Christmas 2007

We were given an amazing gift this season, it wasn't wrapped in a pretty box, and it was a very difficult gift to receive. It was a lesson. There were a lot of mistakes made this year involving family, by us and towards us. The lesson we learned was the value of family. I believe God gives you your family for a reason. Try as you may to convince yourself that you don't need them, the reality is, you do. I know this because we felt it this year. Yes, the 3 of us are family, and we are so blessed to have each other, but that isn't where our family begins and ends. Sometimes it's hard to get along with family, they tend to bring out the best and worst in each other, but there's a God given bond that you can't have with anyone else. We agreed to do our part right, to have a pure heart towards our families. Of course is takes everyone doing their part, and none of us can do everything right, that's what apologies are for. I'm grateful for the gift of family, and for the lesson we were given. I hope and pray that not just at Christmas time, but every single day, He reminds us of the treasures around us. People are His most beautiful creation, and family a priceless gift.

Bubbly Toes

I adore this picture. Isn't it amazing that God can create something so perfect, so tiny? I pray God will bless her little feet, wherever they may take her, that they will always bring her back to Him. The One who breathed life into her, He who loves her more than I.

Thanksgiving 2007

We have so much to be thankful for. Even with our families hardships this year, Mee-Maw's chemo treatments and Summer's early birth, we still count ourselves blessed.

Aunt Amy, and my sister Chelsea loving on Summer

Aunt Patty multi-tasking

Elise & Summer, sweet girls

Uncle Harold & Baylee

Paw-Paw & Harley

Mee-Maw & I

Mee-Maw & Chelsea

Mom & Harold = tRoUbLe

Our little family

Chris' 26th!

We celebrated Chris' 26th birthday at Buca Di Beppo in The Woodlands.

Evidently, the older you get the fewer candles they bring! :)

This was right after I told him he was almost 30 now!

Almost to our 1 yr anniversary, still my sweetheart.

We bring Summer home!

Summer finally came home. A huge sigh of relief, now our family can be at home together.

That first night Summer slept 7 hours, through the night. She was glad to be in her own bed, even though it's big enough for about 10 babies her size!

We love our sweet little baby, she is settled and happy. We have adapted to HER schedule! :) She is such a sweet, happy, healthy baby. You can't even tell that a week ago she was in the NICU. We are making sure sweet baby is ready for the Houston trip in November, and Thanksgiving in Arkansas. Daddy is remodeling the bathroom and working nights - stealing kisses through the day, pretending to be "too busy" to change dirty diapers, yet available for feedings. Hmmm... I'm living in the bedroom with baby! Sleeping when she does and enjoying the bonding that comes naturally with a new baby. Sunshine, Cheeto and Harley don't know quite what to think about the little bundle that is constantly making grunting and cooing noises! Sunshine is my shadow - making sure I'm taking care of Summer, following me around for the feedings and diaper changes. We wanted to again thank everyone who stood by us through this time! It has been exciting and scary, and the support is truly what made the difference. To all that visited, and brought gifts and laughter - THANK YOU! We truly appreciate it.

Summer goes to San Antonio...

Chris and I spent that first night without our baby, it was the strangest, saddest feeling. We set up a laptop to watch a movie, trying to distract ourselves, but it didn't work. I was released 18 hours after delivery, but Summer Lynn had to be transported to San Antonio for further treatment. Being born a month early, her lungs were underdeveloped, and the doctors wanted to keep an eye on her in the NICU. We were there 11 days. Every day and night we rotated shifts with our precious baby. Between my Mom, Karen, Chris and I, she was never alone when visiting hours were open. There were many times when each of us fell asleep holding that tiny bundle in our arms, wanting so badly to bring her home. But she was a little fighter, doing everything in her power to get better. She was known in her room for being the best "burper", she takes after her Daddy a bit! :)

The support we received was overwhelming, we would have never held everything together without family, friends, and the many prayers we felt. Summer had many visitors, but only immediate family was allowed to be in her room and hold her. A special exception was made for my "Mee-Maw". Their bond and love for each other was instant.

What a little baby!

Somewhere around 6:30 am, I stirred from my sleep and woke everyone up. "Let's GO!" It's that mommy thing, when you know, you know! We piled into the car making phone calls and sending texts... We made it to McKenna Hospital in New Braunfels, TX a little before 8 am.

The hospital room was full of people, eager to be a part of the miracle. To meet our angel.

At 12:11pm, Summer Lynn Coley arrived. Weighing 6lbs 5 oz, and 19 1/2 inches long. She came in such a hurry that mommy didn't even have time for an epidural! 3 strong pushes and our little angel came into the world.

She's coming....

Chris and I were in Dallas working, when I started having contractions. We were in shock, a month early! I kept thinking it could be a false alarm, they would go away. I spent the evening with Rachel and Zach (Zach's comedic nature could throw a barren woman into labor) and we realized before the night was through, this baby was coming soon. I refused to have my child in "ghetto" Dallas, and so the next afternoon I drove towards Canyon Lake alone, meeting Bill & Karen part way. I alerted my family and everyone was ready and waiting for the Doctor's opinion. (I didn't make it to my appointment, set for October 3rd.)

Chris made it in from Dallas (Sep 29) and we (along with Kristin, Karen & Josh) went to the ER. I was dilated and progressing, but not enough to keep me over night. They told me to go home and sleep, or try walking. The next morning my family jumped into the car, making the 3 1/2 hour drive from Montgomery. When they arrived we started walking. We walked, and walked, and walked. Chelsea and I continued on foot as the rest of the family relaxed, or rode beside us in Bill's mule. If walking could do it, we would persist!

Ready to Pop!

It's starting to be difficult sleep at night, Chris suffers from all my tossing and turning as well. When Chris is out of town, Sunshine is my constant companion, never leaving my side, I think she knows about the baby.

I love sitting in bed at night watching Summer move around in my tummy, I talk and sing to her constantly, I can't wait to see her for the first time. When Chris calls I put him on speakerphone and wow does she go crazy! I think she's already a Daddy's Girl!

Dr. Stumbo says my due date is now October 28th, instead of the original October 18th. But we are ready whenever, our hospital bags are packed and sitting by the door!

Summer's Baby Shower

My family and friends hosted a baby shower for Summer and I in Montgomery. The decor was so cute and colorful, and each of the guests decorated a onesie for Summer! An enormous stack of gifts were so beautifully decorated, each person so excited about the little baby in my tummy!

Each mother shared priceless advice with me. This was my favorite morsel, "Most importantly, Sarah, remember that God made you Summer's mom for a reason. You won't be perfect, but God has placed within you everything that your daughter will need. Don't be afraid to follow your instincts, He put them inside of you".