Blessed!

We have been so blessed by friends, family and even strangers since we have had Lincoln.  The help we have received has been so great and we have been able to just focus on Lincoln and adjusting to our new life as a family of four.  Eric went back to work the week after Lincoln was born and my mom came up to stay with us for a week to help out.  She took Hayden to school, helped me get started on my Christmas decorating, and just helped me get through the day with the 2 boys.  :)  Eric's mom, Mel, flew up from Georgia the week after.  She was also able to get Hayden to and from school, keep him entertained, and was a huge help around the house as well.  Hayden loved all the time he got to spend with Grammy and Nana!  This week was my first week on my own and I definitely missed them.  We have also been receiving meals almost daily.  Many of the moms from Hayden's school brought dinners the first week after Lincoln was born.  Ladies in my moms group have been bringing meals for the last 3 weeks and couples from church, some of whom we have never met, are bringing meals well into January.  We are so grateful to everyone who has helped us.  Here are a couple pics of the Grandma's enjoying their new Grandchild....#5 for both of them.  :)

Grammy & Lincoln

Nana & Lincoln

Nana, Hayden, and Linc

Brothers

I couldn't resist posting these sweet pics of Hayden & Lincoln.  Hayden has been the best big brother and we are so proud of him for welcoming Lincoln into the family.  He loves to talk to him and gives him lots of hugs and kisses.  He has also been a great helper and very patient with mommy during feedings and diaper changes.  I pray as they grow that Hayden & Lincoln will be best of friends.  :)

Welcome Lincoln!

Lincoln Maxwell is finally here!  Lincoln was born on November 20th at 2:39pm.  He weighed 7lbs 14oz and was 19 inches long.  We were able to come home the night before Thanksgiving so we enjoyed spending the holiday together for the first time as a family of 4!  We have a lot to be thankful for this year and we are so blessed to now have another healthy and adorable baby boy!  Here are some pics from the hospital and our Thanksgiving at home.

Lincoln's first pic with Mommy

Proud Daddy

Meeting big brother

Happy Family!

My cute boy

Out of the oven just in time for Thanksgiving

My boys :)

E & Lincoln

Ready for Baby!

As of today we are officially ready for Baby V to arrive.  The nursery is complete, bags are packed, and baby gear is put together and in place.  We made it through Eric's weekend away and last night on-call Thursday.  Most importantly I got a pedicure and had my hair done today which were the last two things on my to-do list.  :)  Eric starts a 10 day vacation November 17th but from this point on he is just a phone call and 30 minute drive away so that is a relief!  I'm really hoping baby boy will come before his vacation starts so he can be home with us as long as possible.  I have been seeing the Doctor weekly since 34 weeks.....things are progressing well so there is a good chance I may go sometime soon.  Please keep us in your prayers for a safe and smooth delivery and a healthy baby boy soon.  My next post will be welcoming a new Vaillant to the family.  Woo hoo!  Here are a couple pics of the finished nursery and my last prego shot

38 weeks!

Massachussetts Wedding Weekend

This past weekend one of Eric's best friends from home got married in Massachusetts.  We knew I'd be close to my due date but Eric really wanted to go as he hadn't seen any of his friends from back home in a while.  I was a little nervous about him being gone at 37 weeks but we hoped for the best and he drove up after work on Friday.  I had a couple friends on call in case I went into labor on Friday and my parents and sister came up and stayed with me on Saturday.  Eric stayed with his two buddies from home Mac and Elijah.  Eric's Aunt Dee, Grandad and Grams all live in Connecticut which wasn't too far from the wedding location.  He was able to meet up with all of them Saturday before the wedding which was great considering he hadn't seen them in close to 6 years.  Eric had a great time catching up with friends and family and said the wedding was lots of fun.  Congratulations Torrey and Renee!  Here are some pics from his weekend....

Eric and Grandad

Eric and Grams

Eric, Elijah, Torrey (the groom), and Mac

HALLOWEEN 2012

This year for Halloween Hayden was a doctor.  He had received the dress up outfit for his birthday so we decided to save it for Halloween.  This will probably be the last Halloween I can get away with picking out his costume without too much of a fight.  I was feeling a little guilty when Hayden saw all his friends dressed in his favorite super hero outfits but he seemed to enjoy dressing up like his daddy and had fun playing Doc McHayden....fixing boo's boo's like daddy does. 

The Saturday before Halloween we were hosting a Hallo-Wine party for adults only at our house.  Some friends of ours were having a costume party earlier in the day so Eric took Hayden while I stayed home and prepared for our party.  Being 36 weeks pregnant slowed me down a little but we had fun catching up with friends and enjoyed some good wine, cheeses, chili and desserts.  Here are some pics from the day....

The two cutest Docs ever!

Being silly with daddy

Hangin at the party

My Hallo-Wine party treats - leaf sugar cookies and cupcake ghost

Halloween day we were happy that schools were open and Hayden could go to his class Halloween party.  Hurricane Sandy had kept us home for 2 days and we were ready to get out of the house.  We were very fortunate not to lose power or have any storm damage.  We were also happy the rain stopped in time for trick or treating.  We had planned to trick or treat and give out candy in our neighborhood but Eric got stuck at work so some friends invited us over to go out in their neighborhood.  Despite it being a little chilly Hayden had a great time trick or treating with friends!  Here are a few pics from the day.....

Bo in his full costume

Showing off his tats at school.  :)

Let's do this mommy!

Pretzels!  Woo Hoo!

Baby Sprinkle

Last week my friend Laura hosted a Baby Sprinkle for me and Baby V!  Lots of my local mommy friends were able to make it and we had a great time celebrating.  The little man received so many great gifts.  I am so fortunate to have met so many friends who are a great support to me.  I don't know what I would do without you ladies!  Thank you!

Gaver Farm

This past Saturday we took Hayden to Gaver Farm in Mount Airy, MD for some more fall fun.  It was one of Eric's few days off this month so we wanted to make it a fun family day since we've been so busy lately getting ready for the baby.  :)  It was a cool fall day and Hayden enjoyed all the fun activities they had.  He had fun bouncing with daddy, spent at least 30 minutes at the duck races and gave Eric a workout driving the pedal cars.  We were also able to do a hay-ride and Hayden picked out a nice pumpkin.  Here are some pics from the day....

Belvedere Plantation

This past weekend we kicked off the Fall Season at Belvedere Plantation in Fredericksburg, VA.  It was their opening day and the crowd was very light so it felt like the kids had the whole place to themselves for a while.  The weather was perfect and everyone had a great time.  This was our last little road trip before the baby!  And of course, pictures to document the day.....

Cute Bo

The boys loved the rope swing!

Cousins!

Zipline

Picking out a pumpkin

Wallace & Vaillant Fam

Fall Prego Shots

While at Belvedere Plantation with the fam we decided to do some maternity shots for Baby V.  It was the perfect place to get some great fall pregnancy pictures.  Thanks to my mom for being our photographer!  :)

32 weeks

Best we could get of Hayden at the end of the morning.  Not looking too happy to be a big brother.  :)

Just for fun!