Comforting Stuff

I am thankful for the comforts of life. Homemade rolls, good books, loving families, comfy pajamas, cozy beds, a warm home, lots of friends.... The list could go on and on. There are so many good things to love!

Bugging Out

We went to a bug exhibit at Woodlands Elementary this week and Carter told me he'd like to have a pet tarantula someday. And not just any tarantula, but a goliath bird-eating tarantula. Those are the size of a dinner plate. I told Carter he'd have to move to South America and live with a different family to have one of those as a pet...I think he's considering it.

Precious Little Fingers and Toes

I love admiring my sweet baby boy- he's perfect. I like to sing the boogie woogie piggie song to him and play with his little pink toes. I also love have him snuggled up against me. The curve of his nose fits just right against my upper arm. Carter likes to say "Everybody loves James. He's so popular".

James's Baby Blessing

James is almost one month old. I wish it wasn't going by so quickly...I want to savor these baby days. He had his baby blessing given by Jeremy at church this week and he was a drowsy guy when he was blessed. The blessing Jeremy asked for was beautiful and I'm grateful James has such a wonderful dad.

Jeremy's 30th Birthday Bonanza

Jeremy's Mom and sister, Amber, were able to fly up to see us and celebrate Thanksgiving, James's baby blessing, and Jeremy's 30th birthday. They helped the kids and I stash 30 presents with varying degrees of 30 involved, and Jeremy got clues to hunt for them. I don't know who enjoyed it more Jeremy or our kids...

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