And He's Here!

On Wednesday, November 28th, I woke up at exactly 4:11 a.m. to a really strong contraction. After all the crazy contractions I'd had, I was REALLY hopeful that I was in labor. I got up and got in the shower to see what would happen. Well, they just kept getting stronger and stronger. They were about 5 minutes apart. Around 5 a.m., I woke Mike up and told him we better get ready to go to the hospital. I wanted to wait another hour or so to make sure this was it. I wasn't getting sent home.

The day before I had been to the doctor. I was about 4, almost 5 cm dilated and 80% effaced. The doctor told me that once I went into labor it would probably be fast. I was excited about that. But I wasn't holding my breath either. My other labors have been on the slow side.

Mike jumped in the shower. I started making the boys' lunches. The contractions were so painful and strong. I started wondering WHY IS MIKE TAKING SO LONG IN THE SHOWER!! Which is funny, since I told him to go ahead and take a shower. I knew it was time. The kids came downstairs and were being so grumpy and taking FOREVER to get dressed. In the middle of a contraction, I yelled at them "GET DRESSED NOWWW!!"

We hurried and dropped the kids off. We dropped them off about 6 a.m. and they were pretty much ready for school that day! Perfect timing!

We drove quickly to the hospital. I started dreading the whole triage process. The contractions were picking up and not fun at all. I was frustrated and didn't want to prove I was in labor. I just wanted to be admitted and have an epidural right away. The pain was so intense! I couldn't imagine doing it for a few more hours.

Well, they monitored me for about 10 minutes and checked me. I was 8 cm!!! The farthest I have ever been when arriving at the hospital. So very far along. At that point, being my 4th baby, they admitted me right away. We had to wait about 20 minutes and then the epidural came. I was so relieved because the contractions were so strong at that point. It took about 3 contractions for the epidural to take effect. But I knew mentally with each one it would get easier. It was such a relief. 

Then, we just waited for him to come! I think the epidural slowed things down. But it was okay!! They wanted me to get another dose of antibiotics before I delivered if possible. But I had to wait another 4 hours before having them. If I didn't have to wait for the meds, they would have broken my water and I would have had him right away. It was kind of frustrating. But, eventually, Dr. Tamanaha broke my water, so we didn't have to wait for 4 hours. (more like just 3).

I was so relieved that this coach was able to make it to the delivery. I am so glad he wasn't in Dallas. I don't know what I would have done without him! He gives the best massages during labor. I don't know how he knew what would help, but I couldn't have done the contractions without him. Love you, babe! So glad I got to share this experience with you.

One of my best friends, Maddy, has always wanted to see a birth. So I told her she could come to mine as long as she promised we could still be friends after :) Well, what do you know, she showed up in her BYU shirt! Ha-Ha. I told her Kallen was going to try and squirt her during delivery. (He actually did - ha). I was excited she was able to come. She has so much energy and always knows how to lift my spirits and keep me entertained. She brought a bag of magazines and other goodies. And, how sweet, some celebration oreos for after delivery!! I think I might have traumatized her. Not sure if she ever wants to see a live birth again, but it was a pleasure having her there. And she took some really great pictures!!

Okay, almost time to push. I think this is when Dr. Tamanaha broke my bag of waters. Then everything happened so fast. I was so glad, only about 4 pushes and our sweet little baby was here!!!

Baby Kallen 

Born at 10:18 a.m.

November 28th, 2012

My sweet little baby. It took my breath away when they set him on my chest. He seemed so tiny. Tinier than I was expecting. I kept looking at his cute little round face and couldn't get over how cute I thought he was. And lots of dark hair. He reminded me of Daven. I also couldn't get over how much vernix he had. He was covered in it. I was worried for a minute maybe he was earlier than we thought. But the Doctor reassured me that sometimes baby's hold onto their vernix and it was okay.

I have to say it worked out perfect because Dr. Tamanaha happened to be the in-house doc that day. I wanted him to delivery my last baby. He is so great and reassuring for me. 

My beautiful baby boy! Look at all that dark hair!

 Kallen weighed in at 7.0 lbs.

He was 19 inches long.

I love, love, love this picture. What a proud daddy!!

 Aunt Maddy ;)

Kallen after his first bath.

All the kids came later that afternoon. They were instantly in love and couldn't wait to hold baby brother.

 Logan is just looking so handsome in this picture.

 Another cute tongue kiss caught on camera :)

 Another one of my favorites!

 I am the luckiest mommy in the whole world.

 I was so relieved that everything looked healthy with Kallen and that we got to go home together. I couldn't wait to get out of the hospital. It is so impossible to rest there. It was wonderful to bring our sweet little baby home. I love you, Kallen!! We are so glad you have joined our family.

I just keep thinking about how he was inside me just a few short weeks ago. I am trying to remember what it felt like to have him inside of me. All of his kicks and movements. He was a pretty busy guy in there. We loved that he was facing forward toward the end of the pregnancy. With every kick we could feel his little body parts - especially his knees and feet. He loved to play with Mike, too. I don't ever want to forget what that felt like. I am so sad that this will probably be my last baby. It amazes me more with each child the miracle of birth. It is so almost magical. It is hard to put it into words. There are these powerful feelings you only experience with the birth of a child. Wonder, Joy....I will miss those amazing feelings and being able to experience bringing a new child into the world. But I am so grateful to be the mother of four wonderful, beautiful children. I feel so, so lucky. Thank you Heavenly Father for these little miracles and for letting them be a part of my life.

36 Weeks...The Countdown Began

Well, one November day, I finally became 36 weeks pregnant with my little Kallen. I felt HUGE & started getting "those" comments from people everywhere I went. People kept saying I looked like I was going to pop. I sure felt like it. I would tell people, "Please POP me!! I would love that." I wanted him to cook as long as possible, but I also wanted to be done being pregnant. It was nice to cross the 36 week mark because I knew my doctor wouldn't stop my labor at that point if I started. I kept thinking maybe he would come at 37 weeks like my other kiddos. I guess Daven was closer to 38 weeks, but still I hoped.

So, we waited!!!

Right at about 36 weeks, I started having regular contractions every day. They were about 5 minutes apart and would be that way all day long. They didn't take my breath away or seem to progess, but I kept thinking...this is it. Sometimes at night, they would get strong. But then, they would stop.

Mike had a business trip planned to Dallas. I was so nervous I was going to go into labor while he was gone. He flew out on a Monday. I had contractions all day Monday & Tuesday. Tuesday night, they were 3 minutes apart, getting stronger, and I started feeling that "crampy" feeling. 

Mike panicked and booked the first flight home on Wednesday.

But then......we waited some more!!! The contractions stayed regular but did not progress. It was kind of frustrating. I just wanted my body to decide if it was in labor or not! I felt so bad that Mike came home early from Dallas. People from his work kept asking, "has your wife had the baby yet?" I felt like the slowest person to go into labor EVER!! I worried people might think I was a drama girl. But I really was having those crazy contractions.

 Mike had us snap some cute family photos after church that following Sunday (36 1/2 weeks). I felt so un-beautiful. But looking back, I am so glad he made us take these!

 Love this one....notice the tongue? Avery has always given her sweet kisses with her tongue out :) Daddy told her to give Kallen a kiss. I am so glad we captured this!

 Love these adorable kids and handsome husband so much!!

 Daven and Aves

Hard to believe it was 8 1/2 years ago that I was pregnant with this handsome young man!

Logan and Aves

Logan and Mommy

 So then, I was 37 weeks along, and we were still experiencing the great False Labor contractions every day. On Thanksgiving Day, my friend Maddy hosted a "Gobble Wobble" race. It is always lots of fun. I got the bright idea that running in the 5K might start my labor!! No such luck. But I did it!! Mike ran the 10K. He did so good! Daven also ran the 5K. He was amazing. We were so proud of him. He ran at a 10 minute mile pace. WOW!! He was exhausted and not feeling well after. I think he really pushed himself hard. But I was so proud of him. That is so far. He did a great job!!! 

I guess I can't blame people for making comments everywhere I went. That does look uncomfortable!

So, we decided to get the house all decorated for Christmas. The kids were so cute on the Saturday & Sunday after Thanksgiving. They lined up all their ornaments and had so much fun putting them on the tree. I love watching them get so excited for Christmas. They practically spent the whole day playing by the tree. It was the best. One thing I loved this year, was all the traditions they remember. Even ones I didn't realize were traditions. Like, Logan telling me we have to play Christmas music while we put the ornaments on the tree. Or who puts the star on the tree. 

 Logan got to put the star on the tree this year. I think he was really excited. (In case you couldn't tell by the smile on his face).

Ready for you to come baby Kallen!! We figured he just wanted the house decorated for Christmas.

Avery Starts Pre-School

This little girl has been excited for preschool for at least a year. Now she gets to go! She is going to Miss Jenni's where Daven went his 2nd year of preschool. She is loving it so far. Miss Jenni says she has started talking a lot to her, which is great to see Avery come out of her shell. I have noticed that she volunteers a lot more information about school when she gets home. With brothers, you barely knew what they had for snack. She gets really into it and tells me LOTS. Love this little girl that is getting so big!

She was worried about me before going to school, though. One day she told me that I wouldn't have to be all by myself while she was at school...because daddy would be here with me! Phew! How sweet. Another time, she told me that I could go to the library and read my book while she was at school. Actually not a bad idea :) Last week she told me I could go play dollhouse while she was gone, but I was going to have to be EVERYONE in the family because she wouldn't be there! I think it is so sweet that she thinks about me. I do miss her !! 

She is pretty independent. On her second week, she tried to convince me just to drop her off, kiss her in  the car, and let her walk in by herself. I was shocked, that one came way too soon!! But I convinced her that mommy needs to walk her to the door in case Miss Jenni has to tell me anything :)

A Date With Daddy

This was a really special night for Miss Avery. Before school started, Daddy met with all the kids separately. Just to have a chance to let them know they are loved! Avery and Mike went to have their little "chat." Well, he promised her that she could go on a date with him. Just Avery and Daddy. And, boy, she would not let him forget that promise. She talked about it for weeks and weeks. Finally, she just started planning it herself and set the date. :)

 The Incredible Light-Up Shoes

We bought the boys new shoes for school while in Utah. Avery was crushed that she didn't get some that day. Mike promised her a pair when we got back to Arizona. So, part of the date Avery planned was to go buy some new shoes.

Mike and I have never been a fan of light-up shoes. We have never let the boys have them. But guess what kind of shoes Miss Avery came home with? Yes, these flashy, flashy, sparkly light-up shoes! So funny! I think Aves really, really wanted them and daddy just couldn't resist.

Everywhere she goes, people comment on her little blingy shoes. She lights up the whole world with them, literally. They look like police lights flasthing. well almost!

Avery had so much fun with daddy. It appears I now have competition. The next Friday, Mike took me out on a date. Avery just had to pipe in that her date was longer than my date :) Then a few days later, Mike surprised me with flowers. Avery made sure to ask him when he was going to buy flowers for her. Love that she loves her daddy so much!!

It's A BOY!!!

My good friend Maddy suggested I do something really fun to reveal the gender of this baby to my kids. I think she was hoping I would do something exciting for her, too :) I am glad that I know fun people in my life, because I was just planning to tell the kids when they got home from school. I came up with this idea and it was lots of fun. I am glad that I did it. Thanks, Maddy for the push!

Avery came with us to the ultrasound, so she knew it was a baby brother coming. I rehearsed with her all day, though. I knew the boys were going to ask right as they got off the bus what we were having. I practiced and practiced with Avery saying, "I don't know!" She did a good job keeping the secret

When we got home from the bus stop, this was on the counter.

"Want to know if we're having a girl or boy?

Then this little game you might enjoy!

In this box are two different hues,

First count the pinks and then the blues.

Whichever color has just one more,

Will tell you lots 'bout baby number four!"

The kids had to count the pink and the blue hershey kisses to find out!

I think they were in shock when they realized it was a boy. They had been saying all along that it was a GIRL. But after a few minutes they started getting excited.

Mike and I are so excited for this little boy. Mike and I have felt it was a boy right from the beginning of the pregnancy. We were a little sad for a few minutes at the ultrasound to think that Avery will not have a sister, but it didn't take long for us to remember that we think a little boy will be the perfect addition to our family! We are anxiously awaiting his arrival 12 -12 -12. I can't wait to hold him and am so excited for this little baby to join our family.

Back to School 2012

It is hard to believe that I have a first and third grader now! Oh - and a soon-to-be preschooler! I can't believe it when I tell people their grades. As I was filling out Logan's paperwork, it felt so weird to not write a "K" anymore on the grade line. First grade just feels so grown-up. I remember feeling like that with Daven, too. Time has really gone by so fast.

We had our first day back to school yesterday. Things went really smoothly and I was so grateful for that. Logan's teacher seems like a sweet person, and that is exactly what I wanted for first grade. Daven's teacher is new to the school, but after all the info she sent home yesterday, she seems REALLY on the ball. She seems like she is going to challenge him. I am glad for the high standards, but worried it is going to be a lot of extra work for me :)

Here are some cute pics!

 Avery bug wanted to wear her "Mexican Shirt" as she calls it. It is the one Mike and I brought her from Mexico. She was all into the back-to-school stuff. But after we dropped brothers off she burst into tears and threw a fit. I think she realized she was really going to miss them :(.

 Daven got to pick his desk at Meet the Teacher. He looks so cute in this picture all ready to go.

 See, hard at work already. I love that we get to walk them to their seats the first day of school.

 Enough with the pictures already mom, you are kind of embarrasing me! At least I think that is what he's thinking in this picture. I knelt down to tell him good-bye and asked if he wanted a kiss and a hug? He said, just a hug. Ohhh...I guess the kissing thing is not really cool anymore. So sad!

 Logan got to pick his seat, too. He is by several kids from his class last year. I have a feeling this seating arrangement won't last very long. Ha-ha. 

The teacher had some toys set out for the kids to play with. I went to give Logan a hug good-bye. His little heart was pounding out of his chest. I had no idea he was feeling so nervous. Bless his heart. He started to cling to me but then saw this little guy, Wyatt, from his class last year. They grabbed hands and started playing. Pheww...perfect!

Logan told me before bed that if he had another mom, he would want it to be his new teacher. Ha-ha. Not sure how I should take that? I guess he had a good day.

Daven was bummed that he already had lots of homework. Like I said, 3rd grade is going to be challenging!!!

Good luck boys, we are so proud of you! You are both so smart, well-behaved, and very good students. I know you are going to have a fun year at school.