O the HOLIDAYS!

Mac's first Thanksgiving was spent in DC with the Rigbys! He behaved on another flight like a pro. I loved seeing all my friends and my date night with my hubby! We made sure we ate at all our favorite cuisines that we can't get in Texas. I miss the food so much! We now live in chain restaurant land.


Mac turned 8 months right before we left. I can't believe it! I stopped breastfeeding this month and he now eats 3 meals a day. He loves everything except peas. He really LOVES finger foods. He is talking and imitating all the time. He belly laughs which melts my heart and has started waving Hi to me. It is so cool watching him learn. He loves standing, but isn't crawling yet. He is such a happy happy boy and has been since day 1. People note on how happy he is everywhere we go. My mom loves to tell me I don't know how good I have it. That makes Mike nervous to have more children lol. He is sleeping 10-12 hours every night and naps 2-4 hours. Texas is starting to feel like home. We got our tree up this weekend. I loved our blue spruce from last year, but hated how sharp the needles were so this year we got a Frazier fur and it's much better. The only thing I hate about real trees are the shedding!!! Cherish everyday!!



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Stationery card

Oh Holy Night Religious Christmas Card

Turn your favorite family photos into Christmas cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

The Love for your children

I'll love you forever.
I'll like you for always.
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be.

Before Mac was ever thought about I remember one of my best friend's (Mica) mother telling me that the love for your children is a love like no other.  That is the one main reason I even thought about having a baby one day.  That statement had me so curious about that love my whole young life.  Once I married Mike another reason I thought about having a baby was to see him as a father.  I will save that for it's on post another day. 
I am here to tell you that statement is sooooo TRUE.  Mike and I look at each other all the time and we cannot even begin to explain to each other how much we love Mac.  Daily Mike looks at me and says "I just love him so much."  I know what he means.  When I was in the hospital after Mac was born I was crying because of the pain and I remember my mom started crying too.  Now I understand why because it does not matter how old your children get you never want to see them hurting.  I have told my friends that think they never want to have children to not rule it out because they will miss out on the best feeling in the world.  I went from not really knowing if I wanted kids to now wanting lots of them. ;o)
My heart this week has been so full of gratitude for every single minute I have with Mac.  My job also keeps me so thankful for the little things, so many people take for granted.  I have come across so many blogs this week that have broken my heart for complete strangers who are fighting for their children's lives or who have actually lost their precious children.  Life can change in the blink of an eye.  Please pray for these strangers Pray for Lucy   Pray for Kate Pray for this family  and this one 

Love on your sweet babies and never take anything for granted!!!!

Mac's first Halloween

I've been MIA because of this little love of my life!!! I love my new job and have a great schedule, but I still miss him so much! When I'm not working I am savoring every second with my boys and the dogs. We went to zoo boo yesterday and the Houston zoo is awesome.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!










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A smiling boy began at 2 months

 

Weight & Height:
10lbs 12oz and 22.5 inches  30%/25% (this appointment was actually 8 days before you were actually 2 months)


Sleeping patterns:
4-5 hours and it feels so good!

Eating habits:
Every 3 hours during the day unless you are napping and then 4-5 at night.  You still have one big spit up a day, but it does seem to be getting better.

Discoveries and accomplishments:
You have started smiling and it helps reassure mom that she is doing a good job.  You are really moving those feet all the time and kicking like a wild man.  Bath time is your favorite thing right now.  If you are fussing you immediately stop once in the tub.

Highlights:
This month at your checkup you had your first shots which your mom was DREADING!!!  You only cried for a few minutes and stopped once in mom's arms.  Mom held it together pretty well with only watery eyes.  You will come to find out about her big fear of needles.  Your smiles are the best thing in the world.  We are very blessed with a happy boy.  We have so far made two trips to Tennessee which your Mimi and Papaw love.  You are starting to get on somewhat of a schedule during the day which is nice.  You continue to be talking more everyday.  When I look at this picture of you as compared to last months' I can see our little boy coming to life.  Everyday it seems you do something new.  We love you so much!!

Like a natural WOMAN... ;o)

Breastfeeding

https://www.divasanddrooligans.com/

The most earthy natural thing I have ever done and I love it!! I debated on doing this post, but I am tired of feeling embarrassed about such a great thing.  While pregnant with Mac I really wanted to be able to breastfeed.  I read books and talked to lots of friends.  Mike did not understand why I thought I would not be able to do it.  I knew some people found it easy and others very difficult.  I really think I was successful because of the amazing nurses at my hospital who were so patient and helpful with my first day or two of feedings.  A C-section I feel makes it harder for women because you are in so much pain.
To be honest I wanted to do it for all the amazing benefits for him and to help me lose the baby weight.  It seriously came off except for 2 lbs in less than 2 weeks.  It has been so much more than that.  I love going to the doctor and seeing how much weight he has gained all because of me.  I love how he needs me.  It is such a special time between you and your baby!  It can be demanding at times, but I am so thankful it has worked out for us.  I made small goals for myself and my most recent is 6 months.  I know right now I will not be ready to completely stop by then.  I am traveling alot these next couple of months and working full time, so that may lead to some use of formula. 

For future mommies here are the things that helped me:
1.  Find a support group near your home
2.  Find friends on facebook who have babies close to the age of yours (My friends I have connected with have been such lifesavers through this crazy wonderful adventure.  Love you ladies!!)
3.  Be prepared to breastfeed before the baby gets here with all the equipment things (bras, pumps, etc) you will need
4.  Do not be afraid to ask for help at the hospital (I found the nurses more helpful than the lactation specialist)
5.  Fight through those first couple of weeks because they are the hardest and then the next hard phase is managing a life while breastfeeding.  Once you figure that out you are good to go.
6.  Think of the money you are saving $$$ (Since I was not working and we needed to save that was a big motivator for me)
7.  Get a cute cover for feeding in public if you do not want to bare all.  I honestly do not care about this anymore, but at first I was nervous.
8. Get your husband on board with you
9. Get the breastfriend!!

Mac is already a boob man! hahaha

Living like a gypsy

The Rigby's were seriously coast to coast in a week! We left DC headed to our new home in Texas on a Thursday and made it Sunday morning.



Pit stop in Tn at my parents!

Once in Texas we have been staying with M's best friend until we close on our new home which is TODAY!! He has a 2 month old little boy. Both families of 3 and pets = a full house!! We are so blessed with the most wonderful friends and family!



Best friends!

Once in Texas we left Wednesday to go to Seattle for cousin Karridi's wedding. 3 time zones and five states in a week with a four month old is madness. He handled it like a champ in the moment, but believe me we paid for it once settled.



Bus ride to the airport




Love my family!



The most beautiful wedding i have ever been to!!! It was so pretty i could not figure out a way to capture it all in a picture. West washington is some of the most beautiful land in tjos country.



Probably my favorite picture of him so far. Handsome buddy at the wedding!!!



I had to put this on here. This is the top of mt Rainier. We flew out Monday morning and it was perfect weather in Seattle, so our pilot got to do the sister mountain fly by. He said the weather is rarely this perfect to do it. We flew so close to this one, mt. St Helens, and one more I did not recognize. I felt like I could have touched it we were so close. God's masterpieces truly amaze me. We also got upgraded this flight to first class and that was a first for me. Wow what a difference it is in the front part of a plane. Mike said oh no I created a monster. Haha it seriously is life changing when you have a baby you need to entertain, nurse, and change diapers constantly. Mac was so wonderful on the plane all the first class passengers gave him major props when we got off and his first wings.
So lots going on with us. We close on our home today and can't wAit to move in. I will leave you with a cute picture if my boys!!! Daddy having to much fun!


Happy Thursday!!!

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Thank goodness for 1 month!

Mac,

We made it through the first month!!! PRAISE THE LORD!! Mom and dad were not stupid when we knew it was easier to stay in the hospital for as long as we could, but they do eventually give you the boot.  Once home I definitely had the baby blues for the first 3 weeks.  The cause HORMONES and I could not wrap my head around how much I loved you and how scared I was of losing you.  My mom stayed with us one week after you were born and then Nana stepped in at night the next week.  I do not know what I would have done without these two wonderful women.  Your dad was of course cool as a cucumber the entire month.  He had to travel for work the second week, so I was extra glad to have Nana around.

Weight & Height: 
At your first appointment on March 24th you were almost back at birth weight 7lbs 7oz , 20 inches, and 50th percentile for both.  The next week you made it back to birth weight and had already grown another inch making you the 75% percentile for height and 25th for weight.  At your one month checkup you weighed 8lbs 9 oz and 21 1/4 inches placing you in the 25% for weight and 50th for height.


Sleeping patterns:
3-3.5 hours- mommy however did not sleep the first 3 days ;o)  I just stared at the monitor until my body gave out.


Eating habits:

You eat pretty much every 3 hours around the clock.  Mom has so much milk and a powerful let down that she has to give you breaks every 3 minutes or you get choked and over fill that belly which leads to a big spit up.


Discoveries and accomplishments:

At 3 weeks you began cooing which Mommy loves.  You demonstrate great eye contact and head control at four weeks.  The only time you fuss is when that mean ole gas gets you.  The last very exciting thing this month is your cord finally came off at 2.5 weeks.  Big boy bath time here we come!!


Highlights:
Your first Target trip was when you were 6 days old.  This was really silly on mom's part because we just sat in the lawn and garden area while Mimi shopped because mom was to exhausted and sore.  Hey we made it though!  Your first restaurant outing was to Cowboy cafe at 2 weeks with Nana.  It hit me once in there that I might should worry about germs.  ;o)  Hopefully your mom will stay care free!  You do not like being woken up from a nap.  Your first road trip was at 3.5 weeks to TN to stay with Mimi and Papaw for a week!  You were a dream boat in the car.  We are so lucky to have you baby Mac!!  You have made your parents better people and we are madly in love with our Macaroni! hehe

Belly laughs

This evening Mac gave us the biggest belly laugh. The reason he did it makes him such a guy. I was playing fetch with our dogs and Mac was sitting in daddy's lap. I bent over to get the ball and Mike made a fart sound. Mac started giggling and I said "Is he laughing?" The giggling rolled into a full blown belly laugh for at least 30 seconds. You could tell it surprised him too! I started cheering and jumping up and down. I knew before he was getting close to laughing. This goes straight to the top of favorite baby moments thus far!!! I thought it was even more special that Mike and I got to experience it together. As soon as I can catch it on video it will be posted.
Can you guess what we tried to get him to do the rest of the night????
I love this happy little boy!!!

*Lena my sorority sister from college made this adorable onsie for him!*

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Happy First Father's Day!!!

 Mike dove head first into the whole dad thing.  Since I had a C-section I could not do anything for Mac in the hospital so he took over.  He had the nurses show him how to swaddle and changed all those super nasty diapers that first day (Mac had 5 poops in less than 12 hours).  I remember Mike teasing me about things at our birth class, but that all changed once Mac appeared into this world.  At our discharge meeting he was the dad taking notes.  ;o) He works so hard for our family which has allowed me to stay home with Mac.  As we prepare to move again people have asked how I just go with flow as we move for his career.  I would go around the world and back for this man.  He is the love of my life and my best friend.  Now to add to his resume an amazing father!  Mike,Mac is such a lucky boy!  I will never forget when they placed him in your arms and he immediately stopped crying.  I mean how could he not recognize that sexy deep voice. ;o)  I cannot wait to see Mac look up to and follow in his daddy's footsteps.  I feel we have done a great job at balancing parenthood and us!  Happy Father's Day Babe!

We Love You!

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Loving Pregnancy 101

 I overall really enjoyed my pregnancy after the morning sickness resolved at 17 weeks.  These are some of my suggestions for all you pregnant mommies!!!

 Picture from

Here

*stay ACTIVE

I worked out the entire pregnancy at least 3-4 days a week. Towards the end it was mostly walking and yes I may have taken a week off here and there, but overall I kept moving.

Benefits: healthy weight gain, higher self-esteem, great for you and the baby, and this may not be true, but I feel like it may have helped me go into labor naturally.

*Dress fabulous

I was very excited about getting a new wardrobe!  Honestly with fashion trends these days I was able to incorporate lots of things I already had.  I probably bought no more than 15 items, but they were all things that could make different looks.  Accessories are key!!  I also wore heels until the very end. You already feel stumpy, so if you are brave enough go for it.  I knew I would not feel good about myself,  if for 10 months I wore sloppy clothing. Once again this does not mean that I never did, but majority of the time I still tried to look nice.

Benefits: higher self-esteem, date nights, happy mom = happy husband = happy baby

*Pregnant Diet

I never had the urge to eat everything in site, but maybe a day or two the entire pregnancy.  I am not really sure if women really have it the entire time.  I feel some women use I am pregnant as an excuse to eat everything.  With my pregnancy I ate what I wanted which was the typical amount I would normally eat.  My indulging was if I wanted a cookie everyday with every meal I ate it and did NOT feel guilty.

Benefits: healthy weight gain (less stretch marks), less to lose later, and higher self esteem

Good luck to all you hot pregnant Mommas!!!

Chatty baby boy

Being a speech therapist I maybe guilty of doing therapy activities with my little man. It looks like he will not be a late talker like a lot of little boys are. My mom said I was born talking! (not me ;o)) This makes my heart happy!!!

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Location:My parent's house

Oh I miss sleep

Errr I am so frustrated because life has us all over the place which before Mac I was fine with. Now I realize that traveling at this point in his life may not be worth messing up his sleep routine!!!!!! I had Mac sleeping up to 6 hours, but now we are back waking every 3-4 because of a change in his routine. Mac is such an easy baby who naps well I am just longing for the days of good sleep again. I know this is a lesson in motherhood two steps forward one step back. I read an article tonight that said babies brain development happens during light sleep so pretty sure Mac will be a genius!!! His development as of today is ahead of schedule, so maybe sleep is overrated......



Look how tiny he was at 1 week!

Sweet dreams little man!



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24 hours old

In the hospital it just blew my mind when they would refer to Mac's age by hours.  These precious pictures were done by Mac's Aunt Maura who is an amazing photographer when he was just 24 sweet hours old!!!

Thank you Maura!

I love my baby LOVE!



Malcolm's Birth Story

It all began Friday afternoon about 3:00pm I began to notice Braxton Hicks which were nothing new at this point.  Mike arrived home after five and it dawned on me that they had not slowed down.  We kept timing them throughout the evening.  (sorry sort of graphic)  Later the "bloody show" had begun and the phone calls were made to family because we were pretty positive this was the real deal.  I was puzzled though because it wasn't painful uncomfortable yes, but not painful.  Mike and I went and got BBQ sandwiches and sat underneath the most beautiful moon and timed contractions.  We were both so excited because we felt pretty confident our son would be here on Saturday.  

The contractions kept coming and were beginning to be uncomfortable at 12:30am I called the doctor because the contractions were five minutes apart for an hour.  When I called I found out that my doctor was on call all weekend!!! YAY!!!  I let her know about my contractions and that I did not think they were as painful as they should be.  She let me know since we live literally five minutes from the hospital that I could come in and get checked and if I was not to far dilated I could go back home.  I wanted to make sure he was doing okay and that I had not dilated to far to where I would wake up and it would be to late for the epidural. ;o)  Mike and I decided to go in and be evaluated.

I am going to go back alittle bit because now that I have been through real labor this makes me laugh.  Before we went to the hospital I took a shower and did my hair and makeup and dressed cute.  I know the nurses probably laughed after I went into my room because clearly I was not inreal deal labor yet.

We get to the hospital and check into our room.  My wonderful Dr. McClendon came in to check me and I was dilated to a 3 and 75% effaced.  Mac was doing good, so we packed up and returned home.  At 4:30am I woke up to painful contractions!!!  I took a bath and Mike distracted me until about 9:00am.  I knew this was real labor because I did not care about my outfit, hair, or makeup.  I sat on the couch waiting for a contraction to end and then I was going to make a mad dash to the car.  Our ancient old home has locks like Fort Knox.  I jump up to go to the car and Mike was not far behind me and all he could here was click click click of the STUPID LOCKS!!! 
(I am not one to ever use bad language) Mike hears me yell "I can't get the damn door OPEN!!"  He was trying not to laugh and came to my rescue.  So much for trying to get to the car fast.  I cried telling our dogs goodbye and we headed to the hospital.  This time around I am practically laying on the counter checking in.  One question they asked was "Have I ever abused drugs?"  I told them not until today and I needed the epidural stat!!!  We get into our labor and delivery room and the nurse informs me that she is going to check to see if I could stay... "what surely to goodness I can stay with this much pain."  Good news I was dilated to 4 and 80% effaced and my doctor was admitting me. 

Now it was time to be brave and face my fears!  Fear number one the IV which did hurt way worse than the epidural.  Mike had claw marks when they stuck that sucker in my hand.  Mike was so amazing through all of this.  He helped me focus on my breathing and remained so calm and positive which is exactly what I needed.  Fear number two the epidural which was a breeze.  I hope no one takes offense to this, but I was fully prepared to tell a nurse anesthetist to go and get an anesthesiologist.  With the fear I have of needles I felt much more comfortable with an MD doing it.  They had my epidural ready to go in less than 45 minutes after checking in ;o)!!  The anesthesiologist came in and was a very cool guy.  At this point my contractions were less than two minutes apart and some were on top of each other.  I told him you have two minutes when I say go.  He was such a pro and all I felt was a bee sting from the initial numbing shot.  After that was done it was WONDERFUL!!!!  Mike and I were hanging out and just so excited about meeting our little man.  Mike went out to lunch with his dad and his mom stayed with me.  My mom's flight was supposed to get in around 5:00pm.  Around 1:00 pm my water was broke (strange feeling) and I was at a 6 and 86% effaced!  I was so excited that labor was going as I had hoped, well that changed soon.  Once my water broke mega contractions started.  I even had to juice up my epidural.  Dr (Dr. M) came back in shortly after my last check and informed us that baby Mac's heart rate was dropping after each contraction and then going back up.  She wanted me to try different positions and oxygen to see if it would help the little guy out.  She said they were closely monitoring it and I knew in my gut how this probably going to turn out.  Mike had her show him exactly what the problem was on the monitor.  This made me very proud of my non medical husband. Well, not even 30 minutes later the doctor came back in and said it had become a consistent pattern.  She did not feel good about it and thought it may have been related to his two vessel cord.  She checked to see if the cord was around his neck and that was not the issue.  She told me there was no way to know if I would quickly progress to a 10 or not.  If I had been at a 9 she would give me an opportunity, but with the risk of labor lasting a couple more hours she was not sure if he could take it.  Mike and I had already decided when she had left the first time that we would go ahead and do the c section if his heart rate continued to drop.  My biggest fear of pushing time was losing his heart rate and having to rush to an emergency  c section.  With all that said at 2:35pm we all made a collaborative decision to go ahead with the c section. 



My Rock



The team was so organized with the process Mike had his scrubs on and they were rolling me down to the OR in less than 10 minutes.  I did not even have time to call my family.  I think I sent some quick texts.  On the way to the OR I said "oh lord I am about to be a parent in a few minutes." Once in the OR the nurse anethesis (NA) came in and began juicing up my epidural and numbed me from my shoulders down.  She was great and began talking to me to distract me from the strange feeling room.  The doctors began testing my sensation and I could feel them.  I told them "PLEASE do not let me feel you cut my body open!!"  Mike was brought in to be by my side and the incision was made.  A c-section with an epidural is so strange.  I could feel them moving organs around, but could not feel sharp pain.  The NA talked me through each step, so I knew what was going on.  Suddenly Dr. M said you are going to feel lots of pressure and boy did I.  It felt like tons of people were pressing on my chest.  They announced there is his head and waterworks started for Mike and I. 

 We looked at each other going on my gosh this is it and then the Dr. M said it's definitely a boy and the most beautiful cries began.  Malcolm was brought into this world at 3:11pm.  Dad was not sure what to do because he did not want to leave my side, but was dying to see his son.  I had to tell him I was okay and he was up and taking about 100 pictures.  Once they were through checking Mac and giving him his awesome scores of 9/9.  He was swaddled up and given to his daddy which is when Mac immediately stopped crying.  All I could see was his head full of curly hair and at that point I actually thought it was strawberry blonde. LOL 

Mac you have already made your daddy and I better people.  We are madly in love with you! When you came into the world is was such a life changing indescribable moment.  It was like the moment we heard you cry and were waiting to see that precious face I couldn't breathe. 

Welcome to our crazy spontaneous world!!

24 hours old

XOXO,

Mom and Dad

On the Road again.....

BReaking NEWS, but probably not shocking

The Rigby's are moving to the good ole state of Texas!   YEE-HAW!

Mike's business is going great which is very exciting and it is calling us to Houston for the time being.  We are sad to leave our wonderful family and friends, but super excited about this opportunity for our family.  Maybe my southern draw will fit in down there....



Oh happy day!

If that doesn't make your heart happy then I don't know what will!!! Mac's first smile was on our anniversary! We figured it was his gift to us. These smiles above are what he does to daddy when he gets home from work. I thank God daily for making me Mac's mom!!!

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Happy Easter!

Happy Easter everyone! He is risen! We are so blessed beyond what I deserve. I cherish every moment I have with my loves in the above picture. (I am not in the picture above because this momma needs to go shopping. I forgot all my dresses are for my old a/b cup boobs not my new and improved gigantic breastfeeding boobs. Lol)

I will appreciate any advice from friends with large boobs of how to handle these things.

Advice# 1 for future new moms just because you lose your baby weight if you breastfeed get new clothes to accommodate the girls!

Xoxo,

Mariellen

Birth story is in the works, but time is limited these days.


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Malcolm Raylynn Rigby has arrived!!

At 3:11pm on March 19, 2011 Malcolm Raylynn Rigby came into this world at 7lbs 10 oz!!!! 
Meet our little miracle!

 Hello World!!! Apgar score 9/9 (the doctors said they don't give tens) and he came out screaming, so I am sure he will be a singer like his mom! ;o)

If you only knew what was in my hair....

Meet my rock!! If delivery day is a testiment of the kind of father M will be then Mac is one lucky boy!  More to come on that in the birth story!

Thank you for all the prayers and kind words! We are so thankful to be surrounded by so many loving friends and family!

Love,

The Rigby"s

Mac's Nursery

Here is his room!! I LOVE LOVE It!!  I describe it as vintage and rustic.  Thank you to all of our family and friends!   I videoed this from my iphone and the quality isn't as clear as it was on my phone. If anyone is interested in the custom painting please let me know!

It was done by my childhood neighbor Mary Beth Hyman.

Enjoy!!

Ready or not Mac's about to come!!!!

I went to the doctor yesterday for my 38 week appointment and I got great news!!  I am dilated to a two and 50% effaced!!  This morning there other signs he is getting ready to rock on out, but I don't want to gross out my prebaby readers.  Our only problem is Mike is out of town until Saturday morning, so I informed little man to hold out until then.  Mike's orders are to "sit on the couch with my legs crossed!" HAHA  I am staying pretty stationary writing thank you notes because I need my man by my side for this.  Saturday afternoon we will hit the walking trails!  I cannot even explain my thoughts right now.  I have read some blogs this week that have made me realize I can do this!!  I am not scared anymore and just want him safe and in our arms.  The prayers are working friends and family, so keep them coming.  I haven't really worried about motherhood, but delivery I have stressed until this week.  Like Mike says "We got this babe!"  So here goes nothing baby Mac!!  I hope you are ready for a wild ride with your parents and crazy dogs.

Love you already!

DC Baby Shower "Sweet new baby coming aboard!"



March 5, 2011

I know I say it a lot, but I am one lucky gal. 

I have been here a little over a year and have been blessed with amazing friends.  They hosted a lovely shower this past weekend.  The food was delicious and my favorite thing was the CUPCAKES!!!  I may or may not have eaten two a day since Saturday.....  They were the best cupcakes I have had in this area.  My sister in law Jamie and niece Mae came down from New York and two of my best friends Ashley Brown and Jessica Hopkins came in from TN and NC.  I have been touched through this whole pregnancy with kindness and generosity by many wonderful people. 

Mac is one lucky boy!

Ashley and Jessica

Mums for the new "mum" as said by my New England gals and of course the CUPCAKES!!

My mother in law and Hillary had these adorable thank you notes made with my maternity pictures!

This was to funny to watch!  The girls had to race drinking out of a baby bottle.

My mother in law Suzanne and I

Jodi and Lia my former work besties!

The perfect Hostesses!

Thank you ladies!

Love you all!!

I can't wait for Mac to be touched by each of you!