Homecoming

Our little man did great in the car ride home. My mama heart was so very proud! We went through six different states and it took us about 25 hours (We spread it over three days). We stopped every three hours to feed and change Ty, gas up the car if needed, and use the restroom ourselves. Ty was a champ and slept most of the way! He fussed a little here and there, but was always lulled back to sleep by mommy's voice and the sway of the moving car. We thought for sure he wouldn't sleep during the nights, with all that day sleeping, but he did!!!

Our last stop before coming home was to our sweet friends, Dan and Laura. Laura has been my best friend since 7th grade and had a baby boy 7 days before us. All I've ever wanted in life was to be a mom alongside my best friends and it finally happened!!Baby Gabe and Baby Ty gave us a few good shots before the cries started...They will be best buds for sure!

The sweetest moment occurred when little Maddy (Gabe's big sister) came running down the stairs and said "Auntie B, Auntie B you got your baby!!!" It brought tears to my eyes and reminded me just how many hearts...big and small...our celebrating with ours.

I was flooded with emotion when we pulled into our driveway! I know people say "Home is where the heart is"...but there's something about those four walls too...

Three weeks is such a long time to be away...Surreal.Within minutes of being home, my sister brought over a huge surprise...My mom!! My mom was going to fly out and visit us while we were away (she lives in Texas) but broke her elbow right before Ty was born! She didn't think she'd make it back to Michigan until his dedication, at church (in August). I was SO excited to see her! There's something about wanting your mom during life's biggest events!

Intimate moments with Auntie Rachael, cousin Nya, and Nana JJ.Nya just loved her new little cousin and kept saying, "Baby..baby!"My dad and sister made this giant stork last summer, when Nya was born, and added a heart with Ty's info! It's such a fun little shout out...by little, I mean 9 feet tall!Such fun famly moments that I'll never forget...I held back tears most of the day! Seeing my mom hold her grandson for the first time was really emotional. Without her financial support, Baby Ty would never have been ours. I am forever indebted to both her and Rebekah for such an incredible gift...
It was a fun day with family and friends! We literally dropped our bags in the garage, visited with my family, and then all headed over to our best friends' 4th of July party. Our closest friends were all there ready to shower us and Baby Ty with hugs and kisses! I cared more about seeing my friends then taking pictures, so you'll have to imagine the hugs and tears!

When we got home Ben's family came over to meet their first grandchild and nephew! Sharing our sweet boy with all the people we love is amazing.

(Ben's mom)

My mom and sister spent the night and when I got up this morning (at 12pm...Life with a baby has turned my sleeping upside down), my sister had gone out and grocery shopped - fully stocking the kitchen, made us a huge breakfast and meals for the next few days! She rocks!

We still have so many people to see...and unpacking to do...but we're home.

Our life begins.