Jackson Lucas Hansen

Well, as you all know, our second little man joined our family on June 17, 2013.  Jackson Lucas Hansen did NOT want to make his grand entrance on his own, so I was induced the morning of the 17th.

So, here's how to day went down... (in a nutshell)  

Midnight (Sunday) - Yes, I should have been sleeping at this time, but who can sleep knowing the next day they were going to have a baby... no matter what!  My mind was racing!  I was going to be changing Jameson's world forever, how would labor go this time (after our crazy adventure with Jameson) would I be able to do it naturally, how long would it take for me to actually go into labor this time, how long would I have to push (after pushing 5.5 hours with Jameson)... the mind game went on... and on... and on... until I actually turned my alarm off at 430 in the morning and decided to just get in the shower... no need to lay in bed anymore!  We got up, got ourselves ready and headed to the hospital... 

But not without a couple last minute pictures as a family of three

and the BIG belly!

I was ready... "Let's do this" is what I kept saying...  Bring on the contractions and let's get this baby OUT!  7:30a.m. and the pitocin was flowing...  and I was waiting... and waiting... and waiting to feel that very first painful and "meaningful" contraction...  tick-tock, tick-tock..  It's now noon and still no contractions!  GRRRRR  not only had I lost the family bet on when the baby was going to be born, but I WAS STILL PREGNANT!  So, whats next?  Well they finally broke my water just after noon and BAM...  Bring on the CRAZY contractions!  Wow!  They were intense and coming super fast!  I went from a 4 to an 8 in just about an hour!  (all you mom's out there get the idea of how that could have felt)  Now, as most of you know, my epidural did NOT work with Jameson, but I was willing and wanting to try again...  They asked if I was ready and there was NO WAY I was saying no!  

So, bring on the meds and please let this pain go away!  Well, yes, you guessed it...  No such luck again :-(  It actually did take the edge off for a little while, but not for long and I back to feeling everything.  (this coming from a girl that can hardly stand getting a shot!  Yes, not ideal and I was not a happy camper!)  Anyways, I was finally ready to push around 4p.m.  That last cm was a doozy!  

Although the delivery was not as dramatic as Jameson's, it was still tough having felt everything along the way... Not to mention, once they weighed Jackson and found out he was OVER 10lbs... Everyone was in total understanding as to why I was begging for a C-section halfway through my delivery!  haha.

But yes, Jackson arrived at 5:52p.m. weighing in at 10lbs. 2oz. and 22in long.  He lite up our world immediately!  That initial scream brought tears to my eyes and I was overjoyed to hold my baby boy as soon as he arrived (Jameson was taken to the NICU right away, so it was so much different this time).  

He has been a joy ever since he entered our world!  Although he wants to eat ALL THE TIME, he brings so much happiness and joy to our lives each and every day!  Our family is complete!  

Love you Jackson Lucas!

A visit with a dear friend... Maria!

So, one of my dearest friends came to visit me the weekend after Memorial Day.  It was SO wonderful to have girl time and catch up; just the two of us... well actually three of us, to including Jameson :-)

First, I just have to say THANK YOU to Maria for making the 9 hour drive to "the falls" to visit!!!  We had such a great time!  Luke had to work that weekend so us girls had the pleasure of entertaining little Jameson all by ourselves!  haha

Friday evening, we took Maria downtown for dinner.  It was an absolute gorgeous evening, so we were able to sit outside and enjoy some fresh air... the 4 of us :-)  (well 4.5 at that time - Jackson was still in his nice warm, quiet, cozy little home)  After dinner, Maria and I were able to get some "catch up" time once Jameson went to bed.  Again, so great to have that time together!!!

Saturday, I talked Maria into braving the Children's museum with me!  Honestly, it truly is just as fun for adults as it is kids.  The weather was not-so-nice, so it was a perfect way to spend the day.  Let me tell you, it was complete entertainment just watching Jameson.  I think Maria had more than her share of laughs just from my child alone.

**Side note**  Anyone that knows the Brookings, SD museum, knows there is the "oh so wonderful" water room.  Oh yes, an entire room filled with water... no doors... and oh so eye catching to (almost) every child.  You guessed it, Jameson (the fish that he is) is ALWAYS all about that room.  I have learned to bring extra clothes with me because he HATES to wear the water aprons and naturally tends to splash himself soaked..

Ok, so on with my story..  "Splash himself soaked" was an understatement this trip...  Yep, I am not joking.  He actually climbed up on one of water tables and put his ENTIRE head under the little waterfall.  No, I am NOT exaggerating one little bit...  SOAKED...  Not one area of his clothing was dry by the time we left the museum.  Although EVERYONE was looking at my little man with a little weird smirk, he had SO much fun and I knew we had extra clothes so no big deal at all!  We then headed across the street to my favorite little cafe for some delicious lunch!  (dry clothes and all)  :-)

This was only the beginning!  One happy little boy!

Yes, that would also be the waterfall Jameson was putting his head under

That evening Maria and I, once again, had a little girl time!  I took her on a little tour of Sioux Falls, we had our McDonalds run (no, no Diet coke this time... but YES to ice cream!) and then we headed down to see "the falls" (I mean you can't visit Sioux Falls and NOT see the falls!)

Bring on Sunday and naturally, our weekend had to come to an end.  I always hate to say GOODBYE to good friends, but it was time for Maria to head on out.

THANK YOU SO MUCH for visiting Maria!  It meant the world to have you here and to get some girl time!!  Love ya!  xoxo

Where is Abby????

Wow!  I can't believe it's been two months since I have written anything!  Life has been... well...  BUSY, CRAZY, NON-STOP!  Still, I am sad I have been so behind because SO much has happened in our lives in these two months!

Yes, as most of you know, our new bundle of joy joined our family, we've had MANY visitors, we started celebrating Jameson's second birthday and much much more!  I am going to try my best to do as much catch up as possible, but I am currently writing this post at 2:34a.m. (feeding time) and I have a feeling it will be times like this that I will have to sneak in as much writing as possible.

So, here's to TRYING to catch up on whats been going on in our lives and hopefully not fall behind again.

Can't wait to show you all many, many pictures!!!