My Sweet Cherry Jo: The Long-Awaited Love Story of Our Baby Girl

Oh my goodness, you guys. I’m still just… floating. Like, my feet haven’t touched the ground since she got here. Cherry Jo. Our sweet, tiny, perfect Cherry Jo. I’ve said it a million times, but I’ll say it a million more: I’ve waited so long to meet you, but I feel like I’ve known you my whole life. It’s this crazy, overwhelming, beautiful feeling that just washes over you, and I swear, every time I look at her, my heart just explodes all over again. :,)

You know how it is, right? You plan, you dream, you imagine. With Stella, it was this whole new world opening up. With Ozzy, it was like, 'okay, we got this, but also, how does one human juggle TWO tiny humans?!' Hahah. And with Cherry, it was this deep, quiet knowing. Like, our family wasn't quite complete yet, and there was this little piece missing that I just knew was out there. And now she’s here, and it’s like, 'ah, there you are. We’ve been waiting for you.' It’s the most incredible feeling in the world.

The Long Wait & The Instant Connection

I feel like pregnancy, especially the third time around, can feel like it lasts forever and five minutes all at once. You’re so excited to meet them, but also, you’re trying to soak up every last minute of the 'before' bc you know everything is about to change in the best way possible. I remember those last few weeks, just nesting and getting everything ready, trying to imagine her little face. Would she look like Stella? Like Ozzy? A mix of both? Would she have Tanner’s dimples? My nose? I just couldn’t wait to find out.

And then, the moment she was placed on my chest… it was just pure magic. All the waiting, all the anticipation, all the little aches and pains of pregnancy, it all just melted away. It was like looking at a piece of my soul that had finally found its way home. That instant connection, that feeling of 'you belong here,' is something I’ll never forget. It’s a love that’s so fierce and so pure, it honestly takes my breath away sometimes. I just stare at her, all sleepy and squishy, and I’m like, 'how did I get so lucky?'

Our Family of Five: A New Adventure

Bringing a new baby home is always an adventure, right? Even when you’ve done it before, it’s still a whole new dynamic. Stella and Ozzy are absolutely smitten with their baby sister. Stella is such a little helper, always wanting to hold her and give her kisses. Ozzy is a bit more… boisterous hahah, but her love is just as big. She’ll come up and just pat Cherry’s head, sometimes a little too hard, but it’s all out of love, I swear! It’s been so sweet watching them adjust and embrace their new role as big sisters. My heart just swells watching them together.

Tanner, my amazing husband, has been my rock through all of this, as always. He’s the best dad, and watching him with Cherry just melts me. He’s so gentle and patient, and he just beams when he holds her. He’s been taking on so much, making sure I get some rest when I can, helping with the other girls, and just being my biggest hype man. I honestly couldn’t do it without him. He’s truly the best partner a girl could ask for. We’re a team, always.

Embracing the Chaos (and the Cuddles)

Let’s be real, life with three little ones is a beautiful kind of chaos. There are moments when I’m juggling a feeding, a toddler tantrum, and a school project all at once, and I’m like, 'what is happening?!' Hahah. But then Cherry will let out a tiny sigh while she’s sleeping on my chest, or Stella will draw me a picture, or Ozzy will give me the biggest hug, and it all just falls into place. It’s a constant reminder that even in the busiest moments, there’s so much love and joy surrounding us.

I’m trying my best to soak up every single second of these newborn days, even the sleepless nights. Everyone says it, and it’s so true – they grow up so fast. One minute they’re this tiny little bundle, and the next they’re running around and talking your ear off. So, I’m snuggling her close, breathing in that sweet baby smell, and just trying to be present in every single moment. I know I’ll look back on these days and miss them like crazy.

My Heart is So Full

To my sweet Cherry Jo, thank you for choosing us. Thank you for completing our family in the most perfect way. You are everything we dreamed of and more. I love you, little one, more than words can say. And to all of you who have followed along on this journey, who have sent your love and support, thank you from the bottom of my heart. It means the world to me. I’m so excited to share all the little moments with you as Cherry grows. Get ready for all the baby spam, bc I can’t help myself! My heart is just so full. ❤