It's A Girl!!

Our future is looking pink, pink, and more pink! On January 15th, we had a revealing party to find out whether we would be having a boy or a girl. It was such a fun party and Hannah completely outdid herself planning it. There have been lots of people who wondered how you go about throwing a party such as this. And to be honest, at the time, it sounded like a fantastic idea, until it came down to it. Let me explain.

Early on, after finding out about BB2 (that's short for Baby Butler #2), we toyed around with the idea of not finding out the sex and doing it the old fashioned way. Well, as inspirational as that sounded, we just couldn't bring ourselves to do it knowing there was a chance it might be a little girl. We knew we would want to give this baby the same welcome as we had for Owen. Although now, it really doesn't matter because we are nowhere near as prepared as the first time. Oh well, intentions are everything and our hearts were in the right place at the time.

So, we took the middle of the road, and Hannah with all her enthusiasm, decided to throw us a "Revealing Party!" How fun is this idea? You have an ultrasound, see the baby, never expose the sex of the baby, request the technician to secretly stash the results in an envelope, hand off the results to the host, and find out the sex of baby by cutting a cake to find pink or blue icing, all while in front of friends and family at the revealing party. Why not? Sounded pretty good at the time.

So the day came for the big ultrasound. It was Wade's birthday too, which added excitement to the mix. I've always considered myself a strong person, but this tested my honesty like none other. The technician did the sex at the end of the ultrasound, and when she did, she just said, "Okay, cover your eyes." What!?! Was I crazy to have agreed to this? Talk about a true test. I never wanted to cheat at something so bad my whole life. It took everything I had to not look at that screen.

I just remember asking, "how good are you at your job?"  I somehow doubted that she could make a judgment call like that without my expert eyes viewing the screen with her. Who was I kidding? I can't even tell what is what in there when I've ever even viewed an ultrasound of my own uterus. I acted like I was some sort of expert on the subject or something. She just kept smiling and saying that she has never been wrong in the fifteen plus years she's been doing this. And all I can say now is I hope she keeps her winning streak.

Then, the worst part came. I had to carry the results with me until I saw Hannah that night. I think Wade wanted to smack me a time or two for holding the envelope up to the light in the car and taunting him with how nobody would even know if we took a little peak. Yep, I was a MANIAC! I tried to play it so cool, but I had a hard time playing by the rules.

We went to dinner at Demos that night with some of our best friends, Blake and Christy, who were in town, and Hannah met us there. It worked out great since it was Wade's birthday and helped to celebrate both occasions. And, since Blake and Christy weren't going to be able to make it to the party, Hannah and Christy decided to slip off after dinner and look at the results, which was absolute torture.

Did I mention that I was convinced that I knew it was a boy and could prove it? Listen at how dumb this theory is...although I had covered my eyes during the ultrasound, I forgot that I had my handy dandy ears for listening. I definitely was counting how many letters she typed, and I counted four, which obviously made it a boy.  See, B-O-Y, Enter.

What a theory, right? I swear I think Wade wanted to kill me before it was all over. And, I was disappointed because I had convinced myself I already knew the results with my go-go gadget ears and there was no need for a party now at all. Talk about a "Know-It-All!" That was me, at my finest.

Luckily, only a day and half had to pass before the big party. The whole thing had me on edge.  I couldn't sleep.  It was like I was a kid at Christmas waiting for Santa Claus.  I was nervous about seeing Hannah and just knew that as soon as I laid eyes on her, I would know what the baby was. We've been best friends since the seventh grade, and after one look at her, it would give it away. Nope! She stayed so cool and never made a fast move one way or the other. She just kept focused on the task and never sat still long enough for me to use my brain reading powers.

All of our friends and family were there. They joined in the fun by wearing pink or blue to represent their vote. We took a tally and had everyone sign their name to a banner casting their vote. Wade voted girl with a very nice pink shirt, but there was a nice mix between both blue and pink.  I wasn't sure whether people would understand what sort of party this was, participate, or even care at all.  But much to our surprise, we had a great turnout and were so happy to be surrounded by such wonderful friends and family.

After we ate, it was cake cutting time! You could hear a pin drop. Wade held Owen and the three of us cut the cake together. I was SO nervous! You would think I was getting married or something. One cut in and I was crying like a baby. I could see the pink icing peaking between the layers. . Wade had no idea what I was crying about! I blew the surprise for him, when I screamed, IT'S PINK!! He never even had a chance to see the icing for himself. Poor Wade.

I'm not sure what shook me up to be honest. It wouldn't have mattered one way or the other. It was just really emotional and knowing made it so real. It sort of hit me all at once. I never really even considered that it could be a little girl. That sounds weird I know, but the last two years plus have been all about a little boy's world. And as girly as I am myself, I feel a little unprepared for a little girl.

I can't even begin to imagine how different it's going to be. And, Owen. Oh man! That little guy has a big adjustment coming. His little sister is going to tag-along and want to do everything he does, with a side of kisses. Not sure what that's all about, but little girls think it's their God given right to give kisses to any and all who will accept them.

So, there you have it. It's a girl. Wade and I will have our first daughter.  We couldn't be more proud and are very excited to see her little face. I'm sure she will exceed all expectations and add so much life to our life.  It's going to be very different, that's for sure.

I would like to say a very big thank you to all our friends and family who took time out to come and share in our big news! We are beyond lucky to know each and every one of you. We love you all more than you know!! And Hannah, I pretty much think I would follow you off a cliff if you showed enthusiasm. Thank you for being you and for giving us a day we will never forget. I love you.

Here are some pictures from the day. Hope you enjoy!

IT'S PINK!!!!!!

Oh Baby!

So much has happened in the last six month that I don't even know where to begin.  I should have posted months ago about our big news, but somehow I've gotten swept up with appointments, life, and not to mention a very active two year old, that I have finally just looked up and realized how very close we are to a life changing event, a new baby. 

Back on October 3rd, we found out that Baby Butler #2 was on the way.  And as real as it seemed at the time, it felt like a million years away and that we had nothing but time to absorb the idea.  And now, here I am, only eight weeks from delivering, and I realize that I've taken no time to just sit and reflect on this blessing God has given us.

I remember being pregnant with Owen, and how very different it seemed. I remember every move and every wiggle. I remember how he hiccupped every day after lunch and I had the nursery painted the day we found out it was a boy. Yep, that was life before life.

This time, it's like I just rolled over one day with a big belly and heartburn. I've stressed over it, talked my doctor's ear off about how different it seems, consulted many friends, and the conclusion I've come to is that it happens and it is normal. Although immensely excited, chasing a two year just takes it out of you somehow.

Wade and I talk about the possibilities and how much fun it will be to have another baby to love. And this post would be absolutely incomplete without mentioning the center of it all, Owen. Where do I start and what do I say? That kid is by far the best candidate for brotherhood and this baby is extremely lucky to have a brother like him. I can just see him now. He'll be teaching the ropes in no time.

Although I've stressed about everything from A to Z, the one thing that I have never felt is that there is not enough love for another baby. Owen is our world, no question. He defines what is really important and always keeps us reminded that we aren't as smart as we think we are. God has a real good way of humbling you with the blessing of children. And even though our whole world revolves around him, we know what a good thing this baby will be, for all of us.

I'm not the least bit fearful of the lack of love. I know with certainty that there is more than enough and that this baby is extra lucky because they will get the love of three, instead of just two. Owen is going to be amazing. He will be rough when he plays, tough when he needs to be, and always tender.

There is still one small piece of business to discuss.  And, that's Wade. He will make it look simple like he always does. He won't complain and will amaze me with his insight and passion. He won't complicate things like I somehow always do, and he will love, love, love having two to take on for a wrestling match after a long day at work. He's still the best.

I get caught up in life sometimes, but I always stand amazed at what an incredibly beautiful family I have and how wonderful my life is every day. The last year has been an adjustment with a two year old. I've shocked myself at the things I've done that I said I never would, how patience is a work in progress, how it doesn't really matter if things go as you plan, and how the only thing that really matters in the end is how your house sounds, not looks.

I try to keep my chin up when things happen unexpectedly, but it's hard. I try to forgive myself for being disappointed when Owen doesn't make the best choice. I try to make time for Wade and keep him at the top of my list. I find that the only one who can control the difference between happiness and the lack there of is me. But, I don't always get it right. I lose my patience and am not always the fun girl I once was. But, at the end of the day, I count my blessings, try to keep things in perspective, and if nothing else, just laugh.

It's okay if it goes wrong sometimes.

Besides, it won't really matter at the end. Today matters. Wade and Owen and this sweet new baby matters. Nothing more, and nothing less. I've said a lot, but it's simple. I am excited about my new baby. I'm thrilled to see Wade tuck another one in at night and I'm just dreaming of the day Owen holds their hand and walks on the beach with them. I can't wait to hear the giggles from their rooms and how they will always know they are never alone.

This is what life is supposed to look like. It's not perfect, that's for sure. But there is a day coming very soon and if only for a day, it will be perfect. I may not have it all mapped out like I did for Owen with complete order, but the world will stand still if only for a day. Our breath will be taken away, and Wade and I will experience that heart wrenching love that you can't describe to anyone when we see our new baby for the first time.

Only this time, there's an added bonus. And that is the look on Owen's face when he sees his sister for the first time. It will be perfect. Life will take its turns and will be completely unpredictable. But, I know we will endure and we will all come out on the other side smelling like roses. So let the countdown begin, and let this mark a new beginning. Baby Butler will be here in eight weeks and although I'm kind of late, it's time to welcome our new little one into this world.

Anxiously waiting,
Codye

Merry Christmas Owen!

Christmas this past year was really something special! Owen was at the perfect age to really take on the spirit of Christmas and participate like a true believing two year old. For as long as Wade and I have dated, we have always went to Kentucky for Christmas. But this year, we decided it was time to start our own family Christmas tradition and be at home.


Christmas Eve was jammed packed with all things Christmas. We opened our Christmas pajamas, sang Christmas carols, threw carrots on the roof for the reindeer, made Santa's favorite cookies, wrote Santa a letter, and fell asleep to the reading of "Twas the Night before Christmas."

It was perfect!

And, Owen was very in tune with what was going on. We would ask him who was coming to see him, and he would sweetly say, "Santa Claus" with a big smile on his face. We would ask him what he would be bringing him and he knew the answer was presents. Owen was pure innocence at its finest.

I don't believe that I've ever seen anything sweeter in my whole life than that little two year old in his red pajamas waiting for his pal, Santa Claus, to come. Owen loves Santa and no matter where we would be, he could spot him a mile away. If we were at the mall, he would zone in from the second floor and if Santa caught his eye, he would wave in the distance and Owen would wave back with pure excitement.

Before I was a mother, I heard many debates about Christmas; it's meaning, and the dreaded dispute that teaching your children to believe in something that isn't real is just an old fashioned lie.

And if you were to ask me what I believe, I would say that is nonsense and that teaching your children to believe in something they can't see builds faith. Santa Claus is real. It just so happens that instead of being a round man in a red suit pulled by a sleigh of reindeer, he is really a mom and dad scurrying around the night before, setting out presents, putting last minute toys together, and doing everything in their power to make one day special for the children they love.

And what is truly wrong with that? I love that Owen believes in Santa and that he loves a man he's never met. His childlike spirit is contagious and his faith rubs off on Wade and I as adults. His innocence gives me hope and his unconditional love teaches me the type of person I want to be. A lot of the times as the parent, I feel so responsible for what I should be teaching him. But the truth is, he is teaching me.

Every day.

He keeps my life fun and free and puts me in my place when I'm being a cynical adult. He keeps me grounded and loves me even when I am not all that lovable.

And you better believe I would do anything to make his life wholesome and good. My job in loving him is to create memories in his heart that he can dig up whenever he needs them to know how much we love him, even when we are not here to remind him one day.

He will be grown soon enough and will have plenty of time for the worries that being a grown up can bring. And as long as I have the choice and his little hand in mine, I will fill his life with as much happiness, love, fun, and faith as I can. This was the greatest Christmas I have ever had in my life. Gifts or no gifts, it makes no difference to me. The true gift was seeing the happiness in his eyes and knowing that without a shadow of a doubt, he knew how much we love him.

Christmas Eve

"Santa Claus is Coming To Town"

Feeding the Reindeer

COOKIES!!

Not a creature was stirring....not even a Mouse

Christmas Morning



Owen's Birthday Part II

Here are some really sweet pictures from Owen's actual birthday day.  He was very cute when he woke up that morning and was even more excited to open a few more gifts along with some balloons that Aunt Hannah sent to him.

Knock, Knock