Introducing Holton Matthew Mullins

HOLTON MATTHEW

January 12, 2011

1:10 pm

8 lb 7 oz

20.5 in

About to leave for the hospital.  I was ready to POP!

Me and my man...all ready to meet our baby.  I was feeling GOOD!

Me with my sibs and our mom.

What a day Wednesday was!  If my pregnancy weren't so difficult this time around I would already be telling Matt 'let's do this again!'  Holton's birthday was picture perfect.  It was so easy, so memorable, and honestly it was so much fun.

We went in at 7 am to be induced.  I came in dilated to a 3 and 70% effaced.  I really felt SO ready to have this baby.  I was induced at 37 and 1/2 weeks because of my blood pressure.  It seemed the farther along I went in this pregnancy the higher my BP went.

They started the pitocin mid morning and gave me my epidural before I ever felt ONE-BAD-CONTRACTION.  Can we say HALLELUJAH??  My doctor broke my water right before noon, and we sent family out of the room a little after 1 because I felt like I was ready to go.  After 1 push, Holton made his grand debut at 1:10.  (My guess that morning was 1:09...ahh so close).  My sweet doctor was so amazing.  I feel so bonded to her because I have been seeing her weekly since 20 weeks.  She is amazing and has taken such great care of me.  My nurse, Kim, was fantastic.  Our care from start to finish was the best I have ever had.  It was BY FAR the best labor and delivery experience of my 3.  I am filled with such gratitude for everyone who cared for me.

It was just Matt and I in the room together when I had Holton.  It was perfect.  Matt sent a text and picture out to family right after Holton was born and they had just walked into the waiting room.  They couldn't believe he was already here.  As they were waiting outside of the door for us to let them in, they could hear Holton crying.  Harper said, "that's my baby crying."  She was so proud. 

Just born.

Instant, unconditional love.

I could not get over Holton's head full of hair, and his chubby cheeks.  He was so precious.  I was overcome with such joy and love for our sweet boy.  No words can describe what you feel in those first few moments.  I was so relieved he was here and healthy.  We could not get over his weight and length (he has the EXACT measurements as Hudson).  My doctor said had I gone any longer I would have easily had over a 10 lb baby.  I cannot imagine.

UNK with his 3rd nephew.

Holton meets Nana.

J with her 4th grandbaby.

Mini and Holton

Grammy and Holton

Grammy and Daddy Pops with their 2 babies.  Camden checking out his new buddy.

Proudest, sweetest daddy there ever was.

It was great when we let our family in to love on Holton and pass him around.  We just could not get over how sweet he was.  It is such a special moment when you see your loved ones with your new baby.

Harper checking out her baby.

My 3 babies.  Wow 3 kids!!  I still can't believe it.

My 3 Mullins men.

Matt and I had a moment when we all got in this bed that was like, "holy cow we have 3 kids."  I was so overwhelmed with so much love.

Hudson and Harper loved their brother so much.  Harper was so gentle and giddy.  Hudson was just taking it all in.  I love hearing them refer to Holton as their 'baby brother.'  They just adore him, and did from the moment they first laid eyes on him.  I think the pictures above capture the moment perfectly. 

Harper's best part of the day....HA!

Holton's first bath

So beautiful all cleaned up.

The first day was great.  We enjoyed how easy and laid back it was.  It really could not have been any more perfect.  I am so thankful and every time I see Holton's sweet face I cannot quit thanking God for this miracle.  I could cry (and often do) when I look at him.  Matt and I enjoyed our night alone together with Holton in the hospital.  We savored each moment of him.  He and I are already so emotional about him because we know how fast they grow.  We just want to soak up each and every stage of this little guy.

The proud BIGGEST brother.

The proud BIG sister.

I had a shower that evening and when I came out my bed had been taken over.  I thought they looked so cute.

Time to finally go home!!  Matt and I were dying to get home to Hudson and Harper.

I am still in shock that I am 30 and have 3 kids.  When did this happen??  When I look at Holton, I cannot believe he is here and that he is mine.  He is just so sweet.  He has the sweetest, squeakiest cry that I have ever heard.  I love his little noises.  I could sit and hold him and stare at him all day long.  My heart could burst because I am so in love with all 3 of my babies.  Seeing Matt with his 3 children...well, talk about falling in love with your man over and over and over again.

Our first few days at home have been wonderful.  I'm exhausted...and oh my--I forgot how zombie-like you feel after giving birth.  The kids are doing well with our new addition.  We have had a few moments, but overall they are doing great.  My mom, sister, and Camden have been here since Tuesday.  They left this morning.  It was wonderful having them here.  I, of course, have a million more pictures to share from their time here with us.

"Real life" starts Tuesday when Matt goes back to work.  Life with 3 kids....we are diving in!!

Thank you so much for your prayers for us.  I felt such a peace the entire day on Wednesday.  It was a beautiful day!