Our "Crazy RV Friends" Visit!

Our friends, the Williamson's, sold their house here in WA a few years ago, bought an RV and have been roamin' up until last year. They are now in a house again, but whenever I share stories about them to my friends here I refer back to them as my "crazy RV friends". I admire their adventurous spirits and have to admit that I'm jealous they've been so many amazing places.

Two weeks old...

When I'm holding James I can't believe he was still inside of me only a couple of weeks ago. I like to put him on my tummy and ask him if he remembers being stuffed in there. Babies are truly a miracle. I am in awe that I have received such a huge blessing once again from Heavenly Father!

COOL Guys

The boys slicked up their hair and asked me to take this photo. They have become Lego Star Wars video game fanatics lately. I can get them to do just about anything if I offer them some precious game time!

Sweet Baby James

Speedy Delivery!

The last week I was pregnant with Grant, back in 2003, I went in to the hospital 3 times (for various reasons) and I was determined with this pregnancy NOT to go in to the hospital during my labor until the last possible moment. Jeremy and I checked into the hospital at 8:30pm and James came out at 8:41pm. Yes...11 minutes after we got to the hospital.
My early labor began at 1:00am, and I didn't even bother to get out of bed because I thought I should conserve my energy. That was a good choice- my contractions continued throughout the day and when I was in the tub from 3:00-5:00pm I transitioned into active labor. I spent the next hours using various coping techniques to get through as many contractions as I could at home. I was bouncing on my exercise ball during a contraction when my water broke at 7:40pm. Jeremy called the hospital and spoke to a nurse to let them know we were coming. Luckily I had done my pre-admission paperwork for the hospital back in September, so all we had to do was get there. I wanted Jeremy to help me clean up before going to the hospital, even though the contractions were really intense by that point (1 minute in length and 3 minutes apart). I thought I had hours and hours of labor left based on the three previous labor experiences I've had. Thankfully that was not so. I was dilated to a 7 when we got to the hospital, much to my surprise. I had never gotten to more than a 5 on my own before. I had an epidural with my 3 previous births, but left myself no time to get one with this labor! Within minutes after arriving, and after a few really painful contractions, I felt the pressure to push. The nurses all said "Don't push". My doctor hadn't gotten there yet and the last time they had checked me I was only dilated to a 7. Well I tried to stop myself from pushing with my hands, and I felt the top of his head. I cried "I feel his head!" The very next contraction he came out entirely. Jeremy and I were shocked that he came out so quickly, but extremely grateful. I know all the prayers that were said on our behalf made a difference. Afterwards I felt great and was getting up on my own a couple hours later. It was a miraculously intense experience, and I'm relieved it's in the past! Thank you for coming out sweet baby James!

Soccer Season Success

Carter is finishing his last two soccer games this week. This was his first season playing and he loved it (except for the rainy game days). His team was called the Red Lions and consisted of 6 boys. Carter also likes practicing his soccer skills with Dad. We're proud of Carter for being a good sport and learning to be a team player.

October Fun

Grant's Gymnastics Party

Grant's Finally Five!

To celebrate Grant's fifth birthday we went to the gymnastics center with his friends. He loved getting to do all sorts of tricks. He said his favorite things to do there were to jump in the foam pit, swing from the rings, and use the birthday bungee harness (see picture above). I can't believe my baby is five, and will only be the "baby" for a few more weeks- WOW.

Carter's made it to the age of 7!

Carter celebrated his 7th birthday at the Reptile Zoo in Monroe, WA with his family and two friends. After handling a couple snakes he said "This is the best day EVER!"

This Baby's Almost Done Cookin'

Here I am on Sept.7 in all my pregnant glory. I'm due at the end of October and I can not wait to have this baby boy out. Madison came out near her due date; Carter came out two and a half weeks early; Grant was overdue by 5 days. So I basically have no way of knowing when this last one will make his debut. I vote for sooner rather than later, but not before Oct.4 because Jeremy is out of town until then.

BACK TO SCHOOL TIME

Madison is a 5th grader, Carter is a 1st grader, and Grant is going to Pre-K (MWF mornings).