Happy BIRTHday Kaitlon!

On Friday, June 26th, I woke up to just another day! I got the kids ready, got myself ready, checked my e-mail, complained on Facebook that I was still pregnant, took the kids to McDonald's, etc... So I honestly wasn't planning on Kaitlon being born. I was really crampy all morning, but nothing that said "your in labor". Around 2:00 o'clock pm the cramping seemed to be coming more intense, so I figured I should start timing. Sure enough the contractions were about 5 minutes apart, and lasting 30-45 seconds. I called Clint, and told him to come home from work, but to stop and get his hair cut on the way home. (LOL!) I figured we had time, I was told that the longer you can labor at home when trying to do a VBAC, the better off you are. So, I continued writing down the times I would feel each contraction. I just tried to be patient, and keep doing my normal routine. I did some laundry, painted my nails, did some dishes, cried a little. Then at around 4:00pm, I told Clint I couldn't take it anymore, and we headed off to the hospital. We arrived there around 4:30, and the contractions were about every 3 minutes apart. They checked me and began monitoring me. The nurse came in and told me I was at a 3, and we discussed the fact that I was doing a VBAC. Well, that caused some problems. My doctor was out of town, and his on call doctor refused to do a VBAC for me. So our nurse had to call around to try and find a doctor that would deliver me VBAC. It did all work out, and we found one, but not without some hassle. Around 6:25 I received an epidural and went from a 5 to a 7 in minutes. Around 6:30 pm the doctor came in and broke my water. At this point I was feeling more relaxed, and was just trying to stay calm. I was very nervous that the VBAC was not going to work, and I was going to have to have an emergency c-section. Around 7:25 I was feeling more pressure, I was at an 8 pushing 9, and within 10 minutes, I was completely at a 10. The nurses had paged the doctor, but it was going to take him a minute to get there. So they held my knees shut (literally), and we waited for him. At 8:00 he walked in, I pushed 1 1/2 times, and Kaitlon was born at 8:05pm. The VBAC was successful! Both Kaitlon and I were healthy. She weighs 5 lbs. 11 oz. and is 18 inches long. I am very grateful that we had a smooth and wonderful delivery. That the doctors, and nurses were so patient and helpful to our situation. I feel very blessed, and I am so grateful that Heavenly Father has sent us this sweet little girl. She is a wonderful addition to our family. ♥ Here are some pictures of our sweet Kaitlon's "Birth"day!

Laboring...The nurses kept moving my position so that the baby's heart rate would stay up. (If it was to dip too low--too many times, she would have to be a c-section)


Her first few minutes! ♥
She was a whopping 5 lbs. 11 oz. (I guess 11.5 oz.)

Proud Mommy, with her sweet baby girl!

♥Daddy's little girl♥

The kids with their new sister (and my cousin)

BIG BROTHERS!!!

Presents for our new sis! ♥

All dressed up and ready to come home! ♥

Exciting Update & A Nice Weekend

I went in for another check up this morning, and was please to find out that: I am 2 1/2cm. dilated and almost completely effaced. My doctor was pretty surprised that I had that much progress in only 3 days. So he said that if she doesn't come this week on her own-- that he will break my water on Monday! So she will be here soon!! We couldn't have been more thrilled, and as long as labor progresses without complications I can have a VBAC! I feel like I have so much to do now. The house is never clean enough, I have babysitters to arrange, laundry to get done, grocery shopping, and much more! Phew!! I could put myself into labor just trying to prepare for labor. ☺ We are just so excited, and cannot wait!

We also spent a nice day with my Dad yesterday. We visited him in Kamas, where he is staying for the summer. It was beautiful, and cool. We grilled hamburgers, visited, and took a short, CALM 4-wheeler ride. ☺ Clint and Dad opened some presents, which they enjoyed. It was fun to see how excited the kids were to give their Daddy a present. I just want my Dad to know that I consider him as my hero. He has taught me so many important qualities. Through his example I have learned to be a strong, independent person. He has taught me to be a hard worker. To love everyone, and to show kindness to all people. Regardless of how they have treated me. To serve and to go out of my way to help others in need. And above all else, to always be Christ like. He has been a support system in everything I have ever wanted or tried to do. Without his influence in my life, I don't think I would be the person I am today. I love you Dad! ♥

She's hanging in there!

Clint and I went to the doctor today. It was just to basically check the progress of things. Kaitlon is still head down and we are perfectly aligned for delivery. The doctor told us a VBAC at this point is very possible. There is only one down fall--if I want to try for a VBAC, I have to let nature take it's course. She will need to come on her own. So he won't induce labor. He explained to Clint and I, that after a c-section, induction is more harmful to the mother and baby. Inducing labor also increases the risk of uterine abruption. He said if we wanted a scheduled birth I would just have to have a c-section. So as things are standing now, I am just going to wait it out. We feel that it would be better overall. I am 50% effaced, but I have not yet dilated. So if I don't start dilating soon, he will just take her c-section. So it's bittersweet--we wanted to try and have her at the end of June, but we are just going to keep on waiting. I am just grateful that she is healthy, and all is going well. We start seeing the doctor weekly, and actually go back on Monday. That was the only day he had available. So hopefully we have some progression. Oh, I forgot to mention, she is weighing 5 1/2lbs. I think that was pretty close to last time. So I think she will still be small. Clint is certain that she wont weigh more then that at delivery. I still think she will weigh in the 6's. I guess we will see! Besides all of that, I am contracting more and more. They are coming more frequently, but not consistently. I just keep thinking, "Is this it?" I am trying to be patient--but these last few weeks are the worst. So much anxiety! I have had to take a sleeping pill to try and get good rest, unfortunately, they aren't working that well. So I am done with that. I guess it is just preparing me for life after the baby comes. ☺ Then other then the normal exhaustion, and the feeling of discouragement that comes when I try and put on my pants, I am doing well. I can't wait to have our sweet baby here! I will keep you all posted! ♥

Popcorn, movies, and a very fun sleepover!

When I babysit on the weekends I try and come up with fun things for the kids to do. Clint and I recently purchased some air mattresses, (for all the camping I am sure we will do this summer--LOL!) so I thought it would be fun for the kids to do a big sleepover in the basement!! We had popcorn, and watched The Sword in the Stone. They had a great time, and quickly fell asleep! It was really cute to see them all in their sleeping bags. Since we had to get up for church the next morning--I put Jaida's hair in those old fashion sponge curlers. I thought she looked cute. I am excited for Addy's hair to get longer. They sure are great kids! ☺

We have a roof!

Well it has been forever since I have blogged about the clubhouse! Mostly just because I was too lazy to walk out the back door, make the long journey to the very back of the yard, and take some pictures! ☺ Oh well! So I decided to procrastinate no more, and just make Clint go take the pictures! So thanks honey! Anyway, we are coming along don't you think? We have all 4 walls up, the windows and door are framed, and the roof is on! Clint took a few different shots so everyone could see it from all angles. My favorite is this first picture, where you can see the huge wood/trash pile that is accumulating in my backyard! Gotta love the projects! So the next step is sheeting the sides, and shingling the roof. I will continue to post as we get further. Clint really has put so much love, time, sweat, and dedication into this. I really appreciate him doing this for the kids! I also wanted to thank John. ( He's, our sister-in-law Rebecca's, dad.) He took time to sit down with Clint, and explain to him the best way to make the roof. He also did some research about measurements for Clint, and really helped us out a bunch!! So thank you-thank you!! I can't wait to watch the kids enjoy this in the years to come!

Ogden Nature Center

We loved exploring the Ogden Nature Center today! I haven't personally been there in years, and Clint has never been there. Preston and Jaida have been on field trips, but really enjoyed today! Addy loved this turtle, he was right on her level, and very active!
We got to make bird feeders with popcorn, cranberries, peanut butter, and bird seed.

The kids enjoyed the hands on learning. They were able to check out lot's of different bugs, seeds, animal skins, and plants under the microscopes.

We loved this turkey, he started yelling, and puffing his feathers up at Clint.

We saw a turtle,

a Bald Eagle,

and several other birds of prey.

Then we were able to walk the trails, listen to the birds and bugs, and explore the nature surrounding us.

The kids loved the observation point...and we were able to spot some ducks in a pond!

We found lot's of fish and tadpoles in the ponds.

We also climbed the treehouse and had some fun up there looking out into the distance!

Unfortunately, it started raining and thundering. So we walked as fast as we could back to the van. We were really wet!!

We really enjoyed this activity! Hopefully you will all get a chance to check out the Nature Center! ☺

A Very Busy Weekend

Wow, where to start?!? We had such an eventful weekend. I am feeling wiped out!! On Friday evening Clint and I went to dinner to celebrate our 8Th wedding anniversary. (Our actual anniversary isn't until Monday...but we can't celebrate as easy on a Monday night) We decided since the budget is tight that we would only spend $8.00 on each other this year. So a dollar for each year. We didn't do too bad...but both of us went over. I got Clint 8 different gifts. Each gift, symbolized a memory I had of our relationship through the past 8 years. Each year had a gift and a little thought behind it. It was fun! Clint thought it was pretty creative too! Although, he was able to guess most of the 8 items before opening them. I did pretty well on my budget--I only went over by $2.00. Clint, got me a new pair of sweats--I know that sounds like a terrible anniversary gift--but I am so excited! I have been wanting to get a new pair to wear home from the hospital when I deliver. Plus, they are perfect for the summer! They are light weight and come to my knees. I think they will be extremely comfy!! Especially while I am recovering. Clint spent a little more then he was supposed--he went over $5.00. But who's counting? ☺

On Saturday, we decided to take advantage of Utah's FREE Fishing Day! We tried East Canyon Lake in Morgan, Utah. It was beautiful, but cold! Plus, fishing with 3 small children is very stressful! Addyson almost went swimming 4 times! Luckily, she didn't make it in! Then we were the silly parents who thought it would be nice weather, so we didn't bring jackets or sweatshirts! OOPS!! Tyson, Clint, and I had several bites--but no fish this time! So, so, sad! :( Oh well--we had fun bonding family time! ☺

One other very fun, exciting event happened this weekend! My dad and I finally went on our daddy-daughter date! ♥ He took me shopping to get Kaitlon some new clothes!!! I was able to get her: 11 outfits, 2 pairs of summer jammies, a little sweater, and a shirt that says "Grandpa's Sweetheart"! I just want my Dad and Mary to know how thankful I am they took the time, and money to do this for me! It really means a lot!! I can't wait to bring her home in her little pink and white outfit! She will be stylin'!

We also let the boys pick something out to bring Kaitlon when we have her. They really wanted to get her a present. Tyson picked her a little stuffed Pony. It is absolutely adorable, and is such a Tyson thing. He loves horses. Preston picked her a musical giraffe, you pull it's string and it plays a lullaby! Then, Tyson found a bath tub toy...it is a fish that looks like a cow and moo's. He said, "Dad--Addy needs to bring this to Kaitlon." So needless to say, Kaitlon is getting showered with love by the family! ♥ We are getting anxious, and excited as we continue to wait for her to get here! Okay, well I will be done now...Clint and I are watching a movie! Hope all is well! Talk to you soon!!! ☺

From: Mommy♥

I always worry about the kids when we bring a new baby into our home. It's a time of joy and happiness, but also guilt. When Tyson was born Preston didn't eat for 3 days! I am a little worried about Addyson, and how she will do this time around. I wanted to do something special for each of them, so they know that the day Kaitlon is born isn't just about her. So with the help of my friend, Nila, I made them each a t-shirt. I am going to wrap them, and have them sitting out. I am also going to tell them that it's their present for the day Kaitlon is born, and they can't open it until I have her. Then I thought I would leave them each a note about how much I love them and how special they are to me. I know Addy is a little young and wont get it yet, but it's the thought. I think they turned out pretty cute! I am looking forward to seeing them in the shirts when they come visit me!! And chances are, Clint wont read our blog anytime soon. I usually have to tell him to read it or go look at it. So if you see him don't tell him--but I made him a shirt too! It's more of a joke, but it fits! I will give it to him at the hospital. What do you think? I thought it was funny! ☺

Kaitlon Update ♥

We went to the Doctor today, this was my second visit this week. On Monday, I was having some terrible cramping around my c-section incision. All was well, the scar is still thick, so I am not tearing or anything like that. The doctor I saw that day (my doctor was out of town) figured it was her moving and stretching. Doctor Berier told me today, I was probably having some contractions. He said Kaitlon is still head down and aligned perfectly. We will continue to watch progress in the next couple weeks, and determine if a VBAC is still possible. I have noticed her starting to make her own little growth pattern. She has been measuring a couple weeks smaller. He said she is still great, and apparently weighs 5 1/2 lbs. Again, we will see. Right now I am guessing she will weigh 6lbs. 4oz. Anyone want to make a guess? We have lot's of fun doing this...whoever is closest we usually buy them a treat. Some of you are too far away to have us buy you a prize, but feel free to guess! Personally, I haven't been sleeping. I am waking up in terrible discomfort. It has begun to effect my mood, and everyone has had enough--so I now get to take a sleeping pill!! Hopefully that will help. I think I am starting to get those scary dreams, where you drop the baby, or it comes out alien like, or weighs 10lbs. (yes I dreamt that)!! So I am really hoping this little pill will help, and I can get some rest. Then there is my feet--I don't remember them hurting so bad! Oh well, I will quit complaining. We go back in 2 weeks--hopefully for some more good news!!

☼ summer adventures

The kids had a blast running through the sprinklers this week. I am so glad it's summer and school is out! We don't have tons planned, but are looking forward to that! ☺ I just had to share these cute pictures!