4 months.

Little Ivers.... you have been such a sweet tender mercy these past 4 months. I am grateful to call you my son. I love you more than you will ever know. Thanks for making me smile:)
Love,
Mommy

Ivan's Room

After we lost Emmie, I couldn't even comprehend the thought of bringing another baby into this world, let alone decorate a nursery for him.  I wanted an opinion on his room but couldn't get motivated to do it. So I called Kristin, whom I love... and had her help me with the details. I gave her a general idea of the colors scheme and style and she worked her magic from there. She is one talented girl! I'll take more pictures when it is done, but I am loving it so far. It helped pacify my time until I met my new son, which has been a sweet journey for me.

Look who loves cartoons.....

...and I couldn't be more thrilled! My youngest girls have never fallen for my TV trick (you know the hour in the morning that helps mom to get some stuff done.) They both have always followed me around stuck to my leg like glue. Emmie LOVED LOVED LOVED strawberry and we think Ivan may be the same way with TV. Let's hope it sticks! Mom needs all the extra time she can get! :)

Our little man

I have so much to post about.... but lately I have been taking care of this sweet boy who has a cold.....

Don't you love all the build a bear accessories? They are perfect for our little man!

Big I

Although the last 8 weeks have brought many sleepless nights, mastitis, thrush, colds, emotion, lack of a clean house, newborn diapers everywhere and a big appetite, they have been such a blessing. After we lost our daughter it took me a while to get excited for this little guy. The moment I layed my eyes on him, I was hooked. Our Heavenly Father knows the beginning to the end. I know that more now than ever. My heart aches horribly and we are all trying to still get used to this new life but I feel a connection to Emmie when I look at this sweet boy. He has brought me so much joy. Plus, it certainly helps that he looks just like me!

This outfit he was wearing yesterday made me realize, I haven't blogged about him at all! Around our house he has a few nicknames already... Big I, Ivers, Bubba and Ted. Uncle Scott calls Elsie, Red Fred because of her red hair and now it's just Fred. Since we have another red head we asked him what Ivans name will be and he said Red Ted. We have nicknamed all their kids so now it's their turn. SCARY!!!!

Ivan Jason Check is finally here...

(This is aunt Tracey...)

Ivan Jason Check finally arrived safe and sound early this morning at 5:12 a.m.... He weighed in at 8 lbs 12 oz and is 21 1/2 inches long.

It was a long, hard delivery that ended in a c-section, which Tiff was pretty disappointed about... because of her history of internal bleeding! They are watching her very closely and have high hopes that she will recover and still be able to have more baby Checks, if that is what their desire is for the future! Tiffany had a rough labor, she is beat and is going to be very sore for the next few days. Thankfully, she has an amazing doctor who took great care of her and we know made the best decision for Tiffany and Ivan! Thank you Dr. Wilson, you were awesome!

I was invited into the O.R. as the "photographer" and was so grateful to experience those sweet, emotional moments with Jason as he greeted "his first son" (that he has been waiting so patiently for) into this world. He is a proud daddy! I have so many cute pictures, but here are just a few for now until I have time to go through the rest.

He is a beautiful baby and so far looks like big sister Elsie and even has the red hair to match! I am headed back up to the hospital to see how everyone is doing and to snuggle cute Ivan...

Missing her

Mornings like this morning... I want to drink my daily sonic diet DP and go back to bed. I don't know what sets me off some mornings. After family prayer this morning, I struggled to get Ava ready and out the door. I don't like when my girls see me cry. But today, I couldn't contain myself. They are the sweetest girls I know. Always going out of their way making me feel better. I heard Elsie running in the kitchen to tell J, "mom is crying, hurry and come." It melted my heart. My family is the greatest, they have helped me gain strength. I just miss her. I don't know how people cope when they lose a child or loved one and don't have a spouse or other kids to pick them up. I am thankful everyday for my sweet family and their strength. They have truly taught me how to be more sympathetic (which I need).

I started my baby's nursery yesterday and all of a sudden, it felt real. I am really having a baby in just 7 short weeks. Wow... I have so much to do. I think the Lord knew I might need a special little guy to help lift me up. Although these two girlie's and my sweet husband have done an amazing job... I am so excited to hold my little guy!

(picture taken in Colorado... I have so much to update about!)

Guess what....

GUESS WHAT?!?

We are going to be "BIG SISTERS" again in November... and we couldn't be happier!

(Elsie isn't really scared.... it is just impossible for me to get a cute picture of the 3 of them)