Pictures with Santa

Here are our Santa pictures that were taken at the Ward Christmas Party. This Santa is the best Santa I've seen. His suit is very nice and his beard is real. I've seen some "off" looking Santas at the mall. One Santa was too tall, thin and young with a ridiculous fake bread that wasn't attached well. Anyways...
Hailey was very shy at first even though she was so excited to see Santa.

He got her to warm up to him a little bit.

However, Robert on the other hand, did not like Santa.

Not even for 5 seconds for a little picture. He wanted nothing to do with sitting on a stranger's lap.

December 15th

So like every other pregnant lady, I had to go potty in the middle of the night, this time around 2:30am. I went back to bed. Then my stomach started hurting, and it went away. It came back again about 10 minutes later. I started to time it and it was official; I was in labor! Knowing I can't sleep through it, I went downstairs at 3:00am. Since I had a 10 minute break, I started on the dishes, then watched TV, and finally around 5:00 had breakfast. I decided to called Darlene at 6:00 to see if Wayne could watch the kids since he has no other responsibilities during the day. However, I stopped having contractions by that time. I was devastated and confused since I didn't have a false start with other kids. After an hour of no contracts I tried to go back to bed. I still didn't want Nathan to leave (there was a grading committee he needed to be apart of) since I didn't know when the contractions would start again.

Around 9:30am we went to the mall so I could walk around some to see if that helps. However, by 10:30 we knew they wouldn't came back and I took Nathan to his office. He came home at 2:00pm so I could go to my doctor's appointment.

I told them how the baby is moving less and the nurse had a hard time getting a steady heartbeat. The heartbeat range was 110-130 which is a lot slower then her normal rate. The nurse also found protein in my urine and my blood pressure was slightly up. The doctor checked me and I was dilated to a 4 and 75% effaced. He was concerned about toxemia (which cause pre-eclampsia) and we set up an appointment for me to get induced at 6:00am the next day. I was afraid of getting induced by knew Hannah need to come now whether she wanted to or not.

So, after I got home I made Nathan's birthday cake and got things ready to be induced in the morning. Wayne said he could be here at 6:00 to watch the kids and Darlene would join him after work. Also, I couldn't watch Chloe for the rest of the week and informed her mom about it.

Around 4:30pm, the contracts came back but were once again only 10 minutes apart. So we had a nice dinner for Nathan's 28th birthday.

Then he opened his presents.

I bound some e-books he printed, which Nathan appreciated.

Hailey and Robert wanted to help with the unwrapping.

From my parents, Nathan got Battlestar Galactica DVDs Season 1-4. He was very excited and grateful for it.

Then we had cake and ice cream. Hailey helped with the sprinkles and the extra candy decorations.

He blew out all the candles in one breath.

I'm so thankful to Nathan and had fun trying to make his birthday special.

We put the kids to bed as usually and Nathan stayed upstairs to work on his last final.

By 8:00pm we realized that most likely these contractions will stay and we arranged for our neighbor, Kendi to watch sleep over. Hailey cries randomly in her sleep and can get out of bed so we needed someone here. I'm so thankful that she was willingly to do that especially since she had a final in the morning.

After everything was arranged Nathan gave me a priesthood blessing which was very special to me.

Now after 6 hours of contractions 10 minutes apart, they finally got closer together. We called the hospital and they said that I should drink water to make sure they wouldn't go away. That back fired on me because it made it more intense. We quickly got ready to leave and went to the hospital at 10:30pm. When the nursed check me I was dilated to a 6. From there everything got more intense. Luckily, the anaesthesiologist was already in the hospital and could come quickly. Instead of getting an epidural like I planned the nurse suggested a intrathecal which only lasts 2-3 hours but starts immediately and is easier to put in (still through the spine). By the time he came, the contractions were so close it was hard to feel one end before the next began. The nurse checked me real quick before I got injected and instead of saying how much I was dilated (a 10), told the anaesthesiologist to hurry. Nathan had to sign some paper work and couldn't be there when I had the intrathecal done. Luckily I had a long enough break that it went smoothly and it worked instantly.

The resident broke my water after that. I remember laughing and joking with the people there. I really loved that drug. After draining for a couple of minutes, they told me I can push now. So, I pushed once and saw he head and shoulders. I was amazed that it only took one push. With Hailey it took an hour and with Robert 16 pushes.

So, here I am, pain free for the moment and admiring my baby from a far while they clean and measure her. She's 6 lbs and 13 oz and 21 inches long. She came out at 12:13am on Wednesday, December 16th. We are happy that she has her own birthday.Hannah came out ready to eat. So while the doctor (who was not Dr. Cox but another doctor who was on call) and the resident stitched me up, I was able to nurse Hannah. Thankfully, we had no problems with feeding which is always my biggest worry after they are born.

Week before the due date

To me a due date is a deadline that the baby can't cross. She must be out before then and a week early is preferred. Hailey was a day late with contractions started at 6:00am. We went to the hospital around 11am and she was born at 4:30pm. Robert was a week early with contractions starting around 8 or 9am. We went to the hospital around 5pm and he was born at 7:30pm.

So, my hope was that Hannah came exactly a week early on Tuesday Dec. 8th. It's two days after St. Nick's Day and before St. Lucia's Day. However, Nathan had a big presentation in one of his classes at 9:30am and it would have been difficult to find someone to cover Nathan's class he teaches on Wednesday morning. So, we decided Friday, Dec. 11th would be the best day. If Hannah came on Friday then Darlene and Wayne could be with the kids over night and all day Saturday. The thought of her coming on or after her due date, Dec 15th, (also Nathan's birthday) was not an option.

I went to my doctor's appointment that Tuesday (the 8th) and the doctor said I was dilated to a 3 and 50% effaced. We both believed that I would go into labor any day but still set up an appointment for the 15th.

We had everything ready and committed to going to nothing since we were going to have a baby. Luckily, this being the holiday season there were a lot of events to go to. On Thursday, I went to a Relief Society Meeting (enrichment) about giving. There were a lots of cookies there and I was able to bring home two plates full which is wonderful for this very pregnant lady.

Friday, I brought the kids to a playgroup at the commons and was able to send out the last of our Christmas gifts. On Saturday, I met with a friend who is helping me make Christmas stockings. She also helped me learn more about my sewing machine which was really neat.

Saturday night was our ward Christmas party. Free food, company, and a chance for our kids to run around was want our family greatly needed. There was a really good Santa there which Hailey was so excited about. Robert also waited patiently in line (which is amazing for his age). Hailey was very shy when she sat on his lap and then Robert was put there too so we could get a picture of them with Santa. Robert screamed his head off. I didn't have my camera so we hope to get the pictures soon from someone else.

Sunday was St. Lucia's Day. So I cooked scrambled eggs, cinnamon rolls, and sausage. I've always liked this holiday because I love breakfast food. My parents have a St. Lucia crown that my sister and I took turns wearing to wake up the family for breakfast. I'm excited for the year that Hailey will be old enough to help me cook, set the table, and when she wakes everyone up while I pretend to be asleep in my bed.

Monday was supposed to be our ward Family Home Evening but it was canceled due to the lack of people still around.

And though all these events there was no baby. I was very depressed by that thought going to bed each night and waking up to no contractions. More then just wanting this baby out and starting our new life together, I noticed a decrease in movement. It didn't bother me until it hit on Sunday that I really should be feeling her more.

On Monday, I kept track of when I felt her and on average it was only once an hour except between 4 and 6pm, she moved off and on frequently. My prayers changed into "please let her be healthy, let her make it, let me know when there is a serious problem" instead of "can we have her now since it would convenient for me."

Hannah's here

More to come soon. Hannah came Dec 16th at 12:13am. Weighs 6lbs 13oz and is 21inches long.
We are home and doing good.

I'm Still Pregnant!!!

So my due date is Dec 15th which is also Nathan's birthday and in the middle of finals week. I went to the doctor on Tuesday and was dilated to a 3 and we both expected a baby any day.

However, it is Saturday night, I'm 39 weeks and 5 days PREGNANT! (The picture was taken today)
So I'm bummed everyday when I wake up and there are no contractions. I know she'll come when it's best and the longer she cooks the healthier she'll be but it's still frustrating. I feel like life is put on hold and I just want to get over the delivery part so we can all start adjusting our new life instead of just planning and hoping.

On the other hand I know I am luckily. I know my body is changing and the more it changes without painful contractions the easier labor will be. I'm also luckily for the community in which I live and all the people who are willing to help me when Hannah comes. All we need to do is get through this upcoming week and then Nathan is home for 3 weeks. I have had a very uneventful pregnancy and didn't get morning sickness too bad. Also I've only gained 22 pounds which is pretty good and healthy. (I gained 18 with Hailey and 20 with Robert)

Daddy Time

Here is proof that Nathan is around. (I know he is hardly mentioned in the blog) The three of them are just hanging out watching TV. They love playing with daddy especially now since mommy can't rough house much.

Playtime

I recently got a whole bag full of dress up clothes from a neighbor. My rule with dress up clothes now is that they have to clean up the front room before they play and they have to put it all way again. Because of the rule, the dress up clothes don't come out much.

However, that what Chloe wanted to do and here are the results.
First was the fashion show.

Then they made up a dance.

Hailey likes Chloe a lot and looks up to her. They had a lot of fun today.

Gingerbread Houses

Every year at the library for story time, they have the kids do gingerbread houses. We didn't make it to book babies so we went for the 3-5 years old story time. Hailey loved putting hers together and all I did was put the frosting on the different pieces. However, since the picture was taken a couple of hours after it was made, it was falling apart.
Below are pictures of Robert's that he really didn't make. All he wanted to do we eat it and I'm to big and pregnant to fight too hard with him. The cool thing about these gingerbread houses is that the structure is a milk carton. I don't think I could get a house to stay up without it.

Finally, Robert decided to put some candy on the roof. But everything else was eaten.

St. Nick's Day

St. Nick's Day was Dec 6th. This too is a German holiday. My family's version growing up is to put your shoes out the night before and in the morning magically, the shoe is filled with candy and sticks if we were bad (we always got sticks!). Also, there was generally a small gift like a Christmas CD or an ornament or something along those lines.

So for my own family I am insisting that we do church shoes (there cleaner and this one was on Sunday). Also there's no trees to get sticks from so my kids do not get sticks yet. (though they would probably love the sticks more then the presents at this age.) Also they get an ornament and a Christmas book.

This year the kids slept in until 7:30ish (Nathan had a meeting at 8:00). They didn't see the shoes at first so Hailey went downstairs to get dad. Coming back up stairs Hailey finally saw and recognized the Tinkerbell ornament as hers and loved it. Hailey also got "Slip, Slide and Skate" and "A Snowy Day" for her Christmas books. Robert was excited about the candy and kept taking it from every one's shoe. He also got a Handy Manny ornament and "The Biggest Christmas Tree Ever" book.

Nathan and I got Minnie and Mickey Mistletoe ornament and "The Little Matchbox Girl" for our story.

And though Hannah's not here yet, she got her Sweet Pea: Baby's First Christmas ornament.

It was a fun little St. Nick's morning which ended with Orange glazed rolls for breakfast.

Robert's Haircut

As you can see in this picture, Robert is in desperate need of a haircut. I have been pushing it off because I think he is too curious and wiggly to get a good haircut.

However, he surprised me when we went to Great Clips one morning. Robert sat very still on my lap while she buzzed the back. He got a little more wiggly when she started using the scissors on top.I'm so happy with my handsome boy who looks more like a boy now.

If only he'll let me take a good picture of it.

Advent Wreath

Advent is a German holiday that I have really enjoyed. Advent is on the four Sundays before Christmas. It is where we eat yummy treats and drink hot chocolate while Christmas books are read. Also, we have several booklets of Christmas songs that my sister typed out a long time ago. This tradition meant a lot to me growing up and I have continued it every year since I moved away from home.

Darlene was my college roommate for about 2 years and has done advent with me then and continued to make it to at least one Sunday every Christmas season since. She got married this year, so I thought she would enjoy an advent wreath of her own.

Since my mom made my wreath, I was able to get her help to make Darlene's wreath. It was surprisingly easy and I think it turned out great. So, I gave the wreath to Darlene for her birthday since it was in November.

Here's a close up.

Here is a picture of my treasure advent wreath.

Babysitting and TV

I was babysitting two neighborhood boys a few weeks ago. Wesley is a year older than Hailey and Wyatt is only a couple of weeks older than Robert. It's great to have some boys over for Robert. They have a fun time playing with very little fighting. The TV was on most of the time. I just thought it was funny to see Hailey and Wesley trying to hold Wyatt and Robert on their laps. They liked it and kept coming back.
As a small side note about TV watching. I decided soon after this picture was taken, that my kids watched way too much. They fought on the couch about where to sit and Hailey didn't want to stop watching to go potty.

So, I took the TV away for a week and loved it. The kids actually played with their toys and there were less fights. The downside for me is that I couldn't get anything else done. We read books, played with blocks and colored. It's great to spend quality time with them but my house suffered and I needed to get ready for the baby and holidays. So, there hasn't been a permanent change, yet. We are back to watching at least 2 hours a day and I know with Hannah coming I'll need the TV to get some sanity. I think I will ban TV for one week per month and see how that goes. Wish me luck and patience.

35 Weeks and 2 days

This picture is how big I was at 35 weeks. I feel like I have gotten much bigger with this pregnancy than with Hailey or Robert. Weight wise I haven't gained too much more then Hailey or Robert, I just stick out more.

Baby Shower

A couple of weeks ago, Kendi, threw me a baby shower. I was completely taken back by how pretty she decorated the commons. I wish I took better pictures of it.

The first game we played was guessing how big I was around. They past a roll of ribbon around and everyone cut off a piece that they thought would fit around me perfectly. The youngest in the group, Sarah, won.
Then everyone was divided into two teams and had a race to see who could diaper, dress, swaddle, and get the baby to me the fastest.

The next game was trying to figure out what features of mine or Nathan's that I want Hannah to have. For the most part, I hope Hannah will have brown, curly hair and brown eyes just like me. However, this was my hope for Robert who is clearly blond and blue eyed. So who knows what Hannah will look like. Certainly it's not something I can predict.

The last game was making a poem of baby related words starting with the letters of Nathan's and mine name.

Then I got to open the presents.

We finished of with dipping treats in the chocolate fountain and having delicious cake. I had a lot of fun and was very touched by all the effort and work Kendi did to put it together. She defiantly went above and beyond. She even watched my kids after the baby shower so Nathan and I could go on a date.

Thanks you to everyone who came to make the party special.

Outside Fun

These pictures were taken a while ago. Our neighbor, Sarah, likes to build things. Here are my kids trying out her newest creation.

Halloween Fun

I'm just trying to check up my blog so here is how our Halloween Week went which is now three weeks late.

First, we go to the library twice a week generally. Tuesday is book babies so I'm in there with Robert and Hailey. On Thursday, Hailey gets to be in there by herself for 40 minutes. For the week of Halloween, the sweet story lady took the kids on a Halloween Parade to the different desk so they could get candy. I thought it would be a great way to introduce Robert to the concept of Trick-or-Treating.

However, leaving to go there was not easy. I had the kids ready and Hailey's hair done nicely. I wanted to just put on their costumes on at the library but Hailey looked cold and asked for Snow White. So right before, we walked out the door, I put it on her. Then I strapped her in the car and went to the other side to put Robert in. When I opened the side door, I heard Hailey cry "Accident!" At that point my patience level dropped. She had peed a lot all over her seat, shorts, and costume. So I strapped Robert in the car and ran inside to get extra panties, pants, and a little tutu so she is still dressed in something.

I start undressing her in the car and then Hailey said she needed to pee more. I knew she didn't but still took Robert out of the car and carried my naked bum girl in the house. She sits for a little bit and tells me she's all done and didn't pee. I quickly got her dressed again and put everyone in the car, again. Luckily, I'm in the practice now to leave the house a half hour before so we weren't late.

The kids greatly enjoyed story time and the parade while I tried to hide the fact that I was completely out of patience.



Hailey went to story time on Thursday with Luc (he didn't have school so I had him all day). This time it went a lot better and both Hailey and Luc put on their costumes at the library.

On Friday, the ward held their trunk-or-treat, followed by dinner and a carnival. Since it was cold outside, the trunk-or-treat got moved inside. So I was lined up in the hall to pass out the candy as Nathan took the kids around. Thankfully, a husband in the ward got his wife and me soft chair to sit in.

The kids had fun with daddy and got a lot of goodies.

The Chilly dinner was great. Hailey and Robert just ran around the gym, playing games. Robert liked the fishing one the best and just stood by it most of the time.

Finally, it's really Halloween Night. Nathan took the kids around the complex while I passed the candy out. Not a whole lot of people came by so we still had a lot of left over candy.

This is the best picture we were able to get of Robert in his Scarecrow outfit. He looked so cute but was constantly on the move. He figured out this whole candy thing and was excited.

To end our Halloween night, we went over to Chloe and Luc's house to have pumpkin pie.

This is the most we have done for Halloween so far. There were so many places we could have gone to.