Bennett William's Birth

March 1, 2010

12:51 p.m.

7lbs. 12oz.

21 1/2 inches

~beautiful baby boy~

A few weeks before Bennett's birth, we took Brooks to Build A Bear.  He picked out a monkey for himself and a puppy for his brother.  It was our first trip to Build A Bear and he loved it!! 

Searching for the perfect animals and attire

Meet Jake the monkey & Jack the puppy.  Of course, he wanted them to play sports.  Jake has an Astros uniform and Jack is a Dallas Cowboy!!

Fun day with my Brooksie bear...

~~~~~~~

Skip to the night before Bennett's big day.  My mom came in to keep Brooks while we were at the hospital.  Bryan usually does bathtime with Brooks.  Then, I go up to read books, say prayers, and lay down for a few minutes.  I remember turning out the lamp that night and laying in his bed with tears streaming down my face.  I was so excited about our new addition, but sad to close the chapter on our family of three.  Doesn't every mom go through those same emotions?

Last picture as a family of three & sweet Jax!!



I made these treat bags to give to hospital visitors & friends who brought meals.



I had these monogrammed sugar cookies made for the nurses & they were a BIG hit.  I had a c-section and the nurses took such good care of me.

Bryan & I had to arrive at the hospital at 10:00 that morning.  My c-section was scheduled for 12:00.  They were running a little behind because there were so many c-sections that day. 

*I had an emergency c-section with Brooks because my labor basically stopped, had to have Pitocin, and his heart rate immediately dropped dangerously low.  I will never forget the nurses saying Dr. Korten(my OB in Seattle) was on her way/running from her office in the building next to the hospital.  I can still picture her running through the door.  I was sobbing, and asked her if my baby was going to die.  She took my hand, got right up in my face and told me everything was going to be just fine but we needed to get him out quickly.  It was such a scary feeling.*

I told Bryan that it felt weird to be walking back to the operating room this time for sweet Bennett's birth.  When we walked through the doors, John Mayer was playing on the radio and the nurses said, "Hey Mrs. Boyer, how are you feeling, ready to get this show on the road?!?"  HA!!  I climbed up on the table and 30 minutes later had a new baby boy. 

About to meet our Bennett...I loved that we had his name picked out and my OB and nurses immediately started calling him Bennett and welcoming him to the world.  A sweet memory!!

Our new little "bb"...proud daddy!!



I love this picture...first time to hold him.  He was so calm.  I talked to him and gave him lots of kisses!!  Looking at this picture makes me want to do it all over again tomorrow.



One last picture before I had to go to recovery.  I was hoping to take a little nap, but the lady next to me talked on her cell the entire time!!  I was so irritated.  Bryan went back and forth checking on Bennett & I.

Big brother was our very first visitor.  Love his rally cap...

This picture brings tears to my eyes each time I look at it.  Just perfection!!  Look at Bennett's foot prints on Bryan's scrubs.

I think he needed a moment to take it all in.  He climbed up in our window and was quiet for a bit.  This picture makes me a little sad.

Nothing sweeter than a newborn baby!!

Aunt T took Brooks to pick out flowers and a balloon for us.  I love that he chose Dora for me!!

My family minus dad.  He was able to join us a week later.  Brooks loved his Big Brother gift...a Dallas Cowboys football!!

Bryan's family

3 generations of Boyer's

My Papa

~George William Haggard~

March 10, 1927-January, 31, 2010

I decided that I would not do another catch up post until I built up enough courage to write about one of the greatest men I have ever known.  My Papa!!  Sadly a little over a year ago he passed away and I still miss him terribly.  He went to be with Jesus on January 31, 2010, the day of Brooks' 4th birthday party.  I was pregnant with Bennett, trying to make sure Brooks had a special day, and I just had to put all of my emotions about losing him in the back of my mind.  We left the next day and went home for the funeral.  It was a beautiful military service and tribute to him.  Now, each time we go home it's bittersweet because he is not there.  He would be at my parents house waiting for us to arrive.  Brooks and Papa had the sweetest relationship.  They both loved spending time together playing and would sit on my parents couch to watch cartoons.  I really hate he didn't get to meet Bennett or form a bond with he and Evie, my niece.  Last summer, during a trip home, I remember pulling into my parents garage and a song by Miranda Lambert came on the radio.  I sat in my car and sobbed because the lyrics really touched me.  Here are a few:

The House That Built Me

I know they say you can't go home again

I just had to come back one last time

Ma'am I know you don't know me from Adam

But these hand prints on the front steps are mine

I thought if I could touch this place or feel it

This brokenness inside me might start healing

If I could just come in I swear I'll leave

Won't take nothing but a memory

From the house that built me

I am not a huge fan of country music, but this song really struck me.  I now get teary eyed each time I hear it.  My Papa is a big part of the house that built me.  He and my grandmother were married for 60 plus years, raised their children in a Christian home, and he was just a remarkable man.  The values and love for Jesus he instilled in my mom were passed down to me and I plan to do the same for my boys.

Heaven gained a special angel and I look forward to the day I join him!!

Mom, Mimi, & Papa came to spend a week in Seattle when Brooks was 6wks old.

One of my favorite pics..not sure why it posted sideways

My family-minus Bryan

Each Christmas Eve, Papa read the story of Jesus' birth to our family...this is Brooks' 1st time to hear it!!

Mom & Papa-they had the greatest relationship

Such a handsome man!!

Watching Brooks tend to the garden.  I am not exaggerating, he LOVED spending time with my Brooksie.

Mimi & Papa

They had matching sweatshirts that said Mimi & Papa.

The guys going fishing on the Llano River.

They loved to dance!!  Such a sweet picture...


We used this poem in our wedding program in memory of our loved ones.  I thought I would share it with you.

Understand, I'll slip quietly
away from the noisy crowd
when I see the pale stars rising
blooming over the oaks

I'll pursue solitary pathways
through the pale twilit meadows,
with only this one dream:
you come too.

-Rainer Maria Rilke