six weeks

Six weeks, and we've had some big changes.  Or maybe just one big change that has affected every aspect of our lives. Six weeks ago (today, actually) we became a family of five.  Here are some of the highlights: 

Nightly bedtime stories where they all pile in together and read.  Love that this is their thing.

A big thanks to everyone who helped before baby C was born.  A & B basically moved in with my parents the week before he was born because I was good for absolutely nothing.  

And here we are at the hospital.  Yes, I went natural.  Yep, it was hard.  (I feel like I knew what I was getting into since with A & B my epidurals never kicked in, but still had a third kid anyway.) This time was MUCH better however, because we were a lot more proactive about labor instead of crossing our fingers and hoping the medicine would kick in.  And it was really, really fast.  Was induced at 11:30 a.m. (after being in labor for 2 weeks already on and off, was really frustrated about needing pitocin, but became game for it after being 4 days over due).  My doctor broke my water at 1:00 and as you know, that when things always get moving.  Baby C was born by 2:30p.m.  It flew by so fast my Doula didn't even have time to unzip the bag of things she brought to help labor along.  I kept telling everyone we still had a few more hours to go because that's how the other two have gone.  But my doctor barely made it back to catch the baby.  And I am just happy not to be super pregnant.  (Have I mentioned he was a ginormous baby? 9 lbs 14 oz? The pediatrician said that's like giving birth to a 2 month old)

Couldn't have done it without Bug.

 Here's a picture of my Doula for everyone who is interested: and yes I would highly recommend hiring one.

 Bug was SO proud of me I think that he got a high off of the natural delivery as well.  Which, let it be known here: I am a fraud.  If I knew that epidurals worked for me the way they are supposed to, going natural wouldn't even be a consideration for me.  But now that its all said and done, SO glad I did it this way.

The siblings meeting for the first time.

my dad is a bit of a scout fanatic...as hinted at here

getting ready to leave the hospital

 The big sister has been obsessed with her baby brother, and hasn't seemed to wane interest so far.  In fact she really wanted to bring my breast pump to preschool show and tell, but mean mom that I am we had her choose something else.

 And Miss A graduated from preschool.  Can't stand how old she is getting.  And that she starts KINDERGARTEN this next year.  Seriously where does the time go?

 Miss A also had a big dance recital, which I love that she has no hesitations about getting up and preforming.  But that also meant around our house that preschool and dance were over for the summer leaving me with 3 kids.  (still haven't taken them to the grocery store with me...pretty sure I'd have a nervous breakdown)

 Taking good care of the little one.  This baby gets a fourth as much sleep as the other two since he is constantly woken up by kisses and other good intentions by his siblings.

one month old

 And big brother B has some interest in this new baby brother, but has other things on his mind for the most part.  Like playing outside all day long.  I had Bug install a full-on hotel room lock on the front door before he had to go back to work so that this little escape artist wouldn't run out the front door while I was nursing his brother.  (To my friends who just had their first baby: please take a nap when your baby is napping for my sake.)

We sure love our little guy.  He is a great baby.  He's already given us a scare earlier in the week when Bug found a lump when changing his diaper one night.  I was a nervous wreck about it, and hated every moment in the doctors office when they had to cut it open.  Knives and needles...and only sugar water to calm him down.  These are my least favorite moments as a mom.  But he is doing better much.  Just crossing our fingers that the abscess doesn't come back.  But little baby C was nothing but a doll about it all.

Other moments of note:

• Already lost B on one of our initial outings.  Traumatized me so much that I have sworn off going to parks without Bug for a year. 
• Felt like a rock star the first time our family of FIVE attended church (which we have 9:00 a.m. church)...never mind we only were there 2ish out of 3 hours.  And that when I heard Baby C crying in the corner, I wondered who's baby it was before cluing in.
• Getting okay amounts of sleep...having a newborn is hard on that no matter what.
• Spending the entire morning getting everyone ready to go to my  mom's house, loading up the car with projects and kids to find out at the last minute the car was dead.  (Glad that after I piled everyone out my sister came and picked us up so we could still make it out for the day)
• Completely obsessed with getting this little guy to smile at us.  I think it's all our favorite thing at the moment.  And super happy that it confirmed he has a dimple too.

Six weeks have already flown by.  Six weeks! I keep thinking of the quote "The days are long but the years are short."  Couldn't believe in it more.  So, just trying to store up all the precious moments of cuddling up with my little guy.

making me happy

• the weather (hello sunshine!)
• a husband that understands that although I love the sun, we must also run our A/C non-stop now.
• and since we are on the subject: a husband that takes kids on nightly "jazzy rides around the neighborhood to give me some rest time, runs my bubble baths for me, rubs my feet, does the dishes and laundry, shampoos the carpet, hangs nursery decor to my exact specifications, and participates in my hypnosis.  All without a complaint, mind you.  
• family (especially a great mom) that watches these two kids regularly while I find myself either at the doctors office or hospital weekly.
• friends...man and what great ones I have!  From all the texts and phone calls checking in to see if kid #3 has made it here yet, and offers to take them off my hands for a while, to the friend who brought a bag full of movies (mainly involving talking puppies) for the kids to watch while I put my feet up.
• But best of all was yesterday arriving home to a friend who not only brought me my favorite flavored Jamba Juice but one for the kids to share between them so I could sip away on my own.  It was heaven.  Especially since they pulled their lawn chairs out and sat for a full 15 minutes sipping away.

sorry the pictures blurry...straight from the phone

• Also making me happy is our little B's obsession with hats lately.  You can count on him sporting something on his head if you run into us or drop by.  The Easter Bunny brought him a bubble blower this year and he often can be found outside mowing the lawn while wearing his great grandpa's stetson.  I have yet to get a picture, but am dying to get one because it's super hilarious.  One day soon I'll move quick enough to snap some decent pictures around here.

• And yesterday Miss A went and did a Kindergarten screening test.  I am weirdly emotional about it (she's still my little girl!) but it sure did make her happy.  She can't wait to go.

So grateful for all the help & well wishes.  I am in the final stretch.  If I don't go into labor this week I will probably get induced next week.  (So cross your fingers for me!)  I have been laboring on and off for a week or more now and have had the nurses tell me they know they'll see me back in the delivery room that same afternoon...only to stop contractions later.  It's been hard on my body, and the sudden heat rush hasn't been kind to my feet/ankles.  

All this just helps me to know: I am ready.  Can't wait to be nuzzling a newborn around here.  (And to walk somewhere quickly.) Family of 5 here we come!

spring

This Easter came way to quickley! I was so disappointed when it snowed the Friday morning before, but the weather sure did pull through as best as it could for us. 

Love the neighborhood egg hunts, having the Easter Bunny as a motivator to be extra good, and the bright and sunny colors that fill up the primary room in Church as all the little kids wear their new Easter outfits. 

impromptu smelling of the flowers.

 

 This year Little B got the whole egg hunt thing, but just preferred digging in Grandma & Grandpa's dirt.  And so that is what he did.

 Also loving this springtime(ish) weather.  We got out to the zoo (hoping to induce labor) and it was a fun day.  Except it looks highly suspicious that we picked up a turtle while we were there.

 All the cousins...which getting them all clustered together and looking in the same-ish direction is one thing.  Getting them to all smile at the same time was another.

 Also with spring comes kite flying weather.  I think this is my most favorite activity we have done the past several Sundays after eating dinner at Grandma & Grandpa's house.  We all head down to the park and basically just watch the kids run back and forth a million times.  Who cares if the kite catches wind or not, this is one activity that tuckers everybody out.

Randomly, this morning A told her little brother that he was "eating like a creature, and not a human."  Am I ready to add an additional boy to this craziness?  We have the nursery ready to go in anticipation for the next arrival.  Yesterday morning I couldn't find little B so I went searching because it was too quiet.  Found him lying in the babies crib eating A's Easter candy. 

still kicking

I promise I am still alive.  Just busy...with you know, stuff.  Here's the run down because I feel like just jumping right in after taking the last 4 months off.

I have officially 5 more weeks to go before baby #3 is due.  But it's become a battle between me & my doctor about inducing me early.  (I don't want to, he does.)  I am measuring a month ahead and have for a while.  Don't get all excited and toss the twin word around or miscalculated due date on me (unless you want me to turn grumpy).  I have extra amniotic fluid.  Which also comes with the bonus that I have to run up to the hospital every week until my due date to have Non Stress Tests done.  I feel really good about how big I am.  I even let my sister talk me into buying skinny jeans upon entering the 3rd trimester.  That or I have a real tendency for self-destructive behavior.

And for those who don't know, baby #3 is a boy.  Miss A is more than thrilled & every day her excitement increases as she talks about plans for the baby.  Her latest concern just yesterday was where the baby would sleep when her & her brother go to grandma's for sleepovers.  We do have a name picked out, but we are one of those people and are keeping it to ourselves until the little guy is here.

I am getting excited and nervous for labor.  This time (as previously mentioned) I will skip paying the anesthesiologist to hang out feeling guilty he can't help me, and making the decision ahead of time I will be going natural.  Really looking forward to having my doula there as well. (side note: this is why getting induced early doesn't sound terrific to me.)  Bug and I have been practicing our hypnosis as well.  Bug feels like its pretty powerful and he is ready to have a pain-free delivery.  I am still a little apprehensive.  At least it helps me to relax.

As a result of pregnancy the nesting has begun.  I know that among some of my family and friends the word "nesting" has a negative connotation.  I love it.  I feel like Bug has to take my ridiculous whims seriously.  So Miss A has been slowly giving over her room to the nursery, and gaining an adorable bedroom downstairs.  Its complete with beautiful wallpaper that her grandma helped put up when she grew up here.  There's something extra charming in knowing that connection.

The highlight of the past week + was my twin sister visiting with her kids.  It was so fun to have them here.  We filled our days with outings all around the valley.  And the nights were filled with yummy dinners together, a girls movie night out, and my favorite: our family tradition of a pedicure party in honor of the current mother-to-be.  It was filled with delicious food and me not having to try and bend over my gigantic belly to try and paint my toes.  So fun.

Baby clothes are sorted once again.  Nursery still needs to be painted (hopefully this week?). My hair is in desperate need of some attention from my stylist (thank you hormones for sparking this abundance of regrowth).  Getting really antsy to start working on my consignment projects.  And also looking forward to having the ability to walk somewhere fast.   

But most of all can't wait to snuggle a new little tiny one.

around here

Around here, we've been fully into the Christmas spirit.  I swear with a 4 year old and a 2 year old, there is no other option but full-throttle.

Here's our December (so far) run down.

Started off the season with Miss A's much anticipated dance recital.  

 We were both worried she'd become really shy preforming in front of so many people, but she surprised us by being really anxious to get up on the stage.  Such a fun moment.  Mr B was super into the music, and danced his heart out the entire time.  Maybe next year we'll enroll him?  (Oh wait, Bug says: never.)

That night we hit up the ward party.  It was beautiful!  (who knew an LDS cultural hall could be?) And the main event for our family was the big guy who made his appearance at the very end.  Miss A was really, really nervous.  Bug took her to say hello at our local pharmacy, Jolley's, and she was not interested.  She said she'd "tell him what I want next year."  But after a lot of prep work and coaxing, she said, "Mom, I'm ready.  Let's go do this" and marched up on the stage to put her order into Santa.  Which for the record this year is a unicorn pillow pet.

 Bug and I made it to our first experience of the Christmas Carol at Hale Theater.  It did not disappoint.  I see why its a family tradition for many.  We are on & off season ticket holders and usually love what Hale does, but what can I say when you work with a classic to begin with?  We were both touched and felt the Christmas spirit(s).

Also, the house has put up a good effort to make us all feel a little more cheery.  I swear we kill at least 30 minutes every day with all the advents and countdowns.  Love it.

 If you look closely, you'll see our family elf riding the reindeer.  He's not tricky or naughty like some other elves we hear of (thank goodness), but he's brought some fun gifts randomly along the way.

 On top of my hutch is one of grandma & grandpa Myers nativities.  Another result of us inheriting the house & all that was in it.  Couldn't bring myself to watch it ship off to the DI.

 The tree: in which miss A adds to daily with homemade ornaments and mr. B subtracts from daily.

Apologies for the horrible picture.

 This year I finally decided to get different Christmas Stockings.  Ours previous to this were horrible.  I knew what I wanted: something skinny and classic.  Skinny because, so sue me, I don't really understand the hype over Christmas Stockings.  It just seems like another excuse to spend more money.  So this year, I am hoping old St. Nick himself will address letters to the kids.

Also in the stockings my kids are going to find these.  (You may have seen the squirrel made from a glove floating around pintrest ) Here we have a raccoon and a fox.  I finally caved and made something homemade this year after wholeheartedly swearing it off.  These 2 only took an afternoon, and everything else on the to-do list was under control.  

And we are obsessing over the new baby on the way.  Can't wait for Christmas morning to officially talk it over in detail with the kids.  

which one will it be!?!

 We've also celebrated by driving through the cemetery to look at the beautiful luminaries and visit our well-missed loved ones. (being pregnant during the holidays sure brings on a lot of tears)

Our Christmas present from Bug's parents was to go see "Annie" the play, and so we took our Ms. A on a date night while Mr. B had his own fun with Grandma Hammond.  Ms. A didn't know how to act with so much attention.  We talked about polite behaviors on a date, asked each other how our days were, and enjoyed a great time at the theater.

We've also been back to Christmas Street, and it's redeemed itself somewhat in our eyes, though not entirely forcing us to scout out "good Frosty's" within a 7 mile radius.

And that's about it.  We've partied, sang out to rockin' Christmas tunes, ate seasonal delicacy's, reserved our Christmas Eve movie tickets, have plans to go see the lights at Temple Square, and get our exercise delivering the 12 days each night.

And our fingers remain crossed for that pillow pet to arrive...

To Santa with Love

This year Santa is in for a real treat at our house.  Instead of finding the usual sugar cookie laid out for his arrival we are making Southern Rice Krispie Date Balls. (worst name for the best little treat)  Our family is going to start calling them Snowballs.

I got this recipe the other night from a friend, Natalie, in our old neighborhood.  She commissioned me to do several paintings for her for Christmas last year, and when I stopped by to drop them off she had a batch of these Snowballs on hand.  I pride myself in being somewhat adventurous in my eating, willing to try it all once, and found myself in heaven when I tried these.  Ever since I have had them on the back of my mind and asked for the recipe (& was promptly rewarded...love good friends).

And for the record, I have never, ever bought dates before until yesterday let alone cooked with them until this afternoon.  But there was nothing to fear.  If you are unfamiliar with this fruit: familiarize yourself with it.  

You won't regret it.  

Snowballs

1 stick of butter
1 cup of sugar
1 pack of chopped dates (8 oz) (I chopped them myself, but make sure you get them pitted)
2 cups Rice Krispie cereal
1 teaspoon vanilla
confectioners sugar (enough to coat balls)

Put butter, sugar, and chopped dates in a sauce pan. Cook on medium low heat until dates are melted. This takes about 8 minutes.

Take off heat and stir in Rice Krispies and vanilla.

You can also add a cup of chopped nuts if you like. Pecans are good.

Pour date mixture in a pan and let it cool. You don't want it totally cold, but you don't want it so hot it hurts your hands.

Take pieces of the mixture and shape into balls. It helps if you put a little butter on your fingers to do this.

Roll balls in confectioners sugar.

That's it. Very easy. Very tasty.  And even your four-year-old will love helping you with this one.

I am taking mine tonight to my family party...thinking about not telling them there are dates in it at first to see their reaction?

Happy Snowballing!

on my mind

• So prepared for Christmas this year it's scary.  But this, however, could be largely related to the fact that I have banned myself from any homemade gifts.  That's right, bring on the thoughtless commercialism over here.  
• Spent the night outdoors at Zoo Lights in the subzero weather with my side of the family.  Got a little awkward when random people assumed our mass meant there was free hot chocolate and donuts for all.  And then it just got really, really cold.
• Met with our potential doula last week.  Went relatively well.  Okay, I admit that when she was talking about tender moments she's witnessed in other births I totally started crying.  I blame it generally on my raging hormones, but must admit I am so ready for a good birth experience.  And the third time WILL be the charm.  
• Speaking of pregnancy the 4 year old hasn't officially been told that number 3 is on it's way.  Sure, shes suspicious especially since we brought the bassinet home and are storing it in the spare bedroom.  Christmas morning will be the big announcement.  In fact we are going to have the ultrasound tech wait to inform us if its a girl or boy and all discover together Christmas morning.
• I'm just going to say it: telling the 2 year old boy "don't touch the Christmas Tree" 50 times a day and then some is getting a little old...and it's only the 7th.  Sigh.
• Found three potential holiday go-to outfits yesterday while out shopping with a friend.  Everything about this is a plus.
• Neighbor gifts (or lack thereof) were officially all delivered last night.  We have always lived in a neighborhood that supports a local charity instead of gift-giving.  As far as I know, this neighborhood doesn't have the same deal going, so we decided to deliver cards that explain that's what we do.  Stressed forever about how this might come across, but it is done.  
• And if there's room for total negativity in my thoughts today: Christmas Street has been a bit disappointing this year.  There used to be a huge inflatable Frosty in one of the yards and he is not to be found anywhere.  And this family has two young very dedicated Frosty groupies that are severely disappointed.  Any suggestions?  
• Although I profess to be all squared away for the 25th, I'm still debating about Christmas cards.  We failed to get family pictures this year (thank you pregnancy fog) so it'll be just a kid picture, but can't make up my mind if I should crank one out or not.  Seeing as how we have yet to get a picture that I will endorse sending to 100 of my closest friends, we might opt out this year.  And yet...
• The 4 year old commented that we have 3 different nativities (she referred to them as Jesus's) in our living room right now.  "Mom, we are SO lucky!"