Mom and the Flowers

Mom loves flowers. Everywhere we go she takes notice of the beautiful flowers and if I have my camera with me, she will usually ask if I will take a picture of them. Usually I do as long as she agrees to get in the picture. Usually she does.

Basketball with Dad

So, which one knows how to PLAY basketball, Mom or Dad? Then why is Dad playing? Because it is fun to play with Dad!

Have you ever missed the Kodak Moment?

So... I left my camera in the truck. Usually, I carry it in my purse. While we were in the store we had plenty of happy faces, and kodak moments but, when we reached the truck and my camera... the moment had passed. Oh well.

Nic?

Who wants to be a rock star?

Arco Iris

This was a pleasant sight after a storm had passed over our home.

Lilly, Lilly, Lilly!

Daddy, Mr. John and Lilly (Mr. John's Birthday)

Mr. John and Lilly (eating birthday cake)

Spencer and Lilly taking a nap on the beach

Our Little Lilly

The Lord did bless us... abundantly.

Suffice it to say, I was very anxious about my scheduled repeat C-section. I was nervous about the anesthesia, the birth, the recovery, and all the details pertaining to each.

We left our home at 5:45 am and left All of our children with (grandparents) John and Jackie. Daryl, Corey and Nicolas had a special sleep over the night before, at their house, so when we arrived with Spencer and Lilly they were still asleep. Spencer screamed for me at the top of his lungs and woke the entire house as we were leaving (note 5:45 am).

We arrived at the hospital and made our way to the Mother/Infant unit. This is a small community hospital of 10 beds in L&D. I have never been in a hospital this small before. And for two of my three day hospital stay, I was the ONLY patient on the floor. I was spoiled and very well taken care of.

After getting checked in, I was all dressed and ready to go for surgery. I was thinking happy thoughts and keeping my mind occupied and focused on the best part of this whole process, our son. When they wheeled me into the OR my CRNA noticed I was looking more and more anxious. He said, "Nicole, are you okay? I can see you are more anxious than before." At the start of his inquiry, I began to cry and could no longer hold back any tears or emotion. From that point on I felt like I was placed in the palm of the Master's hand. I was reassured by each member of the OR team that I would be okay and everyone was so generous with their concern for me and our baby.

The worst for me, the spinal insertion, went amazingly well. After that, I was more relaxed... still anxious but not so much. When I was completely under anesthesia, my doctor (miracle worker) began the laborious process to deliver our baby. This was my fourth c-section. I had A LOT of scar tissue and it took quite a bit of time to get to our baby. Skillfully, she made her way in and when I heard the beautiful cry of our son, I cried with relief. He was healthy and everything was going to be alright.

I said a prayer (one of many offered in that OR that day) thanking my Heavenly Father for one more opportunity to take part in the miracle of birth. One more precious moment to be the mother of yet another special spirit sent to us from the Lord. LIFE. What a wonderful gift.

For me, this birth was a beautiful experience - start to finish. Considering how anxious I was I could not have felt more peace than I did that day.

Lucas and I are home now. We are both doing great. He is the super star at home. Everyone wants to hold him, touch him, love him, kiss him. We love our Little Luke.

Lucas McKay Freeman
August 2, 2010
6 lbs. 10 oz.
20 in.