4-4-4 Meme

I was tagged!

This picture is the moment our eyes met. The moment my life changed forever... Meade Ingram he was just shy of being 2 weeks late. I waited patiently... he would arrive when he was ready. Judging from his personality the moment he entered the world...he probably could have used 2 more weeks in my belly. He is a sensitive soul. My dear friend Erin reminded me on especially trying days that the world needs more sensitive people. I couldn't agree more.

When I was at the final stages of labor a nurse asked my husband where our camera was. We were so wrapped up in labor we didn't bring a single bag into the hospital. I was able to experience most of my labor at home. Entering the hospital I was already in transition. Things were moving so fast we didn't even think about bags or cameras. After 2 hours of pushing my midwife informed us that a couple more and we would be meeting our little baby. We realized we didn't have our camera. My husband frantically ran out of the room to the car. Luckily a really sweet nurse (brought him back) and went to our car to retrieve it for us. If she had not.... we would never have been able to capture the most amazing moment in my life. Mommy and Meade meeting face to face!

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! Today we will be celebrating everything and everyone we love. Speaking of people we love... Jason was very fortunate to have a kind soul take a picture of him body boarding the other day! He posted it on magicseaweed.com. This shot in particular I fell in love with as soon as I saw it! Jason had a beautiful morning surfing. Meade and I couldn't be with him physically but we were with him in spirit. We were so happy he was able to get out in the water. It has been months since NJ has seen any significant swell. I admire his dedication and courage for surfing in February. As much as I enjoy the sport I wait for warmer weather. However, he needs and craves surfing and will take any season. It nourishes his mind and his soul. This particular day and moment was captured for him and us. I thought I would share the person I love doing what he loves on Valentine's Day! xoxo

Finally ready!

We are starting off this week feeling pretty good! Jason's parents came for a visit this weekend. It is always nice to have an extra set of hands around. Meade definitely enjoyed all of the attention. Jason and I were so excited...we were able to go out on Saturday night. Some friends from MD were in town so they joined us for Mongolian BBQ and a movie.

When Meade was first born I wanted nothing to do with going "out". I just wanted to stay home and be with him every second of every day. Everyone told me to take advantage of a babysitter and go out with Jason. They said it is SO important. But in my heart I thought being with my newborn baby was even more important. I have no regrets about my decision to stay with him. Looking back he needed me. I was the person who could comfort him like no other. One evening out with Jason could wait. Meade would only be that little for a blink of an eye. He cried a lot when he was a newborn. He was extremely hard to console. Maybe some points I could have used a break, but I couldn't allow myself to be apart from him. I couldn't relax until he did. I remember warm summer nights holding him and walking. 11:00 at night we would walking though the streets of our town. It seemed like the air and movement was the only cure. I was exhausted but totally possessed with helping him feel better. Looking back I don't regret holding him that much. I actually wish I could have held him more...which I am pretty sure was not possible!

I have gone out a couple times since he was born. But each time while we were in route to our destination, I almost had Jason turn the car around. I was sooo tired! My heart was breaking at the thought of him waking up and me not being there. He was to little to understand where his mommy went. I felt guilty! This weekend was different. I was ready. I could put Meade down for the night and go out! We knew that he would wake up at 11:00 and I was finally OK with someone else being there. I am not sure if it sounds crazy that it took 7 + months to get to that point. I am also not sure if that seems to soon to some people. But I can tell you, as I got ready to go, I was a little giddy. Jason thought I had been drinking! I was really looking forward our evening. I felt well rested and almost like I deserved it. It had been a long time since I felt like the person I used to be. After 7 months of working harder than I have ever worked. After giving everything that I could possibly give. I was finally ready... and it was really,really fun!

Things I love

Hi my name is Meade! Here's a list of things I love:

1. sweet potatoes

2. hanging out in my birthday suit.

3. bath time

4. being thrown in the air

5. long walks in my stroller

6. kisses on my belly

7. unexpected things

8. dancing with mommy

9. rubbing anything soft on my face

10. mom and dad's faces

11. music

12. being pushed around in my new wagon

13. doggies and kitty's (even though I think they are all scared of me!)

14. Daddy's watch

15. baby einstein

16. all of my friends

Winter days

Winter is a very special time for our family. Both Jason and I are in the horticulture industry. Therefore, we work tons of hours in the spring, summer and fall. And we basically have off in the winter time. Usually winter can feel pretty long...being an outdoorsy person I almost feel like a part of me is in hibernation. However, this year we have been given a precious gift. Our sunbeam who warms our hearts and souls on a daily basis. On most mornings when we are all together, dad puts a funny outfit on him. It's pretty funny to see what he is going to come up with. Of course, Meade has no clue what is going on and is just as happy and as silly as can be! I truly cherish each moment we all have together. Today I realized that I have about 7 weeks left until this is going to change. We will join the rat race once again. As our anticipation of spring grows so does little Meade. As excited as I am to watch him blossom like a flower. I can't help but want to freeze time. It is inevitable we will need to come out of hibernation. But for now...I am perfectly happy being in our warm and cozy little house... all together!