Fall Fun

Daddy decided to rake leaves in the yard... that's all the prompting the kids needed to go outside and have some fun. I love that a pile of leaves will entertain my kids- good ol' fashioned fun.

And while the big kids were out frolicking in the leaves... this sweet baby was smiling away inside while mama made dinner. What did we do without her? She is perfection.

How can this not be the very best season of the year?
I love FALL!!

Avery Rose

(I included all the details- because I love labor stories and I don't want to forget any part of this wonderful story!)

On June 14th (Mon), I had my 39 week check up with my OB, Dr. May in Laguna Hills. He checked me and I was a 1+ and 90 % effaced. Dr. said that if I didn't go into labor on my own, he would induce me on Saturday at 7 am. We had decided on that date the week before, so my induction was already scheduled and we were really thinking that Saturday would be the big day. In fact, I was kind of hoping she would wait until then, because Jake had woken up early that morning, with the stomach flu. I was hoping that by Saturday, the bug would make it's rounds and everyone would be back to normal. After my appt, I walk around the mall a little, did some shopping and met up with my parents at CPK at 6 pm. I had a contraction during dinner and then another one after dinner at Nordstrom Rack, while walking around with my mom. They weren't bad and didn't last long. I didn't think much of it. I headed for home around 8:30. Once I got in the car, I had another contraction- and then had 3 more- each about 15 minutes apart. When I got home, around 9:30, Aaron opened the door and I said "Are your bags packed? I just had 3 contractions, 15 minutes apart." He kind of laughed and we settled in to watch the Bachelorette. I had a couple more- and then they stopped around 10. I was just thinking about calling my parents to give them a heads up- and then everything stopped. We headed to bed around 11 and I promptly fell asleep. I woke up at midnight, with a big contraction and was shaking so hard. I layed there for about 45 minutes, shaking and having contractions about every 13-15 minutes. Then I went in the bathroom and had some very loose bowels (sorry for the TMI!). I woke Aaron up and told him that I was in pain and going downstairs to take some Tylenol. I still had no idea that I was in labor! Remember, this has never happened to me before. I did some dishes, picked things up and sat down for a minute. I started to keep my eye on the clock, when I realized that I was contracting every 10 minutes or so- and it had been almost an hour. I had also made 3 more trips to the bathroom and still had the shakes. I decided to call my mom. At this point, I started to feel a little nervous- because my last 2 labors had been 2 hours. As soon as I called her and told her what was going on, she said, "You are in labor! Call your doctor and call me back!" Mom's are always right- so that's exactly what I did. My dr. wasn't on call that night but I talked to Dr. Kong and she said to wait until they were about 8 minutes apart and then to come in. I went upstairs and woke up Aaron, put on some clothes and grabbed our bags. I was getting really excited- and nervous! I was starting to be in a lot of pain, so I grabbed my phone and decided to call someone to come on over- just so we were ready to go ASAP. I had talked to a couple people who said they would keep their phone on and near their bed- so we could call them if I want into labor in the middle of the night. I called the first person, Dawna, no answer. I called the 2nd person, Krystel, no answer. I remember thinking, "Well- this isn't very good. What are we going to do?" So Aaron got on his phone and started making calls- still no answer!! In the meantime, I keep taking breaks and leaning on the kitchen counter, through contractions. At one point I remember he suggested waking up the kids and putting them in the car and just going. I just couldn't imagine having to deal with the kids in the middle of labor. So we just kept calling. I finally called my friend Janell to get the number for her mother-in-law, June- who was one of the one's that offered to help me in the middle of the night. She hadn't answered her cell- so I tried her house. I got through and she said she would be right over- and in the meantime, Aaron got a hold of Dawna's husband. He answered by saying "She's on her way!" Dawna was here in 5 minutes and I don't think I had ever been so excited to see someone! We were finally on our way. (that whole process took about 35 minutes.)

It usually takes us 45 minutes to get to our hospital- but Aaron made it in 30! It was REALLY super foggy and he had to slow way down in many places, but mostly he was doing about 90 mph- the whole way. I've never seen him drive like that. I think I was making him nervous- when I informed him I was starting to feel pressure. We pulled up to the ER about 3:30 am and they checked us in and then made us wait for a wheelchair. The nurse came to get me and it was the same nurse I had with Carter. We both recognized each other! She took me up to triage, I changed into my gown and she checked me. Right before that my water broke- and then I knew we would be having a baby very soon!
She immediately got me into a room and settled in. I had her call the anesthesiologist right away because I knew how fast things would go at this point. It took FOREVER!!! Seriously- my very calm and patient husband- who never speaks up about things- said that even he was getting frustrated and getting ready to say something because the Dr. was taking his sweet time setting everything up and putting the epidural in. I kept telling myself, "Just make it through one more contraction and then he will be done." Well- I had to say that about 15 times. It was awful. Finally he got it in and it was like heaven. My family was able to come in and visit for awhile. That was about 5 am. My wonderful husband and sweet Daddy gave me a blessing. My sister, mom and brother were also there. After that my Dr. came in and wanted to check me. This was about 20 minutes after the epidural. It had already started to wear off and I was feeling my contractions again and some definite pressure. She told me I was complete and could start to push. I pushed twice and she came right out. They wiped her off a little and put her on my chest. I got to hold and touch her right away and then they took her away and cleaned her off- and whatever else they do- I never get to see. After the dr. stitched me up and got things cleaned up- they brought her to me. My sister suggested to not get the drops in her eyes- so that Avery could see more clearly. It was such a great suggestion! For the first 45 minutes, Avery was completely calm and was staring right at me. It was so amazing. I would definitely recommend that. They said it was fine as long as you do it within the first 1 hour.

Avery Rose was born at 5:33 am. She weighed 7 pounds 7 ounces and was 20 inches long. My labor and delivery with Carter was so fast and crazy, that as soon as I knew I was pregnant this time- I was definite about having a completely different experience. So I made sure that I had things planned out and was very vocal about what I wanted. It was the most peaceful, calm, spiritual experience. It was quiet. My mom brought a beautiful CD that was on the whole time, everyone was talking in whispers, I was very comfortable and the whole experience was 100% different. When it was time to push, I sat up and very calmly pushed. There was no stress or rushing around setting things up. Everyone was peaceful and calm and Avery just came right out. It was exactly what I was hoping for. I love that memory I have of that sacred experience. I felt the Spirit very strong during the whole time and I know that in those moments right after she was born, we were very close to the veil and that the Savior was very aware of what had just transpired- another miracle.My mom was watching the kids while we were in the hospital. On Wed morning she called to tell me that Carter and Addie had the stomach flu. They got over it pretty quickly- but still- YUCK! I ended up feeling kinda yucky on Wed night and when I woke up on Thurs morning I definitely knew I was sick. Aaron also got it on Thursday morning. After we were discharged, we drove to my parents house to see the kids. Here is Avery in her going home outfit.We let the kids hold the baby and we visited with everyone for awhile. I wasn't feeling too great so we left after an hour or so. On our way home, on the toll road, I threw up! What are the odds?? Driving home from the hospital and getting the flu! Luckily it came and went very fast and I was better by that night. We had one peaceful night and then the next morning my Dad called and said my mom had come down with it- so we got our kids back a little earlier then we were planning. But at least- we were all healthy by then.

And there begins our life with 5 kids!

bedtime

I escaped the chaos of bedtime tonight, and snuck upstairs with my Avery girl. I had just bathed her and put her in clean jammies. I turned off the lights and sat in the rocker with her. It was quiet and dark, with just her nightlight glowing in the corner. While I fed her, we rocked and she looked up at me with her bright baby eyes. I told her how much I love her and how thankful I am for her. I told her what a good little girl she is and how she makes our family complete. While we talked, her eyes got heavy and eventually they closed- and she drifted off to sleep. I could hear the kids downstairs and my head was telling me to lay her down and help Aaron put the older kids to bed...my heart told me "you're going to miss this." So- I listened to my heart.

We rocked and rocked and I prayed. I thanked my Heavenly Father for this beautiful, completely perfect, pink, bundle of love. I thanked him for the peaceful feeling I have when I hold her- the feeling that all of my children are here and that our family is complete. I thanked him for the blessing of being a mother. I thanked him for her. My sweet Avery. After my prayer, I rubbed my cheek against her fuzzy head and breathed in her yummy newborn smell. I listened to her breathe in and out, and watched her calm, peaceful profile in the dim light- and thought about how completely blessed I am to have 5 healthy children. My life feels crazy and busy and loud right now. But this is what I wanted. It's what I prayed and hoped for. It's what I dreamed of.

And after all that- I layed her in her crib. And guess what? The kids were still up, I got to help put them to bed after all. It was a perfect night.

something to hold you over

I promise I have a post in the works, on Avery's birth. I just have no time to blog anymore! But someday soon, I will finish it and put it up. But for now, here are 2 pictures, just for you Grandma. They were both taken today, at the pool. We're having a fun summer- the countdown is on to school. August 30th is the big day!
Avery Rose- 8 weeks old


The gang- August 2010

a moment

I found this great website called thebump.com. I looked and looked for a site that was good for kids- that could explain what was happening each week with my pregnancy- and this was my favorite!

Every Sunday, we've been gathering around the computer to look up pictures of baby Avery and see how big she has grown during the week. My kids love looking at this site, because it compares the size of the fetus to a fruit or vegetable, so it helps them imagine how big she really is. They have been getting so excited as she has gone from the size of a poppyseed to a watermelon, as of last week! After their baths last week- and before we got into jammies, they all gathered around the computer for the weekly update. I love how interested and intent their little faces are in the picture. They were really into it! We found another great illustrated picture of a full term baby- and how it looks inside the womb. The boys were especially interested in how all of my organs have been squished and moved around. I think it helps them understand better why mommy isn't feeling her best these days! Glad we caught this moment in time- my 4 sweet, clean, yummy kids and all their anticipation and love for their baby sister!

my thoughts- 3 weeks out

I had made a decision to close my blog- and move on. It's been a good couple years- but I was ready to do something different. And then last night, I decided to go back to before Carter was born and see how I was doing/feeling then. I spent the next hour re-reading old posts and reminiscing. I told Aaron, "This makes me want to blog again!" It was so fun to be able to read about all the things we were doing back then- see pictures and hear the cute things the kids say. So... I guess I'm not giving up the blog. I can't say I am going to be better about posting- because my life is about to get even busier, but I will do my best!

Since it's been a few months- here's the happenings around our house:

Baby Avery is due in 18 days. June 20th- Father's Day! We are all SO excited to meet this sweet baby girl. I must say that Addison is definitely the most excited. She talks about the baby, every day, all day. She is constantly kissing my tummy and telling me what she is going to teach Avery to do. It is so adorable- and I love that she is so enthusiastic about getting a new sister. I had my 37 week check up yesterday- I am about 1 cm and 80 effaced. I have an appt next Monday- and if there is some progress, then Dr. May said we will set up an induction date. Because the hospital is an hour away, and because the last 2 kids came so quickly- he thinks it would be safer to induce, then to let me go into labor on my own. I agree! I must admit, I do worry about that a little.

The other kids are doing great. The boys last day of school is next Thursday. Addie has her Tiny Tots graduation next Tuesday and then her dance recital on Friday night. It's a busy week- so if baby wants to stay put until next weekend, that would be find with me! Aaron is doing great, too! He is serving as the ward mission leader now- and loves working with the missionaries, but I know he misses the young men in the ward. He has been such a help these last few weeks- as I have slowed down and been more tired. I don't know what I would do without him! He will take 2 weeks off after Avery is born- and I am so thankful for that!

Here's what's been on my mind lately...
I feel like this will probably be our last baby. I had a hard time saying that for the first 7 months, but it feels good now. We'll see... my baby cravings seem to come around the 1 yr birthday. But I think this may be it. Five feels just right to me.

I am a little worried about the summer! Mainly, about having 5 kids, 7 years old and under, home all day for 9 weeks! I have some stuff planned, and I will have a lot of help, so I know it will be fine. I usually get really sad when the end of August rolls around and it's time for the boys to go to school, but I have a feeling that I might welcome it this year! Avery will still be little, so I'm sure she will sleep most of the summer away!

I think the kids will do well with our new addition. The older boys will be just fine. They are excited and will be big helpers to me. Addie is thrilled- I am not really worried about her. She may have her moments of acting out- but I really would be suprised if she acts jealous. Now Carter- he's another story! Just last week I was reading to the kids on my bed, and one of the older kids scooted over to be closer to me and Carter pushed them out of the way and said, "My mommy!" He is for sure a mommy's boy and still enjoys snuggling on my lap and having me hold him- which is near impossible these days! He is adorable and I still find my self just staring at his sweet face. He is for sure my baby, still- and I fear he will feel like he got kicked out of that position, when Avery is born. I am going to spend lots of time and energy, making sure that he still gets lots of love and attention.

It's almost 9 am and I think Addie and Carter are just starting to wake up. We had a busy day yesterday- and the day before. They were tired! Time to get this day started. Here's a picture to leave you with. My 4 sweeties. Love them! Hard to believe there will be another one soon- and that we will love her just as much as these crazy kids!

a full heart and the best news!

We had our 20 week ultrasound yesterday. A day that I am always super excited for- and super nervous for! Excited to find out the gender of the newest member of our family, and nervous to find out that little baby is all healthy and happy in there.

Yesterday we were able to find out both things. Baby looked great. Moved around a lot! All the organs, bones and other things looked perfect and it measured right on for where I am in my pregnancy. It brings tears to my eyes when I think of the blessings of 5 healthy, happy, beautiful children. As they looked over my baby, and the ultrasound tech continued to comment about how everything looked perfect- I thought of all those other mom's who don't get the same news. Who walk into that room with the same hopes and dreams that I did, that day- only to receive bad news. My heart was overflowing with gratitude, that again, our baby looked just perfect. For sure- that was the most important news we received yesterday. Heavenly Father continues to bless our family- in more ways that I can even comprehend.

But finding out that WE ARE HAVING A GIRL was definitely pretty exciting!Honestly, I had all my fingers and toes crossed for a baby girl. I do love my boys and I would have been just fine with a boy (really!) but wow, I sure was hoping for a sister for Addison. That's what it really came down to. I have always dreamed of Addie having a sister, just like I have. It's such a blessing- a best friend for life.

I think I was more anxious and excited about this ultrasound than the last 4. After getting the news, I just couldn't stop smiling. Of course this pregnancy definitely seems real now that I am 20 weeks, but finding out the gender is so exciting. I love to be able to pray for "her" now, or be able to refer to "her" when we are talking to the kids. I can't believe how much I already love her and am so thankful and honored to be her mommy.

I just want to take a minute to record my feelings, so that when my children read this many years from now, they will know how much their mommy loves them. As I sit here, thinking of their sweet faces, their strong healthy bodies and their sunshine smiles, I can't stop the tears. I had no idea, 7 years ago, how much these 5 little people would change my life. They mean everything to me. I would do anything for them and to ensure their happiness and health. I am amazed at how my heart keeps growing, with each new addition, and the love just multiplies. My goal for my children is simple- I want them to be happy, I want them to know their Savior, Jesus Christ and to love Him, just like I do. I want them to find happiness from choosing the right. I want them to be thankful, compassionate, kind people- who love each other and have a heart that is willing to serve. That's not asking too much, is it??

I guess it's time to wrap it up. The little ones are both still in bed upstairs, waiting for me. I am off to be a mommy- and I couldn't be happier about that.

try something new

I love to cook and I love to try new recipes. But it seems like for about every 5 new recipes I try- maybe only one of them is a keeper. Well, I have set a record... out of the 2 new recipes I have tried in the last week- both of them will be going into my recipe box!

What qualifies them as keepers? Easy/quick to make, delicious of course and the hubby/kids enjoy them as much as I do. These were both super yummy and the kids and Aaron were commenting over dinner- how much they liked them. Even better- they make a lot, so we had leftovers for the next night, too. Perfect! Give them a try and let me know what you think- you won't be sorry!

Chicken Spaghetti
from The Pioneer Women Cooks

Ingredients

• 2 cups Cooked Chicken
• 3 cups Dry Spaghetti, Broken Into Two Inch Pieces
• 2 cans Cream Of Mushroom Soup
• 2 cups Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• ¼ cups Finely Diced Green Pepper
• ¼ cups Finely Diced Onion
• 1 jar (4 Ounce) Diced Pimentos, Drained
• 2 cups Reserved Chicken Broth From Pot
• 1 teaspoon Lawry's Seasoned Salt
• ⅛ teaspoons (to 1/4 Teaspoon) Cayenne Pepper
• Salt And Pepper, to taste
• 1 cup Additional Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Preparation Instructions

Cook 1 cut up fryer and pick out the meat to make two cups. Cook spaghetti in same chicken broth until al dente. Do not overcook. When spaghetti is cooked, combine with remaining ingredients except additional 1 cup sharp cheddar.

Place mixture in casserole pan and top with remaining sharp cheddar. Cover and freeze up to six months, cover and refrigerate up to two days, or bake immediately: 350 degrees for 45 minutes until bubbly. (If the cheese on top starts to get too cooked, cover with foil)


Chicken Pot Pie
from allrecipes.com (definitely my favorite recipe website!)

Ingredients

• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cubed
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup frozen green peas
• 1/2 cup sliced celery
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/3 cup chopped onion
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
• 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
• 2/3 cup milk
• 2 (9 inch) unbaked pie crusts

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C.)
2. In a saucepan, combine chicken, carrots, peas, and celery. Add water to cover and boil for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, drain and set aside.
3. In the saucepan over medium heat, cook onions in butter until soft and translucent. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and celery seed. Slowly stir in chicken broth and milk. Simmer over medium-low heat until thick. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Place the chicken mixture in bottom pie crust. Pour hot liquid mixture over. Cover with top crust, seal edges, and cut away excess dough. Make several small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, let cool for 10 minutes.

And last, a picture of my pretty girl who started Primary today.
When did she get so big?