Paxton Bruce McGarry

This post feels like a long time in coming.  

This pregnancy has been my sickest and hardest so far, especially the last month.
Pregnancy is not my friend.:) 

I have been busy cooking freezer meals, cleaning, organizing and doing everything I can to prepare for this baby to come.  

One night(quite late), when I had pulled out the stove to clean under it(I am sure I looked like a crazy person), 
Dave said to me, "Natalie, it's late.  You don't need to worry about doing that.  Take it easy and relax, the baby is not going to go anywhere near the stove for a while." 

 I knew he was right, but this time around I couldn't shake the feeling that I wanted to be as prepared as possible so I could fully enjoy and focus my attention on what matters most, my new baby and building memories, family relationships, and connections right from the start.  

Our family is slowing down, and we want to cherish every moment.  

Everything is a little bittersweet.  

As we have pulled out the crib, tiny booties, and socks, I can't help but feel a bit sentimental.  

Is this the last time we will kiss mini toes, and cheeks?  The last kicks?  Last "new baby" smell? 

With the first two kids, everything was so new and exciting.  I was anxious for each new stage, and couldn't wait till they could crawl, walk, talk etc.  

However, I find myself slamming on the brakes for these next two, trying to slow down the clock, having finally learned to enjoy each moment, to be in the phase I am in more FULLY.  

Also, Oaklyn and this baby have the biggest space of all our kids in between them, which is only 25 months, but I still feel like I have been waiting FOREVER to hold a baby again.  

We are beyond excited to welcome our new baby boy.  And so, we give you...

Paxton Bruce McGarry!  Born on April 22nd at 4:45pm,  8lbs 4oz, and 20.5 inches long

It was a beautiful birth!  Dave was there and was so calming and helpful.  

I have come to really love and appreciate each birth, and have found that the way they come into the world really indicates a lot about their little personality. 

 
Paxton came into the world slowly and peacefully.  He was in no hurry at all. 
Which is perfect, because his name means peace, and he seems to be such a sweet, mild baby. 

Nothing compares to the moment after they are born, bundled in your arms, and you FINALLY come face to face with your baby.
  The one you have been waiting for for 9 long months.
I looked into his deep, gentle, piercing eyes, and there is a wisdom there that is beyond his years.  It was a heaven like experience that words cannot fully describe, and so I will NOT try to.
Some things are just meant to be held in your heart.  
My eyes filled with tears of gratitude and joy and so did Dave's.
I silently thanked God for this wonderful gift.  
This miracle.

Nothing I could ever do would qualify me for such a perfect gift.  
But I am so humbled that this handsome, pure, and delightful little baby is all mine.  
Just minutes old.

His brothers and sister already ADORE him! 
Landon:

Easton:

Oaklyn:

I will miss parking in the "expectant mother" parking that some stores have here.  But it is so much better to have a baby in your arms.

Hospital housekeeping gave out three carnations, and we used them to "KNIGHT" the kids new big brothers and sister, and then we gave them each the flower to keep.

Three in my hospital bed and the little one said, "roll over".
(They are being babies)

Full van ride home from the hospital:

My dream come true!

I've said this before, but there is just something about a house with a new baby.  
It may seem a bit chaotic, toys scattered everywhere, but there is a peace and a sweetness there that can be felt by all who enter. 

It feels like having a little piece of heaven in your home.
We are feeling blessed, and just soaking in the sweetness and the chaos of it all.:)