Maximus Ryan Harris

this picture was taken just before we had Max!  We were so excited to meet our little man!
It is so crazy that our little boy is already here.  I never knew I could love a little boy as much as I do.  I have lots of little nephews and I love them, but I could never really see myself as a mom to a boy.  But he is just the cutest little baby boy I have ever held in my arms.  It always surprises me how much I can be in love with a baby so instantly.  I am so excited to have a change of clothes and switch to the boy ways of life.
Max was born on Thursday, the 9th at 11:58.  I went in that morning a little after 6 to be induced.  After they got me all hooked up to everything I was already have little contractions on my own.  After they started me on the pit they started to come a lot faster and a lot stronger.  It didn't take long before I was really uncomfortable and was worried about missing a chance for a epidural.  It was about 10 when they cam in and got the epidural going and after that I felt great.  This was my very favorite epidural I have had because it was just a half of one.  I could still move, and feel things, but it took of the sharp pain that makes you want to die.  I was a 10 at 11:30 and started to push soon after.  I could feel each contraction and could feel where you were.  I think it is the coolest feeling to feel the baby moving out of your belly, and then it is such a relief and all over.  It is crazy how I felt so much better in that instant.  My mom and Annette were able to come and be with Ryan and I and it was so nice to have support.  Max was 8 pounds and 1 ounce, 21 inches long and his head was 14 inches.
It is still so amazing to me that a perfect little healthy baby can grow inside my belly.  I keep looking him over and he is just so beautiful and perfect.
The one thing I will say about having a baby at the age of 32 is that it is not at all the same as when I was younger.  I felt like I had been run over by a bus a few times for the first two weeks after I had him.  I do not have energy to wake up all night and then function during the day like it never happened.  I am feeling so old and hoping and praying that I will get back to normal and be able to get the things done that I need to do.   I have been so blessed to have so many people help me with my kids and dinners and other things.  It is always so amazing to me to see the people that care about you help you after you have a baby.  I have to say that has made me feel so loved and cared for.
I am so grateful for the people in my lives and my family.  I really do have the best parents, family and friends I could ever ask for.

My sister Annette was taking pictures for me and this was the very first picture of Max as he was coming out... I had to laugh hard when I saw this picture because all you can see is his little hand saying "hey"

first time I got to hold my little boy and look at him.   He was so funny and kept raising his eyebrows up and down.   I was a little worried because he was a little blue so I didn't get to hold him for long. 

Dad was so excited to meet his son

The girls could not be happier to meet their little brother. 

first family picture together... all but Alexis.  She was at basketball practice.

Alexis was the only one of the girls who stayed home for the weekend while the other girls went to Annettes house and grandma and grandpas house.  She was so excited to get to stay with her baby brother.

Ryan and holding Max like a football.

I am so in love with this little boy.  He is so cute!

I just want to say Thank you so much to my family and friends that has helped me out so much after I have had Max.  I am so lucky to have so many people who love me and are willing to do such amazing things for me.  After having Max I have felt so loved and cared for by the kind things that everyone has done for me and my family.  So thank you so much, it means so much to me.