Cute Pictures

I thought it was time to add a few cute photos from the past week or so. Family have seen most of these so sorry for the repeat. I need to pull out the camera to get some more soon:) Owen is already changing so much. It seems his hair is beginning to grow in some on top too and it looks like after two blonde boys we are going to have a little brunette just like me! (Although who knows maybe the dark hair will fall out and blonde will grow in) it is the same color I had when I was born. We take him in for a two week check this week and I assume all will be well. I just am really wanting his chord to fall off so we can give him a real bath! He is a great little eater and sleeper. He normally at the worst sleeps 4 hour stretches at night which has been wonderful for me. Knock on wood it stays that way.

Ian was able to extend his vacation time through this week so we will both venture back to work next week. Should be interesting!! Life is never dull that is for sure!

Brotherly Love

I just had to add a few pictures of the BROTHERS. Jacob and Nathan are in love with Owen. They are so cute talking to him and asking a million and one questions. I can already see a LOUD but fun household in the future. Ian and I are investing in ear plugs soon!:)


The boys meeting Owen for the first time. They were so so excited.


Jacob loving Owen



The proudest big brother ever, Nathan!

Owen Michael

I will start this entry off by saying Happy Birthday to me! I have hit the ripe OLD age of 28 today. I am creeping up on the big 3-0 but not as fast as Ian:) I kept saying for the last few weeks that ALL I wanted for my birthday was to NOT be pregnant anymore and home with a healthy baby boy. I got my wish and on Tuesday, November 18th Owen Michael entered the world at 2:53 p.m. central time weighing in at a surprising 8lb11oz. He was 20.5 inches long. I KNEW he was bigger than Jacob was at 7lb11oz. Ian and I were taking bets during labor (once I finally got my epidural that is). I thought about 8lb maybe but not quite that big. He is a wonderful sweet little boy who is fitting very well into our family.

Labor was not too bad. If you don't care to read a birth story you can skip to the bottom or just look at the pictures:) I won't be too graphic though!

I had so much anxiety after a horrible delivery with Jacob and then Nathan's delivery was an easy induction so this time to not have everything PLANNED was freaking me out. Thankfully my best friend Valerie is close and had planned to take the boys so at least I felt that was under control. I wrote last Sunday that I had contracted off/on the three days prior. I contracted yet again Sunday night and the tapered off. Monday came and I just could not go to work and sit. The pressure was enormous. So Ian, Nathan and I went to get a few groceries and then I took the rest of the day pretty easy. My wonderful friend Heather came and visited with me for a couple of hours that night which really helped to pass the time. I went to bed that night thinking I would be dealing with all the same aches and anxiety the next day. I then woke up around 2 a.m. to a contraction. I figured oh great here we go again but soon realized these were not changing patterns and were not only hurting they were consistent. I taking a shower and coming downstairs to try to let Ian sleep. Finally I tried to lay back down in bed and told Ian in the process that this very well could be it. They were not letting up. By 6 I was really hurting and they were probably about 7-10 minutes apart. I took another shower and thought I might possibly be leaking. I think it was wishful thinking:) I was also starting to get the shakes which was freaking me out because I knew it was because of pressure. I called Valerie and being the wonderful L&D nurse she is told me to not be in denial it was labor:) Ian helped me get Jacob on the bus and we took Nathan to preschool at 9:15 and then headed up to the hospital. Oh I should mention my favorite part. I was to call the Dr office prior to heading to the hospital. So, here I am coming off a contraction half laying across the kitchen counter and I call the office. A new lady answers the phone and I explain to her that I have been in labor since 2 am and need to come in. She replies with "I'm sorry the Dr is in Surgery until 1pm today" Needless to say I was not very nice to this lady. I all but yelled at her and told her there was no way in hell I was sitting at home until 1 pm and that she needed to tell me what to do NOW. I got a "please hold" then she came back on and told me to go up to the hospital (which is a 40 min drive from my house no less).

So anyways off we go. My contractions were 2-5 min by the time we got there. I walked into the lobby and the lady said "2nd floor and good luck" so obviously I looked bad:) At this point I was near tears afraid they would tell me I was not ready to be admitted. I just wanted to be DONE. They got me in and checked me and while my water had not broken I was at a 5! Thank GOD we were having this baby! This was sometime after 10. They got a hold of my Doctor finally and got me processed and about noon I got an epidural. Thankfully the contractions spread out once I was laying down again but each one hurt worse and lasted longer. I was ready for some relief. My dr checked me at 12:15 right after the epidural had started to take effect and I was at 7. I was really surprised but happy and thankful to have gotten that epidural. At that time the Dr broke my water and left saying I had 45 minutes to have him as he had to be back in the office by 1 (joking of course). I told Ian no later than 4 for sure. I had one scary moment when my blood pressure plummeted I guess due to the epidural. I had not experienced it last time with Nathan so it scared me to death. I knew something was not right and then had a lovely time throwing up my breakfast but with some meds and laying down within a half hour I felt better. So, I laid there and tried to rest. Owen was going crazy and so it was really a neat treat to get to watch him and feel him move the last hour before he was born. It is something I will not forget. I started to get the shakes. Almost like the chills with chattering teeth but I was not cold. I told the nurse I thought I might be close and she was going to check me when the Dr came back to check me. It was right after 2:30 which funny enough I had an appointment scheduled with him for 2:30 that day. I told him how I was feeling and he said it was probably the epidural but he would check. He did not even have to do anything but look and said um nope you are right hes here. He literally threw on the clothes and got me ready. It was funny to sit back and watch. He told me quickly how to push again as a refresher and with one contraction and ONE push out came Owen's head. He suctioned him really well as there was some merconium and then pulled him out. That was it just ONE push. Talk about amazing. Due to the merconium the nurses and dr took him and made sure everything was out of his system and got him all cleaned up. While Ian was not able to cut the cord and I was not able to hold him it was still perfect. Ian was THERE. That was all that mattered. Owen was crying and healthy and pink from the get go. He had apgars of 9 and 9. I did not have too much damage and am healing nicely. I can finally sit! I guess you would have to have a baby to understand that.

Owen is wonderful. The boys are totally in love with him I can't imagine how someone so tiny can make my heart so full. It is amazing how in love you can be with your child just a few short days after you meet them. He is a fairly good sleeper if we can just get him to be content to sit by himself for a short while while he is awake. For now he wants to be held and sucking onto something at all times he is awake.

Life is really good! I have a house full of "men" that love me:) I can't ask for more. Having Ian home for a bit is wonderful. Especially when he cooks! For dinner he made us Chicken Cordon Bleu and for dessert Pumpkin Cheesecake. SO SO good. I tell girls all the time make sure you marry someone who can cook! It pays off.


Ian and I with Owen waiting to be freed from the hospital.


Owen ready for the trip home in his blue bear suit



Ian and Owen



Owen doing what he does best sucking on something!

Kindergarten School Pictures!

We got Jacob's school pictures back this week and they turned out so cute I had to share. I think I forget how big he is until I see pictures. He is growing up right before my eyes. He and I are so much alike we tend to butt heads quite a bit but I love him so much and he tries so hard to please us, especially his idol, his daddy. He loves school and asks every day if its a school day and this morning was quite annoyed that it was Sunday not a school day. Good thing for church! Hope you enjoy his smile:) I do!

**On a side "baby" note. I have been contracting since Friday night off an on. Its really starting to get annoying. But hopefully it means something is happening. Today I have the worst pressure ever. I plan to try to just rest while the "boys" all go to church. Send some labor vibes!

Baby Update once again.....he can come out already!

I was not going to blog an update but I have had about five emails asking sooooo here we go:)

I am 38 weeks 4 days today and to me I am two days late since the farthest I have gone is 38 weeks 2 days with Jacob:)

My appointment went great. I was ecstatic that my weight maintained. I am right at a lovely 25 pounds and do not want to gain anymore! (at least anymore unnecessary weight) I was bracing myself for a check where he would tell me I was basically the same but thankfully that was not the case! I was 2 cm dilated and 70% effaced last week but baby was still high and I was still fairly thick etc. Well, yesterday I was pushing 3 cm dilated still about 70% effaced maybe a bit more but the best part is baby is now down and ready and my cervix has moved to the front ready to go and everything was a lot softer. He told me yesterday he would not be surprised if I went last night. Unfortunately I did not:( He told me that I could come in Tuesday and he would check me again and strip my membranes if I wanted to hopefully get things going. I am still debating this as I was stripped three times with Nathan and it never put me into labor but it HURT like hell. However, I was barely 37 weeks with him and it was just a little bit forced to get me far enough along to break my water so maybe if I am truly ready this time it will work. The dr again told me there was no way I was going late. Watch Mr. Owen prove him wrong!

So we just are playing the waiting game. I have been super nauseated the past two days. I feel like I have gone full circle or something:) I hope to get some walking in probably inside on my machine since its rainy here maybe that will help.

The boys are pretty excited. Nathan keeps hugging my belly and saying "come out Owen Michael" It is pretty cute. I just keep praying he is half as happy once he really is here.

So keep us in your prayers. Our family is ready to have him here and my body is ready to not be pregnant anymore.

Panda Pride!

Jacob goes to Westbrook Elementary and about a month ago we got order forms for school spirit shirts. I decided to go ahead and get him just a regular t-shirt so he could wear it on Fridays which is "Panda Pride" day. He was sooooo excited to finally get the shirt and be able to wear it this week so I thought I would share the front and back of the shirt. I think he looks quite cute!

STUFFED TURKEY!

The title says it all. This is about how I feel these days for sure. I had Ian take a picture this morning to document my girth. I am by far bigger than I have been with the other boys BUT at the same time it seems to be almost all in the baby area thankfully besides the swelling I have everywhere else. I still can wear my regular pants if I can button them low enough. That makes me feel a bit better.

I feel like things are shifting so hopefully he will be here soon. I am definitely ready! I will be 38 weeks tomorrow and have never gone past 38 weeks and 2 days so I told Ian as of Thursday I am late:) Who knows! Could be tomorrow or I could be having Thanksgiving dinner in the hospital. At least this hospital is known to be super nice and I have heard the food is actually decent.

Enjoy the couple of pictures:) I went and got a near hair cut last week just for something new. Definitely the shortest I have ever gone. But I like it! The boys wanted to pop in the picture with me. Jacob and I were off to church while Ian and Nathan were not feeling great hence the difference in outfits:) We were sad not to have them with us today as today is the one day a year the kids do our Sacrament Meeting which is the main "service" of the day. The theme was "I am a Child of God" and the kids all did great. Jacob remembered his part and was very proud to the point of running down the aisle to give me a hug when he was done. You have to love that child.

So now we sit and wait. When will Owen decide he should come. OH and we had a few snow flakes today!:) I am really excited for the first snow. If only it was the first and ONLY!


Me and my "three" boys



A picture of my Ninja Nathan just for laughs

Baby Update......

I thought I would give a quick update to the future Aunties, Grandmas/Grandpas and Great Grandma and Grandpa:) and then whoever else decides to check out the blog.

I went to the Doctor this afternoon. I am 37 weeks 3 days today (I had Nathan at 37 + 2) I actually had been dreading the appointment feeling he was just going to tell me I was still closed up and 50% effaced like last week. To my surprise and DELIGHT that was not the case. Since last week I have dilated to 2cm and am now 70% effaced. He said there was definitely a difference from last week. FINALLY! All the aches and pains are doing something. I am not niave I know I can still walk around for weeks like this but its a start. He told me if I am "lucky" that "maybe" I will go in the next week. My friend Eileen keeps telling he 11/11 for Veteran's Day. I would not complain! I have a strong feeling though I will have him sometime between my appointment next Thursday and my due date of 11/24. I told my doctor I just really really want to be done and not in the hospital on Thanksgiving. He thought about the timing and then laughingly said "well, if it makes you feel any better I'd just as soon not be here that day either". We both laughed.

So its up to Owen, and God of course, as to when this little man will make his appearance. My wonderful friend Valerie is on call and ready to take care of the boys for me. It gives me a lot of comfort to know they will be some place they are totally comfortable with.

Oh and can I tell you how excited I am to think about laying on my back! and stomach! AND to loose the heartburn! among other things:)

I think for now Nathan will get to continue to walk with me saying "waddle waddle waddle" (Thank you Ian) for a little while longer.

Keep us in your prayers!

Trick Or Treating! Happy Halloween!!

We had such a good time last night trick or treating! For once Ian was HOME! Poor guy had to do boot camp graduation yesterday morning so while he got home at 10 pm Thursday night, he had to be up at 3:30 to be up to base and armored up on time yesterday morning. He took a cat nap though before I went to work and lasted way longer than I did last night:) Maybe that has something to do with being almost 37 weeks pregnant?

The boys got all dressed up and we headed out with most of our neighbors to go trick or treating. They had a blast running from door to door with all the kids they know. We also had some friends from church come who have a son that is in Nathan's class. The boys are all so funny with their little friends. I enjoy seeing them all interact. We ended up with Jacob's best buddy Isaiah who he loves to ride the bus with and his little brother was in a wagon so Nathan bummed a ride for the last half. We had one scare where Nathan wandered off which totally freaked me out but thankfully it was only for a few moments before our good friend met Ian as Ian went to search. Nathan came back smiling saying "I think I was lost". After that we MADE him sit in the wagon:) I swear he is going to be the end of me!

When we got home a few of our neighbors had food and the fire pit out and the boys and Ian enjoyed hanging out with them while I enjoyed the couch due to just being so sore from walking all over the neighborhood.

It was really a fun night. I can't believe next year we will have three and if Owen is anything like Nathan by then he will be toddling up to houses himself! I pray he waits until he is a year to walk!:)

Here are a few pictures of the kids. My friend Nicole got some more so if they turned out I will share when I get them.

Happy Halloween!

One last thought! It is FINALLY November! One way or another by the end of this month I will no longer be pregnant! YIPEE:) I can't wait to meet this little man who is beating me up!



Trick or treating boys! Joshua, Jacob, Isaiah and Nathan


Jacob ready to get to treating!


Nathan looking cute! (You would never guess 5 minutes before he was all upset because he no longer wanted to be a fireman but now he wanted to be a policeman. With the threat of no candy though he decided a fireman it would be:)

Jacob's Turn! (Kindergarten Halloween FUN!)

Jacob seems to be really making progress at school. He has had a really hard time with his fine motor skills but we have been working and he is so proud to finally write his name pretty much perfectly. It has taken work. Its not that he does not know his letters and/or the sounds or what letters to write he just has a hard time forming them, especially where they are supposed to be on the lines. We are working on it though. I had a parent teacher conference with his teacher last week and she said that she "has a special place in her heart for Jacob". That made me smile. He can be quite the challenge, especially since he just can't help himself with calling out and has a hard time raising his hand and waiting to be called on. Slowly though he is improving. He LOVES Ms. Kemper and his friends at school. We tried to see if he could go all day (they have another class in the pm for kids who need additional help) but his scores were too high so he cannot be fit in. So for now we are trying to work at home and he is having a blast at school. The more comfortable he gets, the more his self esteem raises and the better he is doing.

Now onto the Halloween. Jacob has been begging since at least August to be Indiana Jones for Halloween. Talk about one THRILLED child yesterday. He was SO excited to FINALLY "be Indy". He was asking or telling EVERYONE who he was. If he asked they would play into it and say "i don't know who are you" he would break out humming the theme song and then say "now do you know who I am"? It was too funny. (The picture above is of him all ready to go get on the bus before school:)

Jacob's school did a Kindergarten parade through all the other classrooms in their costumes and then had a sing along with all the kindergarten classes in the gym and then a class party. Nathan and I decided to attend. Nathan was SO excited to get to go to school with Jacob. He is insanely jealous that Jacob gets to ride the bus and he can't. We had an extra Indy hat so Nathan decided instead of wearing his costume he wanted to be Indiana like his brother:) So off we went. Jacob took Nathan with him for a good part of the parade and Nathan felt like a big boy. The singalong was too cute. Jacob loves this little girl Kayla that lives at the other end of our 4-plex. She is in his class and of course they sat together. Then after we headed to Jacob's class where they had a Halloween story while they had their "healthy" party of fruit and veggies and then broke into stations of all kinds of Halloween fun. It was at this point that Nathan decided to have a total melt down so we left but Jacob enjoyed the end of his day and came home practically dancing.

It makes me so happy to see him happy and it was really a lot of fun to see him in his classroom. I am looking forward to starting to go in at least once a month to help in January. Here are some shots of our Indiana!


This is a picture I just had to take. I love Jacob's big CHEESE smile. They have a big board with each letter of the alphabet and each child has their name under their letter with their picture on it. This just made me laugh:)


This is a picture of Jacob's whole class all dressed up. Miss Kemper is on the far right dressed as a witch:) Some of the kids' expressions are just too funny. I think they were unsure what parent to look at. But hey at least Jacob looked right at me!



Jacob and his favorite girl Kayla. Of course he is off looking at someone else but its still pretty cute:)


This is Jacob's class leading the parade of Kindergarteners through the halls into al the other classes. If you look close you can see the top of Nathan's hat following his brother:)


Nathan showing off the spider outside Jacob's classroom while waiting for the fun to start.

Video of Nathan singing

I totally forgot to post the preschool class singing:) So here is a video:

Nathan LOVES this song and drives me batty singing it all the time but like I said was just a little unsure with everyone there. He does the motions though until he gets sidetracked by buzz lightyear:)

Nathan's Preschool Halloween FUN:)

The past few weeks Nathan has had the best time at preschool. The boys have both been so excited about Halloween and the fun stuff they have been doing at school just makes them more excited. Nathan's class has made their own scarecrow (see picture below), made really neat edible spiders (picture above and below) along with art projects and learned some fun songs.

On Thursday we were invited to stay for the first 15 minutes of class and the kids were allowed to dress up. Most of the kids wore a costume and Miss Kathy and Miss Marlene had them sing some of their everyday songs for us. It was so so cute. I got a few video clips and I will try to share one here. A couple of the kids were very much into it but most of them I think were quite overwhelmed to have all the parents standing around watching them.

Again, Nathan's assistant teacher came up to me and told me how much they just LOVE Nathan and how he is just the absolute sweetest boy. I have to laugh because he has been giving us, especially me, a total run for our money. His church teachers tell me the same thing though so at least I know I can leave him and he will behave if not for me. I know my mom will read this and laugh because it is exactly the way it was with me when I was a kid.

Finally, for Nathan's party they read a story about the "chocolate chip" ghost who did not listen to his mommy and ate different things and changed colors. For their "treat" they had little ice cream cups with mini chocolate chips. Nathan LOVED that:) Then each child brought a Halloween book wrapped and then each got to pick a different wrapped book out and his teachers gave him the book Spookley The Square Pumpkin which is a story I love so I was, I think, more excited he got it than he was:)

I absolutely love his little school and really wish at this point I had put him in the 3 day a week class instead of the 2 day but he seems to be loving it and I am so glad he has something for HIM with Owen coming. I hope you enjoy the pictures:)


Nathan's scarey face for his Jackolanturn



The poem that goes with his scarey face and a picture of his pumpkin. His was right in the middle.



Nathan's edible spider up close. He drove us and his teachers insane asking to do this every day. They made the mistake of telling him they would be making him and he is just a little obsessed with spiders. He took kind of a sick delight in tearing that one a part:)



The class scarecrow!



Nathan's little class:) The little boy dressed as a cowboy a few seats to the right is Jonathon and Nathan talks about Jonathon ALL the time. Its pretty cute:)