Welcome HAYDEN JOEL!

You have changed our lives, little Hayden. The most perfect little being is here now... a different kind of love I have never known.  I can't believe we have been home from the hospital 4 days already.  I want to write and share our joy, but he's needing me right now...so more very soon. xo

June 5, 2016

I wrote that 6 days ago.  I've been meaning to get back to this every day, but the adjustment period is intense!  Of course, Hayden is worth every single minute of it.  It's the most challenging and rewarding time of our lives.  See the gallery below of our first few days together.  I'll be adding more, too.


WHAT ARE YOUR HOSPITAL ESSENTIALS? READ OURS HERE!


AND BABY MAKES...Four?!!

I've briefly talked about having an insta-family (and them having me!) on the blog here, along with my maternity stories. It's everything I have prayed about for a long time: finding the right person for life and starting a family.  And it's happening!! One prayer right after the other is being answered. I wouldn't have it any other way, but I must remind myself when there are kinks in the road... they were bound to happen.  

For all intents and purposes, we’re newlyweds. Most couples relish this time to ease into life together as one unit. Most couples take that first year or two of marriage to find out their spouses secret quirks...Most couples- well, I guess we're just not most couples. We're going through this phase on top of also being parents to Huck and this little baby that will arrive very soon. We take as much time for our relationship as we possibly can. One thing I need to remember? All this change isn't just happening to me. It's a huge transition for the male counterpart. I try to see things from his perspective. As much as he might try to understand what 8 and a half months pregnant feels like, it’s not realistic. And, not to be outdone, this is a transition for Huck.  

Huck keeps asking when the baby will get here. Last night, he approached me and touched my belly.  

     "Can you take him out of your tummy tomorrow? I want him to come see me play soccer this weekend," he requested.                         

    "No, sweetheart, he probably won't come tomorrow. But, he'll be here soon." 

    “Do you know there will be three penises in this house?” he said matter-of-factly, almost as a warning, then continued, “and only one vagina.” 

    “Thank you for that information, Huckie.”

    “You will be the only vagina,” he clarified.

So, we're all processing this transition. 

Picture from our baby shower. Read more on PEOPLE.COM  and HERE on blog.

I can only imagine how bringing a child into the world is a lot for any marriage, not to mention a new one.  So, I'm trying to prepare for this newborn as best I can now in hopes of dodging some chaos once he arrives. 

One thing I am trying to do beforehand to help the household run smoothly is get organized.  I guess this is nothing new. Nesting is the age old concept.  It comes instinctively at this stage of pregnancy, I would assume.  I've never had a stronger urge to declutter and get organized.  There is a good amount of baby gear coming in right now. What are your tips for preparation? And any sage advise for this transition? Luckily, I have a whole girl squad going through this stage of life, too, but love hearing a wide range of opinions.

and PS- We are compiling a list of funny tidbits during pregnancy: things I never knew. We have quite a few already, but if you have something to add, your comment could be featured in a post (with a picture, if you choose!). Email on the contact page or leave a comment below! If you wish not to be included, that's fine! Leave a comment anyway and let us know not to feature. xx website team

INSTA-FAMILY: the blended life

I met a guy. Well, two guys, actually. One's a bit older than the other. Quite a bit. These guys both have managed to sneak up on me…What’s a girl to do?

Lucky for me, one is a grown up.  Like, a real grown man, all 6’5 of him. The other one is his son, a two-year-old blond, precocious mess. I don’t have to choose between these two boys, they’re a package deal

Last August, the “package deal” proposes and we get engaged.  We decide not to do a big hoopla, but tie the knot quietly.  I can’t explain the feelings going on inside me, as I’m usually one to scream from the mountain tops. But, this union involves a child.  This union is creating a blended family.  It seems right to keep it sacred and personal. 

Until now. Because, first of all, some publications spell my husband’s name correctly (not hard- Joel Henricks). And his son’s name is Huck Henricks. 

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Secondly, blended families are messy, chaotic even. But, they can also be beautiful. Double the love. Double the joy. Joel and Huck suddenly have a this woman eager to be a part of their lives.  Stay tuned for stories on the transformation into insta-family.