Lance's graduation from Law School

What a fun day at the Smith house! Today we celebrated Lance's graduation from law school.  I am so proud of him!  Lance's parents and my parents came to Birmingham to celebrate.  Baby Henry was so excited to spend time with his family!

Henry's grandmothers are obviously in love.  And no...they didn't call each other to coordinate their outfits! Look at this picture....you think Henry has them wrapped around his finger???

Lance had to sit through all the "family shots"! We were all so proud so he had to let us take tons of pics!

We couldn't resist putting the cap on Henry....how sweet is this.....

We decided to eat lunch at the house instead of braving a restaurant with our little man.  After a fabulous lunch from Homewood Gourmet we enjoyed a strawberry cake from Edgar's and some delicious champagne.

I tried to take a picture of Lance walking...but unfortunately I was so excited that I forgot to zoom in..so this is the best I could get!

I'm sure it is obvious that Henry and I are soo proud of Lance.  He is definitely the rock in our family.  I know he will use his degree to not only support our family but to service and better our community (ok...that last part I kind of stole from the commencement speakers).  We love you Lance! Congratulations!



First visit to the pediatrician

Yesterday, Henry had his first real trip out of the house.  Unfortunately for him...the trip was to the doctors for his checkup.  Henry's doctor is Dr. Simpson at Vestavia Pediatrics and he is wonderful!  Everything went great until it was time to stick his foot for the blood test.  He did okay but when the nurse started squeezing his foot, Henry let her know he was not a happy camper. Henry got a A+ from the doctor specially when it came to weight gain...our little man already weighs 8 lbs and 8 oz! So much for just regaining his birth weight in 2 weeks...Henry has already gained 1 lb 3 oz since birth!

Both of us needing some sleep....at the doctors office!

After we got home, Aunt EE and Baby Gia came over for a visit! I still can't believe we are mommies.  It feels like only yesterday we started dental school and now we are done with school and have little babies.  I know that our kiddos will be great friends just like their mommies!!

Me and Erin at the beach last summer

Less than a year later....we have babies!

All is forgotten

After a sleepless night...all is forgotten when you look at this sweet face as you drink a strong cup of coffee with Adele playing in the background!

Have a great Monday!

My first Mother's Day!

Today was such a special day! As a mom for only two weeks, I could not feel more blessed.  Lance and I haven't had much sleep but could not be happier.  This morning, Lance and Henry cooked a delicious breakfast casserole together.  It was so delicious! Then, they surprised me with a beautiful locket.  I will cherish it forever! Inside Lance had pictures of my two babies...Henry and Savannah.

I got so many sweet messages wishing me a happy first mother's day...and I was so thankful for everyone's kind words.  Some of the gals from The Dental Office brought some beautiful plants and a Mother's Day balloon. 



And sweet Aunt Shelley left some beautiful hydrangeas from her garden at my doorstep.  Last year, she cut some pink ones for my birthday but was able to change them to blue this year...just in time for Baby Henry!!!

 
Lance and I took Henry to a nearby park for his first outing.  I only made it half way around before I started hurting..so our trip wasn't as long as we had hoped but Henry really enjoyed his nap in his stroller!

My parents came over for lunch and Henry got to take a ride in my dad's convertible. Henry was definitely stylin and profilin....well more like napping and tooting, but what do you expect!!!
 

The last two weeks have made me appreciate my own mother so much.  I could not have made it through our first days and nights with Henry without her or Lance's mom.  I truly understand now what love they feel for us when I think of Henry.  Sleepless nights and all the pain are nothing when it comes to having Henry  here with us.  He is the joy of our life and I would not have celebrated today as I did without him.  And to all the other moms out there, Happy Mother's Day!

What a week at the Smith House!

I don't really know where to start! This past week has probably been one of the most eventful at the Smith House EVER.  After meeting with our OB we decided to induce at 39 weeks...Easter Sunday as to not allow Henry to be too big at delivery time.  We estimated him to be a little less than 7 lbs and with all the backpain I had for the past 7 months...that was our plan.  I guess Henry heard that plan and I started having contractions at 2 am Sunday morning...by the time I got to the hospital Sunday night, the contractions were pretty close and we assumed we would have our baby really soon....

Thumbs up....not knowing what the next 17 hours had in store...

Oh Henry bars and It's a Boy Cigars for our visitors!

Dr. Davis and Baby Henry

 Fast forward to Monday afternoon and I was not a happy camper and things were not progressing as easily as I had planned.  The epidural and couple of boosters didn't do to much to alleviate what I was feeling and the decision was made to do a C-section.  Until Monday that was NOT what I wanted...but at 1:22 pm little Henry was born at 7 lbs 5 oz and 20 in...a little bigger than expected and with a pretty nice conehead to show that he did try to be born naturally:)

St. Vincent's ....babies really do come from there!

After the c-section my BP decided to take a dip (to 70/40..crazy..huh?) and was a pretty scary "recovery" time.  I don't remember too much but not too long after, all the grandparents were there to love on Henry and things started looking up!

All the Grandparents....in pure heaven!

Henry and his daddy:)

My great aunt....almost 100 years difference between these two...

 Tuesday was spent oohing and aahing at our perfect baby boy and monitoring my hematocrit which basically halved as a result of the blood loss during surgery.  There were lots of different emotions going through all of us.  Lance, who by the way was my hero through the whole week, spent every extra minute studying for finals which he is still taking this week.  I will be so happy when he can have some uninterrupted time with his little man.

Aunt Shelley

Aunt Erin and Baby Gia

Aunt Morgan

Wednesday...Henry experienced his first tornado outbreak.  The storms devastated our state and left me so appreciative of what we have.  During each round of storms the hospital moved all the mommies and babies into the hall.  Shelley kept us updated on the path of the storm and it was overall a pretty scary event.  The morning storms did the most damage to the area where we live but luckily we were spared.  The afternoon tornado started traveling directly towards us but turned last minute...we are so blessed.  The areas hit have been changed forever and there are so many sad sad stories.  Alabama has been forever changed and our prayers are continuous for those affected.

Lookin rough...up for the first round of storms and Henry's first tornado outbreak

Lance started finals on Thursday so had to go back and forth between school and hospital...not too fun for a first time dad but he survived.  On Friday they finally sent me home...and we were sooooo ready.  Henry woke us up so we wouldn't miss a second of the royal wedding (another big event for Henry's first week!)  It couldn't have been more perfect and it was a great escape from the sad tornado coverage.

Heading home! 

Our mothers came home with us to help take care of Henry while I recovered and Lance finished finals.  They were amazing and let me get some rest while they took shifts caring for our new baby.  After the first night of feeding and diaper changing, our sweet mom's went and got us breakfast in their pajamas...it was so hilarious and very very sweet. 

My boys studying the law books

My mother is still here taking care of us until Lance finishes with finals.  Today we went to Heather Swanner for Henry's newborn session.  I can't wait to see how they came out! Until then....here is what we have been enjoying at The Smith House....

Smith Pancake Sundays....a family tradition:)

First bath at home

Henry the day he came home....in Lance's going home outfit!!

In honor of the annual cattle sale....won't be there this year..but showing JLS spirit!

Operation Nesting Time

Today, Lance and I checked off many of our to-dos before Henry's arrival.  We went into nesting overdrive and got a lot accomplished. Some of the stuff we accomplished....

Pressure washing our back fence...thanks to a last minute fence repair we had some miss matching fencing which Lance diligently cleaned up to improve the look!

Before the Wash

Much improved...good job Lance!

Meanwhile I cooked lots of meals to have in the freezer...3 trays of meatballs, 2 meatloafs, 2 casseroles later we definitely are set for a few nights!

Hospital bag packed..maybe overpacked but we are ready!

Stroller assembled and diaper bag packed!

 

Veggies and herbs planted...just in time for the freeze that is forecasted for next week!

Carseat installed.

Caught up in Henry's baby book....

In addition., we contacted Henry's pediatrician, confirmed his photographer for his newborn pics, and even managed a little Sav time at the dog park...needless to say we are exhausted!!!! We will definitely sleep great tonight knowing we have made great progress on our to-do list!