I can't remember what Lauren got in trouble for and I bet she can't remember either but this is the sign she posted. She is not coming out until Fall is over. Addendum: except for school and to go places. :) oh and food and water:)
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Bridget's Birth Story
My C-section for Bridget was scheduled for May 29th. Approximately two days before my actual due date which will never cease to confuse me why Dr. Lagrew scheduled it then except for his Memorial Day weekend vacation. Nonetheless, you decided to come early - on May 25th which suited me just fine. I was tired of trying to sleep at night so pregnant. Tired of being so swollen and sweating. I was also excited because this meant I would also have a baby born on Sunday!
I had skipped church the last Sunday or so because I was so huge and swollen and no church shoes fit me (I am one who refuses to wear flip-flops to church). However, this Sunday Chris was being called as executive secretary as part of a new bishopric. I went to support and sustain him as well as be there for his setting-apart. After the setting apart I came home. Chris brought the kids home after church and we were sitting watching a baseball game when I got up to use the restroom - my water broke! How exciting? This had never happened before. I tried calling Chris. Then I called his mom to tell her we wouldn't be coming to dinner and see if she could come instead. Called Chris again. No answer. Called Molly and Mom. Chris again. Tried texting him. Finally I called the new bishop's wife to see if she could get a hold of her husband. Called Sharon so she could come watch the kids while my mother-in-law was on her way. Finally got a hold of Chris.
We went to the hospital in Laguna Hills and got admitted. Unfortunately I had eaten not long before so would have to wait at least 4 hours since my last meal to get prepped for surgery. Chris left to go back to the house and get a bite to eat - knowing it would be a long night. Finally around 8:30 they started prepping me for surgery. IV etc.
At 9:29 and with a huge push on my belly you were born! The details of how I felt are hazy because daddy and I were so anxious to hear what the neonatologist said after his immediate examination of your cleft. Chris came to my side and told me, "looks like just the lip is cleft." I was relieved and grateful and yet reminded that all along I knew this would be the case. Heavenly Father had blessed me with such peace and comfort from the first day I learned that you had a cleft. I mentally prepared myself for the worst case scenario - but during those times I always felt there was little need for it and that it would be just your lip alone and a mild case.
I loved you most immediately. We took lots of pictures while in the recovery room and I couldn't believe how much love I felt for you and how adorably cute I thought you looked. Your little lip just added to the cuteness especially with those adorable chubby cheeks.
I had skipped church the last Sunday or so because I was so huge and swollen and no church shoes fit me (I am one who refuses to wear flip-flops to church). However, this Sunday Chris was being called as executive secretary as part of a new bishopric. I went to support and sustain him as well as be there for his setting-apart. After the setting apart I came home. Chris brought the kids home after church and we were sitting watching a baseball game when I got up to use the restroom - my water broke! How exciting? This had never happened before. I tried calling Chris. Then I called his mom to tell her we wouldn't be coming to dinner and see if she could come instead. Called Chris again. No answer. Called Molly and Mom. Chris again. Tried texting him. Finally I called the new bishop's wife to see if she could get a hold of her husband. Called Sharon so she could come watch the kids while my mother-in-law was on her way. Finally got a hold of Chris.
We went to the hospital in Laguna Hills and got admitted. Unfortunately I had eaten not long before so would have to wait at least 4 hours since my last meal to get prepped for surgery. Chris left to go back to the house and get a bite to eat - knowing it would be a long night. Finally around 8:30 they started prepping me for surgery. IV etc.
At 9:29 and with a huge push on my belly you were born! The details of how I felt are hazy because daddy and I were so anxious to hear what the neonatologist said after his immediate examination of your cleft. Chris came to my side and told me, "looks like just the lip is cleft." I was relieved and grateful and yet reminded that all along I knew this would be the case. Heavenly Father had blessed me with such peace and comfort from the first day I learned that you had a cleft. I mentally prepared myself for the worst case scenario - but during those times I always felt there was little need for it and that it would be just your lip alone and a mild case.
I loved you most immediately. We took lots of pictures while in the recovery room and I couldn't believe how much love I felt for you and how adorably cute I thought you looked. Your little lip just added to the cuteness especially with those adorable chubby cheeks.
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Update
Today was Mother's Day. Always a sentimental day for me. I enjoy going to church and listening to my little children sing with the primary. Today, sacrament meeting was all I could manage to sit through with my swollen feet. Eighteen more days of pregnancy and the edema in my feet/ankles and really taken hold. It doesn't help that we are having an unusually hot May. In the 100's this week!
The kids and Chris wrote a Jeopardy question/answer game for me this morning about things about themselves: sayings, doings, and family history. It was cute. The kids were their usual rambunctious selves on Sunday mornings, particularly since we don't have church till 1pm. After the game show, they actively picked up on a game of sumo wrestling on our new entryway rug - the only rug in the house since we got new flooring. The three youngest quickly stripped down in their underwear to be more 'authentic' sumo wrestlers. I love how well and much they play together.
Vincent was baptized two weeks ago today as well. It was a nice service with even a couple non-member friends joining him. I wish there could have been more but it was a nice day either way. The water was cold apparently though because the water heater had broken. Hadley and Lauren sang beautifully together a special musical number as well.
The kids and Chris wrote a Jeopardy question/answer game for me this morning about things about themselves: sayings, doings, and family history. It was cute. The kids were their usual rambunctious selves on Sunday mornings, particularly since we don't have church till 1pm. After the game show, they actively picked up on a game of sumo wrestling on our new entryway rug - the only rug in the house since we got new flooring. The three youngest quickly stripped down in their underwear to be more 'authentic' sumo wrestlers. I love how well and much they play together.
Vincent was baptized two weeks ago today as well. It was a nice service with even a couple non-member friends joining him. I wish there could have been more but it was a nice day either way. The water was cold apparently though because the water heater had broken. Hadley and Lauren sang beautifully together a special musical number as well.
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Update
Today in Sacrament meeting Lauren was curious about people getting up and bearing their testimonies. After watching a few members share their testimonies and a reminder from me on what a testimony was she confidently went up to the stand. She had to wait for another speaker to finish - which took longer than I would have liked. I was nervous she would lose her nerve and come back down. But she stayed up there and took her turn. Her testimony was small and simple 'Heavenly Father loves us all and He is nice'. -- Wow, I know for certain I was not doing that at age 5. It wasn't written, she needed no help and didn't ask for me to accompany her.
Unfortunately Chris missed Sacrament meeting due to waiting for a plumber to arrive at the house and fix a sink problem that had been plaguing the kitchen all weekend long. Seems the projects and things to be done just keep adding up. On Saturday he and I both went and bought bougainvillea plants for the driveway and he planted several. I wish I could help him more with his tasks around the house - but 5 months pregnant, I'm getting around slower and slower these days.
Vincent is happy to be back into baseball. His little league team is the Chicago Cubs this year. I am anxious for the games to start. Practice keeps him away from us so much during the week.
Hadley and Vincent both started piano lessons a couple weeks ago. Someone was right when they said it takes more discipline for parents sometimes. I don't know that either of them love it, hopefully it will come with success in it but I feel it is a rite of passage. One that I never go to be a part of though and always wish I had.
Gentry continues to be my buddy. She is currently snuggled up with Hadley in her bed tonight sleeping. Usually she can convince Hadley to come to her bed. Lauren is happy to be no part of any of it. Those girls all have such different personalities.
Unfortunately Chris missed Sacrament meeting due to waiting for a plumber to arrive at the house and fix a sink problem that had been plaguing the kitchen all weekend long. Seems the projects and things to be done just keep adding up. On Saturday he and I both went and bought bougainvillea plants for the driveway and he planted several. I wish I could help him more with his tasks around the house - but 5 months pregnant, I'm getting around slower and slower these days.
Vincent is happy to be back into baseball. His little league team is the Chicago Cubs this year. I am anxious for the games to start. Practice keeps him away from us so much during the week.
Hadley and Vincent both started piano lessons a couple weeks ago. Someone was right when they said it takes more discipline for parents sometimes. I don't know that either of them love it, hopefully it will come with success in it but I feel it is a rite of passage. One that I never go to be a part of though and always wish I had.
Gentry continues to be my buddy. She is currently snuggled up with Hadley in her bed tonight sleeping. Usually she can convince Hadley to come to her bed. Lauren is happy to be no part of any of it. Those girls all have such different personalities.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Update
For some reason I seem to be getting worse and worse for updating instead of more regular. I think about it all the time but then by night time I am too exhausted to come sit in the office and do anything. I blame it on the new baby who is coming in May but making me awfully tired (not as sick-anymore).
Christmas season is upon us. My most favorite time of the year. And yet, for some reason I struggle to try and recreate the magic for my own children that perhaps I feel was so much more real to me. My only answer is less television, less spontaneous treats like candy canes, really sitting down and enjoying the season together with them and trying to make it magical. It won't help that this week we are having somewhat of a mini heat wave. Temps in the 80's don't create that Christmas feeling.
Several weeks ago Hadley bravely sang a solo in the ward Primary program. It was really beautiful. When the primary leaders heard her sing they all told me how great it was and that she should sing in it. She volunteered to sing a solo and did it amazingly. Last week she performed in the Stake Creche children's choir and sang a duet. Unfortunately Chris and I were out tending a sick, very vomiting Lauren. At least all her grandparents got to hear it. She continues to swim although reluctantly. I imagine the cold weather doesn't help. She is always the peacemaker in the home and tries to be positive. Love that girl.
Vincent also performed with the stake choir. He enjoyed it, which I am glad. He misses spending as much time as he did in the summer with his cousins but when he is with them, we girls sure miss him here too. He is always up to something or wanting to be around me. He is loving playing games on the computer and such - but I'm afraid video games will not enter our household for some time still.
Lauren is as busy as usual being about everyone's business. She hasn't taken to Kindergarten the way I would have liked or expected but I know she is working hard at learning to read and won Author's Tea at the school for writing last month!
Gentry is enjoying a preschool-like center with me twice a week. Mostly for the fact that I go with her. She disdains school and talks about never going. She only likes to go places where I can go. Playdates are tricky unless her sister Lauren goes with her. Otherwise she has her best friend Caroline come to our house where they ignore Lauren. She does love going to preschool though and I know it is good for her.
Chris and I are staying busy trying to gear up and get a kitchen/bathroom renovation plan before the baby comes. I feel it is rather ambitious but we'll see what we can pull off!
Christmas season is upon us. My most favorite time of the year. And yet, for some reason I struggle to try and recreate the magic for my own children that perhaps I feel was so much more real to me. My only answer is less television, less spontaneous treats like candy canes, really sitting down and enjoying the season together with them and trying to make it magical. It won't help that this week we are having somewhat of a mini heat wave. Temps in the 80's don't create that Christmas feeling.
Several weeks ago Hadley bravely sang a solo in the ward Primary program. It was really beautiful. When the primary leaders heard her sing they all told me how great it was and that she should sing in it. She volunteered to sing a solo and did it amazingly. Last week she performed in the Stake Creche children's choir and sang a duet. Unfortunately Chris and I were out tending a sick, very vomiting Lauren. At least all her grandparents got to hear it. She continues to swim although reluctantly. I imagine the cold weather doesn't help. She is always the peacemaker in the home and tries to be positive. Love that girl.
Vincent also performed with the stake choir. He enjoyed it, which I am glad. He misses spending as much time as he did in the summer with his cousins but when he is with them, we girls sure miss him here too. He is always up to something or wanting to be around me. He is loving playing games on the computer and such - but I'm afraid video games will not enter our household for some time still.
Lauren is as busy as usual being about everyone's business. She hasn't taken to Kindergarten the way I would have liked or expected but I know she is working hard at learning to read and won Author's Tea at the school for writing last month!
Gentry is enjoying a preschool-like center with me twice a week. Mostly for the fact that I go with her. She disdains school and talks about never going. She only likes to go places where I can go. Playdates are tricky unless her sister Lauren goes with her. Otherwise she has her best friend Caroline come to our house where they ignore Lauren. She does love going to preschool though and I know it is good for her.
Chris and I are staying busy trying to gear up and get a kitchen/bathroom renovation plan before the baby comes. I feel it is rather ambitious but we'll see what we can pull off!
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Update
We enjoyed a beautiful Sunday today with rainy-like weather. It is atypical obviously here for in July but a welcome change from any heat. Yesterday Vincent, Lauren, Gentry & I went for a walk and it started raining. It was fun to just meander home in the rain. We came home, made hot cocoa & chocolate chip cookies and got ready to go to our Stake's Pioneer Day celebration.
Right now it is 9:50pm and I can still hear Hadley & Lauren giggling and talking while lying in Vincent's bed. Gentry went to sleep hours ago & Vincent is trying to fall asleep in our bed because he will be having a sleepover with his cousins in Chino tomorrow night. Those two girls have been laughing and being silly all evening but I love it. I know that Lauren welcomes any chance she can be a part or included with the big kids. And to have Hadley all to herself and the two of them enjoying themselves . . . I'm certainly not going to put an early stop to it!
This morning before church Hadley discovered that she was assigned to share a scripture and say the prayer in primary. She became so anxious and fretted about it that by the end of sacrament meeting she was in tears and inconsolable. I had a meeting and Chris was attempting to help her but had to leave for a moment to check on the other kids. When we turned to go back to her we saw a sweet young woman, Sarah Jensen, the bishop's daughter, sitting with Hadley and attempting to help her or give her comfort. I wrote Sarah a thank you note today for her Christ-like act in noticing someone in need and being confident in helping. I write this so I won't forget to share/remind Hadley of an amazing example of the type of young woman she can try to emulate.
The kids are excited to hear of our plans for our first real family vacation next month. Lake Mead with the cousins & Curtis and capped off with a trip to Utah to visit SLC and Provo among other places. I am looking forward as well, hoping no one gets sick and that the plans can go smoothly.
Right now it is 9:50pm and I can still hear Hadley & Lauren giggling and talking while lying in Vincent's bed. Gentry went to sleep hours ago & Vincent is trying to fall asleep in our bed because he will be having a sleepover with his cousins in Chino tomorrow night. Those two girls have been laughing and being silly all evening but I love it. I know that Lauren welcomes any chance she can be a part or included with the big kids. And to have Hadley all to herself and the two of them enjoying themselves . . . I'm certainly not going to put an early stop to it!
This morning before church Hadley discovered that she was assigned to share a scripture and say the prayer in primary. She became so anxious and fretted about it that by the end of sacrament meeting she was in tears and inconsolable. I had a meeting and Chris was attempting to help her but had to leave for a moment to check on the other kids. When we turned to go back to her we saw a sweet young woman, Sarah Jensen, the bishop's daughter, sitting with Hadley and attempting to help her or give her comfort. I wrote Sarah a thank you note today for her Christ-like act in noticing someone in need and being confident in helping. I write this so I won't forget to share/remind Hadley of an amazing example of the type of young woman she can try to emulate.
The kids are excited to hear of our plans for our first real family vacation next month. Lake Mead with the cousins & Curtis and capped off with a trip to Utah to visit SLC and Provo among other places. I am looking forward as well, hoping no one gets sick and that the plans can go smoothly.
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Update
The Sawyers came to sacrament meeting with us and left right afterwards for mom's house. We had an awesome three days with them starting on the 4th of July. A lot of swimming, Ping-Pong, and a trip to San Diego as well. It was so fun to have cousins come and stay here with us for three nights to escape the AZ sun for some cool weather. After they left and we had to finish our church block - a few of us had a difficult time adjusting to the change 'back to normalcy.'
Vincent bore a beautiful testimony again today in sacrament meeting about how there was a kid at school who annoyed him and was always talking to him. One Sunday he came home and read a scripture about being nice to our neighbors. He read it over and over again and then he tried it at school the next day. He said it worked and was happy for that. What a sweet spirit he is!
Lauren has been in heaven having cousins all around to play with. She and Gentry had a great time playing wit Colton when the King's were here as well this week.
This next week starts our first one of 'real' summer as I call it because we have no obligations like swim lessons or anything. Gentry finished swim lessons last week and it is absolutely amazing what a little fish she is swimming around in the pool now! Hadley is missing Abby and wishing she could have stayed for longer. I had a great time hosting a family with 'sleepwalkers' and we all got a very good laugh.
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