💙 Welcome to the world, Baby Luke 💙
What a week it’s been. At 9:44 AM on 11/24/2019 (promptly, on his due date) my sweet, 8 lb 9 oz son Luke arrived.
I am so, so in love, sometimes it feels like my heart can’t even handle it.
I wish I had some cute, professional, adorably-staged photos to share with you, but even though he’s been here for over a week I haven’t quite found the time to make that happen. So instead I have unpolished iPhone pictures to share . Fortunately I already have hundreds and hundreds of those.
Zach and I ended up going to the hospital late last Saturday night because my blood pressure was high (even though I have no history of high blood pressure and it had otherwise had been perfect through the whole pregnancy).
The doctor decided it would be safest to induce, and after 8 hours of labor (4 of those hours were pushing!) sweet Luke Ryan Merritt made his way into the world.
Zach and I are home now and are so, so in love with this perfect little boy.
Fortunately, I had posts scheduled to go out so you’ve still been seeing my new recipes even though I was in the hospital and have been less than productive sitting on the couch, soaking up this time with my baby boy.
I have more recipes scheduled out between now and January so that I can enjoy some time with Luke as well as recovering and adjusting.
I’ll still be around, answering comments and otherwise working on the blog, but I worked really hard these past few months to have posts (and videos) scheduled in advance so that I’d be able to take a mini maternity leave. I think you’ll really enjoy what I have planned.
I almost didn’t share this photo. It’s a pretty personal one; Zach took it shortly after delivery and I was a complete mess (it took me almost an hour to eventually comb the knots out of my hair, I don’t even know how they got there). But it was one of the best moments of my life and my heart has never been so full.
Thanks for letting me share these sweet moments with you. Back to the recipes tomorrow!
Other Baby Posts:
BETH STOKES
Congratulations! I’m glad you shared that photo of yourself with Luke. You look absolutely beautiful! Enjoy your new bundle of love!
Maria
Many congratulations on your beautiful bundle, what a blessing. Beautiful boy and mum.
Sam
Thank you, Maria!
Vicki
Luke is beautiful! CONGRATULATIONS and enjoy this time of bonding!
Helen
Congratulations to you all and he is just beautiful…get your rest and enjoy this new life!
Randa Marino
Adorable!!❤️
Ledys
Sam!! He’s just perfect! Thanks so much for sharing him and your journey with us. 💙 Enjoy your time bonding-it flies so fast!
Julie
Congratulations !!! He is beautiful!! Welcome to the world Luke!! And all the pics are great!!
lyn whittaker
Huge Congratulations to you and Zach on the safe arrival of baby Luke. He’s adorable enjoy every minute with him as believe me they soon grow up. Enjoy take care and enjoy your maternity leave. lol Lyn xx
Joan Coles
Congratulations to you and Zach on your new baby Luke. He’s is gorgeous, a precious gift. You and Zach are so blessed to have a healthy beautiful baby boy just in time for Christmas. Enjoy your time together – they grow up fast. All the best.
Sam
Thank you, Joan! We certainly are blessed <3
Laura
Congratulations! He is beautiful!
Cecilia Webb
Congratulations he is so handsome
Michelle
Congratulations, he is a cutie! Happy Holidays!
Beth Roberts
Congratulations to all three of you, my dear. I love the pic of the two of you right after the birth, that is real life!! I have a couple of those stashed away. I hope your birth experience was everything you hoped it would be except for the few bumps in the road. The important thing is he is here and healthy and beautiful!!!! Dont blink because before you know it he will be graduating high school and youre going to cry and say where did the years go???? Hold onto each moment and always look forward, never back.
Sam
I’m definitely trying to soak up every second with him, it’s already blowing my mind that he’s over a week old already! Thank you, Beth!
Maura Arter
Congratulations! beautiful picture of you and baby Luke, this will certainly be a Christmas you will never forget.
Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year filled with love…….
Sam
Thank you so much, Maura!
Corinne Shire
You are obviously a very organized woman. I appreciate your recipes, but as much as I enjoy cooking and baking I am thrilled with the pictures of that special little blessing. Thank you for sharing. Professional pictures are nice, but those candid shots are adorable! Congratulations on the birth of Luke. Enjoy the moments. They fly by so quickly. God bless you all.
Sam
Thank you so much, Corinne <3
David Burnett
He is beautiful! So thankful to be part of your community…family…even if just in a virtual way. Congratulations to you and yours.
Sam
So happy to have you, David! Thank you for the kind words! <3
Tessa
Congratulations!! Your son looks beautiful and that photo of the two of you is precious. I’m happy that there were no major complications and that you get to be home with your family now. Enjoy your kind-of-time-off!
Sam
Thank you so much, Tessa! <3