Introducing...

 

 

Well, with my return to blogging, there is one important thing that I must do before any other posts happen.  That is to introduce LUCY JANE to the blog!  When I stopped blogging a few years ago, Lucy Jane was just an idea – someone we would love to have around some day.  These days, she is VERY MUCH here, and there is no denying it!  In true toddler fashion, she has thoughts, opinions, preferences, and sass for days.

 

 My pregnancy with Lucy Jane was very similar to my pregnancy with Chapman (read: lots of sickness).  The nausea was even worse with her, though.  The difference could have just been in the fact that I couldn’t lay down and rest as much while pregnant with her – I still had Chapman to take care of, who was still in diapers, so plenty of extra sicky moments.  I became a pro at the “change a diaper and run to the bathroom to throw up” routine.  And, Chapman was a very patient older brother, even in this season.

Fast forward, and Lucy was born in the middle of winter (just after almost a foot of snow fell on Newport News).  Due to complications we had in the birth of Chapman, we had a scheduled c-section with Lucy Jane.  The night before her scheduled delivery, my OB called me sounding sick as could be, and told me she had just been diagnosed with the flu!  Ultimately, we were put in the care of a fantastic doctor who we met just before going into surgery for delivery.  Not ideal – meeting the doctor who will be doing surgery on you and delivering your baby just before you go in.  But, his bedside manner was reassuring, and he was a pro.  Everything went great – no complications at all this time around.  And, we began our journey with little Lucy Jane in our arms and in our home. 

 

As a baby, Lucy showed a VERY strong preference for Mom from the earliest moments.  My word.  That girl.  She never wanted me out of sight.  For basically her entire first 15 months.  We discovered, after I stopped nursing at 15 months, that this need to have mom around all the time was almost entirely due to the fact that I was a source of food.  Ha!  She became much more independent once she was eating and drinking entirely on her own.  The sense of emotional well-being that comes from a satisfied belly is strong with this one. J  (I get it, baby girl.  I like a full belly, too. )  She had adorable rolls to show for it as a baby.

 

 

 

 

Now, well into toddlerhood (she'll be 3 in January), she and her brother have such a sweet relationship.  They are the best of buds, and love having one another around to talk with and play with.  They fight, too.  All siblings do.  They fight over toys, and over who gets to talk to us at any given moment.  All sorts of things.  But, my word, what a beautiful, sweet addition to the family this girl is.  We love you so very dearly, Lucy Jane.  You are a gift and a joy.   

 

 

 

Photo Credits: 

Newborn shot -- Lindsay Fauver Photography

All Others -- Diana Gordon Photography