Meeting Loralei

You may remember a few weeks ago, I went to my friend, Jamie's, baby shower. Baby Loralei was due today, May 1, but on April 21 after an unexpected induction, then c-section, she graced us with her presence a little early...all 7lbs 13oz and 21 inches of her.

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting her in person at Jamie's home in Fayetteville. Let me just say, she is precious, tiny, and a beautiful addition to an already amazing family.


This is Jamie, her husband, Nick, and baby Loralei Dove.

I'm happy to say mom and baby are doing well. Nick and Jamie are already amazing parents, and I wish them all the happiness in the world during this beautiful transition in life.

Baby Shower

My dear friend is having a baby in 7 weeks.







Saturday, my mom and I traveled to Ward, AR for her baby shower.


We shared a few laughs.



Then, we parted ways again.



The next time I see Jamie, she will have a baby girl named Loralei Dove, and a new chapter of her life will begin.




It seems like just yesterday we were two stressed nursing school students, roommates, coworkers, and 24/7 companions...5 years of time has passed since then and many miles separate us, but we will always share these precious life-changing moments and continue to create memories along the way.

Expressions

Spending some time with my niece, Clara, this weekend made wonder...What if we continued to be as animated with our facial expressions as we were as infants. You know, those genuine whole-hearted, wide-mouthed smiles with raised eyebrows...the ones that make the person looking at you smile all big and crazy in return, just to see if they can get you to do it again. What if we never learned to be shy or conservative with our smiles and laughs? I think the world would be a happier, more easy-going place, don't you think?

At least we still have babies to give us those unrestrained expressions and happiness that is truly contagious.

-Melissa

Clara..and other baby thoughts

Pretty Momma about an hour after delivery...


Proud aunt!

Clara

Isn't that a pretty name? Well, we now have an equally pretty baby to match it. Clara Michelle is finally here...All 9lbs, 10oz of her, and every last ounce of her is cute as a button. Kim and Aaron have a reputation to uphold for beautiful children. After Reece, the child that still hasn't had an awkward, uncute stage, what would you expect for their second born? I had about 5 awkward phases by the age of four, including my mohawk by the age of 1 month...this is all based on the few random photos taken of me, the middle child, so who knows how bad it really got!

All joking aside...This places a bit of pressure on those of us hoping to have a child anytime in the future. After having such cute babies in the family, how do you follow something like that? Not to mention the age crunch. Some seem to think 28 is getting on up there for a second child. I'll be doing good to have my first by that age. I know times are changing, but I've heard too many horror stories of how much more difficult pregnancy and caring for infants is in your 30s than in your 20s. No pressure.

Ryan is starting to feel the pressure as well. One of my favorite shows that is just easy and fun to watch is Jon and Kate plus 8. This is concerning to him because for several months before we bought a house, I was constantly watching HGTV. He's afraid a pattern may take form. But don't worry, hun, you can worry when I start watching 18 and Counting!