It's been too long, but with good reason...

So it's been awhile, i actually miss blogging.  I can't promise I'll be any better, but since life has had a chance to calm down a little I'll take a moment to update on our life.  Since my last post our newest family member has arrived!  After about a week and a half of hospital in and outs, doctor visits almost daily and lot of extras our little Melina Joy was born on Decembe23rd at 3:03pm.  A whole 5 weeks early she came into the world as if she owned it!  Weighing in at all of 4lbs 3oz she fought to keep up with a full term newborn and was very successful.  One day I'll post her full birth story but for now these few details will have to do.  I do however want to thank everyone who prayed for our family over those few weeks.  Pregnancy agrees with me up until about 35 weeks and then my body decides its done, but through the power of prayer and the grace of God Melina shocked not only us but the doctors, and nurses with her entrance.  All the love, support and prayer was felt and I'll always be so grateful for everyone who was with our family during that time.

Since we've been home its been an adjustment, but we are doing much better these days.  I've said many times that the first few weeks Aiden had more problems and was harder to deal with than Melina.  Due to the way Melina came, quickly and unexpectedly, Aiden was very thrown off.  Mom and Dad coming and going for a week and then just disappeared.  Aiden did horrible at the hospital, that was even more traumatizing for him, he just wanted to have everyone home!  With post pardum emotions, missing my son, his reaction to everyone left everyone in a hot, crying mess on numerous occasions.  I can laugh about it now, but the first few days the bathroom was where i had to retreat anytime my emotions got the best of me.  Aiden couldn't see my cry without having his anxiety go up so i had many trips into the bathroom to collect myself.  It's so great to see that things have returned to our new normal and we settle into becoming a family of 4.

 Aiden (despite his love of the word "no" as of recent) really does love being a big brother.  He goes to her when she cries and give her her 'packa' a stuffed alpaca toy to make her feel better.  He loves to give her kisses, help hold her and even have her kiss his boo boos he gets haha.  It melts my heart to see the two of them and how much they will grow in their bond over their lifetime.  I thank God that they have each other and hope they are forever grateful for each other, in between the inevitable fights they will have. 

Brandon and I are, adjusting as well.  It's been great to have a support in him, and we're also adjusting to our new normal.  We've both gone back to work and he is back as school, so we are becoming creative in finding time for us.  We've started on the road of Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey as well.  The road is tough, not going to lie, but I've heard so many great things about it I'm excited to see God work through our finances, as well as our marriage.  This past week especially we've really come to the point of having to do this 100% and give God that chance to show how he really does take care of us.  While my "free spirit" is more excited than my "nerds" about seeing this, i hope we are both able to grow closer to each other as well as God through this 13 week class. 

In short these are where we are now...so I'll leave you with a few pictures of our life the past month and write more later!

our little lady!

getting all ready to meet mommy and daddy

cuddle with her alpaca

<3


Many more to come soon, but for now there are mouths to feed, diapers to change, and faces to kiss!

p.s because it's been so long i hope everyone had a great Christmas and is having a wonderful 2012!!