We are bringing a second little one into the world, and, we wanted to share the news with you! Below you will find stories, pictures and highlights from the last few years, as well as information about round number two. Life is more hectic this time around, and we weren't as diligent in documenting progress, but we do have fun ways for you to both learn about how our life has been and help us anticipate what to expect as we welcome baby number two.
Big Brother
Ellis will be an all energy - all the time Big Brother!
He seems very excited about the baby in Mama's belly, but he's still prioritizing chasing the cat, looking for deer outside and playing with anything that goes VROOM or ROAR!
We're working on ideas to help Ellis grow into his new role. He's a sweet, smart, whirlwind child who has willfulness to spare. So it should be a big mix of fun and challenge.
Over the last few years our lives have transitioned away from weekends of sleeping in late (for Jackson) and keeping a spotless home (for Denise). We're now focused on a solid 3-meals and endless snacks for a toddler. Questioning how long we can carry a 27.5 lbs kiddo. And wondering if our legs will fall asleep while playing games on the floor.
We're excited to see what life will be like when there are two bosses in the household. Ellis and his baby-brother!
#2 at 6 months
After this visit we accidentally saw the baby's sex in testing results. (It's a Boy!)
The Fams
We're all excited for the new addition to the family! Roadtrip for 4 coming.
My Knees
Ellis could do this for hours and spring up with no sense of pain. "Play more Mama!"
Kids Play Together
Percy is ecstatic with the idea that Ellis will have someone else to play with in the years ahead!
I'm #1
Ellis is stoked for the baby brother in Mama's belly! But, he wants his brother to know that he was here first and that means he's #1.
Nap Time
Sleep whenever the kids sleep. Jackson has an unfortunate 'night-owl' tendency, but he's happy to make up for it during nap time!
Round Two
Not one to take many photos, Denise resisted these (even more for the second pregnancy than the first). Fortunately, Jackson persisted and finally, starting in month 7, we have our first photos! We hope you find these amusing!
Just before Pregnancy #2, Jackson was already at his full pregnancy weight
7 months (Last Time)
7 months (This Time)
8 months (This Time)
9 months (This Time)
Day Before Delivery
11/21/22 Baby arrives!
Cassius Orion Belshe-Lord arrived at 10:32 am on November 21st, 2022 weighing 6lbs 9oz and measuring 19.25" in length. After a 2-day stay in the hospital, we were able to go home and have been enjoying settling in with the newest addition to our family.
Our Backstory
Jackson and Denise met online. Denise thought she was going on a date with someone from Denver; Jackson thought he was dating someone from Longmont. Turns out they both have an Estes connection!
(And Denise had a premonition about it before their first date.)
It didn't deter, and much fun was had in those initial dates: dinner and darts; snowshoeing; square dancing; interactive museum exhibit; hikes in Estes & RMNP.
We encourage you to peruse this website to learn more about how we got here, and why we're so excited. Check out the tabs at the top or below to play our virtual games, suggest names, share stories and words of encouragement, or view our modest registry (as requested by some). We're thrilled about this new addition to our family and excited to be able to share more of the early days/months with more family and friends than we were when Ellis was born at the start of the pandemic.
♥️ jackson & denise