Luke David Gemma \\ April 27, 2017 \\ 9lb 5ounces 19.5″
With Mother’s day being this weekend, I thought it would be the perfect time to share photos from Luke’s arrival – he was hitting the 24 hour mark when we were shooting these actually! I can barely look at these without my eyes watering. Luke has totally changed our world – ALL for the better. The past two weeks have been the best, ever! Honestly, I hate to admit this to you all but I have lived the past decade or so in ‘waiting for the next big thing’ mode. I am sure it mostly stems from the medical school // residency journey. During John’s first year of medical school, I was getting my MBA in Arkansas (he was in Virginia). I was always thinking “oh in May when I finish my MBA, I will move to be with John and then life will be better!” and then each year it was something new. The last year of medical school, it was me rushing the year constantly saying “if we could just get to May when you graduate, life will really begin when we start residency!” and BOY! Residency.. haha, yikes! I literally have counted down the days to wrapping this show up! I’ve been living for June 2017 for 3 years now! The point is, I have constantly rushed life in way – basically trying to get out of this medical training lifestyle. Don’t get me wrong, we have really made the most of it. We’ve made incredible new friends, traveled to some of the most gorgeous places, and had some exceptional experiences, but I was still always waiting for the next big thing. I was telling my mom last week that for once in my life, I don’t care about any certain date or anything now that Luke is here [let’s not get too crazy, I will be thrilled when we get to spend more time with John post residency!]. It’s as if I want everything to slow down completely now. I get sad every night when I nurse him and put him into the bassinet next to me because I know he’s going to be one day older when he wakes up. 🙁 After spending so many years waiting for the next stage in life, it is strange to suddenly want to slow everything down. I literally want to soak up every single moment him and take it all in – no more rushing.
I’ve shared on my social media that I am not planning on doing a birth story or anything. We decided as a family that Luke’s due date and birth story will remain a private, special family moment. I love blogging and sharing our life with all of you, but I want to keep some personal moments and experiences to our family. I hope you all understand. BUT, I do have a random, kind of funny story to share that many of you will appreciate! So, the morning of the 27th was kind of a chaotic mess – we were running around the house throwing things into a suitcase (I had yet to pack my hospital bag). I was really hustling because I wanted to kind of get ready and be presentable just because I knew we’d be taking photos after his arrival. Once we got the hospital I got really nervous – I was the most scared I’ve ever been in my life, therefore I act goofier than usual. Anyway, once things got going, the nurse anesthetist came by, she mentioned that Dr. Lindsay would be by shortly for the epidural. The first thing out of my mouth was “Is that Rachel Lindsay’s uncle?!” and everyone in the room laughed. Basically like “what is this girl talking about?!”. [Rachel Lindsay was a finalist on Nick’s season of the Bachelor and is now the Bachelorette starting this summer.] When he walked in, I said something to the effect of “rumor has it you are Rachel Lindsay’s uncle?!” and I quickly discovered he’s a very stern, serious physician who is not a big fan of shows like that, oops! :/ He ended up being a lot less serious and chatted about it a lot more which was pretty interesting.
As far as being a mom goes, I have to say that I am loving every minute of it. Yes, it is hard – people are not joking when they say that! However, it is also SO much fun and so special. For me, the hardest part is nursing. It’s so much pressure to be in charge of a tiny human’s weight gain. My days revolve around nursing and pumping to try to boost/keep supply up. I totally get why people say breastfeeding is tough – it really is not what I expected it to be at all, but we are learning daily! Also, my priorities changed so drastically so fast – which I’ve found to be a blessing. It’s as if having children of your own kind of shows you what is most important in this life.
One a completely different note, I am so BEYOND grateful for my own mother. Like woah! Talk about a God send, we could not be doing any of this without her. John is on a tough rotation – he is gone over 12 hours per day some of which are 7pm – 7am (err!!). My mom takes off from work each week so that she can stay with me while John is gone. We would be so lost without her. Not only does she take great care of Luke, but she cooks dinners (always John’s faves tho!), helps me get things done for my work, helps with laundry and cleaning the house, etc. Also! We just have the best time together – she is constantly making me laugh and have fun with all of these changes.
DETAILS
Personalized Swaddle c/o Jennifer Ann
Luke’s PJs w/ Seersucker Cuffs
Photography by Amanda Lassiter of Tulsa, OK
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I will do a blog post on his nursery soon! We just got a few of the final touches done this week and hopefully will shoot it soon!
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I hope you all have a wonderful Mother’s day!
Hi emily! Congratulations on luke hes beuaitful like his momma! I Wanted to share a fee tips that helped Ne in the beggIning because i wAs trying So hard to get my milk supply up. We were at the lacations dOctors Every other day. So i wasnt eating enough but i didnt know how to eat more and drink and care for my daughter. So i set a Time on my phone every two hours i would set to nurse and then pump and id have a snack everytime. At Night i prepped snacks Like apples almonds pbj sandwhiches sAdlads i grilled alot of chicken so i could grab and go. Then i took like big water cups with Straws each were 32oz and i had three i said you have to drink these before dinner everyday. Seeing it All poured was easier to drink thaN ImaginIng it. I also drank the mEal replacement shakes from advocare to help. My milk supply came In full force When she was about three weeks and then the best was my Dr told me to stop pumping at night but just sleep and let baby sleep and build my night supply. It was Amazing! I think youre Doing an amazong job. It is Hard Work and no matter what youre doing everything right. Youre a great mom! I hope this helped! Oh and I took my prenatals for a year or so tIll i stopped breast feEding. Hope hos helPs. Xo thank you for you opening your life and hearts to us xo mandy
These are so precious. ConGratulations! I totally can related to the, “next big thing” feeling. I use to live in tulsa and one time, I got sick and had to see a Dr. Lindsey at St. Francis medical center. I dont think it was the same Doctor that you’re referring to because he was faiRly young and not very stern. He was however, an absolute hottie! Lol! When you said that name, I thought Dr. HoTtie. Wish you and your family the absolute best! 3 john 2
Awwww this is so beautiful and touching! Congrats on luke, he is so cute <3
http://www.myblackcloset.com/
Ok I feel like one of my BFF’s just had a baby lol! When you had Luke I literally screamed to my boyfriend OMG EMILY GEMMA HAD HER BABY!!! He was like you sound like such a creep right now!! Haha anyways!! I am just so over the moon happy for you John and FItzy. Luke is absolutely beautiful and he is so lucky to have you as his mama 🙂 Can I say also this is giving birth goals??? Like your hair and makeup are perfect!
Can’t wait to continue watching Luke grow!
ALlie
http://www.champagne-tuesdays.com
The first month NURSING was so hard! I felt like i didnt know wHat i was doing. I was determined to stick with it. It got a lot easier. Time flys by. Soak up every second!
So glad to hear that mom life is off to a great start for you! I am expecting my first in october so I love these types of posts. luke is just absolutely beautiful and the hospital pictures are so special. I hope i look half as good as you less than 24 hours after giving birth! Thanks for sharing these special moments with us! 🙂
So beautiful! A baby is such a blessing, and your little bundle of joy is absoLutely gorgeous!
Luke looks so much like you with his big br eyes!!
Xx,
http://www.arelisapril.com
Luke is so cute. congrats! Glad your mom is there to help with things. There’s nothing like having your momma around after having a baby. I hope you have a special first Mother’s Day!
Happy Mother’s Day! Enjoy it. You share as little or as much as you like. Allowing people into your life is great but keep special pieces for you. You give us all so much already, never be sorry for being yiu and doing what you need ?
Congratulations!!!!
I love the initials on his top!
Jaye x
The Life of JP
APRIL 27TH IS ONE OF THE very best days to have a precious baby boy…i had one 22 years ago on the same date and had all the same feelings you are having. it.is.the.best!!! There is no other thing in the world more special and you are so right about soaking up every single minute. i remember at about 2 weeks my husband coming home from work and me crying saying “i just love him so much”…what a mess? Nursing is hard. i don’t know what your feelings about it are, but don’t put too much pressure on yourself. i was a terrible “nurser” and didn’t make it very long with either of my kids. i think it’s great if it works for you, but it’s sure not the end of the world if it doesn’t and don’t let anyone make you feel guilty.❤️ congratulations on that precious little luke and happy mother’s day!!!
Yay emily! You’re such a lovely lady and mom! Don’t blame you a bit about not sharing a birth story. ThaT’s private and Luke will appreciate it later on. You looked stunning in your photos! I definitley plan on doing those too someday!
Adorable photos! hAPPY Mother’s day!
xx
Mademoiselle Coconath
http://mllecoconath.com
yes, girl, yes. nursing is hard. *so* hard. i know all about nursing/pumping/supplementing and lactation consultants and weighted feeds. thinking about you during these crazy fast, sometimes crazy slow, amazing first days. ::hugs::
🙂 Congratulations to you!
All the very best for you and your lovely little family
from Vienna 🙂
http://happyface313.com
Emily, love your blog and welcome to motherhood 🙂 I saw your snap the other day about increasing milk supply. here is what has worked for me-arugula and date salads. I just mix arugula with olive oil and apple cider vinegar, and top with chopped dates, which are known for increasing milk. when I eat this at night, my supply the next day is increased. I have tried cookies, tea, etc. and this has worked best for me. also, my baby girl is 9 months old now, but when she goes to bed at night and if I want to get some extra milk, I watch a one hour show and pump on for 10 minutes, off for 10, on for 10 and so on for the hour. also, when I pump I always wait for a 2nd letdown. so I pump and get the first let down, then wait until there isn’t any milk coming out, push the letdown button on my pump 1-2 times until there is another consistent flow. good luck and enjoy your time with baby luke!
We sure have lots of fun and I savor every single second…
Hi emily! Long time reader of your blog. I reccommend birth song bontaNicals ‘leT there be milk’ tincture for milk supply. My son is 9 weeks this week and i know the struggle. Love your blog! And trust that god will supply you with enough milk. ???
HE IS ADORABLE! hE WILL DEFINITELY BE A LITTLE HEARTBREAKER WHEN HE GETS OLDER. I COULDN’T HAVE MADE IT WITH MY FIRST WITHOUT THE LOVE AND SUPPORT OF MY FAMILY. I WAS A SINGLE MOTHER AND THERE IS NOTHING HARDER THAN DOING IT ALL ALONE! I WISH YOU AND YOUR NEW FAMILY NOTHING BUT THE BEST. I LOVE READING YOUR BLOG EVERY WEEK.
I absolutely loves this post, your HONESTY ABOUT WAITING FOR THE NEXT BIG THING MADE ME TEAR UP. MY BOYFRIEND AND I ENDURE SOMETHING SIMILAR TO WHAT YOU GO THROUGH WITH RESIDENCY AS HIS JOB KEEPS HIM AWAY FOR 4-6 WEEKS AT A TIME, THEN HE IS HOME FOR 2 WEEKS. THEN THE CYCLE STARTS OVER! IT’S ROUGH AND I KEEP WAITING FOR THE “NEXT BIG THING.” YOU ARE INSPIRING AND I REALLY APPRECIATE SHARING YOUR LIFE WITH US. IT’S ENCOURAGING TO SEE HOW STRONG YOU ARE!