Sunday, January 9, 2011

Some Pictures

Well...it's been busy, to say the least. We've loved every second. I want to write about the day Luke was born and so does John, but we're just now navigating life with a few hours of sleep, eating and diaper changing, so it might have to wait a few days.

Needless to say, it was a beautiful and wonderful day.

Again, we cannot say how loved and supported we've felt over the last few days...well, longer than that, really, but certainly in the days leading up to Luke being born and since. Thanks to everyone who has friended us or asked us to text about how Luke is doing--it's so easy to update that way, and these days, all I have time to do! In fact, as I type, my inbox has 1688 emails...my FB messages? 347. I cannot possibly express enough gratitude for the support and encouragement and just want to apologize upfront for not being a bit better about updating and messaging back. At least 3 times a day, John says, "I don't get it. I don't understand why so many people care. It's just unreal."

I don't know what to tell him, other than through tears, that it's obvious our sweet boys have already made big impacts on this little world. We are truly humbled.

I don't have the time to fully write all I want to, but I have to write this or else I may forget and I just hold what happened this morning so precious. Around 6 this morning, Luke was about to start a feeding. (Oh boy, feeding....but another day!) John was sleeping beside me, and it was just getting light. I was basking Luke in...amazed that this sweet little boy was in my arms and just so grateful to God for that very second. Luke was sort of waking up, half smiling, half rolling his eyes around like he was possessed...all in all, just making sweet little faces. We've talked about how much newborns smile in their sleep--make all these expressions--and we wonder what they are thinking of and dreaming of. Someone once told me that they really believed that in those first few days, they are still so connected to Heaven that the smiles and sweet looks are just reflections of that connection. I told Luke that I didn't know if that was true, but if it was, and he maybe...just maybe was somehow communicating with his brother, I wanted him to let Matthew know how much we loved him and missed him and were so grateful for them both. I kissed Luke all over, and kissed him some more and said, "If you can, please give these kisses to Matthew for Mommy..."

My sweet boy puckered back. It was as obvious and evident as anything I've ever seen--Luke puckered back and I have no doubt those were kisses from my Matthew.

Kisses from my boys this morning...the most precious way to start a day.

Speaking of precious...here are some pictures! They are of various times and dates, but just wanted to share some sweet baby Luke!
























57 comments:

  1. Lori, he is just so handsome! I am so happy for you guys!! Congratulations!!

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  2. He is adorable. I love the hats. The picture of Luke and Dr. Sweeney brought tears to my eyes. He looks so happy and proud to hold Luke. **sigh**

    I am hoping to see you Friday when Amanda W. gets into town. I know you are super busy but hopefully we can make that work! Connor needs to meet his buddy Luke! :)

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  3. Lori-I am so in love wih your little Luke! He is just precious and I know you are enjoying him a ton. Your story about the kisses just brought tears to my eyes....PRICELESS!!! I am so happy that you were blessed with another beautiful baby boy and I pray that God will give you many more precious moments!!!

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  4. Absolutely adorable!

    Congratulations!

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  5. Luke is just breathtaking, Lori! And, I seriously cried about the kisses from Matthew!

    Also, you are such an awesome woman and you deserve every ounce of love that has been shown to you because you have given away more love to others than could ever be counted. You are wonderful and amazing to others...

    Happy ((hugs))

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  6. Thank you for sharing pics of your precious little guy....He is absolutely adorable!! :) Love the blanket you have for him...."Matthew's little brother". :) ((hugs))

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  7. My eyes were so tear filled, I had a hard time reading this post.

    The pictures of Luke are just precious. It's wonderful to see pictures of the little boy that I prayed so hard for. :)

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  8. Oh!

    Tears in my eyes. Beautiful, beautiful Lori.

    I love all the hats!

    I need to ask you what swaddle you're using! And are you and Luke liking it?

    You look like the happiest mama in the world, and why wouldn't you be?

    Love to you and John. And snuggles to your boy.

    Oh!

    x

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  9. That is the best dressed little man ever! And I love his expressions already!!! The one with him and John eskimo kissing is the sweetest, and I'm seriously about to find that froggie outfit--too cute!!! Take your time catching up and soaking in that sweetness!!!

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  10. He's beautiful and so perfect!!

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  11. absolutely amazing!!!!!!!!!!!! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxoxo i still can't find words! just smiles and tears and happy warm fuzzies:)))))))

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  12. He is beautiful!! So precious! I'm so glad everything went well and that he's here! I could so relate to the heaven connection you mentioned. When Collen was only a few days old, he was awake and looking at me...then he smiled at "something" over my shoulder. It was a genuine smile. I like to believe that he was smiling at his brother. So happy for you guys! Congratulations!

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  13. He is so incredibly beautiful! Glad you guys are soaking up these first days together with joy and love, hope they continue to be filled with amazing memories and the love & support of so many surrounding you!

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  14. He is so beautiful. I'm so very, very happy for you and John. Praise the Lord.

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  15. He is so adorable. I love all the hats!

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  16. Lori, he is beyond beautiful. I'm so happy for you <3

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  17. Oh my gosh! I just wanna squeeze him and love on him! I can bet it's near impossible to put him down! What a joy! Why do I always seem to read your posts right after I put my make-up on?! :) Love you guys so much and know that I'm not alone in that. XOXO!

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  18. Dear Lori, he is so sweet!!!!!!

    What a handsome baby-boy,he looks like a real little MAN! Sometimes he is so serious...as a Boss :)))

    You both are so adorable! All your family are!

    And, besides, the hats are really great! Does Luke say anything about them? :)))

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  19. Oh Lori, he is precious! :) So very happy for you all!!

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  20. Kisses from Matthew Wow! How awesome is that to start your day off, Kisses from your two little boys. There are no words in the English or made up dictionary to express how overjoyed and happy and elated I am for you and how in awe and overwhelmed I am as I continue to watch God's hand move through yours and John's life, and the life of your sweet little boys. Your two sons’ have definitely made a huge impact on this little world. And just think God chose you and John to be their parents. How truly Awesome is that!
    Our God is so amazingly Awesome!!!

    I'm loving the 4 of you with all of my heart on purpose :-)

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  21. I am so amazed at how much he looks like Matthew! They look like twins! You look wonderful, mama! Tired and wonderful!

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  22. Lori for the first time in my life I wish I was somewhere closer to you so that I could come and give Luke a really big cuddle. He is THE most precious little boy ever, Matthew is most definitely looking down on you all with so much love, and pride. I have been so overwhelmed since knowing that Luke was born. I am so very happy for you. Congratulations. You are so deserving. Yay for a Happy Ending. His Grace is Sufficient, but boy oh boy has it worked miracles and isn't it amazing and wonderous. Lots of Love Xxxx

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  23. I just found your blog today through Andrea. Congratulations on your sweet sweet baby boy!! Luke is BEAUTIFUL!! I love the pics of him with that adorable blue hat! I love that! So happy for you. Can't wait to follow your blog and read more.

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  24. I love the little green hat!!! Too cute! His smile just melts my heart. I love, love, love that sleepy time in the mornings. And newborn faces are the best.
    Enjoy!

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  25. I totally believe it and it brought tears to my eyes that Luke puckered up to receive a kiss for Mathew thru him. Gave me goosebumps. I do believe that babies have a special connection to heaven. He's so precious and beautiful!!

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  26. I got teary-eyed reading about your sweet kisses for your boys. They are so lucky to have such a great mommy and you them!

    You are such a gorgeous family!!!

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  27. I have so many tears of joy for you!! The pictures are just adorable. I cannot stop looking at your little boy. Absolute cuteness!!

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  28. Beautiful and just precious !! So happy for you.

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  29. so happy to hear all is going well lori and how special that he gave you kisses from matthew, still 2 weeks for me, little luke is so gorgeous i can only imagine how wonderful you feel. i'm sure you and john are doing a great job, sending love, anne xxx

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  30. Ok only you can make me CRY when reading about feeding time with Luke...I hope and pray those kisses got to matthew and he did send them back...

    ok NOW onto these pictures O-M-G...his faces!! he is so cute and funny...and the hats!! the hats are just perfect, did you make these? were these gifts, they are the best things I have EVER seen.....

    as for why everyone loves your boys, its because we know them so well. I mean I know everything about them through you, so thank you for sharing their lives with me....

    i cant WAIT to read the birth story from your view and Johns too..

    xoo

    soooooooooo happy!! for you!!

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  31. Loved the pucker story! Sweet angel kisses just for you! Your pictures are beautiful and so is Luke!

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  32. How incredibly wonderful! Even my security code is great, it's "positiva"!

    I've thought of you so much and have prayed for you and John and thanked God again and again for the miracle of Luke.

    These pictures cronicle so much of your journey and I'm thankful for your friendship. My heart is so FULL for you. As I looked at each picture I smiled and thanked God again.

    And I was curious as to "who" the gentleman holding Luke was. His eyes seemed to show such love for Luke...and then I read Jill Q's post and aparently that gentleman is "your Dr. Sweeney". Need I say more....his expression says it all.

    Much love today and always
    xxx

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  33. Lori- I am bawling, just like everyone else. He is sooooo adorable and I KNOW he gave you kisses from Matthew.

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  34. Love love love you! Soooo happy! Ellie's boyfriend is gorgeous! xoxo

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  35. He is gorgeous, Lori! I am so happy for ya'll!!! This gives me hope for my daughter, and maybe, just maybe, this is their year! Always in my thoughts and prayers...
    MK Hucko

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  36. Beautiful story and pictures :)

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  37. So very precious... I love each picture. But the frog outfit is my favorite... So cute!

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  38. Congrats Lori!!! He is so so adorable. I am so happy for you and your husband. I was crying reading your post, especially about the kisses...so sweet.

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  39. I don't think I've ever seen more precious pictures! Really! I can't wait to meet and hold and kiss that sweet boy! So lovin' all his hats. The photos of you & John each holding him are just beautiful! Congrats!

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  40. I know that you have so much to read, so you may never get all the way down to this. .. but I am so happy for you LORI! I am just full of joy to see you and John and Luke finally together safely! I know that each moment is something that you will soak up and treasure.

    I can't believe how Luke is smiling in the one photo! Babies don't do that this early! He must be super special!@

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  41. Oh Lori, seeing you with Luke in your arms just brings happy tears to my eyes. What a blessing! Congratulations again!

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  42. Oh my...so so precious, Lori. I LOVE the fuzzy blue hat! Sending you so many hugs and a congratulations....on BOTH your boys. Love you all of you!

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  43. Wow! You have such a cute baby!! :D

    I am a teen and recently found out I am expecting a baby! I started a blog titled "In the life of a teenager" not expecting such a twist...But my life is getting quite interesting. Follow me, please! I ask for any advice or comments. Being 17 and pregnant is difficult.

    Thank you so much!
    Have a wonderful day :)

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  44. Oh Lori, I couldn't be happier for you guys!
    I love your thought of Luke puckering up and sharing kisses with Matthew from/to mommy.
    I often feel that way when I see Evan smiling in his sleep, or hear him giggling in his sleep...I often dream that it is because Zac is telling him some funny joke and sharing about his day in heaven.
    A mommy can believe that, right?! I let myself for sure!

    Don't feel bad about emailing/posting. Right now your focus is Luke and learning this new life with your little baby boy and soaking in every second of watching him asleep or awake.
    It's hard to get back to people individually...and that is why I started blogging. It just became too difficult to keep up one at a time.

    I absolutely ADORE Luke's hats!! I wish I would have seen some that amazing when the boys were born!!

    You look unbelievably in love with your little man, and joy is shining in your eyes. And I know that makes Matthew so very very happy for his precious mommy!
    Not saying the sadness of missing Matthew isn't there...but I know he is wanting you to enjoy every moment with his little brother!!

    And again...I LOVE the blanket with "Matthew's Little Brother" on it! So precious! And so touching.

    Seeing these photos brings a bit more back to "hope". Thank you for sharing!

    Love to you all!!!!

    Heather (heathershope - HP / GOL)

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  45. He is perfect, just absolutely perfect Lori.. XOXO

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  46. Oh Lori he is absolutely perfect! I love the hats..i am obsessed with hats right now myself!! Congrats!! Enjoy him..time does fly. My twins are already 8 weeks and find myself tearing up everytime i put another outfit away that they have already outgrown!=)

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  47. He's so precious!!! I love that picture with his eyes rolled up and to the side, because I get that look A-L-L the time!!

    I'm right there with you on being so behind on emails and FB messages. I think everyone understands!!! At least I hope so! ;)

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  48. What a cute boy he is - already plenty expressive, ven with his hands! It's hard to feel like you're ignoring all the well-wishers, but people understand. And blogging is primarily to document things for Luke to read one day, so however you think that is best accomplished will be perfect. Those foggy days with a newborn, always with your hands full or doing something and feeling pulled in several directions at once, don't need extra, self-imposed responsibilities. Before you know it, Luke will be squirming around, trying to see everything and exploring his world. Soak up sleepy newborn snuggles while you can, watch John bonding with his son, give some extra love to the dogs, and never feel guilty about it. You've waited 10+ years for these irreplaceable first few weeks at home with your child! Life will settle down soon enough and you can get back to responding in a (semi-)timely manner.

    The story of the kisses is priceless. Matthew will surely "reveal" himself to the family, perhaps often through Luke. Isn't that what a little brother is for: doing the bidding of his older sibling? :) And I love the photo of the famous Dr. Sweeney gazing at Luke..."a picture is worth a thousand words" indeed.

    Hope the recovery is going well and the feeding gets easier so you can really enjoy that one-on-one time with him!

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  49. we care because we love you and your sweet boys. luke is freaking amazing! i don't think he has enough hats, though. xo

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  50. the pictures are just fabulous... i love all of them!! tears of joy and happiness falling -- he is just beautiful, precious and just amazing little miracle... and i love that matthew kissed you through luke.... you guys are amazing... tell john it is not just your boys who have made an impact on the world -- it is you and john, too -- the love and depth of caring you share for one another -- what you two went on on your journey to become a family -- the resiliency and FAITH you have -- are beyond remarkable... they are inspiring...
    so very happy for you!!! please email me on our blog when you have a chance -- i sent an email to the email I have for you guys and am not sure it's the right one any more!! i should be in MD next month and would love to swing by and meet you and luke if you are game! congratulations and many many many smiles and cheers to your family...

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  51. Luke is so cute! I'm sure everyone who's emailed or sent messages understands that you're too busy to respond back right now (or anytime soon!). You've waited a looong time to take a baby home and you're not expected to do ANYTHING other than enjoy every sweet moment!!

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  52. Oh he's just so handsome Lori! I want to jump through the screen and swipe him:) I have something for Luke that I would like to send you. When you get a chance, please e-mail me an address. Thanks a bunch! By the way, you are just glowing!!!

    XOXO
    Kelli

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  53. Oh my word with the beautiful! Love, love, love!!!!

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