You know you're a mom of 4 if...

you are blogging during the 2am feeding, because there isn't time during the rest of the day. Sorry the pictures are out of order, but there are pictures(=. I love the one with all the kids and Riv is as far away as possible. Things are definitely fuller here, but honestly wonderful, since welcoming Bode Tru into our family March 6th. I went in for my 39th week visit and found out I was having consistent contractions. Not the kind of contractions you breathe through, you just kind of know they are there. Andy did the classic 'dad' thing where he made the hour long trip back home with our kids, dropped them off with our friend Brit, picked up all hospital things and headed back up. Good, hard labor,the kind you do notice, didn't kick in til 9 that night, and Bode made his grand appearance at 12:06am.

Here are some blessings I encountered during this experience;

1. My midwife was off, but came in and coached, guided and just stayed with us! Words can't express what that meant.

2. This was my 4th time doing this all-natural and just when I feel at the end of my rope and I am unraveling, I find out we are at the end and Bode was soon in my arms.

3. Every nurse was WONDERFUL, which again makes the experience that much sweeter!

4. This was the first time I was like, 'Ok, I'm ready to go home and face the troops.' Generally I feel like, 'Ok, can't I stay a couple more days and have room service and morning television?'

5. Everyone who babysat, visited, care packages from special sister-in laws(=, has brought meals or whisked my kids away...The body of Christ is a beautiful thing!

6. A great recovery and beautiful weather. I have been on significant walks the past 4 days.

7. My mom has stayed and committed 2 weeks to just helping us transition and it has been such a fun, and huge blessing!

8. Andy, he is my best friend and I wouldn't want to go through intense labor and then the beauty of welcoming new life with anyone else right next to me saying, 'You're doing great Em!' I will never forget those words and the care he always gives.

9. Seeing our kids all together, and River loving on Bode and the girls always wanting to hold him-Precious! God is so good and deserves all the praise through this. I am beyond thankful!