I love the faces newborns make when first home from the hospital. My favorite? The sleep-smile:
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| Happy girl! |
And not even 2 seconds earlier...
Jesse & Mindy with our passel of children...
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Charity - First "Smile"
(Apr. 22, 2014)
I love the faces newborns make when first home from the hospital. My favorite? The sleep-smile:
And not even 2 seconds earlier...
I love the faces newborns make when first home from the hospital. My favorite? The sleep-smile:
And not even 2 seconds earlier...
Oliver & Griffin with Charity...
(Apr. 22, 2014)
Oliver & Griffin first noticed Charity by her cry. They were very interested. They love her, but don't know the difference between smacking her and lightly touching her head.
They are starting to speak more, so Oliver, in yellow, started saying baby (beh-beh) and so did Griffin, in blue, (ghee-ghee).
Oliver & Griffin first noticed Charity by her cry. They were very interested. They love her, but don't know the difference between smacking her and lightly touching her head.
They are starting to speak more, so Oliver, in yellow, started saying baby (beh-beh) and so did Griffin, in blue, (ghee-ghee).
Trip to the Park
(Apr. 21, 2014)
These two boys needed their mommy's undivided attention, so we went to the park for 40 minutes. My mom stayed home with the others. Did I mention how great I felt after this baby??! Going in, expecting a C-section, coming out, VBAC. 5 days after she was born I did some gentle yoga, I felt so good! Anyway, I definitely felt up to a trip to the park!
I included so many pictures because they were SO happy and smiling the whole time we were there. So I got some great pictures!
Oliver is in stripes, Griffin in white.
These two boys needed their mommy's undivided attention, so we went to the park for 40 minutes. My mom stayed home with the others. Did I mention how great I felt after this baby??! Going in, expecting a C-section, coming out, VBAC. 5 days after she was born I did some gentle yoga, I felt so good! Anyway, I definitely felt up to a trip to the park!
I included so many pictures because they were SO happy and smiling the whole time we were there. So I got some great pictures!
Oliver is in stripes, Griffin in white.
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| Griffin braved going down on his bum! |
Lullaby, and Goodnight...
(Apr. 20, 2014)
As Lincoln held Charity for the first time, he was so cute! He even sang her a song:
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| Sweet Charity, 2 days old |
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| Lincoln is so sweet with her! |
Easter Egg Hunt
(Apr. 20, 2014)
We had already planned an Easter Egg Hunt to happen the Saturday before Easter, but... that wasn't going to happen. Instead we did it on Easter Sunday, after Jesse picked up the boys from his parents. They love playing at Mimi's house, but they were happy to be home! Jesse's parents also sent him home with a really yummy lamb dinner. If you have ever had a baby yourself, you know the couple weeks following birth the mom is famished! That was the most delicious dinner I have had in a long time! Thank you!!!
The Hunt: Griffin caught on so fast! He knew there were treats inside the eggs. It was a battle ground out there...
It was fun doing something fun with the boys once they got home. Maybe it helped them transition back home with a new baby??
That night, my mom came to help us. Oh boy, did we need her help and appreciate it!!! Laundry always done, dinners every night, babysitting, vacuuming and cleaning and dishes, etc etc etc!!! Plus it was nice to have someone to talk to while Jesse was at work.
Basically... I was terrified when she left... 5 babies?
FIVE??!
We can make it through these next couple years... right? With a lot of praying and help from our Father in Heaven, yes we can. We can do it. Yes. We can.
We had already planned an Easter Egg Hunt to happen the Saturday before Easter, but... that wasn't going to happen. Instead we did it on Easter Sunday, after Jesse picked up the boys from his parents. They love playing at Mimi's house, but they were happy to be home! Jesse's parents also sent him home with a really yummy lamb dinner. If you have ever had a baby yourself, you know the couple weeks following birth the mom is famished! That was the most delicious dinner I have had in a long time! Thank you!!!
The Hunt: Griffin caught on so fast! He knew there were treats inside the eggs. It was a battle ground out there...
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| Griffin (L) & Oliver (R) |
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| Griffin |
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| Oliver |
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| Parker (L) & Griffin (R) watching him, waiting... |
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| Attack! Give me that! |
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| Parker (L) & Lincoln (R) with their Easter baskets/new sand buckets |
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| Parker |
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| Lincoln |
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| Oliver looking through his goodies |
That night, my mom came to help us. Oh boy, did we need her help and appreciate it!!! Laundry always done, dinners every night, babysitting, vacuuming and cleaning and dishes, etc etc etc!!! Plus it was nice to have someone to talk to while Jesse was at work.
Basically... I was terrified when she left... 5 babies?
FIVE??!
We can make it through these next couple years... right? With a lot of praying and help from our Father in Heaven, yes we can. We can do it. Yes. We can.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Coming Home from the Hospital
(Apr. 19, 2014)
Everything went smoothly so we were able to come home the next day. Mimi & Papa had the kids overnight, and they generously kept them one more night so we could spend one night at home, just the 3 of us.
It has been fun dressing Charity - such cute clothes for baby girls!
Everything went smoothly so we were able to come home the next day. Mimi & Papa had the kids overnight, and they generously kept them one more night so we could spend one night at home, just the 3 of us.
It has been fun dressing Charity - such cute clothes for baby girls!
Water Broke! Welcome, Charity Eve!
(Apr. 18, 2014)
I really wanted this baby to come this week, so I was busy wearing myself out in the yard and in the gym. I managed to finally get something going on Friday morning... my water broke! (3 weeks, 1 day early)
I was in my workout clothes, getting the kids breakfast and ready to go. After everyone was finished with breakfast, I was gathering socks and shoes for everybody so we could head out the door. On my way around the house... I thought maybe my water broke... hmmm... (about 10 am) I sent Jesse a text letting him know I might need to go to the hospital, but wasn't sure yet. I finished packing my hospital bags, which were basically packed, then I needed to change my pants, again. Yep, it was my water. I called Jesse, who hadn't gotten the text yet, and he let me know he was on his way home. I started getting some things packed for the kids, and realized I needed to change my pad because it was already full... again, when the doorbell rang. Audrey and her sister were there to pick up my kids. They are so awesome!!! They helped me finish getting things packed for the kids and Jesse got home.
I took a shower (remember... I was on my way to the gym?) and then realized I hadn't eaten breakfast yet and I was starving. There was NO way I was laboring without any food since dinner the night before. We went to lunch (11:45 am) and then to the hospital (12:15). The admitting nurse gave me the dirtiest look when I told her I just came from lunch (I should know better... but seriously - you don't want to spend time with me when I am pregnant and starving - just ask Jesse). That meant surgery would have to be delayed for 8 hours.
I was dilated to 4+cm. They started me on antibiotics (group B strep positive) and then on pitocin since contractions were few and far between. We would give a regular birth a try, but at about 8pm there needed to be progress or they would just do the C-section. Nothing was happening still so Jesse stepped out to get a drink. Of course that's when I started feeling everything... strong contractions, anxiety about pain and possibility of rupturing my uterus (1 in 200 chance with a VBAC - vaginal birth after cesarean), so I asked for an epidural. Jesse came back and I was almost in tears. Don't leave your laboring wife! They placed an epidural by about 5 pm when I was dilated to 4+cm (still? no progress???).
They checked me about 7 pm and I was dilated to 9+cm - whoa! The epidural must have helped me relax and let my body work how it was meant to. Rest and descend till almost 8 pm... then the pushing began. The moment of truth - would she fit? Would I need an emergency C-section? I had prepared myself mentally for a C-section, since my doctor told me it was likely a month or so ago (95% likely...). After pushing through a few contractions, I was able to reach down and feel her crowning - RELIEF! The next push and she was born!
I really wanted this baby to come this week, so I was busy wearing myself out in the yard and in the gym. I managed to finally get something going on Friday morning... my water broke! (3 weeks, 1 day early)
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| Last picture of the belly |
I took a shower (remember... I was on my way to the gym?) and then realized I hadn't eaten breakfast yet and I was starving. There was NO way I was laboring without any food since dinner the night before. We went to lunch (11:45 am) and then to the hospital (12:15). The admitting nurse gave me the dirtiest look when I told her I just came from lunch (I should know better... but seriously - you don't want to spend time with me when I am pregnant and starving - just ask Jesse). That meant surgery would have to be delayed for 8 hours.
I was dilated to 4+cm. They started me on antibiotics (group B strep positive) and then on pitocin since contractions were few and far between. We would give a regular birth a try, but at about 8pm there needed to be progress or they would just do the C-section. Nothing was happening still so Jesse stepped out to get a drink. Of course that's when I started feeling everything... strong contractions, anxiety about pain and possibility of rupturing my uterus (1 in 200 chance with a VBAC - vaginal birth after cesarean), so I asked for an epidural. Jesse came back and I was almost in tears. Don't leave your laboring wife! They placed an epidural by about 5 pm when I was dilated to 4+cm (still? no progress???).
They checked me about 7 pm and I was dilated to 9+cm - whoa! The epidural must have helped me relax and let my body work how it was meant to. Rest and descend till almost 8 pm... then the pushing began. The moment of truth - would she fit? Would I need an emergency C-section? I had prepared myself mentally for a C-section, since my doctor told me it was likely a month or so ago (95% likely...). After pushing through a few contractions, I was able to reach down and feel her crowning - RELIEF! The next push and she was born!
8:08 pm
6 lbs 8 oz
19 1/2 inches long
Charity Eve
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| Extra proud Daddy! |
Cool Man Ollie
(Apr. 5, 2014)
Get some cheap-o sunglasses for your kids... entertainment for hours! Oliver thought he was pretty cool wearing these sunglasses... it was hard to get a picture of him because he was all over the place and wouldn't stay still!
Get some cheap-o sunglasses for your kids... entertainment for hours! Oliver thought he was pretty cool wearing these sunglasses... it was hard to get a picture of him because he was all over the place and wouldn't stay still!
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| Daddy with the big boys |
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| Griffin |
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| Lincoln reallllllly wanted his picture taken with the sunglasses, too... |
Lincoln's Preschool Class
(Apr. 4, 2014)
Lincoln's class went to the Children's Museum for a field trip and got a class picture afterward. He has had a good time and has learned so much - I'm really glad we put him in before kindergarten. I love the teachers there, too!
Lincoln's class went to the Children's Museum for a field trip and got a class picture afterward. He has had a good time and has learned so much - I'm really glad we put him in before kindergarten. I love the teachers there, too!
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| (Lincoln in front row, 3rd from the right - Batman hat) |
8 Months...
(Apr. 3, 2014)
Both Jesse and I thought we would be having a March baby... and here I am, still pregnant... (ignore that I hadn't done my hair yet...)
Both Jesse and I thought we would be having a March baby... and here I am, still pregnant... (ignore that I hadn't done my hair yet...)
Trip to Las Vegas
(Mar. 22, 2014)
After the baby shower, Janet (Mimi) graciously offered to watch all of our kids while Jesse & I took an overnight trip to Las Vegas. Some friends in the ward gave us some free tickets to go see Donny & Marie Osmond - sweet! We hadn't done anything for our anniversary earlier in the month, so we celebrated 8 years while we were there. Okay, so we didn't grow up watching their show and we didn't know even half of the songs, but they are good at entertaining so we had a good time. Since I was still on light bed rest (too much activity made the contractions start up again...) that is basically all we did. We walked from our hotel to dinner (Outback) which was on the way to the show. We took breaks when I needed, and went back to the hotel for the night after the show.
After sleeping in and a really late breakfast the next morning, we made one final stop - Trader Joe's. We spent way too much money on treats and snacks... but since we rarely go there we splurged a little because I love TJ's! Have you ever tried their dark chocolate peanut butter cups?!
After the baby shower, Janet (Mimi) graciously offered to watch all of our kids while Jesse & I took an overnight trip to Las Vegas. Some friends in the ward gave us some free tickets to go see Donny & Marie Osmond - sweet! We hadn't done anything for our anniversary earlier in the month, so we celebrated 8 years while we were there. Okay, so we didn't grow up watching their show and we didn't know even half of the songs, but they are good at entertaining so we had a good time. Since I was still on light bed rest (too much activity made the contractions start up again...) that is basically all we did. We walked from our hotel to dinner (Outback) which was on the way to the show. We took breaks when I needed, and went back to the hotel for the night after the show.
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| Waiting for the show to start |
After sleeping in and a really late breakfast the next morning, we made one final stop - Trader Joe's. We spent way too much money on treats and snacks... but since we rarely go there we splurged a little because I love TJ's! Have you ever tried their dark chocolate peanut butter cups?!
Baby Shower for Baby Girl
(Mar. 22, 2014)
My sister-in-law, Audrey, and a friend in the ward, Amelia, threw me a baby shower for my first girl! It was so sweet of them, and of everyone that came! What a good turnout! Everyone was so generous, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Here are only some of those who came:
Thanks again, everyone!!!
My sister-in-law, Audrey, and a friend in the ward, Amelia, threw me a baby shower for my first girl! It was so sweet of them, and of everyone that came! What a good turnout! Everyone was so generous, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Here are only some of those who came:
Thanks again, everyone!!!
Movie Night
(Mar. 21, 2014)
When the movie "Frozen" came out on DVD, we had to get it - and then on Friday invited Flora May & Lola over for movie night! (by "we had to get it" I mean "Jesse pre-ordered it online"...)
When the movie "Frozen" came out on DVD, we had to get it - and then on Friday invited Flora May & Lola over for movie night! (by "we had to get it" I mean "Jesse pre-ordered it online"...)
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| Left to right - Lola, Parker, Flora May, Lincoln |
Raspberries!
(Mar. 20, 2014)
I don't know what you call them in your house, but we call them raspberries! Griffin was laughing so hard before I took the movie... and he forced a laugh here at the end of this short one:
I don't know what you call them in your house, but we call them raspberries! Griffin was laughing so hard before I took the movie... and he forced a laugh here at the end of this short one:
Lincoln & the Plumber
(Mar. 18, 2014)
When any type of worker comes to the house (plumber, electrician, bug sprayer, sprinkler repair man...) Lincoln follows them around like a baby duckling to the mother duck. So many questions. He also tells them everything he knows about their profession. His favorite store is "the work store" (Home Depot / Lowe's). He loves tools and fixing things.
The plumber came over wearing a hat. Lincoln ran to get his own hat.
He then begged me to take a picture of him with the plumber. I made him ask himself, to which he obliged. Nice guy. (Works for Discount Plumbing - great company!)
When any type of worker comes to the house (plumber, electrician, bug sprayer, sprinkler repair man...) Lincoln follows them around like a baby duckling to the mother duck. So many questions. He also tells them everything he knows about their profession. His favorite store is "the work store" (Home Depot / Lowe's). He loves tools and fixing things.
The plumber came over wearing a hat. Lincoln ran to get his own hat.
He then begged me to take a picture of him with the plumber. I made him ask himself, to which he obliged. Nice guy. (Works for Discount Plumbing - great company!)
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| Look at Lincoln's face... pure admiration! |
Griffin & Oliver - Slide at the Park
(Mar. 15, 2014)
These boys are getting bigger! They act like they are so big now that they are walking. It's crazy how fast time goes by when you have kids...
These boys are getting bigger! They act like they are so big now that they are walking. It's crazy how fast time goes by when you have kids...
Jumpin' Jacks
(Mar. 12, 2014)
I took the 4 boys to Jumpin' Jacks - bounce houses everywhere! I hardly saw any of Lincoln he was so busy. Parker would come check back with me occasionally, and wanted to show off his skills at sliding down the biggest slide:
Griffin & Oliver surprised me: Griffin LOVED it! Oliver was TERRIFIED!
I took the 4 boys to Jumpin' Jacks - bounce houses everywhere! I hardly saw any of Lincoln he was so busy. Parker would come check back with me occasionally, and wanted to show off his skills at sliding down the biggest slide:
Griffin & Oliver surprised me: Griffin LOVED it! Oliver was TERRIFIED!
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| Griffin |
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| Oliver needed me to hold him the first hour or so... |
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| Finally warmed up to it (Oliver - L) & Griffin (R) |
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