My Two Sons

Now that we have Shepard home, we have had the chance to look at pictures of the same time in Owen's life.  Wow!  We talked a lot throughout the pregnancy about the next one looking like Owen (if it was a boy of course).  Looks like that question has been answered.  There have been so many times that I would have sworn it was Owen sitting in that little seat looking back at me!  The first few days at home with Shepard have been such a rich time for us.  The only thing missing is Owen.  While Owen has been away with the grandparents, he has insisted on buying gifts for his "little brother."  We can't wait to have them both under the same roof.  Many people have been giving us advice that sounds a lot like this, "Enjoy this time.  It goes so fast!"  We know that it will.  We are planning on doing our best to enjoy every minute we have with them.

How could we could forget Cooper!  Notice he has the same look in both pictures.  "Why do you keep bringing these things home?"  Cooper has already shown that he is very protective of Owen, and now he is the same way with Shepard.  Cooper is the first one out of his bed when Shepard begins to cry at night!  We are still thanking God for the blessing of our boys.  Without His help, we would not have made it this far into the journey.  To God be the glory!

Welcome Home, Shepard!

We made it through the first night beautfiully!  Shepard did really great.  Slept wonderfully and went 4 hours between feedings!

Here's Owen, loving on Shepard our last night in the hospital.  He really loves his baby brother!

First car ride, going home from hospital

My dear, sweet friend Lori-Lynne cleaned our house before we came home and wrote such a sweet note on Owen's chalkboard.

Taking it all in...

After first sponge-bath.  He did really well.  Cried just a little.

 Cooper meets Shepard for the first time.  (More excited to be reunited with me.)

Snoozing while Mommy and Daddy eat lunch

Welcome, Sweet Shepard!

Well, he's FINALLY here!  I really was beginning to think I'd be the one woman on earth who would be eternally pregnant.  On September 23rd, a day after Ben's 31st birthday, Shepard James Derrick arrived, weighing 6 lbs, 14 oz, and measuring 19.5 inches long.  (He was 3 oz more than Owen and 1/2 inch longer.)  He is absolutely precious and perfect in every way!  I could not have asked for a smoother delivery.  Once he decided he was ready to arrive, he came FAST!

What an absolute miracle.

Here's my doctor, Missy McMinn.  She and I sang in the choir together at our old church (before we moved to camp).  She is the most wonderful OB and I have been so blessed to have her care for me during both pregnancies.  

Here he is, about 30 minutes after his arrival, alert as can be.

Chillin out in the nursery...

Big Brother Owen meets Shepard!  He was very intrigued, then very excited!  He said, "Hey, Shepard.  I'm Owen.  Wake up!"  And then he said, "Mommy, why doesn't he talk?"

Priceless moment!

My two favorite guys in the whole world!

Proud Gram

Proud Pop & Nonni

We are complete, a family of four!  Words cannot express our joy!  Our hearts are overflowing with thanksgiving.  "Now to Him who is able to do IMMEASURABLY more than all we ask or imagine, to Him be the glory and honor!" Ephesians 3:20