So, I got loud with God today...

Yep, it's true. I yelled at God today. Okay, more of a yelling out to God but still.

It's been a rough week. My son has begun his three week growth spurt and it is a very demanding process on me. He eats pretty much every two hours on the hour. After feeding for about a half hour each time it doesn't leave me much time for rest. Plus I thought my milk was starting to dry up or something, but I'm learning that my body is regulating itself and producing exactly what Reese needs and requires. If he is only taking 2 ounces per feeding then that is what my body is producing at each feeding. I used to be able to pump 4-5 ounces in just over 20 minutes, but now I am lucky if I get 2 ounces in the same time. I was a bit worried, but now knowing that he is in the midst of a phase it is a little easier to understand.

With the demand of this feeding schedule also comes a huge lack of sleep. Sometimes he is so hungry that he is inconsolable. My thoughts are usually "Child, you just ate an hour ago. I've got nothing left." But, regardless if I have 2 ounces or just a few drips, he needs to be on the boob and he needs to know that I care for him and will provide my best.

It has been a busy week with Zac working a lot and not able to be home to help me get any rest. With that has come an emotional roller coaster. I know that the only reason I am so emotional is because I am so tired and feel so demanded. Zac wanted me to go with him this evening to an event put on by a kid Zac's age who started his own company. He is having a panel of business owners present information for those who want to start their own business. I'd like to go with him, but with Reese's last few rough days I'm not sure I can. I'm kind of waiting until the last minute to decide what to do. It depends on how many bottles I have pumped and if he gets any rest. I would feel bad leaving a screaming baby with someone (in this case Zac's parents) for a few hours.

So, all of this put together led me to yell at God. This morning around 11am Reese was crying because he was so tired and wouldn't sleep and I just stood up, threw my hands up and yelled "Lord! I need your help! I am so tired! I can't do this by myself! I need you!" Ten minutes later my little guy was asleep, I took a two-hour nap, and at almost 1:45pm he is still currently sleeping soundly!!! :) Praise the Lord! :)

First Week Home Milestones

Reese is now one week old today! It is amazing to believe that only a week ago he was still in my belly and I was feeling little kicks and jabs here and there. Now, he has been with us for 7 days and we are seeing all those movements in the flesh. We are so blessed with such a wonderful baby. Our kid is awesome!

In the last week we have approached many milestones:
We've learned how to take good naps

We've learned how to Praise Jesus!

We are starting to enjoy our baths

We are grasping the concept of trying to suck on our fingers

We went on a walk to get the mail

We hung out in a sling so Mommy could do the dishes

And we've slept through the night 3 nights in a row! Thank you Lord! :)

We are sooo blessed with such a precious little man! He is quite popular with the ladies! :) We stopped by the church last night so Mommy could attend the women's monthly program called Church Ladies and everyone just loved him! :)

This weekend we celebrate Easter and the life that Christ sacrificed for our sins and the fact that he was resurrected into a new life which gives us freedom...but we will also celebrate the New Life he has blessed our families with. Thank you Father for giving your son...we cannot even comprehend giving our son up for such a cause. Thank you for the love and adoration you have given us for our son. We are ever in awe of you and the fact that you would choose us to be Reese's parents. We love you! :)

Our home has just been enlarged by two feet....

We are so proud to announce the birth of our son Reese Jackson Holmes!

He was born on Saturday, April 4th, 2009 at 2:20pm



7 pounds, 4 ounces, 19 inches long


Mommy and baby are doing well. Daddy is tired too!


We'll update our birth story later after we get home and settled in.

Hospital time...

Doctor says to head to the hospital now...will update as soon as we know something...pray this isn't a false alarm!

Almost there...

Went to the doctor today. He says that last time I was dilated a "fingertip" but this time I am just about 2 centimeters. Also, he stripped my membrane (will spare the males reading this the details) and I am now almost 80% effaced. We scheduled an appointment for Monday, but he says he'd be very surprised if he saw me. Considering he's been doing this for years and has seen this many times, I fully trust his outlook on it. If for some reason my body doesn't progress the way he thinks, that's okay. We'll go Monday for an ultrasound to make sure Reese is in the right position and I have enough fluid, etc. If for some reason I hold out a few more days then on Thursday I'll go in again and we'll discuss induction. We're praying against that! We know that Reese will come on the day the Lord has planned for his birth, but he gave us doctor's for a reason and why not try to help my body progress? We're believing that my body will naturally take over from this point on and by the beginning of next week we'll have a sweet baby boy to cuddle and kiss! :)

Four

Four days until our due date. Today is my Grandma Spencer's birthday, so really son, if you want to come out...no joke....today is a good day! : ) I'm sure she'd be excited to have her first great grandchild share a birthday with her. Zac would like today too...even though it's considered "April Fools".

I had to assure Zac yesterday that if I call him and tell him that I'm in labor or something today that it was NO JOKE! I couldn't do something like that to him (or anyone)!

As we get ready to celebrate the new life of our son, today I have a funeral to attend to celebrate the life of a dear family friend who has graduated on to heaven. Thanks to everyone who prayed for the Sharon Knibbs family. No prayers were unheard or unanswered--even though one might say she never received her healing, I believe she did....in Heaven. Please pray for the family as they continue to struggle to know the Lord's will over the next few days and years.

After today only 2 more days of work until I can rest....or have a baby! I'm looking forward to not having to wake up so early, get ready and be responsible for taking care of so many people and needs. I know I'll have a baby at home to wake me up at ridiculous times of night, but at least I can try to go back to sleep for a bit!

Gotta go or I'll be late for work. Love to all! :)