Happy Days even at NAPA

It's been a crazy couple of weeks here in American Falls.  I haven't been sleeping a whole lot and luckily my husband loves (ok that might be a stretch) having the kids come visit him at NAPA.  When it's been a rough night Joaquin will take Josh & Shelby into Napa for a few hours to help me out.  This particular Saturday was great fun because Jesalee came in with Jade, Ty, & Zoe.  Uncle Lane was visiting so he could work on the Model T with Grampa.  Next thing we know Shelby & Jade had got their tools and were under the car helping.  (Josh & Ty were racing around the store on bikes).

On a sweet note, Quinn has made little posters (with Grandma's help) she wants to put up around the neighborhood asking if anyone has seen "Prince."  This is Lily she's holding. Regardless of who is asked to say the family prayer they always ask for Prince to come home or be happy where he is - it took weeks to get them to add the last part.

Another fun thing we did this month was watch Zoe be blessed.  It ended up being such a fun day for me.  Joaquin encouraged me to attend only Jesalee's ward instead of trying to do both.  I always try to listen to Joaquin (especially when I agree) so I got to sleep in, get only 3 children ready (Quinn & Jessi had a slumber party over at the Lankfords and met us at church), then sit with my husband all through sacrament meeting - YAHOO. 

This last pix is of Josh holding Halle, now 3 months old.  Joaquin, Halle, & I were able to go down to Las Vegas, Nevada last week for a NAPA Owner's Conference.  I had the best time of all hanging out in a beautiful room at The Venetian, reading 2 great books (Direct Red-a fascinating & bluntly honest story of a female surgeon's training & Leven Thumbs - the fun conclusion in a Fantasy series of 5 books), taking bubble bathes, and just relaxing with Halle.  The conference fed us breakfast, lunch, & dinner every day so we splurged the last night and ordered $50 worth of room service & bought a movie to watch - it was great!

Jessi's a Champion (Well we already knew that)

Diana (my sister-in-law) just showed me how to upload digital videos and I'm so excited. I promise to only do short clips so they won't bore you to tears, but here is a great clip of Jessi at her game Saturday. Notice she passed it to a boy - she can't wait for next year when it's an all girls team. We hope she keeps that theory of boys (other than Josh) are yuck!

This last Saturday was monumental - I sat through my last basketball game for the year!!! It started out rough having to wake up all of the kids and have them at the gym by 9:30am on Saturday (Joaquin was working-was that an accident? I wonder . . . ) But Jessi did great and made 3 baskets! She was a bit more aggressive than I like to see my little 8 year old be but her coaches assured me that was a good thing. Donna told me she just has a streak of her Aunt Mindi in her and my Mom just laughed and said I was such a girl! But when she stole the ball from one of her best friends, Whitney, I wanted to pull her out of the game and scold her. Luckily Dennis was kind enough to work for an hour at Napa so Joaquin could watch her play and he held me back. I was proud of her (but still whisper in her ear at night how much more fun dancing would be).

Here is a cute little clip of us watching at last weeks game.

And last but not least I have to put in a few pix of Joaquin on his birthday this last Wednesday. It's safe to say I have witnessed the most cheerful, mellow man on his birthday in the last 15 years of marriage. What, you might ask, brought about this miraculous change? I only wish I knew. Joaquin has always hated birthdays. He hates that he is soooo much older than me (hee,hee), hates that he's that much farther from 29 (it used to be 19 but now that Quinn's 11 - that's just weird), and hates when I make a big deal about it. So this year I let him plan it and kept my schedule open. He took the day off work, went to "Watch Dogs" with Quinn at school, took me out to dinner & shopping, and finished off the day unwrapping little presents the kids got him while enjoying strawberry cheesecake. I mean look at that smile - What a hunk!And to think he's only 29 (love you honey).

Halle's Cousin Zoe is here!

Since Jesalee won't join the blogging world I had to post some cute pix we just took today of Zoe Lee Smith.  I think she looks like Ty - minus the dimples - so cute.  She was born yesterday, Feb. 9th and weighed in at 8 lbs. 5oz.  Don't you think these two are bound to have a love/hate relationship just like their older sisters Shelby & Jade?  Secretly - who am I kidding - openly, Jesalee & I are praying a few of these girls will be dancers.  Doesn't it seem right to enjoy a few of the performing arts along with the hundreds of basket ball games I've already sat through?!

I just had to throw in this last picture of our tough boy.  He & the girls have loved sledding on the golf course this year.  The only problem this last week it has been a little warmer with no new snow - that means ice.  He went off a bump and skidded on his face, ouch.  Joaquin keeps telling him it looks cool.

Halle's Beautimus Blessing Day

  

It was a wonderful Blessing Day this past Sunday.  We had family members that were missed because they were sick (get better soon Mom & Amanda), family that drove clear from Washington (love you Em!), and one sister-in-law who really didn't want to be there (Jesalee was 9+ months pregnant wishing to be in the hospital).  All in all we had around 50 family & friends come visit this delightful girl.  Some of the highlights of her blessing were the desire to study and learn the truth of the gospel, to watch and follow the examples of her older brother and sisters, and to be a good example herself - standing firm in her faith (yahoo!). 

As you can tell Halle was entirely dolled up for her big day.  My amazing Mother-in-Law, Donna crocheted this perfect dress, made her beaded socks, and a matching pearl bracelet. My Mom offered to crochet a matching bonnet & booties - What an heirloom!  I have a little dress & booties for each of my girls that I love just knowing the hours both of my Moms spent on them.  (I tried to get Donna to crochet a suit for Josh but Joaquin put his foot down on that one-sorry buddy).

In his testimony Joaquin let everyone know he was wearing his suit coat especially for his wife -what can I say, I've got him whipped.

 

Wow, we actually got them all in one picture!

I don't know if you can really see, but the 2 men being a tad bit dorky are . . . you guessed it Kade showing off his guns, and Joaquin showing off his gut.  Donna were they raised in a barn?!?!  Oh, that's right - a farm - close enough.

Josh wants to know, "Is it Valentine's Day Yet?"

 

Isn't she just beautimus?  She's been an angel for the last 2 nights.  She fell asleep around 11 pm and only woke up once at 5 am!  After 2 months of sleeping only 3 hours at a time, having 6 straight hours feel like such a treat.  I was giddy enough to take Halle with me to do the "3 month supply" stock up at Winco today.  She did so well until check out, of course.  I haven't been to Winco in so long that I forget you have to bag your own groceries - Amanda could you put a word into your Grampa that new mothers deserve a bagger?  Luckily I had a really nice cashier who kept trying to put her binki back in while I bagged the monstrous pile of groceries. 

  

Look at that tummy! 

I had to show you my cute craft man in action.  We subscribe to my favorite "Family Fun" magazine which always has great ideas.  This months issue had these cute tractor valentines that Josh has been begging to do.  Even though it's only Feb. 3 I decided to buy all the cute candy since I was at Winco.  They turned out perfect and now all we have to do is figure out a place to hide them for the next week and a half - Especially with all the visitors coming for Halle's blessing & Superbowl "Snack" Sunday.

Oh, what do you do in the Winter time?

Have you noticed how few posts I've been publishing?  Well that's because I had to send my Mom back home, Joaquin back to work, and my two "big kid" helpers back to school - I'm wiping a tear.  I love 3 o'clock now because I know one of the girls will gladly hold Halle while they watch tv (our newest rule).  We're still having long nights that tend to stretch into long days, but I'm trying to stay positive realizing this to will pass.

Every now & then I squeeze in a nap and I'm especially enjoying the formula thing.  Halle's happier, I'm almost back to not wincing in pain when someone hugs me, and the best part of all is that this Saturday Joaquin is going to babysit Halle, Shelby, & Josh while I take Quinn & Jessi to watch the BYU Ballroom Dance Company perform in Pocatello.  I loved being on the team in college and thought it would be fun to reminisce with my girls!  I'm still in awe that Joaquin agreed to babysit (technically they're his children so it's not really babysitting is it?).  I'll be praying for the children though since I'm taking Donna & Jesalee with us - no back up for the big man.
Here are some fun pix of what we've been up to:

Shelby, Jade, & Josh love to run around without their shirts on (you know it's soooo hot in January).  I realize this will be more of an issue when they get older, but for now - it's less laundry.

Funny story, Josh has some boxing gloves and Dennis always tells us how they solved lots of issues when their kids were growing up.  If any of their kids were fighting they would send them outside with boxing gloves and that would solve the problem.  Well Quinn & Jessi were arguing over something when they walked in the door from school.  I told them to go get the gloves on and take each other out.  Instantly they laughed & grabbed the gloves - forgetting their argument.  I patted myself on the back for good parenting (listening to good advice) and told them to pose for a picture.  Then right after I took the picture Quinn cheap shotted Jessi before she had a chance to defend herself.  Jessi cried for about half an hour and wouldn't talk to her for the rest of the night.  So much for good advice.

Today I caught Shelby in the bathroom wanting to do her own hair.  I figured why not?  She ended up with about 20 clips & a big smile.

I survived the first Month

Here is my beautiful Halle Marie at one month old.  I love that she hasn't got the baby acne yet (in our family it always comes right before the blessing day-so I might not post many close ups in February)  This is one outfit I've had each of my daughters wear just because I think the color is so sweet.  My sister Lisa bought it for Quinn ages ago and it's got to be one of my favorites.

This month has gone by in a blur mainly because I can't tell the nights from the days.  There are a few things I've forgotten about newborns - whether consciously or not I'm not sure. 

1. The first is the eating every 2 & 1/2 hours.  During the day I can at least read to the kids, watch tv, or something while she's eating - but at night it's rotten.  I just can't keep my eyes open at midnight, 2:30 am, 5:00 am, etc.  If I lay down to nurse then she just uses me as a binki after the well has run dry and creates major tenderness.  I know this because I "come to" around 45 minutes after she starts with her still latched on - ouch.  It's not much better if I try to sit up because my neck gets sore from conking out, woops.  
2. The 10+ diapers a day!  Joaquin forced me to buy 4 packages of newborn diapers and I laughed at him thinking he was going overboard.  Now I've had to eat my words because we've bought 3 more.  She poops before she eats, while she eats, and after she eats. Sob, sob.
3. The hick ups.  You know how I loved the hick ups while she was "in the oven?"  Well outside they're rotten.  I'll just finish feeding her, tuck the blanket gently around, and lay her down when I hear the first hick up - GRR.  Either I bounce her for 5 minutes until they go away (and then she often throws back up the food I just gave her because her stomach's upset) or I latch her back on creating more of the tenderness issue.

You know I was laughing at myself because my sister Dana & I had babies on the same day around 8 years ago.  Jessi was my 2nd and Avery was Dana's 5th.  We both started nursing then Dana went to formula pretty quick (at least it seemed that way to my inexperienced self).  I thought, "Well gee Dana what's so hard about nursing?  You don't have to wash bottles, buy formula, and it's better for the baby."  Apologetically, I now realize why it's so hard:  TIME.  It takes at least half an hour to feed her every 2 & 1/2 hours where a bottle she can down the same amount in roughly 5 minutes.  When I'm on my way to pick the kids up or go to church I have to plan on having everyone ready 1/2 hour early so that I can feed her right before we go, and that's assuming my other children haven't gotten undressed or disappeared in that half hour.
Granted I've never been able to produce enough milk to satisfy my children before, I don't know why I was optimistically hoping this time would be different.  So to all you women who can nurse your children for a long time - I'm in awe.  To all the other women - I think you are great just the way "we" are!

Quinn & Jessi couldn't wait for her umbilical cord to fall off so they could give her a real bath.

Josh's new favorite thing to do is play games on Dad's phone.  So while I'm nursing, Joaquin has grudgingly -ha ha- agreed to teach him how to play.  I'm so grateful we've got a boy so Joaquin could share all his favorite gadgets with.

I had to put in a picture of Shelby having a tea party with her favorite Christmas present.  I figured out if I let her play with it in the bathtub where there is limitless water then it's lots easier clean up.

Halle Marie is here!

Look at this beautiful girl!  We started this pregnancy with a little drama and had to end it the same way.  Tuesday I went to my "regular" appointment with Dr. Carlson, I was a little shy of 38 weeks.  We knew she was breech and he was going to try and flip her into position.  (All week I've been trying different old wives tale ways to get her to flip without success)  Since it is hospital policy that you have to be hooked up to an IV before they'll try an "inversion" he sent us over to Labor & Delivery.  It was a little intimidating walking into the room that causes so much pain, but we knew it would only be for an hour or so and then we'd be back home.  Ha!

He did the inversion which was painful but only for a minute - much better than labor.  Then they lost her heartbeat.  They were sure the little monitor just wasn't catching it and hooked me up to a quick Ultrasound to double check.  Sure enough her heart was pumping but they still couldn't find it with the monitor.  So Dr. Carlson left with instructions for the nurse to get it hooked up & monitor me for an hour or so.  We tried all different positions - all of them quite flattering in an "open at the back" hospital gown - trying to find her heartbeat.  Finally they found a good spot and left us to watch the monitor.  Her heart rate would be around 150 or so then just drop to 70.  The nurses would come in and switch my position, her heart rate would jump back up to 150 then 5 or 10 minutes later drop back to 70.

The nurse, Linda, was getting worried and had me sign all sorts of releases for C-sections, Spinal Taps, etc. and even had an full blown ultrasound ordered.  The technician told us the baby's lungs looked good, he found her heart, her bladder, you know the routine.  Then the nurse came in and asked quietly if he saw anything wrong and he said, "Oh, yes - see here.  I can tell the cord is wrapped around her neck at least twice."  WHAT?!?  So he turned the screen and showed us as well.  Dr. Carlson said that the cord wraps around babies necks usually around month 5 when there is more room in the uterus to move.  Mother Nature must have known that she needed to stay in the breech position for her to breath all this time, he said.  But since we flipped her the umbilical cord just cinched up.

So we laughed about our "15 minute" appointment, Joaquin & I cried, then he gave me a blessing and we both felt better.  The C-Section went quickly, they ended up putting me under general anesthesia since her heart rate kept dropping.  Dr. Carlson said that during a normal C-Section they'll take the baby out and lay her on the Mom's stomach before they cut the umbilical cord.  He said they couldn't even get her out of my stomach and had to cut the cord off her neck before they could lift her out.  We were so grateful - for everything.  Grateful that the "old wives" tales didn't work, grateful they didn't send us home with her flipped, and grateful we didn't have a normal delivery that would have strangled her.  Thank you modern medicine!

Here are some great pictures of our family & each of the kids holding Halle.

The first thing Josh said when he came into the hospital was, "Mom your tummies still fat, how come?" Was I happy that they lifted the "no person under 18 be allowed" in the hospital?  Not at that moment, but it does make for a great family picture.

Quinn has already loved helping out.  She even asked to change her diaper - that will get old quick.

"Mom I wouldn't trade her for 10 boys!"

 

"Well I don't know Mom, she's not as cute as me."

My biggest accomplishment with Jessi was yesterday when she asked if I was done nursing Halle so she could hold her.  Up until that she has always asked if I was done "milking her."  I guess it's a good thing I'm teaching her that NO, moms are NOT COWS! 

Pregnancy Perks

Last week I taught a lesson to my Beehives about the importance of being positive.  I truly believes it makes for a happier life if you can just find the bright side to everything - and I mean everything.  So over the last 2 weeks I've been jotting down things I love about being pregnant.  Mostly because I'm 8 months pregnant, all my "big" clothes are tight, I can't bend over without a contraction, my legs hurt . . .  sorry, there I go again.  Anyway, I needed to remind myself there are good things and also because it's been a long pregnancy with more tears than I'd like to admit.  So here it goes,

Sarah's Top Ten Reasons I Love Being Pregnant:

1. No Acne.  That might not be an issue for some, but I have had acne since the age 14.  The only time I have beautiful skin is while I'm pregnant.  I haven't popped a zit in months and it's been heaven!
2. Being able to say "No" without an ounce of guilt.  I have always been a pleaser and use to say yes to everything.  I still laugh when I think back to a conversation I had with my sister-in-laws a few years ago when they tried to get me to say no.  At the time I had been diagnosed with "Grave's Disease" which sounds horrible but really is just an overactive thyroid.  Mindi, laughing almost through tears kept demanding, "Say it with me Sarah:  NO, I have a disease, NO, I have a disease."  She & Kristin supposedly have no trouble saying no - uh huh.  What can I say, they're lovable hypocrites.
3. Wearing stretchy pants all day.  Granted this month the stretch is pretty much gone, but for 5 blissful months I haven't had to suck in once.  
4. Absolutely no desire to shop for clothes.  I don't know if it's just me but when I'm not pregnant I'm always looking for a great deal.  I love clearance racks (which Joaquin is hoping to break me of someday).  I walk through shops and feel like I need to find cheap clothes that I won't feel guilty for buying but that look better than my old stuff.  When I'm pregnant though - I know everything looks better than what I'm wearing and honestly don't care.  Yahoo.
5. Warm feet.  Every night I used to snuggle up to Joaquin and put my icy feet onto his warm ones.  Not any more.  I'm sure a lot of my new found warmth is because I have to wear these lovely compression hose all day, but I love crawling into bed at night already toasty.  Now it's Joaquin who snuggles up to me.
6. Having a Goal.  I know that might sound cheezy but it's true.  When I trained for the marathon I loved having something to work towards and plan for.  Well this pregnancy is by far harder than the marathon and it has even better rewards.
7. Feeling movement.  This is my 5th child and I am still in awe every time she moves.  Sometimes it really isn't pleasant but it always reassures me that she's alive and well in there.
8. When she gets the hick ups.  I love the hick ups!  Last Sunday I had one of those "aha" moments you store away in your heart forever.  She got the hick ups and every one of my children was able to put their hand on my belly and feel her move.  I looked up at Joaquin on the stand and just grinned like an idiot.
9. How excited my other children are.  I don't think there is a single toy I could buy them that would make them smile more than when we announced they were going to get another sibling.  Every time Shelby prays she first thanks Heavenly Father for her new little sister.  She can't wait not to be the baby any more.  Quinn & Jessi still fight over who gets to hold her first and Josh is looking for a new wrestling buddy.
10. And the last reason I love being pregnant is . . . Joaquin takes special care of me.  I love being a strong, independent woman, but when I'm pregnant I also love letting that all go and just being whimpy.  He helps with laundry, straightens up the house when I'm gone, lifts everything heavy, gets the kids to help more, rubs my feet, encourages me to lay down for a while, asks me how I'm feeling, and my favorite - he prays for me and our baby every single time I hear him pray.  I truly am grateful for this opportunity to see his gentle side and think I'm going to ease up on the whole "anything you can do, I can do better" theory.  I'm kind of liking being treated like a girl.

Family Halloween 2009

Happy Halloween!  Don't be scared by this fearful Ninja-this year I made sure the swords were fake (and just in case I didn't even have him wear them to Pre-School - check out my last year's Halloween post to understand).  We stopped by Napa, since Joaquin was working, to show off their costumes before hitting the 1st & 2nd Ward trunk or treat.

Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays and I usually hate trunk or treats because I think it really takes away from being a good neighbor.  I know some people don't agree that asking for candy from your neighbors is kind, but I genuinely love going door to door.  All my neighbors love seeing the kids & I love handing out candy.  Well this year I have to say that I loved the trunk or treat.  My kids were old enough to walk around without me so I was able to sit in the trunk and hand out candy.  My legs didn't hurt, I didn't have contractions, it was perfect!

 

I had to show this picture of Jessi because she is just such a gorgeous green witch regardless of the warts she had me put on her (they were her favorite part of the costume!)

Here's a shot of the whole gang at the Napa store.  Josh really wanted face paint since all the girls got glitter, eye shadow, etc.  So I tried to draw on a "skull" then he added blood dripping from his nose & lips.

  

I wanted to catch a picture of Josh at pre-school with Shelby.  She just wants to be so big and go with him.  The really fun part is that he loves Shelby to be there too.  He always begs her to get dressed in the morning so she can come play for the first half hour of free time.

It was a really busy Wednesday as we had Josh, Jessi, & Quinn's Halloween Parties.  Here is Jessi's party where I got to be the cool Mom because we played "Boo Bingo."  I still love that no matter which child's party we go to - they absolutely love when their siblings come to visit.  As you can tell Jessi pulled up 2 chairs, shared all of her candy, and even took them with her on the little "costume parade."
 

I realize this post is a little backwards, but for FHE we carved pumpkins and boy did our kids get into it.  Joaquin has always loved making really cool, complicated ones so I buy those great books with the tools included.  I'm a little worried I might be turned into Child Protection Services for admitting this, but after Shelby bent 3 or the 4 of the little knives that came in the kit - we just handed her a steak knife and let her at it.  I carved the front and she made an "earring."

 

Dad helped Josh do the "Dracula" and you can see how proud he was of it.

  

This was a picture of Quinn's cat (I know it's shocking she picked  that one huh?)

 

 Here of course is the coolest Dracula ever.