A Book Shower

A few sweet friends of mine (two sisters) threw a book shower for baby Luke and me on Saturday afternoon, November 15th.  If you knew Jenni and Hayley, you would know that everything was above and beyond.  I’m so bummed that I didn’t get a picture of those two girls, but then again, they were busy bustling around - making everything amazing the entire time. :)

Since Jared & I felt like we had enough baby stuff already, a book shower was the perfect way to welcome our new little guy.  When our family left Argentina 18 months ago, we donated many of our children’s books to an English Learning Center in El Quebracho.  Needless to say, our library is replenished now and all of my kiddos have benefited from it!

^^^ Such amazing women and friends.  I feel so blessed. ^^^

I really enjoyed an afternoon of woman talk. :)  I honestly can’t remember the last time I did that!!  It was definitely a boost, and I still feel so honored that I was pampered with such love and effort.

(And I’m pretty sure I’m enjoying all these books just as much as my little ones are.) 

Early November

A small part of me would like to forget about that month before I had a baby.  I dare say it wasn’t an easy time for me.  The 8 months pregnant/pneumonia combination proved to be a daily test of patience.  At the time I knew my life was about to change forever as it does with the entrance of a new family member, and although I wanted to enjoy my last few weeks as a family of 5, each day was a struggle.  

Little Luke is 3 weeks old now, and it is such a relief to have him here.  I can breathe easier (literally).  

Grieving the loss of my dad while pregnant was harder on my body than I realized.  It was near impossible to escape the roller coaster of emotions in the midst of my “year of firsts” as it’s called.  Whenever I found myself getting too sad, I’d do everything I could to "look up" and face hope head on, but as my physical body struggled, it was tough to get where I needed to be in order to cope.

I count my blessings that I made it through my pregnancy.  Even though my baby steps felt like they weren’t getting me anywhere, I can now look back and see that I’ve made progress since then.

        

I know these pictures don’t really have anything to do with what I’m talking about, but I’m so grateful to see smiles on my kids’ faces during this time.  I guess I wasn’t a complete failure.

AnnMarie was getting a little nervous that the baby would never come.

But he did...

and oh, how we love him.

Welcome Baby Luke!!

Welcome, little one!!

Luke Kyle Wolfley, our bringer of light.

7 lbs. 9.9 oz. and 19” long

Early Sunday morning, December 14th at 6:12 AM, we welcomed a beautiful baby boy into our family.  This past month has been a whirlwind of ups and downs as we’ve awaited his arrival, but we are especially grateful for the pure love we have felt by so many who have anticipated his presence.  It’s interesting to consider that Luke may have spent time with my dad; I have certainly felt his love for me since Luke’s birth and Gabe has twice made the comment that, “Papa’s here.”

My mom was able to be with Jared & I through the labor and delivery, and it was truly one of the most sacred experiences I’ve ever had.

It’s hard to believe that I am a mother to four.  I love each of my children dearly.  I know I’ve said it before, but there is nothing greater than being a Mother!  I am grateful for this life of mine.  I have cried a lot of tears over the past five months, but the last four days have been filled with tears of gratitude, hope, and happiness over this beautiful newborn who allows us to experience heaven in our home.