Thursday, August 29, 2013

Today is the day. Pray for us. 
I will do my best to keep the blog updated on Alec's condition. 
Thank you all so very much for your love and support!

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

A Night Out, Just Him & I

This past weekend, Kiel and I enjoyed one last date night. We went to a little restaurant called Terrain at Styer's Cafe. The menu consists of a delicious array of local and organically grown foods. The atmosphere is so authentic, there really isn't anything else like it in our area. Saturday night was a beautiful evening so we were able to sit outside amongst the greenery and bask in the evening sunshine. It was the perfect way to celebrate one last weekend together before the craziness ensues. There is nothing that makes me happier than spending a relaxing evening with my favorite man.


Sunday, August 25, 2013

4 more days...

In less than a week, we will get to meet our baby boy for the first time. I have dreamt of this moment for as long as I can remember. So much about his arrival is unknown... what will he look like? will his heart beat strong enough? how long before we get to bring him home? 
I have a million questions, but for some reason I am consumed with a sense of calm. We have done all we can do to prepare for Alec, the rest is left up to God. So instead of worrying.. I will continue to pray. All we can do is trust in our medical team and lean on those around us for support. The countdown begins, only four more days until the induction process begins...

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

My Hospital Bag

My hospital bag is packed, the car seat is installed, and Kiel and I are feeling just about ready to meet our little boy.
In my bag, I have packed all of the essentials... from comfy pj's to a bag full of change for late night vending. I included some high-protein snacks to get us through the day, and of course the must-needed boppy pillow for breast-feeding. I packed the iPad for down-time browsing and the serious fam-cam for newborn pics. I've got slippers for comfort and flip-flops for showering. I packed a comfy, jersey maxi for our ride home from philly. 
Not only did I pack things for my hubs and I, but I also did throw in a few things for Alec, as well. A couple snap-front onesies, two aiden and anais swaddles & burpy bibs, some avent pacifiers, and of course, an adorable going-home ensemble. I absolutely cannot wait to meet the little guy! Alec, you are more than welcome to enter this world at any time... your mom and dad are dying to see your little face for the first time.

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Overwhelmed.

I am overwhelmed by all the love and support my husband and I have received over the last few
months.

About two weeks ago, the Drakes spoiled us rotten and threw us an amazing, dinosaur-themed baby shower. Everything was beautiful, from the cake to the decor. They really did it up for the little guy and I honestly can't thank them all enough. This little boy is so loved already. Alec will be the first Drake grandchild and needless to say.. they all can't wait to get their hands on him and neither can I.

About a week ago, I was having a rough day.. just feeling exhausted. I had a scheduled meeting for work that I had to come in for and I wasn't too thrilled about it. At the end of our meeting, my amazing co-workers surprised me with the most generous shower! I was so overwhelmed.. I honestly had no idea! They turned my whole day around and I couldn't stop smiling from ear to ear. They not only threw together a beautiful shower, but people were MORE than generous. I am so incredibly lucky to work with these people.
My very good friend and also co-worker, Jen O'Brien, has gone out of her way to organize a team in honor of Alec for the American Heart Association Heart Walk on September 8th. The team has raised $2,000 and consists of 54 members! Kiel and I honestly had no idea this was going on. We feel so honored and loved to know that we have so much love and support in the community. If you would love to join or just check it out, you can visit the webpage here: Hearts of Love for Baby Drake 

Then, when I thought we couldn't possible handle anymore generosity, my family threw us an additional baby shower this past weekend. They held the shower at one of Kiel and I's favorite restaurants, Redfire Grill. They rented out the entire place for Sunday Lunch... it was over the top, and I say that in the best way possible. The food was amazing, the decor perfectly matched to our nursery theme, and the guests were so incredibly generous. It was so wonderful to see my entire extended family and friends. The day was absolutely perfect.

Just thinking about all everyone's generosity, love, and support brings tears to my eyes. I feel like the luckiest, most grateful, person on earth. Thank you to everyone who has gone out of your way to support and pray for our little family. We couldn't do it without you. 
xoxo - L

Pinspiration

I don't know about you, but I am thrilled for fall.  Every year, come August, I am officially over my summer wardrobe. I get overwhelmed with joy to soon be wearing scarves, denim, and boots again. For one, I hate being hot and sweaty. The summer months, especially this year, have been unbearably warm. A cool, fall breeze just can't come soon enough. Also, as much as I love to play with colors like coral and mint... I am really much more of a neutrals kind of girl. I adore army green, maroon, and camel. I also love that you can constantly layer, mix, and match in the cooler months.  

Bring on fall baby, Mama is ready.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

36 Weeks

Today, Alec is 36 weeks and one day. Holy smokes, does time fly.
We had our final echocardiogram this morning, as well as, a routine prenatal ultrasound to evaluate his bodily growth. There is only one word I can use to describe our day... THANKFUL

I hardly slept last night in anticipation for this morning. We have had such positive, encouraging results at every other appointment... I was really starting to get to a point of comfort with everything. But, my husband constantly reminds me to be "cautiously optimistic"... reassuring me that we don't truly know how Alec will present once he is born. I appreciate this advice. I need to hear this, or I will get swept up in the positive. 

Fortunately, his echochardiogram was once again considered relatively unchanged. The cardiologist is nearly certain that the first surgery will be avoided. We may even be able to avoid any medications.  Hearing this was like sweet music to my ears. To think, that we may be able to bring our son home shortly after birth is the most amazing news. Not to mention, he is growing beautifully. He is approximately six pounds, one ounce. All of his other organs are looking just about perfect. The ultrasound technician even zoomed in and gave us a 3D view of his beautiful little face. I will admit, he looks like he is one handsome fella.  

I can't begin to thank everyone who has supported us through all of this chaos. Your prayers are working, so please please keep them coming. I am so grateful... overwhelmed... humbled by all the kindness and concern that has been sent our way. We are loved and it feels really good. 

xoxo - L

Monday, August 5, 2013

Birthday Wishlist


My birthday is coming up this September and I've put together a little wishlist of sorts. 

1. Accessories - Welp, since my body will be a in weird place for a little while after I deliver, I'm going to try and hold off on purchasing too many clothes in early fall. I'd rather just wait a couple of months to figure out exactly what size I am really going to be. So in place of clothes, I'm going to need to jazz up my wardrobe with some kick-ass accessories. I've been rocking a pair of fake ray-bans for about 3 years now, and I'm thinking it's time to invest in the real deal. I've been lusting over this mint nixon watch for a while now. I think it would be great for everyday casual wear, and also a wonderful option for work. As a nurse, it's really nice to have a water-proof, second-hand watch on-hand. These dark choco booties look adorable and I found them on target.com for a super cheap price. I purchased a black pair of mossimo booties last year from target and they are my go-to pair of winter shoes. Surprisingly, very comfortable!
2. Pampering - After having a little one, I am thinking I will need a little me-time every once in a while. I'm sure I would feel a little guilty initially spending money and time on myself, but a little warm tea during nap time, or 30-minute mani couldn't hurt. I think I'll need both for my sanity.
3. Loungewear - I figure I'll be spending a lot of time around the house this fall. It's not as easy to shuffle around when you have an infant to look after. I'm definitely in need of an upgrade when it comes to cute loungewear. These nike sweatpants from nordstrom have been on my radar for a while now. I live for baseball tees, and asos & gap have a variety of different color options. These new balance kicks seem like a must to me. I am planning on taking several casual walks in September and October (before I am cleared to really work out.) I am super excited to deliver our little man in the early fall because weather-wise it is absolutely the best time of year to be outdoors. I am really hoping Alec digs stroller rides. 
4. Homegoods - Every change of season, I like to do a little sprucing up around our home. Whether it be... upgrading bathroom linens, lighting up a new scented candle, or changing out the pictures in frames throughout the house... just a little minute change in detail makes me feel super refreshed. I love all of anthro's bath linens, and I've been wanting to invest in these hand towels for a while. A friend of mine had these hanging her bathroom the other day and I was super envious. They looked awesome. Kiel got me a record player for a christmas, and I've really been wanting to add some classics to our collection. I'm really into Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday... really any of these artists on vinyl would be a treat.