This time last year...everything was different.

It hit me the other day that I was going through the complete opposite period of my life this time last year. Every emotion is the complete opposite: February 2012 was marked by loss, sadness, the fear that we weren't going to grow our family, the why's, the tears, the bit of depression, the sense of failure (I know I didn't fail but it was a very real emotion), and of course the physical pain. It couldn't be further from where we are now as I type with my 3 week old sleeping perfectly and peacefully and healthy right beside me. I've really reflected on this the past couple of days, which is good because it has kicked my feelings of joy and thanksgiving into overdrive. It also encourages me to focus on how good things can quickly follow the bad a lot of times. Even though it seems so impossible at the time. That period of time challenged my patience and trust that it's all in God's plan and that things would happen for us. It turns out that it actually worked best for ME that Grayson was a little bit older when we welcomed Walker into this family. I couldn't have understood this at the time but in in hind sight, everything happened when and how it was absolutely supposed to. I hope this encourages me to stay patient and trust in things the next time things don't go according to my plan! :)

I can actually prove that things are how they were always meant to be for this little family....

How can something so little be so big in our lives? And something so big for us be SO LITTLE? :)

Meant to be.

Walker is HAIR-tastic

I compiled some of Walker's best hair photos after his recent bath. I wish it would stay this way forever. :)

ROCKSTAR.

As my friend Brooke said, it's as though he's even surprised by his hair!

My little monkey.

Valentine's Day 2013

Walker celebrated his 2 week birthday on Valentine's Day and I celebrated my first holiday where I got to dress the boys in coordinating outfits! :D This was major for me since I've looked forward to this for years! 

So proud of Grayson for putting a smile on his face and posing. :) Toddlers are unpredictable like that!

Another one but Walker looks WAY less comfortable.

Walker looking dapper in his bow tie and cardigan onesie - adorable!

More sleeping with Mimi.

V-day outfit #2 - Thanks to Grammy for this one! Overalls on a newborn are adorbs.

One more but with a smile.

Walker and I attended Grayson's play group V-Day party. I know that sounds cruel. But they're MY friends too. ;) Plus, I accidentally double-booked Grayson that day so he had a friend over to play. He never needs to know... :)

Watching all the moms trying to get the 2010 babies in a picture together while my 2013 baby quietly slept on me. It was the most relaxed I've been at a play date in years! :)

If we were in 2012, I would have posted pictures of all the cute V-Day crafts that Grayson did at school . That is SO last year. ;) I can actually feel my blog management slipping away (sigh). I'll try to do better. 

As far as Beau + Stacey V-day is concerned. I managed to slip out of the house and get him a couple of cards and a giant frog balloon from me and the boys and he managed to slip out one day to get me roses with a lovely note. The element of surprise is removed when we're in the same house together every hour of every day :) But I wouldn't trade it for the world! I was also on the tail end of all the pain from my ailments so pizza for dinner was pretty perfect too. We DID have our first date since delivery last night at Cru Wine Bar. A couple of flights of wine and cheese were just what I needed with him! 

Introducing Walker Beau Reynolds!

Our sweet baby Walker was born during my scheduled c-section on Monday morning, 2/1/13 at 7:46am weighing in at 9 pounds, 3 ounces and at 21 inches long! A big boy, for sure! He had (and still has) more black hair and longer hair than you see on most newborns. I love it and I find myself petting him often :) Everything went perfectly and was a better experience than my first (rather dramatic) c-section - from the epidural to the surgery to the recovery in the hospital - it was all pretty perfect. I will never forget all the gasps and energetic comments from the nurses and doctors when Walker came into this world - both about his size and long, black hair! With the exception of a 12 pounder that was delivered at Baylor while we were there (yikes!), Walker was the largest baby in the nursery during our stay. :)

As with my first delivery, I really miss my time in the hospital! Baylor Frisco is just a great place to be - the room is as cozy as a hospital room can get and their staff was just amazing with us. And I'm still simply in love with Dr. Jacoby. He's just so good at what he does. 

Also, I can't thank Walker enough for waiting until our new insurance kicked in on 2/1 and sparing us major bucks. Mr. Reynolds, let's talk kitchen remodel! ;)

Back to our big, little blessing...

Our time in the hospital

9lbs, 2.9 ounces, long and unhappy!

I love this shot.

Our first meeting

The 3 of us - we didn't get one of these with Grayson so I was very happy about this!

Father and Son. Beau takes some of the best pictures :)

Look at that hair!

In Recovery. Still had the shakes from the epidural. Yuck.

After his first bath. Loved seeing his mohawk when Beau and the nurse returned!

Walker gave Grayson a small gift that included suckers! Thank God for grandparents!

Walker with his Great-Grandmother. Love this photo!

Mimi is so beautiful when she's overjoyed!

First picture as a family of 4.

Andrea came to visit! We spent some great time together while I was still pregnant and she was one of the first people to meet Walker in the hospital. It meant the world to me that she was there!!

Big Brother's first touch ;) I now realize that the one-finger point will be the most common interaction between these 2 ;) Big Brother's first touch ;) I now realize that the one-finger point will be the most common interaction between these 2 ;)

For being such a big boy, we had trouble finding outfits that fit him. Mainly b/c those little legs stayed squished like this the whole time. :)

Going home. Can't wait to look back in 20 years and think what an old car we had ;)

Our time at home

We have had some great visitors! The Seemans brought over a homemade brunch (and mimosas!) one morning, Lori brought me lunch and an awesome personalized gift for Walker (lovies), many, many delicious meals coming to us from Grayson's play group and my MOPS group.  So, so thankful for this show of support! People from near and far have celebrated with us by sending deliveries: flowers all the way from Ireland, Tiff's Treats (amazing)! both to the hospital AND to the house!, MATCHING brother Polos (I'm in love) and the most creative was a delivery of Red Lobster cheese biscuits from the Phillips at the hospital! On the same night as our steak and lobster meal so it was the perfect compliment :D  Walker also received the most beautiful crocheted booties and bibs (a lost art, in my opinion) from Ma Smith's sister-in-law. Family came to visit at the hospital and here at the house and we just feel so blessed to have all these supportive people in our lives. It really humbles a person and makes you swear that you're going to give back to each of these people in a big way. I just hope I don't fall short in this area b/c there are a LOT of you. :)

Cutest block from Beau's former company, MarketSphere!

Walker's buddy, Eli Abernathy, delivered Central Market and a great visit from his parents!

Annie's first trip to meet Walker. Honestly, I don't entirely remember what we talked about so I must have still been on meds - ha! ;)

Oh, Chunky Monkey. You look different every day :)

A 2-way tie for Most Tired.

My Recovery

There isn't anything positive to say here so I'l try to be brief (ha!). This past week has been the most physically painful of my life. I can't consider it "recovery" when each day has seemed to get worse with more ailments. I didn't think so many things could go wrong with my body all at once! Intense back pain, mastitis (THE most painful thing you will ever experience - I promise!), flu-like symptoms from the mastitis (fever, chills, fever blister, sweats, aches all over), a possible UTI just to name a few! I owe the world to my mom and Beau who have truly done everything to care for the boys and for keeping this house from falling into a wasteland. Things are looking up though - I went to the doctor a couple of days ago and left with FIVE prescriptions. I don't think I've even had 5 Rxs in 5 years! I didn't fill one, don't think I'll be using another and one is an antibiotic that will knock out 2 ailments so I'm thankful for the help. I'm most excited about the in-house chiropractor (at Jacoby's office) who took me in immediately. An hour later and a very patient Beau and Walker sitting in the waiting room and I felt better already. I think my severe back pain is a blessing in disguise because Dr. Rowe is getting me on a wellness plan that involves stretching, exercise and chiro appts (the latter is only while needed). She is also a yoga instructor at the FAC (where we are members) so I look forward to working with her and towards a better quality of life to keep up with my 2 boys!

Thank you to everyone who has shown their love in one way or another over the past weeks and months. We are so fortunate to have you all in our lives! xoxo