Aunt Andi

I'm so thankful for my sister! She drove down from Virginia last Friday to come meet Spencer and help around the house. My kids adore her and it is always a blessing to have her here! Thank you sissy for making the sacrifice to come down for a long weekend. It was a blessing to have you!

I'm smitten...

Welcome Nathan Auby Finley

Last Tuesday Jason and Cayce had their fifth baby, sweet Nathan! We were so excited to go meet him that night. It has been a blessing to walk through pregnancy with Cayce and I'm so thankful that our boys will, Lord-willing, grow up together. We love you Nathan!

the first week

What a week! I think I've forgotten what this was like. Don't get me wrong, I'll take this pain over pregnancy pain and discomfort any day! I think day 3 and 4 after birth was the hardest so I'm hopeful that everyday will get better now. Spencer is doing great and has been an easy baby so far. I, on the other hand, feel like a train wreck but it's SO worth it when I look at that sweet baby boy! The kids have been great with Spencer. Carson & Bryn want to hold him constantly and they have done pretty good with gentleness (still working on Bryn patting his head too hard). Lydia hasn't been too interested but sweet when she does pay him some attention. My mom has been taking great care of us! I can't imagine walking through this week without her. Oh, and this first picture happened today...yes, I got majorly sprayed with pee by my little man. He has sprayed the wall multiple times during diaper changes. I don't remember Carson doing this!

first stroller ride

Home Sweet Home

After 2 nights in the hospital we (ready or not) headed home with Spencer in tow. I am so thankful for my parents who came down last Thursday to help us with the kids. My dad had the kids all day Tuesday when Spencer was born. They are amazing! We had a good stay in the hospital but I guess you can't stay forever:)

Ready to go! I had the same day shift nurse both days there. She was great!

Spencer didn't wake up at all from the time he got in the car seat to his first feeding at home. And he had quite the welcoming committee...

Spencer meets more loved ones...

Here are some other visitors who came to meet Spencer in the hospital...

Robin & Matt Lewis

Cayce

Jason

Tara

Uncle Kevin

I could do this for hours...

Meeting the Family

So far Spencer has been able to meet all 4 grandparents, his Aunt Amy, and his brother and sisters. He is anxious to meet the rest of his family soon. He is blessed and well loved!

Family of 6

A long-awaited day!

Our sweet baby Spencer was born at 1:47 pm on Tuesday, February 8th. He was 9 pounds and 2 ounces and 21 inches long. He truly is an indescribable gift and we are soaking up every second with him. I'm so glad he is finally here!

Waiting

I'm beyond ready to meet our baby boy and am reminded how hard waiting can be. God has been good this week to give me helpful passages in Scripture to encourage me to wait on Him and trust His timing and care for me. Here are a few verses that have been timely and ministered to my heart....

"When I lie down I say, 'When shall I arise?' But the night is long, and I am full of tossing till the dawn." - Job 7:4

"Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him." - Isaiah 30:18

"O Lord, be gracious to us; we wait for you. Be our arm every morning, our salvation in the time of trouble." - Isaiah 33:2

"Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." - Isaiah 40:28-31

"Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you." - Isaiah 49:15

Welcome Owen

This past Thursday, January 27th Jeremy's brother (Jon) and his wife (Leigh) had their third baby. Owen Jon Chasteen was 9 lbs. 4 oz. and 21 inches long and he is beautiful! We are so thankful for his safe arrival and we can't wait to meet our newest nephew/cousin! Congratulations Jon & Leigh!