The Birth Experience

Well, I am sitting here waiting on sweet Quincy to wake up for a feeding and I thought I would try to post a little. The last 10 days of our life have been so amazing...Of course, we are exhausted from some sleepless nights, but that is such a small thing compared to the joy we are experiencing. We had Q on Tuesday and came home on Wednesday afternoon. My mom came for a couple of days to help followed by Sutton's mom who came for a few days to help. They made the adjustment for us so much easier. We have also been spoiled by friends bringing wonderful dinners...Sutton said he is hoping he does not have to go up a size in pants. It is a real treat expecially considering that in November we pretty much ate out every day. I also wanted to blog about the L&D process. I saw the Holy Spirit working in so many ways during our stay in the hospital. I know many prayers were prayed Monday night and Tuesday morning and I feel they were answered. It was not bad at all. The epidural worked great, but I was still able to feel when I needed to push. This was definitely a blessing. We were blessed by the most amazing L&D nurse and our sweet, gentle doctor. The only bad part was that I was sick the entire morning...I threw up until about 20 minutes before she arrived. I think that may have helped with the pushing though and my doctor joked that at least we carried the theme of the pregnancy all the way through to the end. We were able to avoid a c-section and I was thankful for that. For some reason I am still terrified of surgery. I did not know this at the time, but apparently there was talk of a c-section because my water broke at 2 am and I still was not dilating the next morning. Several friends have told me they were convicted to pray that we have her vaginally. Our baby nurse was actually one of Sutton's cousins which was really cool and our post partum nurse was a really special lady who we got to have both days we were there. We absolutely fell in love with her! One other answered prayer was that Q took right to breastfeeding- something I was totally dreading, but that is proving to be an amazing gift. I am totally amazed at the whole birth process...I do not know how you could not believe in God after having a baby. It is truly a blessing and miracle. Here is my last belly picture with many more pics of Q to come...
Headed to the hospital...We got the tree up that afternoon!

She's Here!

Sorry I have not posted in awhile, but our life has been a little busy and we are trying to soak in every precious moment with our sweet baby girl. Miss Quincy Margaret Page made her debut on December 1st at 1:42 pm. She weighed 8 lbs. and 13 oz. and measured 21 inches long. Everything went well and I feel quite certain that God answered many prayers that day. She is absolutely perfect and she already has her daddy wrapped around her finger as you will see... Here are a few pictures and I promise to be back soon with more.

Waiting...

I am finally caught up on posting pictures and I thought I better give you an update on where we are with Miss Q. It has been a crazy two weeks. I went in for an appointment a few weeks ago and my blood pressure was high and the labwork was conflicting. One test showed protein in my urine and another showed that it was clear. My doctor thought we might have to take her then... After additional labwork it was determined that all was okay but my doctor took me off work and I started seeing him twice a week. Fortunately my blood pressure has improved and I think being off work and being able to rest has helped alot. We went in last Tuesday for our appointment and he said be prepared for Wednesday so we were thinking she was coming very soon...My blood pressure was better and I was only dilated to a one so we decided to wait to induce because he said our chances for a c-section were high. That brings us to today...My appointment is at 2:45 and hopefully will know something then. Our actual due date is tomorrow. The good thing about having these two weeks is that I feel like we are as ready as we ever will be. All of her little things are washed and folded and put away. I have decluttered the closets, the pantry, the kitchen, and the refrigerator and my cleaning lady is coming today to freshen up the house. We have been to the grocery store and I have stocked up on meals from Preppers. The carseat and bases are installed and our bags are packed. My work stuff has been squared away. I have slept and rested more than I have in my entire life. Sutton and I have had time together and time with our friends. I even had time to get a much overdue pedicure. I am a bit behind on my thank you notes, but I am working on them daily. Otherwise, I really feel like we are ready. So we just ask for your prayers...I have always been terrified of labor and delivery so I ask that you pray for courage and peace and a healthy delivery. I will update as soon as I can. Thank you all for being such dear sweet friends. We are truly blessed and thankful that this miracle is coming into our lives during this time of Thanksgiving.

Maternity Shoot

I almost backed out on doing this, but now that we have these pictures, I am so glad we did it. Sutton and I had not had a professional photograph taken of us since our wedding. We used Sprinkle of Grace Photography and I am so pleased with Crystal's work. She did a great job and it was very affordable- You pay a sitting fee and they give you a disc with all of the edited and unedited images to do with as you wish. It is a great deal! If you are interested, check here to see more of their great work. Here are a few of my favorites...

Work Shower

My sweet Sanofi-Aventis friends had a special Friday lunch for Miss Q and me towards the end of October. We all met at my most favorite lunch spot, Hickory Street Cafe. Even the only guy on our team, Stanley, came and showed up in a pretty pink shirt and tie for the occasion. Also, our friend, Britt, came and brought her baby, Lakely, who I know will be one of Miss Q's friends. Britt has been a constant source of good information and inspiration during the last couple of years as we both began trying to get pregnant about the same time and experienced a few challenges along the way. The shower was alot of fun and I am so thankful that I get to work with such nice people who have also become dear friends over the years.

Couples Shower

We also had a couples shower in San Angelo the middle part of October at Patty and Randy's house. It was so much fun...The only bad part was watching all of our friends and family enjoy cocktails while I drank water...I am so looking forward to a cold beer after Miss Q arrives. My parents, my sister, Judith, Sutton's dad, Russ, Becky, Michael, Chelsea, and Casey, were all able to come into town for this shower along with our dear friends, the Chois and the Koehlers. It was a neat mix of people including our church friends and our Farm Bureau friends. I loved that they all finally got to meet. By the way, you know it is a great baby shower when the after party includes Whataburger and lasts until after midnight! We are truly blessed to have such a fun family and group of friends! I wish I had gotten more pictures but I was too busy enjoying the party. Here are a few that I did take...
The beautiful table and yummy food!
My favorite detail- my sister Jessica made these adorable Q cookies.

The Pages
The Omans
A few of the hostesses- Esther, Lori, and Judith with my friend, Natalie
Sean, Jeff, Leland, and Justin drinking whiskey after the party
My dear friends, Lori and Ashley- Funny that we always seem to coordinate our outfits without even planning.


The Chandlers, the Koehlers, the Lacys, the Pages, and the Whites
Sutton, Brady, and Gene
The McGehees and the Pages
The Wildes and the Wilsons (the Wilsons' baby girl is due a month after Miss Q!)
My sweet neighbor and dear friend, Wendy
Casey, Michael, and Bradlee
I wish this one was better- a few of our FB friends, the Gullys, the Weishuhns, and the McGehees
Reed, Shane, and Justin

Eldorado Shower

We are so blessed to have such sweet family and friends. In October we were honored with several baby showers. The first was a shower in Eldorado at Mike and Becky's house. Sutton's mom, my mom, grandma, cousin, and little sister, Ingrid, were all able to come into town for the shower. Ingrid brought Georgia and her sweet mother in law, Sandy. It was a perfect fall morning and we all enjoyed the great food and fellowship. The really cool thing about this shower was that it was a double shower for us and for the Meadors. Sutton and Chris were best friends growing up and their baby boy, Cole, was born that week. Unfortunately, Katy and Cole weren't able to make it because the flu hit their house that morning. I know Cole and Miss Q will be great friends one of these days! Here are a few pictures...

The adorable table and awesome food
Showered with love
Miss Q's grandmas and great grandmas- Mor Mor, Grandma Burkman, Grandma Lux, and GiGi- This one means alot to me!

My family
Nancy (GiGi) and Sutton's cousins, Carmen and Madolyn
My dear friend, Gailon, Sutton's Aunt Becky, and Bobbie
My best friend Ashley came with me from San Angelo.
Cami and Lisa
Sutton's Aunt Verna Ann, his cousin, Kristina, and her sweet baby, Taylor
Mor Mor and Georgia

Sneak Peak Into Q's Nursery

Here are some early pictures of the nursery. Things have come together more since these were taken, but it won't be completely finished until after she arrives, so I will post pictures of the finished nursery then. I am still waiting on the chair and the drawers to the dresser which were damaged during shipping. That part has been frustrating because I ordered all of that back in August so we would be done in November. This is such a small thing to worry about so I am just going to let it go, but I do have to say that I expect more from a local business that is trying to compete with the large chains...I expect excellent customer service and I don't feel like I have gotten it. Sutton's mom made all of the bedding and she is also making the bedding for the daybed. I am going to get her to help me hang the decorations on the wall when she comes to stay after the baby gets here. I have the hardest time deciding where things should go and I drive Sutton crazy while picture hanging, so we have found in our 7 years of marriage it is easier just to let someone else do it. Sutton was in charge of painting the walls and the daybed and he took his job very seriously. The green color was a special blend and Sutton was so excited because the guy at the paint store named it after Miss Q. Our sweet neighbors gave us their daybed when they got new bunkbeds so Sutton painted it white to match the rest of the furniture in the room. It is all very girly, clean, and simple, and I love it! So until it is completed, here is a little sneak peak into Miss Q's nursery...

A Few Updates

I thought I would just write a quick post to update you on what is going on around here...

-Dad got out of the hospital on Thursday! I talked to Mom last night and she said he is doing well. They are both tired as you would expect, but Dad was able to get out some yesterday with Joe (his main employee for the last twenty plus years) to check cattle and his fields. Mom also said he was on the phone trading cattle, so I guess you can't keep a good man down for long! I still remember when I was young when he busted his kneecap after being thrown from a horse and a week later he was at the Jones County Fair clipping show steers. He is tough! We got a clean pathology report back on Wednesday, so it looks like the surgery was a success and there will be no follow up chemo or radiation needed. We are so thankful and know that God answers prayers! Thanks to all of you for your prayers, words of encouragement, and love during this time. It has meant so much to my family and me.
-I was 37 weeks on Tuesday. I traveled for the last time a week ago Friday and it has been nice to stay in San Angelo all week. I drove over 1,000 miles the week before and I was exhausted. I don't think I have ever spent so much time in San Angelo in the 7 years we have lived here and I have really enjoyed it! I had my doctor's appointment on Thursday and everything was good except my blood pressure has started to creep up a little and I have started to swell. I will go back in on Tuesday so we can make sure everything is ok. I think we still have a while and he said he won't check me until 39 weeks. We took maternity pictures on Tuesday and though Sutton and I were both dreading it a little, we ended up having fun. We finished the night off with a romantic date to Whataburger...I am loving a justaburger with cheese right now... (though this is always my favorite, these days I want one every day! It is bad when the lady at the window knows you!) I will post the pics when we get them back. We still have so much to do before the baby gets here. I am still trying to find a place for all of the wonderful gifts we have gotten and her room is in total chaos right now. My goal is to get it all sorted out this weekend and over the next week. I am also trying to finish up with my work commitments over the next week. I had my last dinner program for the year on Wednesday night and thankfully it was a huge success! Sutton was in Waco this week for work, but that was also his last out of town trip until after Miss Q arrives, so we are both just nesting and getting ready for the big day! We have also enjoyed spending time with several friends over the last few weeks...It is as if we think this is our last chance to have fun for a while, but really it is just actually having some time to hang out with friends we don't normally get to see.

Well, I think that is about it for now. I have several posts I need to catch up on with lots of pictures, but please be patient. I will get them up one of these days!

Don't Forget to Vote Today!

We just wanted to remind you to vote today! There are several propositions on the ballot this time around and one that we are especially interested in around our house is proposition 11. Here is a link to Texas Farm Bureau's website to read more on their support of proposition 11 and why we urge you to vote yes today. Also, here is a link to an interview our friend Bryce did discussing this same issue. Have a great day and please remember to vote yes on prop 11 in order to protect your private property!

Update on Dad

I just want to thank you all for the thoughts, prayers, and encouraging words for Dad. Dad's surgery was successful on Friday and he was able to get out of ICU yesterday. We are hoping to have the pathology report back towards the end of the week and are praying that the lymph nodes that were removed were clear. Here is an update from Ingrid who is staying in Lubbock right now with Dad and Mom...

Dad is making progress as needed. He did finally get some decent rest last night. There is a great recliner in the room and he has been camped out there often! He is walking the length of the third floor and back so he is impressing us all with his grit and determination.

The doctor says he is right where he needs to be at this point. We are hoping he will get the stomach tube out soon because he is miserable with it, not to mention hungry since he hasn't eaten in over four days. Today is third-day post operation so his pain was higher today.

Thank you for continuing to pray. Your friendship and support means so much.

Prayer Request

We have been so busy this month that I have not had time to update...I apologize. I hope to get the blog caught up this weekend with pictures of the nursery and from our showers. In the mean time, I would like to ask you all for prayers for my dad and my mom. Last week, following the removal of a large tumor, Dad was diagnosed with bladder cancer. He had a pet scan on Tuesday, and the good news is the cancer is contained to his bladder and has not spread. The bad news is that he will have to have his bladder removed next Friday. They will also remove some of the lymph nodes from that area to insure that it has not spread. This is a major surgery that means a major life change for my dad and I think the reality of the situation is starting to sink in for all of us. Please keep Dad and Mom in your prayers during this difficult time. We greatly appreciate your friendship, love, and support.

Celebrating 7 Years

Sutton and I celebrated our 7 year wedding anniversary on September 28th...Time truly does fly by. We were both busy with work and I was out of town that night, so we decided to postpone our celebration until the weekend. Last Saturday we spent the day together at childbirth class and that evening we drove out to our most favorite restaurant, Rancho Loma, which is just outside of Valera near Coleman. We had not been there for a couple of years and it is always such a treat! Here was the menu for the night...









Each week it is a fixed menu, but I have to say every meal I have eaten here has been amazing, even when it was something I thought I would not like. They grow most of the vegetables in the garden there on the property.

I love that you can walk through the kitchen and see your food being prepared. Lori and Robert are the owners. Lori is on the left in this picture. They are one of the sweetest couples you will meet and they are so talented! Lori is an amazing chef and Robert is the ultimate host. Their hospitality makes this the perfect dining experience- You feel like you are home when you walk through the door. If you get the chance to go out there, I promise you will not regret it and you will look forward to returning again and again!

The steak was fabulous! I actually liked the brocollini (and I hate broccoli!) and the polenta was perfect. I forgot to take pictures of the first two courses because I was so caught up in enjoying the food.


I am still dreaming about this dessert...I have got to figure out how to make it myself. It was so good!

Sutton with the Rancho Loma dogs...These dogs are just another part of the RL charm...Oh, and doesn't Sutton just look adorable? I am a lucky, lucky girl!