Liam's Birth Story (long post)

 

 

 

 

 

I wanted to take time to write Liam's birth story before I could no longer remember it. I'm sure this will be long, but not near as long as labor!! I'll try to make sure it isn't graphic, but it will recap labor...never glamorous. Consider yourself warned from here on out- I'm not sure how this one will go....

Anyone who knows me and keeps in pretty close contact with me knows pregnancy was rough. Not 'I feel really tired, moody and threw up a couple times’ sick, but in and out of the hospital, throwing up multiple times a day, drained in every way possible sick. Needless to say, when I was 37 weeks and considered full term I was ready to have him. In that last month of pregnancy, I began getting checked at my weekly appointments, and remained consistently dilated at two centimeters, never progressing more than that, despite the contractions that I was having. We tried all sorts of things with no luck. Week 38 passed… week 39 passed… and then came week 40. No one expected me to make it that far and it looked like an induction was in my very near future.

We woke up November 25^th, 40 weeks and 1 day in, and I was miserable. I could not have been in a worse mood. I was in pain. My skin was starting to tear. I was exhausted. By this time I had resorted to wearing leggings, Toms and oversized men's shirts. I was too sick to go to service that day, but Spence and I tried to continue our Sunday how we normally would. I threw up my lunch and we headed to my parents. I'd been having "contractions" all day, but it wasn't until about 6:00 I decided I should start timing them. They weren't unbearable by any means, just uncomfortable and since it was so late in the game, I was supposed to track everything. By 8:30 it was obvious they were consistent at 4 minutes apart, lasting a minute each. I didn't want to be so sure, so I called to see what I should do. Dr. Wilson, the doctor on call, advised I head to the hospital ASAP, even if they weren't unbearable.

 

Spence and I got in the neon and my Mom and sister were going to follow (these three were my "labor team"). I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. I started crying in the car telling Spencer I was "really scared" repeatedly. It felt really anti-climatic pulling into the hospital- not at all what I had geared myself up for. I imagined mass amounts of pain and screaming.

We walked through patient tower 1, up to level 3 and checked in. A nurse took me to delivery 2, had me undress and gown up and said they'd be with me shortly. 30 minutes later, they hadnt forgotten about me. The nurse came in and checked me and said I was dilated to a 2 (still) and 80% effaced. The nurse hooked me up to the machine to measure my contractions and our little man's heart rate and said she would be back in an hour to see if I had progressed. I knew I was gonna be sent home and I was NOT happy. Spencer kept close watch on the contraction monitor. I'm not kidding when I say they weren't painful. I would joke through them and there were times where Spence would say "did you feel that one?!" An hour later and we were sent home being told my contractions were close enough together, long enough, but not strong enough to make me dilate further. "Come back when they are worse. If you can't talk or walk through them you need to come in." Sigh. Another weekend gone and no baby.

Spencer and I got home, packed our hospital bags back into the apartment ( again! ) and went to bed. I, of course, was not really able to fall asleep because as painless as the contractions were, they were uncomfortable. Then, it happened. At 2:10 AM I felt like I was being stabbed repeatedly in my lower back. My whole body was shaking in pain. I begged Spencer to help me to the bathroom and he kept saying "lets go to the hospital" while I was trying to convince him I could walk and talk. Notsomuch. We called my Mom, but fearful I would be sent home AGAIN, I wanted to try and time them. Three minutes later, I was being stabbed to death again and bawling. No more timing... LET'S GO!!

I am so happy we live so close to Riverton Hospital. I screamed in pain, legs shaking, the entire way. "WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?!"... "please Jesus, help me!"... "Spencer, I am scared!" ... "please Jesus, help me!" This was way more than I'd anticipated and not the anti-climactic drive to the hospital hours earlier.

After FINALLY making it up to the flippin 3rd floor (why do they not have wheelchairs?!) the woman at the desk wanted to send me to the triage room. Luckily two nurses were standing there and wanted to take me right back to a L&D room. They had Spencer hang back to admit me, and walked me to room 6. "Are you going to have an epidural?" "Yes! Can I have one now??!" My nurse, Amber, helped me undress while I begged for my Momma. Spencer had made it to Room 6, but where was my Mom and why were they keeping her from me? Still dilated and hooked up to the same machines as earlier, it turns out you have to have your IV for 20 minutes before the anesthesiologist can give the epidural. "Has it been 20 minutes yet?" "No, it's been 3." A few minutes later they allowed my Mom and sister in.

After thrashing and crying through contractions, almost biting off Spencer's finger and having Amber talk me through the pain, it was epidural time. They only allowed for my husband to be in the room while i got the good drugs. Feet together, knees down, back arched- the epidural was nothin!! " This is gonna feel like a bee sting" bring it. "You are gonna feel and hear a pop" meh... No thang- for me, anyway. The color drained out of Spencer's face when the "pop" happened and he made some strange comment about a vein in my foot being big. And then... Relief. I am officially an advocate of epidurals.

Following my epidural, our nurse's shift ended, and a new nurse named Amber was assigned to us. I was sad to see our first nurse go, but quickly warmed up to the second nurse. She was EXACTLY what I’d told my “labor team” I’d hoped for when we had discussed how I hoped my labor would go. She talked sweet and soft, calling me “sweetheart” and explaining everything to me as it happened. With the pitocin pumping through me I was able to spend the next 8 hours feeling comfortable. Amber continued to come in and check me and things were progressing quickly. Two centimeters NO MORE!!
Having been in labor since the night before, no one had been able to get any sleep. My exhausted "labor team" kept telling me “go to sleep. Get some sleep!” but I was wayyy too amped to sleep. I was trying to chat and each one of them would dose off. Spencer set up his nook so I could watch Netflix. He admitted it was to shut me up… I laughed. (thank you epidural for making it possible for me to laugh during active labor!) Once it was a decent hour, my Dad brought the crew McD's breakfast. I was starving, but had to stick to the orange slushee from the Nutrition Station. Luckily, my dear husband did take pity on me and smuggled in a pudding for me that I DEVOURED. Visits from Dad, Annette, my Grandma and Aunt Jodi helped pass time.

At 10:00 I was dilated to a 6 and had been for a while. Dr. Twelves came in to break my water to really get things rolling. By 11:30 I had made it to 10 centimeters. Go time. Enter panic. I made sure to hit the" juice button" on my epidural, as I call it, and the nurse said we would start pushing at 12.

 

Amber, my nurse, lowered the big light from the ceiling, the CNA set up 42 pairs of scissors (give or take) and the rest of the labor accessories (most of which scared the crap out of me. Why will they need THAT?!) and it was go time. With directions from Amber on how to breathe and push, Spence with my right leg, Sarah with my left leg, my Mom behind me with her camera and my Grandma in the corner, the time had finally come.

The pushing started out feeling like I wasn't doing much. With my second contraction I started to get the hang of it though. The goal was to get three good pushes with each contraction, and I was determined to do so. The baby moved up under my pelvis after 15 minutes of pushing. Unfortunately, since I had pushed that fast, Dr. Twelves hadn't made it yet and the nurse said I couldnt continue to push until she said. I could feel him stuck under my pelvis and all I wanted to do was push. I. Was. In. Pain. I had been advised that epidurals help with contraction pain, but not pressure pain. Never have I felt a pain like that. This was nothing like my contractions, but I was pretty sure my tail bone was breaking and other things were on fire. My sister helped me keep the panic to a minimum- "you are doing great, Sunny. Deep breath through your nose, out through your mouth." I wanted NO part of the oxygen at that point. I spent the next 10 minutes asking where Dr. Twelves was, begging the nurse to "get him out of me" and then the doctor arrived. Four minutes of pushing and what Sarah calls the "Warrior cry" (the huge scream I let out as Dr. Twelves pulled him out) and there he was. I think I kind of went into shock at that moment. I started sobbing and they put him on my chest. "Look at your baby!! Love on your baby!!" I think my Mom could tell I was completely overwhelmed at that moment. He was perfect and he was here. At 12:29 PM, after 19 official minutes of pushing, William Shawn Morley made his entrance with a full head of hair. Everything from there kind of became a blur. I got him here and then was no longer feeling coherent.

Then, more pain set in. This is the part no one had ever told me about. I know I delivered the placenta. Rather, she pushed it out of me. I’ve heard from so many people that they don’t remember delivering the placenta. I’m not sure that is a pain I will ever forget. Immediate cramps/contractions immediately followed. No, thank you… I had the baby and thought the pain should be over. My epidural had pretty much wore off and they administered a different pain killer into my IV. This is when it all really became kind of a blur. I guess I asked for my Dad, I know I was stitched up and I definitely know I was in a lot of pain. After being cleaned up, my Dad and Annette were able to come in. While giving my pain killers time to kick in, the nurses deemed Liam perfectly healthy and Spencer was able to give him his first bottle.

After a few minutes they brought my 7 lbs 12 oz, 20.5 inch baby boy over to me for some skin to skin. He was absolute perfection, and I was a Mom. I was his Mom. Every second of hell during my pregnancy and labor was more than worth it when I felt my little baby boy curl up on my chest and I was able to kiss his head. We did it, Liam. We did it, Spence. We did it, fam. I did it.

letter to my son.

My little Liam,

It is me... your Momma. Within the next month you will be joining your Dad and me, changing our lives forever. I could not be more excited to meet you, but I could also not be more terrified. I think you and I will be terrified together the first few days. I can't say exactly how, but I already know you are going to make me a better person. I can say confidently that, at times, I will fall short. Please know I will never give up and will always do my very best to be humble and forgiving. I hope you will do the same for me. I'm not sure if you will ever have any siblings joining you, but I can assure you that we will have a lot of fun regardless. You are going to have a lifetime of experiences to learn from, but there are a few simple truths I hope you take my word on up front. 

God knows you and He loves you. He knows every hair on your head. We live in a fallen world that urges you to question everything about yourself, your faith, and so on. God created you in my womb and He intends for you to fulfill a purpose during your days on earth.  I promise my never ending support in helping you to find that purpose. Always strive to be who God made you to be. As scared as it makes your Momma, I know there will be many times when you may feel pressured to behave a certain way in order to fit into what our world accepts as cool or right. Know your purpose and hold on to it relentlessly, even if doing so may make you feel like an outcast. Please remember any time you are made to feel inadequate that God hears and desires to know everything that is on your heart or mind. Give it to the Lord, son.

I want you to love and experience everything beautiful that this life allows. I hope you aren't afraid to try new things, and to even take some chances. Little secret: that is something your Mom struggles with. I want to see you live it to the fullest. Sometimes you may fail... hopefully gloriously and not in a way that requires more than a few stitches, for my sanity. (Side note: You have your Dad in you so chances are there will be a few rolled ankles and decisions that could have been thought out a little bit further. Drives me crazy, but I absolutely adore him.)

I like to believe that people will treat you with the same love and respect that you give to them, as a general rule. This can't always be expected and if someone decides to spit on you with their hatred, continue to kill them with kindness. Just because someone else behaves in a way that is wrong or unfair does NOT warrant you to do the same. Most importantly be quick to forgive them whether they admit their own wrong doing or not. It is not for you to ensure they face the wrath you think they deserve. Forgive completely, as you will be. There will be many times that you too will miss the mark and will be forgiven.

You already have so so so so many people who love you and always will. Family, true friends and good people are so important and I hope you surround yourself with those who respect and love you. Love and respect them back.

We were created for one reason and that is to glorify God. Jobs will come and they will go. People will do the same. Accomplishments and awards are all too soon forgotten. Live your life to the fullest and enjoy all that goes with it, but never let these things get in the way of your purpose.

Even though you have yet to take your first breath, I am already amazed at how in love with you I am. I pray that with every breath you take you know with absolute surety how much I love you, William Shawn Morley.

I can't wait to meet you,

Mom

PS: I should mention, we appreciated you making it so obvious that we had a little boy joining our family at that 16 week ultrasound, but be warned that there is a certain level of modesty we will expect you to maintain when you are here and more aware. Oh... and I totally posted that picture online. Don't be embarrassed.

35.

 

 (pic stolen from Mom's instagram. I've been bad about taking any myself) 

How far along? 35 Weeks

Total weight gain: Almost back to my pre-pregnancy weight
Maternity clothes? oh yes
Stretch marks? still going strong- none yet!!
Sleep: About every third day when my mind and body can't take any further exhaustion.
Best moment this week: We got our hospital bags packed AND it was confirmed Little moved head down!! Way to go, my little buddy!!
Miss Anything? sitting and it not hurting. laying and it not hurting. walking and it not hurting.
Movement: you betcha
Food cravings: not so much
Anything making you queasy or sick: meat is still bad.
Gender: little baby boy
Labor Signs: lots of pretending with the braxton hicks.
Belly Button in or out? in
Wedding rings on or off? no change here either
Happy or Moody most of the time: I'm a grump this week, I'll be honest.
Looking forward to: meeting this baby boy next month!!

Not so weekly...

How far along? 34 weeks (picture to follow.... possibly later today, probably tomorrow)

Total weight gain: I don't even know anymore. I feel like it has been 10 lbs in the last week.
Maternity clothes? Maternity pants rock, a few shirts... most days I rock one of Spencer's shirts and some pajama shorts. I don't leave the apartment much.
Stretch marks? Nope. My skin is sure itching today though.
Sleep: I have no idea what that is, but would like some.
Best moment this week: I took a pretty amazing nap at my parent's... does that count??
Something to be grateful for this week: Little's health. (: Everything always checks out so well with him.
Miss Anything? Feeling like myself, sleep, feeling functional.
Movement: Always!! (:
Food cravings: None. I hate food.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Most things.
Gender: male.
Symptoms: Think first trimester... but larger.
Belly Button in or out? It is still in.
Wedding rings on or off? Still rocking the bling with the snuggie.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Just kind of blah.
Looking forward to: Getting Liam's nursery set up and finished. The countdown is on!!!

What happened to 30??!

How far along? 31 weeks (note: I cheated. This picture is from 30 weeks, but it makes me laugh every time I see it)

Total weight gain: Down 10 lbs from my pre-pregnancy weight
Maternity clothes? Same as before. I have embraced maternity jeans, but most of my shirts are from before... and streeeeetching.
Stretch marks? No. I thought  I found one the other day. False alarm!!
Sleep: Exhausted....
Best moment this week: My OBGYN appt. Nothing makes me happier than hearing him and knowing he is doing amazing.
Something to be grateful for this week: My Momma. I've been having the WORST hip pain (I really don't have hips...) and she rubbed my hips for me yesterday, made me the BLT I'd been craving and talked me down from my panic attack. I hope I'm half the Momma she is.
Miss Anything? My insides feeling like they aren't getting squished.
Movement: Lots and lots of movement.
Food cravings: Still digging anything pumpkin. BLTs. Cinnamon chips (like chocolate chips).
Anything making you queasy or sick: Chicken. Oh man, chicken.
Gender: little man.
Symptoms: Heartburn, nausea/vomiting, upset stomach, round ligament pain, sinus problems, exhaustion.
Belly Button in or out? In... but looking strange.
Wedding rings on or off? On with ring snuggie.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Hmm... I've been up and down.
Looking forward to: Baby shower this Saturday and next, Spencer's hunt to be over, October to get here.

finishing out the twenties

How far along? 29 Weeks

Total weight gain: Down 11 lbs as of my appointment today (hey, that is up from where I was!!)
Maternity clothes? mostly my regular clothes with a few maternity items mixed in
Stretch marks? No... I am hoping I can make it all 40 without getting any.
Sleep: About that....
Best moment this week: Hearing that everything with Little is still going great. Feeling Little's hand at the appointment- our first high five (:
Something to be grateful for this week: My work being so understanding of the Dr orders to work from home- it really has been such a blessing and taken a load off of me. I appreciate their understanding. Also, the overwhelming amount of love and support following my blog earlier. Women all around... we are not alone. (;  
Miss Anything? Hmm... eating like a normal person, having enough energy to be out and about for hours, bleaching my teeth.
Movement: Tons of movement. He is still hanging out low and I've been told that isn't going to change.
Food cravings: Pumpkin anything. Great timing with it turning to Fall!! 
Anything making you queasy or sick: Still way more than I could begin to explain.
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs this week: No- and thankful for it.
Symptoms: Heartburn, heightened allergies, headache from the allergies that can't be treated, nausea, exhaustion.
Belly Button in or out? Still completely in and VERY round.
Wedding rings on or off? On and still accompanied with the ring snuggie.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Balancing that one out.... 
Looking forward to: The weather cooling down, entering the 30 weeks next week, dress shopping with Lyc, Saints season starting on Sunday, manicotti (thanks, Mom) on Saturday.

Pregnancy 101

So…. If you didn’t know… WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?! We are expecting. I refuse to put a “due date” on it right now, but it is happening in November. Any sooner is bad news bears, any later and I will probably go crazy and kill somebody. We are expecting a little boy. This little man has a name selected by his father, but approved by his mother. (background: we had a deal. If it was a girl, my #1 pick won. If it was a boy, his #1 pick won.) My jaw almost hit the table when the first thing that flashed across that ultrasound screen (literally) was his little man business. No modesty at this point for my kid. Regardless of gender, we are thrilled to meet “Little”.

I have a feeling this post is going to be different than what I had anticipated, but I will try to keep it as rainbows&butterflies in the beginning as possible. Little already has a very distinct personality. He is feisty. I’m not just being a proud Mom- Ultrasound techs, nurses and doctors have all commented on this. Don’t you think about putting pressure on any part of HIS environment because he WILL kick back… just ask Milli, my family's Schnorkie, who felt Little kick when she put her paw on my always growing abdomen. 

This kid already has swag. I have a shoe obsession, he is the first grandchild on BOTH sides and we have been lucky enough to inherit A LOT of clothes from little boys a year older.

 As far as pregnancy goes… it has looked a lot less like this:

And a lot more like this:

I don’t know if I was just not MADE to be pregnant, or what the deal is, but it has been a rough go. I have this tendency of telling people “I’m doing ok. Ya, I feel fine” when asked, but truth is: I’m alive and getting by… even though a lot of days it doesn’t feel like it. (Today may not have been the best day to write this post). Pregnancy has been a lot of hanging out in the bathroom, passing out, IVs, migraines, finger pricking, malnourishment, hospitals, round ligament pain, dehydration, blood drawing, heart monitors, exhaustion, stress, hollow feelings, allergies without remedy, bathroom breaks, shaking, weight loss and nausea.

It started out as I heard it may. This. Girl. Was. Sick. Everyone talks about morning sickness, but I don’t think it gets enough credit for being as terrible as it truly is. For reasons I can't understand, throwing up for months has gained a reputation as being a funny rite of passage while pregnant. It’s not. It is more like being hungover with the flu non stop. When I finally got to go in for my first OBGYN appointment I found out I was even more so in the minority. Throwing up 10 times a day?? Not normal. The side effects of the medicines they give you to “curb it” (AKA take it down to about 5)?? Not acceptable. 

People make it seem as though they’re laughing along with you as you struggle to keep anything down, but you aren't laughing. They will either be completely unsympathetic, think it’s an amusing joke, or act like you are inconveniencing THEM in some way. Sorry, I just really have this thing for throwing up and hanging out in the bathroom. (Note: Unless they are your family and love you. Those people are your happy place)

The alternative to throwing up?? A slow heaving in the pit of your stomach that lasts 23 hours of the day. Hey, gotta feel good sometime. All of my great intentions to fill my unborn child with vitamins from healthy foods recommended fell apart as I tried to sustain myself with my four major food groups: mashed potatoes, nachos, peaches and Wendy’s baked potatoes. Oh, and what everyone says about ginger?? It doesn't work. Good thing it is only your first trimester, right?? No. That is a lie too… in my case anyway. “you are just one of those unlucky ones” jee….thanks.

Sleep?? Whoa. The first trimester, it’s not even worth it to try to stay awake. You can’t fight it. You can’t sleep your way into more energy. You'll feel narcoleptic…

I heard a rumor that the second trimester you won’t be able to sleep. You will be full of energy. Who needs sleep!?? I needed sleep. When the constant ailments allowed me to, you better believe I did.

The third trimester, thus far, has been more reminiscent of the first trimester exhaustion with added weight to the midsection. I want to sleep all the time but will not be able to. Once I’m comfortable and dozing off, I either need to take a potty break AGAIN, or Little has decided that it’s time to throw a uterus rave or practice his karate. Honestly, I can’t help but smile when it is the latter. As far as that “Get used to it. You aren’t going to be getting sleep for a verrrryyy long time” goes- that is not words of wisdom that any pregnant gal appreciates. Ever. So please, truth or not, keep it to yourself.

Everything seems to hurt. Your head, your boobs, your teeth, your feelings, your back, your belly, your thighs, your ring finger, your wrist, your sinuses, E V E R Y T H I N G. If nothing hurts, something may be wrong- get it checked out. If everything hurts too much, something is probably wrong- get it checked out.

People will try to be sympathetic, but at the end of the day I have been the one that has felt like an inconvenience. Maybe this is why no one talks about these things. I really appreciate Spence through all of this. It has been a rough go. He has really come into a new form of himself in the sympathy department. He is going through all of this for the first time too. It makes me feel bad that he feels helpless with it. I appreciate knowing he would fix it if he could, in any way possible. Our families have also been irreplaceable.

The part that has taken a large toll on me, that surprises me that no one ever discusses is the emotional toll. Even though you’re literally never alone, pregnancy can be a very lonely time. "It's just your hormones," everyone says and kind of shrugs. True enough… to a certain degree. For the last 29 weeks I have been terrified to express any negative feelings or emotions in fear of being perceived as a bad mother. I know that isn’t the case, but does everyone else?? I already love Little more than I could have ever imagined. I worry about his health, daydream about what he’ll look like and the highlight of my days are when he is most active. So why do I underplay these emotions? I often feel like a fragment of myself. I have to perform the same daily routines to the best of my ability, I look like a (pregnant version of) me and to outsiders I am probably just the same old Caroline- with a bun in the oven who is being highly dramatic. I am aware of things, but not functioning like I usually do and that is frustrating. Everything that I feel like I work(ed) so hard at feels as though it is becoming obsolete. My job, my schooling, my pride in my physical appearance… all of them have been affected. I am constantly told “don’t stress. Don’t stress. Don’t stress.” HOW CAN I NOT STRESS? Yes, my job is protected with my FMLA, but is my reputation at work protected? Yes, my schooling was understanding of my situation, but am I proud that I had to go in and talk to them about it at all?? I try not to feel like a “big loser” (words I use to describe how I feel to my husband and Mom), but during this phase of my life I don’t feel much like myself at all. I talked to my OBGYN about it and she was helpful. “If you’re not feeling quite like yourself, remember that you’re not. You are yourself AND your baby. This pregnancy will end and you will get not only yourself back, but you will get this little guy.” I really needed to hear that and sometimes I wish I felt like more people felt that way and treated me that way, instead of like a situation they tolerate. 

With all of that said, give your pregnant friend a hug. She needs it. Whether pregnancy is a breeze or a nightmare, it is still pregnancy. I have developed a whole new respect for women after going through this. My Mom, especially. Mom, thank you. And to my Little, I can’t wait to meet you. Even knowing what going through this has been like, I’d do it again knowing I get to hold you in my arms come November. Your Dad and I already love you so much it HURTS. <3

Til next time… and I promise a more upbeat post SOON. 

the details

We got our wedding pictures back!! 800 pictures later and I have NO idea how to share these. I have looked through them probably 10 times and I love them too much not to share. Seriously, I teared up looking through them the first time. I considered just posting the proofing log in and password, but decided that was a little TOO much access. With this post I am going to focus on the details. My Mom did such an amazing job with all of the details and my Dad made the backyard look beautiful. I really am so loved and will be forever grateful for everything they did to make it perfect.

When we decided to get married there was no doubt in my mind where I wanted it to take place. I love backyard weddings, and lucky for me my parents have a pretty great backyard.

Not being able to eat cake because of gluten, and not even really liking cake, I opted for something different. The whole idea was "burgers, fries and cherry pies." My Mom and aunts spent hours making 120+ assorted personal size pies. I'm a little bit disappointed there are no pictures of them. For those not wanting pie we had some other yummy treats that are favorites of mine- rice krispies, macaroons, etc.

Burgers Supreme did the catering and I couldn't recommend them more. It was super tasty and they were awesome to work with.

Don't forget the Ice Hut!!

What would a wedding with hamburgers be without personalized mini ketchup bottles?? (I LOVED these)

(they read:

 "Happiness is ketchup on fries

Caroline & Spencer

06.16.2012"

I asked the bridesmaids to all find raspberry colored shoes for the wedding. They all looked super cute!! Spencer may kill me for telling people this, but a woman at his work had on raspberry sandals and he asked her where she bought them. TARGET!! As a gift to the bridesmaids, we gave them all a pair for the reception. Nice find, Spence!!

I've mentioned this before and I'm sure it will come up again & again: Spence LOVES fly fishing. To incorporate a little more of him into our wedding the men all had "fly" boutonnieres (in the correct colors, of course)

One of my very favorite things done for the wedding was the bouquets. I wanted peonies, but didn't want to pay for peonies and wanted something a little bit different. I'd seen fabric bouquets before, mentioned it to my Mom and BOOM! She delivered. They were BEAUTIFUL. I don't feel like pictures even do them justice.

That is about all of the sharing I have in me for today. Thank you SO much to everyone who helped our day come together so perfectly. The countless hours my parents put in on everything, Annette and her mad sewing skills, the baking and last minute perfections from my Aunts and Grandma, my bridesmaids climbing in trees, the men unloading a ton of chairs, and on and on and on and on. Every kind act was felt and will be remembered. I am so blessed.