a week ago...

It's hard to believe that a week has gone by since our little Nolan entered into this world!! He is more than we could ask for...sweet, peaceful, and a true blessing! It amazes me how you can love something so much...it's an instant love that no one can describe until you've experienced it. 

and now to the great STORY....

False labor is NO joke! I never experienced these "braxton hicks" that women describe through pregnancy until I was pregnant with Nolan. I had three false alarms and was getting pretty frustrated! You know its bad when you know the multiple labor and delivery doctors by name. 

With that being said, we had my mom come in during the first week of August because we were sure that I would deliver sooner than later. She had been by my side when Kennedy and Landon were born so it only made sense that she would be here for Nolan's arrival. Well God had other plans! 


After an 11 day visit hoping to see her new grandson, my mom had to depart for Ohio, leaving behind a still pregnant Sam! I was sad to say the least...I cried like a baby! To make matters worse, Papa Raftery was out of town for the next 5 days leaving us without a master plan. 


Being the generous person he is, he offered to fly anyone out to be with us during the week of my due date. Grandma K stepped up and literally dropped everything and flew in the same day my mom left. 

Well as any great story would have it, we went into labor that night! Within an hour, my major contractions went from 13 mintues apart to 4 minutes apart.  We quickly gathered our things (as we've done three times before) and we were on our way to the hospital in Bethesda Maryland. This is were the story gets pretty GRAND!

Our 30 minute drive came to a dead stop at 12:30am! The highway was shut down due to construction and there was no telling how long we would be in traffic. Seriously???!!! Are you joking?!?! At this point my contractions are full force!

We exited the highway in order to turn around and head back to the military hospital near our house; however, my contractions were 3 min apart.  We weighed our options, but our momentary discussion was replaced by my screaming and pleading. Wise beyond his years, my husband elected not to argue with a woman in labor and drove to the nearest hospital.  

The exit we got off at happened to have one of the best hospitals in Northern Virginia. We checked in and my water broke 20 minutes later.  Within two hours our Nolan was born! 

BIG SIS and BIG BRO absolutely adore Nolan! They have been so great through this transition and I think Kennedy is even more convinced that being a mommy one day is her greatest ambition.

Nolan's new favorite place

LOVE THIS GUY!!

To all of our family and friends,

We can't thank you enough for the support you've shown during the past few months. With a move, a rather interesting pregnancy, and a new addition to our family you have all been there offering wisdom, time, and love. We love you all so much and truly thank God for his abundance and favor in our lives!