On December 29th at 8:13 a.m. we welcomed our precious son Shepherd Morgan Ricks into the world! He weighed 7 lbs 9 ozs and was 20.5 inches long. Born with blue eyes and a head full of dark brown hair, he is PERFECT! Our hearts exploded with love for our second born son and we couldn't be happier to be a family of four!
The morning started very early with alarms sounding at 3:30 a.m. to ensure we made it to the hospital on time at 5:15 a.m. Basically, there was very little sleeping happening on mommy and daddy's end that night as we anticipated meeting our son the next morning.
After getting checked in, we got into our recovery room where preparations for my c section began. My nerves quickly set in and I was way more nervous this go round than with Hatcher. I knew what to expect this time and after a not so pleasant c section with Hatcher I was very anxious for what I knew was coming. Overall, the experience this time was much much better...answered prayers for sure! After receiving the spinal block, my blood pressure hit rock bottom just like with Hatcher but they were quick to fix it and I was feeling better within minutes. After that, my heart rate got very high and they couldn't figure out why. But, as soon as Johny walked into the OR it immediately went back to normal. Y'all I have to take a quick minute to brag on my husband. With both babies, he has a been a huge support system through the entire pregnancy but in the OR he is AMAZING! He knows just what to say to calm me or make me laugh...whatever is needed in the moment. His reaction when his sons were born makes my heart smile to this day. He loves his boys with all of his heart and I am so thankful we get to call him ours.
After surgery, we hung out in recovery for 2 hours and this time I got to hold my sweet boy as soon as we got in the room. Having that skin to skin contact with him and getting to hold him so quickly after the operation made me so happy! I didn't get that time with Hatcher so this was such a blessing to me. After getting into our permanent room, the visitors starting pouring in to shower Shep with love and gifts. We had such a great day and it was a wonderful celebration of his arrival!
The only hospital regret we have is that due to flu season Hatcher was unable to visit due to hospital policy. We weren't notified of this until just before surgery which of course brought me to tears. But, we understood the policy and wanted to make sure we kept Shep healthy. It sure was hard being away from him for 2 full days anticpating him meeting his baby brother but when we got home it was totally worth it!
We came home on Wednesday, 12/31 and Hatcher immediately fell in love with Shep. First thing he wanted to do was hold him and kiss him. It was a precious site to witness and a moment I'll never forget. Since then, he continues to always want to hold him but we are working on the gentle part of it. He's just a rough and tumble 2 year old but he's slowly but surely getting the hang of it.
We were so fortunate to have LOTS of help after coming home from the hospital and even while we were in the hospital. We could never begin to thank everyone adequately enough for the calls, texts, Facebook posts, visits, gifts and meals we received. I'm amazed at how thoughtful and generous so many people were during such a special time in our lives. The help continues to flow in abundance from our families as we are transitioning and learning our new "normal" as a family of four. Grateful doesn't even begin to describe how we feel!
Shep has joined our family and fits in just perfectly! I couldn't imagine a more beautiful baby boy. He's just perfect in every single way and we love him to pieces. Here's some photos from those first few days! More to come on how he's doing now very soon!
Whoa baby!! Last "bump" shot before heading to the hospital. Mama is ready to POP!!
Nervous but so ready to meet my baby!
Love at first sight!! :)
His first of many kisses!
Daddy kisses!
Adoring his second born son! :)
Holding Shep for the first time!
Skin to skin contact...a moment I'll never forget!
Love that crying face! He still looks exactly like this when he gets upset.
His favorite nurse, Angela, taking good care of him! She prayed over him everytime she came to check on him. Sweetest nurse ever!
Mommy & Shep
First photo with Mommy & Daddy
Poppy & Shep
GaGa & Shep
Nanny & Shep
Precious boy!
Side by side comparison of the Ricks Brothers! {Hatcher on left, Shep on right}
Smooches!!
Proud Daddy
Pure joy!
Ready to take our little man home!
Loaded up & ready to go! :)
One of the most special moments of my life. My boys meeting one another for the first time. Brings tears to my eyes every time I see it. I pray they grow up to be the best of friends!
