Following the Kirks

The hardest thing that anyone will conquer in life! All the hype of being pregnant and Zeke being so excited about having a baby sister has now gone by the waste side.   Don't get me wrong, I am so glad I'm not pregnant and Zeke is still just as excited to be a big brother to Zoie. BUT trying to play and entertain a 2 year old and feed, change and tend to a newborn all while pumping is nearly impossible!!!!!  2 year old need child interaction and mama needs a break. Thankfully, things are starting to fall into place with Brandon back at work and Zeke playing with his friends at daycare. Thank God!!!!!!!!!!  Some things I've learned that may help future parents to two:  Toddlers need their schedule to remain the same!  Leaving the house in under an hour is almost impossible!  Perched bottles in the car seat are a life saver (and help Zeke from yelling his ears hurt)!!! I wouldn't change this crazy thing we call life for the world, but it will definitely take...

Zoie has made her arrival.  I went in Thursday with a water leak, induction was started (but didn't quite work), my water bag officially broke, I went from a 4 to a 10 within 2 minutes, and three pushes later she was here!  It was a little painful with the epidural wearing off, but nothing I can't easily forget now that she is in our arms.  Having a full term baby (she was born on her due date, only 5% of babies actually arrive on their due date) is completely different and a whole lot better than having to deal with the NICU. She was a healthy 7 pounds 2 ounces and 19.25 inches long. We are two very happy parents and Zeke is one proud and loving big brother. 

The Balloon and Wine Festival is one of the most fun things we look forward to all year. Being that it's in a smaller town, you wouldn't think it's as great as it is. It is a smaller version and cross between Stagecoach, Coachella, and the OC swap meet.  We get our camping spots and camp out all weekend. This year we rented a trailer, which was the best idea with the heat and a 10 month pregnant mama.  They had some great artists set. I was really looking forward to being there with a glass of wine or sangria in hand but Zoie still didn't want to come out.  Friday night the artists were Frankie Ballard and, the most amazing show I've seen put on by, Justin Moore.  Saturday night was the Gin Blossoms and 3 Doors Down. Besides them saying "God Bless You" after every single song, it was a nice throw back to 8th grade.  We had a blast! Zeke loved every single bit of it from his new wagon  To the early morning balloon launch The balloon glow  The concerts (...