Transition

Everything has been going really well with Brooklynn. She's such a good baby and rarely cries. Of course, she's rarely not being held either. Everyone lines up for their turn. During the day, Charlotte and I get to just sit and relax and hold her. We love our quiet time with her and just loving on her. It hasn't been hard adding her into our family. With so many willing helpers, it has probably been the easiest baby I've had. The load is split between many. We've been getting smiles from her since the day we brought her home. How it lights us up to see her smile! It makes my heart happy that all the kids love her so much. We took a few minutes to get some family pictures with everyone. They all cooperated so well and I was pleased with how they turned out. I love my children and husband for being so patient and allowing me to take their pictures so frequently!

We also took a few of Elizabeth since she just turned 13. Big teenager!!!

Wee-Mama

Wee-Mama came out and was a huge help with everything. She took care of the kids, made them lunches, made dinner, did laundry, ran errands, took kids where they needed to go and much more. We were so grateful to have her here and love when she comes to visit. She's a wonderful mother and grandmother and we are blessed to have her and all the service she gives to us.

Sleeping Beauty

She's home

Of course no one could wait for Brooklynn to be home. Everyone wants their turn but I'm finding it hard to share. She brings so much joy and love to our home. How blessed we are to have her!

January 28th-29th

 So it was the big day!!! The day we were going to have our baby girl. We knew it was going to be a few hours before things got going, so Brian went into work for a half day and as soon as the kids were out the door to school, WeeMama and Charlotte took me to the hospital. The nurse had me get into a gown and hop into the bed so she could get the IV going. Honestly, that is one of the worst things to me. I hate having that IV in my hand the whole time, but that is how they administer the antibiotic for the Group B Strep. I was expected to have 2 doses and then things could get rollin'!

Brian came after work, around 12:00 and I had just finished my second dose.  They did have me on some pitocin, but it wasn't doing anything really. They kept upping the dosage every hour or so, but by very little. Not much was happening. Brian and I spent the time playing games and watching tv. By about 5:00 Dr Yeash came in and checked and said I wasn't progressing much at all, so they upped the pitocin again and he said he'd be back. Nothing really happened until 10:00 PM. Yep. I'd been in that bed for 12 hours and nothing was happening. He kept asking me if I felt the contractions and I couldn't. Honestly. He'd be looking at the monitor and saying, "here's a good one. Do you feel that? " and internally I couldn't feel it, but if I put my hand on my stomach I could feel that it was hard. Nothing painful or uncomfortable, which I was ok with. But I didn't have the epidural yet and they said to wait until I could feel them strong enough to warrant one.

Well finally at 10:00 PM they decided to break my water to see if it would speed things ups because I was almost maxed out of the pitocin. Immediately I started feeling the contractions so I summoned the anesthesiologist. I wasn't about to be in a lot of pain after being there all day feeling nothing! She got in there pretty quick and got the epidural all in and working. I only felt a few contractions and they weren't too bad. Uncomfortable, but not too terribly painful. About 45 min after I got it I told my Dr. I was having a hard time breathing. Like I felt like I wasn't getting enough air. He looked at the monitor and said everything looked fine, blood pressure, contractions,  oxygen saturation, so I thought maybe I was making it up a little? He walked out of the room and 30 seconds later I told Brian to get the nurse because I really couldn't breathe. I was taking shallow quick breaths and it was scary. They gave me an oxygen mask and that helped some, but it really took about 30-40 min before I felt like I was breathing normal again. They had to give me some epinephrine to help. My blood pressure had dropped significantly, which apparently is a known side effect from the epidural. Never had it happen before though. Because of the epinephrine, I got major shakes. Those lasted for about 15 minutes and by the time that was done, I was exhausted.  Brian sat by my side the whole time and held my hand. What a huge comfort that was. I was glad he was there for me.

I slept for a few hours after that. Around 2:00 AM on January 29th the nurse came in and checked everything and said we were about ready to push. About 30 minutes later the doctor came in and after the 2nd contraction (3rd push), our beautiful baby girl was born. Although I was not thrilled  about this pregnancy, the second I saw her I thought, I could do this again. I loved her the second I saw her and snuggling with her right after was so wonderful. She's a beautiful baby and we all love her so much. She was a healthy 9 lb 2 oz, although I think they technically recorded her at 9 lb 1 oz. She's got the best chubby cheeks and is so peaceful and sweet. She did fail a hearing test, but after retesting a few weeks later, we found out their machine was faulty that day.

All the kids were super excited to meet her, of course. They all love her and were anxious for us to leave the hospital and bring her home. I was enjoying the peaceful time at the hospital! Ha!

We are so thrilled to have Brooklynn Kate join our family!

January 20th

So we're more than half way through January and things are going just fine. Kids have adjusted well, except for Elizabeth. She still hates it. Just giving it time. Weather has been cold and dreary, nothing fun to speak of. Things with the baby are coming along just fine, the weight is coming along more than fine. Too much really. Oh well. I gave up caring since it doesn't seem to make a difference. Had some pretty good swelling in my feet. Not painful, just uncomfortable. Brian started back up with his choir and we're just getting into the swing of our new normal before our new new normal with the baby. Anxious for her to come.

2016 Begins...

So we've started 2016 and I'm hoping to keep up with all the things going on with our family. With the start of the year came the start of the new schools. For the most part, the kids are doing well. Elizabeth was excited but seems to be hating it now. We're working on trying to find 3 positive things a day. It just takes time, but I hope she finds some happiness in there sooner than later. She does know a few kids there so at least she isn't totally on her own. Caroline, Cooper and Isabelle seem to be doing just fine. We did take Caroline back To Kohl the first Friday there because her clarinet concert got cancelled before Christmas because of a snow storm and she was totally bummed because she had a solo, so we got special permission to take her back. She was excited to visit her class and happy to still be able to do her solo.

The older 3 kiddos have decided to do no treats/sweets/candies or desserts for a year. If they do, they'll get $100. They get 5 free days and their birthdays. So far Cooper has taken one day and Caroline kind of did as well. She forgot, but we had to count it because it was her 2nd time and it was a whole cookie. Liz emailed me from school to see if she could eat 3 M&M's for a science experiment but by the time I got back to her it was too late, so she told her teacher she couldn't. Makes me smile. I hope they make it. I'd love from them to see they can have the self control and make healthier choices. I know it's only been 11 days, but I'm proud of them for doing it so far. They're doing great!

We've had a bit of snow and it's been pretty cold lately, not my favorite. I've wanted to get out and just take some walks and be in the sun, but it's been too cold and snow and ice on the sidewalks so I've felt a little cooped up lately.

We're down to less than 3 weeks before this baby comes. It's starting to be a little more real, but still a little on the hard to picture side. We're all set with the needs though and the kids are so excited. Time is passing quickly. I've started swelling a bit and put on more weight than I had hoped, but hopefully it will come off in good speed. Had a lot more contractions earlier than I remember with the others, so maybe it will happen sooner. If not, we've got our date set for January 28th, so it's close.

Brian has auditioned for a part in his next choir performance. He's so funny because he acts like he won't get anything, but of course he will. I hope he does. He wants a certain part, so hopefully he'll get it. It's good for the kids to see him still doing things he loves and auditioning for parts. I'm proud of him.

Things are going pretty good with the new ward. We're starting to get to know more people and feeling more comfortable there. I think the kids seem to be doing well with it. They do struggle a little with how many kids there are. There are a ton. They had to move the primary into the chapel to fit better. The junior primary fills up all the middle section of the chapel except for about the last 3 rows, as does the junior primary. It's crazy! Definitely a change from our previous ward.

All in all I think the transition has been good. We're settled in the house and getting our normal back. I just need some nice warm weather so we can get outside a little more. Maybe after the baby comes.

August 2014

August was a super fun month! Along with the normal fun summer things, we were able to take a trip out to visit the family in PA. Felt like it had been way too long. We had a long day of travel starting with the drive to the airport, the flight, then we had to take a train to a bus and then Julia met up with us and picked us up. Our family doesn't fit in anyone's car, so we had to use 2 cars. Renting a van would have been nearly $1000 even though we were just driving it to the farm and basically parking it. Crazy!

 We all had a fun time being together, eating, playing games and getting out a time or two. We took a hike around Rickett's Glen with the older 3 kids. That was one of the only things I wanted to do so that I could some good pictures, but of course, I left my battery plugged in charging on the wall, so my camera was no good to me. I had my little point and shoot for pics of everyone else though, so that was good.

We also took some time for a family picture. Can't pass that up.

Brian has been doing a lot of training for his tough mudder race coming up.  I don't run, but one day I followed him while riding my bike. It was fun and the scenery was beautiful. I was impressed with how he ran the WHOLE WAY! He's been doing awesome!

 The kids started school as well. They were all anxious to get going again and Elizabeth started middle school!!! Crazy! So nice to have all the schools so close that they can just walk. I walked with her, snapped a picture, then let her walk in all on her own. I asked:

Me: would you rather me not walk with you to school today or are you okay with that?
Liz: no, I want you to. I'm not one of those kids who gets embarrassed when their mom is around.

Love that sweet girl and hope that stays true for a long long time!

Charlotte was of course bummed that she wasn't starting school, so we tried to have some fun outside in the beautiful weather!

We had a last minute invite to go to Moab and hang out with a bunch of our friends from dental school. It was so much fun. We had a huge house about 20 minutes outside of Moab that we all stayed in. It was fun to see how much all the kids had grown and just be around such wonderful people. There was a lot of laughing and reminiscing, we took a trip down the river and the kids absolutely loved it. We also hiked to the famous Utah arch. Never done it and don't care to do it again. The kids did fabulous! I can't believe they made it. It was not an easy hike and it was super hot! So proud of them. Another day we stopped by a beautiful natural water slide and then jumping hole. Liz and Caroline did it and I was so surprised. Brian took a fun mountain biking trip one morning with some of the guys. All in all, a great trip!

July 2014

July starts off pretty awesome, of course. With my favorite holiday and birthday, its a tough first week to beat. Since I'm trying to recall all of this over a year later, I can't remember all the details really. I do remember going down to Denver for the 4th of July celebration, which is done on the 3rd. It was a great firework show. We got down there a little early and went to eat at Cheesecake Factory. Super Yummy. I don't remember much else! Ha! Of course I remember the food. Sad.

For the 4th of July, we went to Carter lake and spent some time in the great outdoors. It was a beautiful spot surrounded by mountains. A fun place to be to make it feel like a fun summer holiday. We came back later that day and put on our fun shirts we tie-dyed. I think they turned out pretty cute. Bella wanted to wear her fun dance costume, which was fine by me since you pay all that money and they wear it once. It was a perfect 4th of July outfit.  We had a traditional hamburger We met up with the Skinners at the Broomfield Commons area for their fun firework show.  Such a fun holiday.

A week later the Porter crew came out for our family reunion. It was nice to have everyone come to us for a visit. We had some great times. We went to Carter lake one day and a massive rain storm came through. Didn't stop us from having fun. However, those in the Liddiard car didn't make it up because their car broke down. Sadly, Bella was one of those and it was her bday. But sounds like they had a good time playing at McDonalds and getting ice cream, so there weren't any upset kids. Just bummed they missed it. We also went to Union Reservoir in Longmont for a day trip. Paul and Jill rented a water board, which was a lot of fun. Any time in the water is fun, in my opinion.

We also had a baseball game and Papa John helped teach a few of the kids how to bat, which was cute. I feel like we had a date night, but honestly, at this point, I can't remember. Haha. Before everyone left on their last day, we threw together a quick family picture. Got to capture all these beautiful people together.  It was great to have them all out for a visit and good fun family time!

 We took the kids up into the Rocky Mountain national park for a few days of camping. It'd been a while since we had gone, but we had a great time. The kids loved it and were really good sports. My favorite was finding them in the tent playing games together. Love that they are having fun together and hope they remember these wonderful times together. These are the relationships that matter and last! We did some hiking, playing games, roasting marshmallows and took a drive through the park where we came across a few herds of elk. It was pretty amazing. Some beautiful areas so close by. Such a beautiful place we live!

The older 3 kids were able to participate in a summer acting camp where they practiced all week and then put on Alice in Wonderland. They loved it and did fabulous. Liz played the rabbit, Caroline played a mouse and Tweedle Dum (or dee, I can't remember) and Cooper played the other tweedle. It was fun to see them enjoy performing and doing a great job at it.

June

June was filled with fun and family. As soon as school got out, I took the kids out to Utah. (Brian ahd to stay to work). Miss Maya was getting baptized so we thought we'd surprise her that we were going to be there for her bday and baptism. She was surprised. It was nice to be there for her special day.

 We always love lots of cousin time and summer is the best time for that. We did lots of swimming, trips to the park, several trips to the Trafalga and Liberty Land, a little firework fun and just good ol' being together. One day I took the kids down to Provo. We spent some time at a dinosaur museum, eating at the Cougar Eat, visiting Nana and watching Jayde fly his model airplane. Provo is such a fun place! Every time I'm there I think, "I could live here".

 We were able to get out for a date night, which is always nice and a little more calm without 14 kiddos running around. We went and played some golf frisbee and then headed out to dinner. Funniest part was pretending it was Greg's bday and they were trying to get him to sit on a saddle for everyone to sing happy birthday too. As much as he loves attention (which he does not), it was no easy task for the waitress to get him up there, but eventually he didn't want to hurt his feelings and got on there, like a somewhat good sport. Oh we were dying laughing with tears in our eyes!!! A time for the books. We have Jill to thank for that.

For Maya's bday we had a fun time swimming at their community pool. Wasn't too crowded which made it extra nice. Somehow Jill was able to pull both of Bella's crazy loose teeth, so Charlotte and Bella were twins. At first Charlotte was upset about it and said she didn't want to be twins, but then changed her mind and liked being toothless twins with Bella.

Had a fun time getting together with my high school besties, Josh and Alisa Linton, Dave and Heather(spouse) Sullivan and Heidi and Phil Berry. Such great memories with great people. I wished Brian has been there with me, but I flew solo, with all the kids. The kids had a great time too playing basketball and scooters and whatnot. Good times! I'm glad we still get together every now and then.

 Since Papa John's family is a little funny about reunions, we had a "non-reunion" and whoever wanted to come, could come. It was a good time. We had a big water slide out and just visited with one another. At the end, a few of us "adults" went down the slide. It hurt. Guess we're getting old!

 We had to get back in time for Bella and Caroline's dance recital. Didn't realize it was still going through June, so that was a bummer, but they did fabulous. Such fun spirited girls. It was fun to see all their months of practice show up in their recital.

 Liz and Caroline were able to be part of a fabulous Activity Days camp. They asked me to come take some pictures for it so I was able to get some of the girls with the whole crew. The committee went above and beyond for it. It was fabulous and they had such a good time. So grateful for those who invest time and talent to make a special day for the girls.

 Charlotte asked me to take some pictures of her, so of course I willingly did. She's such a cutie

Brian and I have been investing a bunch of time in making a table for our family. Buying one was way too expensive, for what we wanted, so we made a bold risk in making one. It was still expensive, but probably half the cost, but we got to have a good time doing it together. Luckily our city has a wood working shop just down the street that we can get into 2 days a week, but one of those days is Friday mornings, which Brian only has ever other one available, so some of the progress was slowed down by that, but grateful they had some of the big gun tools there to help us accomplish our masterpiece. We still have a few coats of the sealer to do, but I love it and it turned out great. It was so fun to make with Brian. He's awesome.

As for family time, Brian was able to get in some good mountain biking, which he loves. He's been able to explore a bunch of the trails in the area, which is super fun. We took a hike up Chataqua mountain, which was super fun. Thought we'd have a bunch of complaining criers, but not so much. Cooper and Bella were buddies and did fabulous together. It was a beautiful spot that we will have to do again.

 I had fun doing a wedding at the Denver Temple. First one there. Elizabeth came as my assistant, which was fun. I enjoyed having her with me and being able to see a couple married in the temple and help on their special day. After, she and I went out and got lunch. A fun outing together.

 And that just about wraps up June..... phew!