So, it's been almost a year since my last blog! We've had some huge changes since my last post so, here is my attempt at catching up for the sake of our family memories since I know I will never be crafty enough to create a legit scrapbook of all our memories...
Houston Edward Moore came into the world on September 5, 2012! He has been such a joy and a blessing to us over the past month and here is a brief summary of how he came into the world... (and by brief, I mean I'm about to write a novel so bear with me because I know if I don't write it down, I will eventually forget!)
At my 35 week appointment, I found out that I had started dilating and was told he could come "any minute" and that they'd like me to take it easy and see if I could make it to 37 weeks. My doctor also told me not to go more than 30 minutes away from the hospital because she could tell his delivery was going to be quick! Talk about making a preggo paranoid.... well, that "any minute" turned into over 2 weeks at 5cm! Once I was past 36 weeks, I decided it was time to get this show on the road... I basically tried every wives' tale of how to get labor going (except for caster oil) but no luck! The Monday before I was 38 weeks, we took a walk around the block... we had done this several times in the past week and it had been no big deal but this time was different. I started having really bad back pain... I kept saying "I'm not sure I'm going to make it home!" ... so, I slowly waddled home and plopped in the recliner. The back pain continued for another 48 hours and it was NOT pleasant. Nothing like contractions, just constant lower back pain and I couldn't get comfortable no matter what position I was sitting/standing/laying in. Wednesday night, we were eating dinner while watching TV. After I ate I made myself a semi-comfortable spot laying on the couch. A few minutes later a BAD storm started that knocked out our satellite. Shortly after, I yelled "MY WATER JUST BROKE!!" (So, if you're wondering, there IS truth to the barometric pressure stuff... the nurses said they have 1-2 deliveries a night and this night they had 6) This was a little after 7:15pm on 9/5/12. At this point contractions started pretty much immediately and they were 4 minutes apart. Luckily we had our bags mostly packed-- we just threw toiletries in and headed to the hospital.
Once we got to the ER, it was SO crowded!! While I was waiting to be admitted, I had to wait for someone to get up to go to the bathroom before I could have a seat (you'd think that a very large preggo person in the ER huffing and puffing through contractions MIGHT warrant someone offering their seat, but that was not happening! So, I stole a seat as soon as someone got up!) The guy called us up to the desk for us to fill out the admittance paperwork... the man behind the desk was just chatting it up with Matt about how this was our first baby, etc. I'm not sure if I said anything or not, but I remember being VERY agitated at the man behind the desk because contractions were fast and painful and he was just chatting it up without a care in the world! I think I nudged Matt and gave him a look to say "CUT IT OUT!" ha! As they wheeled me upstairs, the contractions were 2 minutes apart. As soon as we got off the elevator, the first face I see is my doctor!! I thought she was on vacation, but it turns out that she was leaving the NEXT morning and was on call that night... such an answer to prayer!
They put me in the bed and started hooking me up to the monitors, IVs, etc. The girl came to get my bloodwork and they realized the chatty man behind the desk forgot to give me my hospital band! So, a nurse ran downstairs to grab it.... My doctor checks me at this point and I'm about 7 cm. I ask about my epidural and they point to the bag of fluid hooked up to my IV and they say I have to get 1 bag of fluid in before they could give me the epidural So, at that point, I'm STARING at the bag of fluid hoping it would drain quickly so I could get relief from this pain!! During this process, they are having me initial and sign all kind of admittance paperwork. The contractions were SO bad at that point that everything was kind of fuzzy, I was basically scribbling my name with a shaky hand during contractions. I remember wanting a hair tie to pull my hair back, but I was in too much pain to ask Matt to search my purse. Basically, this whole time, Matt and I didn't speak, I was just squeezing my eyes shut and breathing hard everytime a contraction hit. We weren't timing them anymore, but I could tell they were picking up because basically I didn't have a break between them at all. Just one after another... after another... after another!! So, the bag of fluid is empty and my doctor comes to check me again... she looked up and her eyes were kind of big and she said "You're complete... 10 cm!" So, at that point, it pretty much dawned on my that this epidural was not happening. But, there was a TINY glimmer of hope... I remember saying "So... what does that mean about my epidural?" Then, I was informed the anethesiologist was in an Emergency C-section so I'd have to wait for them to be available and THEN wait for the epidural to kick in. Dr. Rupe asked if I wanted to try to wait or if I wanted to go ahead. I asked, "So.... the pain I'm feeling... is it going to get much worse? Or, are we about as bad as it gets?" My doctor said I was already feeling the worst of it and except for crowning this was as bad as it gets. At this point, waiting for another long period of time with these TERRIBLE contractions did not seem like an option. So, I think I said something to the effect of "Let's just do this." I don't think I even looked at Matt the whole time and we definitely weren't talking much-- I was thinking if I looked at him I might be more afraid because he would be able to tell I was scared so I just watched the room suddenly get VERY busy with them preparing the baby bed, my bed, etc. Fifteen minutes of pushing later and perfect little Houston was laid on my chest at 9:24 pm (yes, just 2 hours earlier, I was laying on the couch at home!) I thought I would cry in this moment, but I think everything was such a whirlwind (we hadn't even been in the hospital room for more than an 1.5.hours or so).. I just said "Oh my gosh!! Oh my gosh!!!" I still don't think it had fully hit me that I was even in the hospital about to have a baby and then all of a sudden he's here so FAST! He was perfect- 7 lbs 13oz, 21 inches long! Just a few minutes in, I realized he had dimples and that just made him even more adorable to me! SUCH a whirlwind, but I know I wouldn't have been able to do it without Matt by my side. Even though we weren't talking much it was so reassuring to know he was there and keeping track of everything the nurses were doing since I was so out of it! After I was holding Houston, the nurses were able to finish "formally" admitting me... I finished up answering the rest of their questions about medical and family history while holding my sweet little bundle! And, I finally found the hair tie and was able to pull back my hair. Hooray!
Here are a few of my favorite pics from that night....
It's a book about focusing on your strengths in life... and with the book, you get an access code to take a personality test. I've taken similar things that are supposed to tell me what my strengths are, but it always seems to be vague or inconclusive! This one is SO in depth. It gives you an 18-page print-out on what your 5 top strengths are, and then give you information on each one telling you how that trait is manifested in you specifically. I've learned a lot about myself by reading what they said my strengths are. Some of the things they pointed out, I didn't even realize I did. Or, I realize I did it but didn't understand where that personality trait came from. It is really interesting. We have meetings on Friday afternoon and everybody reads 1 of their strengths aloud. I'm going to buy the book for Matt so I can see what it says about him... understanding the reasons behind why people do things is so interesting to me!! And, it's also interesting because you can have the same strength as someone else, but the information they give on why you do things and how the trait is manifested in your personality will be completely different and unique to you. If you're trying to find what kind of path to take in life/job this wold really be helpful. As well as, I think in understanding yourself and your family members! It is awesome. :)
Through all these preparations, Matt's Grandpa, D-Daddy, passed away. He had been battling cancer for several months. In the last few months of his life, Matt and I got to spend some good time with him and Nana. D-Daddy was such a warm person and always made me feel loved as part of the Moore family. Although this may sound weird, I really enjoyed being a part of the funeral activities. The service was such a celebration of the life of a loving father, husband, grandpa, brother, and friend. And, it was so neat to hear multiple people talk about what a positive happy person he was... even when facing such a trial. I know we will all miss him for awhile to come, but what a blesssing it is to know that we will see him again! Here's a picture of him and Nana from our family reunion this past summer:
It has been completely evident that the Lord's hand has been on us through this moving process. Last Monday, our house went under contract!! Incredibly, we had 3 different people interested in our house- it happened so quickly! We signed the contract the DAY before I left for Nashville- talk about perfect timing! We will miss our house, but are SO thankful to have a contract on it. Now, we can begin the process of looking for a house in Nashville!! Good-bye Greenville house!
The day our house went unter contract, I had been humming "Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow"... then Matt came home and was singing it not knowing it had been stuck in my head all day... THEN, we went to Sonic for a celebratory Happy Hour drink-treat.. and we passed a little church on the way-- look at what the sign says!
Pretty awesome, eh? 
The other big news is that I got the job I have been interviewing for! I'll be working in the ELP Real Estate Program for Dave Ramsey! I had my last interview Thursday, was offerred the job Friday... and will start the Monday after Thanksgiving! So, I'm soaking up this week of being home and waiting for the rest of the family to come (they all come today! Hooray!) I feel so blessed to not only have found a job so quickly, but a job I will enjoy with such a great company!!
See ya next time!
2. My Shark! This tiny little wonder is so great to tidy the kitchen, couches, or any other little nook & cranny. (and, did I mention it's PURPLE??) We were at Matt's grandma's one day and his mom and Granny could NOT believe I didn't have a dust buster... so off to Bed, Bath, and Beyond we went. For the record, Franklin is NOT a fan, so all "dust busting" must be done while he is outside!!
4. Orange Pledge. I know this is weird, but I LOVE the smell of this stuff. That's all.
Matt's Family- I have been blessed with a wonderful set of in-law and siblings! Matt's brother, Nate, was married to Bethany in May (front right) and Sarah and Drew (back right) are engaged with a wedding being planned for next summer! We love Drew and are excited for him to be part of our family!
Falls Park- a beaufitul area of the revitalized downtown of Greenville- and where we got engaged! We'll miss the walks/runs on the trails with the dogs, trips to the dog park, and all the other the memories that this park holds. Now that we're moving, I wish we had used it more!
Christmas in our beloved little house. Matt bought our house while we were dating- about 4 years ago. Much blood, sweat, and tears have been put into renovating this house and making it our own. My first Christmas with the Moore's was spent in this house as well as my 1st married Christmas.
No, we're not leaving our "furry babies" behind. But, we will miss our BIG fenced in backyard!! This was their first day running like wild animals inside the fence.