Our Sammy boy

I adore Sam. I love all of my children, but Sam is just one of those people that is so easy to love and also like most of the time. Of course he has his moments but overall he has the sweetest, most loving personality. Rex has been a great example for Sam in all things spiritual and often coaches him on prayers. After we lost Jacob last January and then got pregnant with Oliver two months later, Rex made sure from that moment on every prayer said in our household blessed the baby. I was so proud of him. Because of this, Sam got in the habit of always blessing Oliver as well.
A couple of weeks ago when I wasn't at church, Mark came home and relayed what numerous people told him happened in Primary. The child who was assigned to say the opening prayer wasn't there. At this point Sam had only been in Primary for 3 weeks since he just entered Sunbeams the first of the year. The leader asked for a volunteer to say the prayer and Sam rose his hand. She called on him and asked him if he needed help and he told her no. This is what I was told he said, "Dear Heavenly Father. Thank you that we could be in Primary today and thank you that I have a new baby brother. In the name of Jesus Christ amen." We had so many people say how cute it was and how proud he was of himself.
Later that week I was having a rough day with the baby and with feeling sleep deprived. I went to get the mail and found a sweet card from an older women in the ward who's kids are all grown up. She told me about what Sam did and then thanked Mark and I for teaching our children well and thanked Sam as well for helping her feel the Spirit that Sunday. It was one of those moments where pride just swells in your heart and you realize that all the hard work is worth it.
We are so grateful for our Sam. Our family would not be the same without his sweet spirit.

Photo shoot

I have never done a newborn shoot with my boys, but I never had a great friend that could do them like Kim before. I am so glad we did these, they turned out SO cute! Thanks Kim!

What a difference a year makes

A year ago (Jan 21st) we gave birth to a little boy that never got to live. He changed our lives and will forever be a part of our family. I tell people I have 3 boys, but in my head I think 4. It's just easier to say 3 and not have to explain and endure the awkward silence that follows. But Jacob is a part of our family and our two oldest boys are very much aware of that.
Because of this as I was making new stockings this year, I included one for Jacob. I decided we will put a new angel ornament in it each year. I love the first one, it feels like exactly what he may be doing.
We thought we might go to the cemetery on the one year anniversary but that day was yucky and rainy. Besides we have a one month old who has left us very much sleep deprived. It's ok though, I know Jacob understands. I am sure he and Oliver were tight up there in heaven this last year. I am so grateful for both of these precious babies.

January is for wimps... guess I am a wimp

The last two weeks have been HARD! And I am talking hard as in I am about to run away to a deserted island right after I get my tubes tied kind of hard. When I had Rex, we holed up in the house for 6 weeks. When you have two other kids, that is impossible. You have to go out in the germ infested world, or in all reality the other kids bring the germs home to you. We have had the sickies around our house. I am on my second cold since Oliver was born. (He's 4 weeks old!) Rex started it all off with a cough and a 104+ fever. It lasted FOREVER, in face he still has the cough and congestion over a week later. As soon as Rex started feeling a little better, Sam got it. He didn't have as bad of a fever but he got an early morning trip to the ER because of his croupy cough and labored breathing. So far Oliver and Mark haven't gotten it. I am crossing all my fingers and toes and saying mighty prayers that they don't. I have had way too many nights with just a couple of intervals of 1-2 hour stretches of sleep. It sucks. I am not a nice nor happy person when I don't get sleep. So good riddance January. I am tired of you!
Since my brain is clogged and I feel like this:

(Yes my kids need haircuts)
Instead of updating all the posts I was going to I'll just post some of my favorite pictures of Oliver. He is getting huge! This boy can eat.

Oliver Benjamin

Oliver decided to join our family at 10:43 Tuesday December 21st, 2010. The funny thing is I was supposed to get induced that morning and I was really nervous and hoping I would go into labor on my own. I woke up to get ready, got in the bath and noticed my first "real" contraction at about 6 am. While I was in the bath, the hospital called and said it was too busy so to call later and see about induction. I called them after I got out and said, "Too late, baby is coming!" and we got ready and headed on down. I didn't want to labor at home much this time because last time it went so fast and I got to the hospital at 10 cm. We arrived at the hospital at 7:00 am and I was 9 cm! An hour after the first contraction! I was in a lot more pain this time than with Sam so I asked about some pain meds and they said, "Too late!". I was not happy about that but thought since I was 9 cm, he would be here soon. By 7:30 I was complete and started pushing. My Dr. arrived and they realized that Oliver was posterior. No wonder it was so much more painful! We tried pushing awhile with Dr. manually trying to turn him but he would just turn right back every time. I don't know how long this lasted but it was probably 45 min- 1 hour. At this point I was exhausted and totally over the pain so the Dr. decided to give me a intra-fecal which is similar to an epidural but not as invasive, works immediately and only last 1-2 hours. We figured if I could get some relief we could work on turning him. It was heaven. I loved my natural birth with Sam, but it was much calmer, easier and less painful! It's amazing what a difference a posterior baby makes. The next hour and a half were spent with my AMAZING nurse and husband putting me into all sorts of positions in order to try and turn Oliver, and me pushing about every 5 minutes or so. I was so freaking exhausted but so thankful for my nurse for working so hard to get him out. The meds started wearing off about 10:15-10:30 and I started semi feeling the contractions again. It was a good thing though because it helped me focus on where to push better. They called the Dr. back and we pushed a bit. At this point I had been pushing for 3 hours and we had tried many different tricks. My Dr. who is so great and knows how bad I didn't want to have a c-section said that there was one more thing to try and if that didn't work than unfortunately I would have to have a c-section. At that point I didn't care but now I am so glad he worked so hard. He got out what they called, "The MIGHTY vac" and said, "push as hard as you can, this is your last chance." They had even called to prep the c/s room. That gave me enough incentive and with about 5 people cheering me on, I pushed so stinking hard as well as having the vacuum and after 3 rounds of pushing, out he came!!! I was so relieved and happy. So relieved it was over and so happy I didn't have to have surgery.
Poor Oliver had a very swollen head with a nasty abrasion from the vacuum, but other than that he was good. He had to be monitored by NICU in the room for a little while because of his head but after about 1/2 hour they brought him over and let him lay on me. I couldn't tell who he looked like because of the swelling, but did notice he has brown hair! After two blonde babies, that was surprising but fun.
He is a nice combination and an absolute joy. He was a full pound bigger than his older brother's at 7 lbs, 10 oz and continues to pack it on. At 10 days old he already weighed 8 lbs 11 oz! We adore him and couldn't have had a better Christmas present.

Rex's 6th birthday

Rex's birthday was very laid back this year because I didn't know when the baby would come. Rex and Oliver had the exact same due date so it could be any time. We decided to open presents bright and early before school and then as long as baby didn't decide to come, we would go to Bounce that night as a family. Rex was stoked that we were able to go and I was glad that we were able to spend his whole birthday with him. He is such a great kid and always surprises me with his love, generosity and intelligence. I can't believe I have a 6 year old!