soon forget.  Actually, he brings up Disney World almost daily and our trip was over a month ago already.  The most precious moment of the day came at the very end of our time there.  We got to meet Mickey Mouse himself.  Jude pretty much jumped out of his daddy's arms to hug Mickey.  The excitement and awe he had in his eyes during that moment was just so special.  

The visit to the ocean was also a very noteworthy occasion.  It was Ezra's first time to the beach.  Since he was born at the end of October he has never experienced the sunny, warm weather like we did there.  I think it was love at first experience for him though.  He would just lay in the sun without one cry of discomfort and even took a nap on his beach towel.  As far as the ocean goes, it certainly was not warm water, but he loved splashing in it nevertheless.  Of course, this is Jude's 2nd time at the beach and he was rather pro at it too.  Building and digging in the sand seems to be his specialty or even chasing birds around.  

All in all, the vacation was well-spent and most enjoyed.  Here are some of our captured moments. :)

Ezra's Dedication Video

We had the formal dedication of Ezra to the Lord this morning at our church.  It was such a sweet and blessed day.  A special thank you to all of our family and friends that were there to support the blessing of our sweet fella.  Here is a video we created to share at the dedication.  Enjoy.

Ezra James Wilson's Dedication

Welcome Ezra

Ezra James Wilson.  Saturday, October 25, 2014. 1:17pm.  7lbs 11oz.  21.5in.

On Saturday morning, October 25th, with bags in hand, excitement overflowing, and butterflies in our stomachs, Matthew and I set out for the hospital.  Today we would welcome our second child into the world.  This was not a mad dash though since I was not in labor but yet scheduled for an induction.  My mind was prepared to be in labor for many hours; however, it all transpired so quickly that it seems a bit of a blur now.  We arrived, checked in, answered way too many questions, and then the whole process began around 8:30am.  I chose to get an Epidural, so for the duration of labor I was not in any pain.  Matt and I reminisced of our delivery with Jude and discussed our future with our new little fella.  My mom, dad, and sister arrived to wait for his arrival and we all fielded calls and texts about the progress of the labor.  At about 12:45pm the nurses concluded that the baby was ready.  With Matt by my side, two nurses coaching, and a patient doctor cheering me on, Ezra came after just after a few series of pushes.  With tears streaming down my face and laughs of inexplicable joy, I held our baby boy for the first time as Matt and I spoke words of love over him.  Ezra was already loved so much before he was born, but when he arrived he completely rocked our world.  The next few hours and days were filled with a lot more love pouring out for Ezra from all of our dear family and friends.  One of the exceptional moments of the occasion was when Matt's mother brought Jude to meet Ezra a couple hours after he was born.  The look of happiness that appeared on Jude's face as he ran into the room and exclaimed, "Hi, Mommy!" Then he gasped and said, "It's baby Ezra!  Oh, he's so sweet!"  If I could take a moment and bottle it up to keep forever, that would definitely be the winner.

As this week of Thanksgiving begins, I just want to say thank you to our heavenly Father for giving us such a precious gift.  At this time last year I was beginning to think we may not be able to have any more children, but God was faithful and blessed us beyond measure.  

Below are some of the moments we captured over the first two days with Ezra.  

 ^^^I know this is blurry, but it is also one of our first family pics...so it is definitely a keeper. :)

   

This Family of Mine

This family of mine brings such great joy to my life.  The best part is that just in 10 weeks (give or take a few) we will be increasing by one more.  We cannot wait to meet Ezra and Jude's excitement is even growing.  He is constantly asking questions like, "Is baby Ezra awake?", "Does baby Ezra want to go to...(wherever we are going to)?", "Is Ezra kicking?", "Does Ezra want to play in the playroom?", etc.  We happen to think it's pretty cute that Jude wants to include Ezra in all the things he is doing.  We took some pictures after a wedding this past Saturday.  It must be noted that these were requested by Jude and that it was around 90 degrees with probably around 80% humidity or close to it (which may explain why we look a little wilted).  Enjoy. :)

 This sweet boy said, "Mommy, dance with me." ^^^  He has stolen my heart for sure.