Max- One Month

On December 21, Max turned one month old.   Thanks to Pinterest for giving me the idea to take monthly photos in the same spot to see baby's growth.  I wish I had done this with my other boys!  I figured his rocking chair in his room would be a good spot.  As usual, I took a bazillion shots, but I'm only posting a handful.  I wasn't sure whether I should do whatever outfit he was wearing that day, a white onesie, or just a diaper.  So I did all three.  In the end I liked the white onesie and diaper shots best, but I'll probably do all three next month too.  At the end of the year, it will be fun to see his progress!

Cooper prepping his baby brother for his photo shoot:).  

It wouldn't be a baby photo shoot without a cross eyed picture!

Some little facts about Maxwell at one month:
*Coos- since 2 weeks old (so sweet)!
*A pretty good nurser
*Loves getting his diaper changed and then lying on his changing pad cooing when he is done getting changed.
*Not very content unless he is sleeping or eating
*Not consistent on night time sleep
*Starting to like his swing more
*Loves the sound of the blender and vacuum, and calms down when they turn on.
*Always has a ton of burps and we can't seem to get them all out (perhaps that's why he isn't very content).
*He has a strong neck and holds his head up pretty well for a newborn.
*Loves taking baths.

He is one sweet boy and we are happy to have him in our family.  I'm glad to have this first month under my belt though.  It's rough when you're trying to establish nursing, you're sleep deprived, and your body is still recovering from pregnancy and delivery. 

Max's Birth Story

My due date was November 22, 2013.  For the week leading up to his birth, I had fluctuated between feeling like he was coming any day now, to I might go another 2 weeks (Oh, please don't let me go another 2 weeks)!  By Wednesday, November 20, I wasn't feeling many symptoms so I stayed up super late that night cleaning.  By this time, it was Thursday, November 21, and there I was at 3:00 am, disinfecting all of the door knobs and light switches throughout the house...totally normal, right?!  For a nesting pregnant woman who can't sleep, it probably is normal.  I went to bed around 3:30 am and sometime around 5:05 I was woken up by a painful contraction.  I stayed in bed and waited for another one.  What felt like maybe 5 minutes or less, another painful one came.  I somehow fell asleep for another 5 minutes and then another huge painful one came and I knew I needed to get up and time these things.  They immediately started to come 1-3 minutes apart and I was in a ton of pain.  I woke Rich up and he called his mom to come over.  I started to worry because I was already having the feeling to push and the contractions were so close together, and I wasn't sure we would make it to the hospital.  We gathered our things and his mom said to just go.  Our kids were in bed and I didn't want to leave them, but I knew we had to.  I woke up Julien and told him what was going on and had him come out to the living room to wait for Grandma.  He was really excited until he watched me suffer through a few contractions and then he started to cry.  I told him not to worry and that it was supposed to hurt, and that baby would be here soon, so say a prayer.  Rich and I headed to the hospital and his mom arrived at our house minutes after we had left.  We got to the hospital around 6:15 and my contractions were still extremely painful, and 2 minutes apart.  They put us in a room and it seemed like no one believed me when I said hurry.  I remember Rich sitting in a chair in that room and it was just the two of us waiting.  Every time a contraction came, all I wanted was to be alone and die, so I went into the bathroom and shut the door to breathe through them.  I finally told Rich he really needed to get someone, so he did.  The nurse checked me (which I remember thinking I really didn't want her to do, because I felt like I was already fully dilated.  She did, and I was already at an 8.  They were surprised, but I knew I was far along because of the pain I was in.

So back up a little....

Throughout my entire pregnancy I had mentally been preparing to have a drug-free delivery, for various reasons.  I had never had one before.   It scared the heck out of me, but I was determined to do it.  I didn't take any classes or read any books, throughout my pregnancy, to prepare.  That did worry me a bit that I may not know how to deal with the pain, but I did do a ton of reading on the internet, mostly things I had found on Pinterest (different stories and what not).  I did a lot of visualization and prayer as well, leading up to the birth.  Most of all, I just believed I could do it and I kept my wishes to myself and Rich because I didn't want anyone to put any doubt in me or laugh at me, or say anything that could sway my positive thoughts and focus of what I wanted.

So, back to the hospital.  After finding out I was already at an 8, I did have a sense of relief that I wouldn't have to endure these contractions for long.  I had always heard that they won't give you an epidural once you are at an 8, but my nurse said they give them at 9's often.  I told her I didn't want to know that.  I was going to stick to my guns.  They moved me to the birthing room and started getting everything ready.  I kept telling them I wanted to push and they called my Dr and she came pretty quickly.  I progressed so quickly and was at a 10 before I knew it. There was a birthing tub in the room and I had always visualized using it during the labor, but everything happened so quickly and I remember them saying I would probably have the baby in 10 minutes.  My water was still in tact and when the Dr. asked if she could break it, I was scared that it would cause the contractions to be even more unbearable but they convinced me that they should because baby was ready.  I remember feeling like things were getting out of my control.  Everything I had prepped myself for to be more in control of the situation and not let the staff tell me what to do, was going out the door, and I was in so much pain that I kind of went with it.  I had wanted to give birth in any position other than lying down and fighting gravity, but I remember them kind of forcing me back and telling me to push.  The pressure was so intense at that moment to push and I was a little annoyed that they were telling me what to do that I kind of pushed out of frustration.  The feeling was unreal!  I could feel him move down the birth canal.  That term "ring of fire" became apparent in that moment.  When I think back to the moments of pushing, I have to laugh as I picture myself.  I picture that moment with me turning to my right side (towards Rich) and feeling like jumping out of my body.  I remember them telling me to straighten out, but it was hard to not want to tense up.  I had one great nurse who calmed me the most and kept gently telling me to breathe through the pain.  (I thought I would want Rich to be touching me and talking me through things, but when it came down to it, I asked him to not talk or touch me because I found it hard to focus when he did).  Later, I asked Rich what my face looked like because every time I go back to that moment in my mind, I can feel my face contorting every which way (which by the way, is totally not what I rehearsed in my mental preparation.  The more relaxed your face is, the more relaxed everything down south will be, and you will feel less pain) oops!  He said, "Yeah, you were making some really weird faces." Haha.  He did say that at one point he had to look away because he started to cry, because he had never seen me in that much pain. Awe:).  Anyway, that moment,...there I finally was, pushing my baby out and I could feel every single bit of it.  It felt like I was going to break in two.   The feeling was "die or push this baby out as fast as possible."   I remember being really loud yelling, "UGGGGHHHH, get it out!!!"  It didn't exactly go as I had practiced in my mind.  I was a lot more tense and not as calm.  Rich said I did seem pretty calm, but I remember feeling like I wasn't.

 At 7:26 am, Maxwell Brooks was born.  (Remember, my first contraction started just after 5 am, so that's how quickly things progressed).  They are right when they say once that baby is out, the pain just stops.  I was so exhausted that my head flopped back and I listened instead of looked at my baby.  I felt like I needed a moment to just breathe.  They said, "He is huge!" and handed me my sweet baby boy.  I love that amazing feeling of that warm soft body being placed on my chest and getting to look at my baby for the first time.  I did it!  Things didn't go as I had imagined, but I didn't give in and take drugs and I finally got to experience what my body was designed to do, birth a baby.  I had a rush of adrenaline and felt so happy.  Everyone left the room and Rich and I got to soak him up for a bit.  That was in my birth plan, to just bond with him before they weighed and poked him, and everything else.  I had learned that for the first 1-3 hours after birth, the baby is the most alert and it's a very special time to begin a bond and start nursing, so that's what we did.  I'm not sure how long we were with him before they took him, but it was probably close to an hour.  When they finally weighed him, he weighed 9 lbs 9 oz!  I couldn't believe how big he was.  He was 21 inches long.  My biggest baby yet.

Excuse the quality of these pics, they are all phone pics....

Looking back at this picture makes me cringe to think I pushed that out!  Also, he looks huge here, but in person, he was still a teeny tiny newborn.  

 Soon a nurse came in and asked me if I wanted to take a shower.  This was pretty exciting for me because I could get out of bed.  With all 3 of my other births, I was numb from an epidural for hours and hours after giving birth and I had catheters and what not and was completely helpless.  It felt so good be able to get up and take care of myself afterward.  Rich said it was so cool to see the difference this time because he said usually by this time I would be knocked out, but here I was, full of energy (even after not sleeping much that night) and able to get up and do things.  The feeling of standing in that hospital shower so shortly after delivering my baby felt pretty awesome.  I was so happy to not be numb from an epidural.  Once I got out, we were moved to a new room where we stayed until we were discharged the next day.  That whole first day was pretty awesome.  I had so much energy and happy feelings.  Our boys came to the hospital and got to hold their new baby brother.  Julien and Jonah said they couldn't think of anything else that day at school.  They ran from the bus to our house, hoping the baby would be there:).  It was pretty neat to see all 4 of my sons together.  The joy was too much to handle!

My boys and mother-in-law/father-in-law

We were discharged the next day around noon and I was so glad to be going home.  I really dislike hospitals and couldn't wait to be in my own bed.

On our way home!

Welcome to the world and to our family, sweet baby Maxwell!  We love you so much!!!

Baby Nursery

I don't know about you, but I love detailed picture post, especially when it comes to decorating.  So you have been warned, this post has a ton of pictures.  I like to remember little details, so I didn't leave much out.  This nursery took me months to come together.  Lack of energy, decorating dilemmas, and lack of budget forced me to take it in baby steps.  When it comes to decorating, I usually get impatient and just want it all to come together immediately, so this took a lot of patience for me to move at such a slow pace.  In the end, I'm pleased with it.  It's a bit different than the original vision I had for the room, but overall, it worked out great and I like it.  I should mention that we rent this house and are not allowed to paint the walls, so perhaps I would have gone a totally different route had I been able to paint.  I do not mind white walls though.  I like the contemporary feel it gives; and I even like white on white (walls and furniture/accessories).

Oh, and I apologize for the bad lighting in most of these pictures..

Walking in:

Spoiler: name reveal!! :)

One of my favorite things about this room is this picture right here (below).  I fell in love with it right when I saw it.  

The letters for his name were supposed to look more "faux" metal.  Rich sprayed them with metallic paint.  I think I probably should have painted them black first and then metallic, and finally sanded them a bit.  It really didn't bother me though, so we just left them.  I bought these cardboard letters at Joann's over several weeks with my 40% off coupons.  They sat in the nursery for a long time before being painted because his name was so hard for us to decide on.  In the end, I had called him Max for so long, that I decided to just stick with it and finally painted the letters.  

I'm excited to try out my new Aden and Anais swaddle blankets that my sister bought me!  Thanks again Sis!!  (She also spoiled me with other gifts.  So nice)!

I found this little basket at TJ Max, on clearance, and it was exactly what I wanted!  

Here's how it looks on the opposite side of the room. (Those pics in the hallway are baby Julien- our first born, and the only kid who has ever had professional photos taken as a baby, haha).  

I wanted to keep the room pretty neutral in color, but I love how the children's books bring in that pop of color.  I love displayed children's books.  

I made that mobile.  That was inspired by mobiles I had seen on Pinterest, made out of paint chips.  I didn't feel right about walking into Home Depot and snagging a bunch of paint chips, so I used scrapbook paper.  It was dirt cheap to make it and I really like how it turned out.  I used scrapbook paper, a big hole punch, white thread, double-sided tape, and the inner circle of an embroidery hoop that I painted white.  

These book shelves were the ones I had made in Texas a few years back for the boys' room.  HERE.  We just cut them down and butted them together in the corner.  

Again, the lighting is so bad.  I wish I were good enough in my photography skills to have manipulated that.  It's very airy and bright in person.

I used some birthday money from my Dad to buy those little antlers (above).  I like how they bring a little masculine touch to the room, and are more 3 dimensional than just sticking 3 pictures frames above the bed (which I originally thought I would do).  The hubs isn't a fan, but I kind of love those little antlers.  And just so you know, those pics and antlers are hung with the strongest nails and then velcroed with 3m Velcro that holds a lot more weight than they are.  

Also, above the crib, hangs part of the poem, "Song for a Fifth Child," by Ruth Hamilton

My fourth baby, and I learned long ago that sadly, babies do not keep.  I love this poem and wanted it up as a reminder to just enjoy and cherish his babyhood.  I knew I wanted this poem or part of it displayed somewhere in the room, and luckily I found this free printable online!

A view of the closet closed.  Exciting, right!?

And a view of it open.  This is the most organized I have ever been with a baby's room.

After already having 3 boys, we have plenty of toys!  (sorry for the blurriness).

I made these closet organizers (below) out of cereal boxes and scrapbook paper that I have had for years.  I used an old C.D. that I cut the center out of, as my template.  I mod podged the paper onto the cereal box circles that I had cut out.  Then added labels.  I heart labels!  This is truly going to help me stay organized with his clothes.  I did 0-3 mo-12-18 mo.  The dresser is also completely organized and as of right now only hold 0-3 month clothes.  I think this will be helpful if Rich is getting him dressed too.  These things will prevent me from finding cute outfits later on that I missed or didn't realize fit him quite yet, because they were properly organized by size.  

The shelves above hold other baby products and toys (which are labeled by age or what they are).  I also went through our huge bins in the garage to dig out all sizes up to 2T.  Now, all I have to do is grab a bin in his closet here and switch out the clothes from the dresser as he grows.  I'm so glad I did this now so I don't go out shopping later, thinking he doesn't have certain sizes; and going through those bins in the garage isn't very fun, so the hard part is over.

So there it is.  Now I just need the most important and best part of the room, my sweet baby boy.

Disclaimer:  I know none of these details or decor really matter.  The important thing is a healthy and happy baby who is loved.  I do however tend to be a lot less stressed when my surroundings are organized and pleasing to my eye.  Decorating is also my favorite hobby, so it was fun to give myself something to pour some creative energy into while I wait to meet my little prince.  I feel really blessed to have so many modern conveniences to make motherhood easier and organized.  

An Answer to Prayer

As I mentioned in a previous post, we are currently a one-car family.  Today I took Rich to work because he was off at a decent time, so it was no big deal to pick him up.  When it was time to get him, I pulled up to the front of the building and sent him a text letting him know that we were there.  It took him a while to come out, so I eventually turned the car off.  We sat there for a few minutes until he sent me a text saying he was in a different part of the parking lot and to pick him up there.  I started the car to go get him, but it didn't start.  I tried several times.  Great, our only car left.  Finally he heard his car struggling and came to us.  He said it was okay and he took over in the driver's seat.  We all sat calmly (well, the kids were full of questions anyway), and tried and tried again.  We tried waiting for a bit and then tried again and again.  I finally said, "We need to say a prayer," and I asked Julien if he would say it.  I'm going to try to remember it the best I can...it went something like this, 

"Dear Heavenly Father,

     We thank thee for another day to live on this earth.  We are thankful for our family and all we have. We are thankful we got here safely to pick up Dad.  But now our car won't start.  Please help us to have the Spirit, and we pray our car will get fixed soon.  Please help it to start tonight so we can go home.  We love thee and say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

We all said "amen," and turned and thanked him for his prayer.  On first attempt to start up the car again, lo and behold, it started immediately!!!  It put a huge smile on all of our faces and we were all so thankful for that answered prayer.  (Come to think of it, we should have said another prayer right then and there to thank Him).  We were also all very amazed how quickly He answered Julien's sweet prayer.  We had a little talk about faith after that, and how experiences like that always strengthen our faith too.  I loved that little experience we had tonight!  I'm thankful Heavenly Father did feel our faith and rescued us, and especially for the lesson it was to our kids that He does answer prayers; sometimes even that immediately.  

The Waiting Game

38 weeks now!  As of Tues. (it's now Friday),  I'm dilated to a 3 and can't remember how effaced (my mind was in a cloud when the Dr. was talking to me).  I'm having Braxton Hick contractions quite a bit,. especially as I walk around.  I'm SO tired, most days.  At night I can't sleep.  I have crazy dreams, all about my water breaking, labor pains, and certain pregnancy phrases like, "losing your mucus plug," and "bloody show."  I wake up so much throughout the night; and much of the time I just sit on my bed and think, even though I'm so tired.  My mind won't shut off.  Pregnancy is a weird thing!  Most days I feel like someone drugged me with NyQuil and I'm a total zombie until sometime around 9 or 10 pm and then I get productive until about 1-3 am.  Every once in a while, I have days where my energy is up and by normal bedtime, I am ready and I sleep fine.  Some days I feel so positive about labor; caring for a newborn; and I'm not that stressed about someone else taking care of my kids while I am in the hospital.  Other days, I'm so tired and feel half dead and all of those things weigh heavy on my mind.  Oh hormones.  I have to remind myself that one day in the near future, I will feel normal again.   I wish I had kept a better record of past pregnancies to compare, but I think the last few weeks are total survival and I'm always extra tired, moody, and don't do much.   It's kind of a depressing time for me. I've noticed that this pregnancy has been the hardest to focus on the baby.  With 3 other kids to take care of (one who is constantly talking and needs my attention), I've had less time to dream and obsess about this new little babe.  I still do, but not as much as past pregnancies.  I feel like that has made the time go by faster, but has also left me feeling a bit unprepared.  Anyway, just wanted to record some of these thoughts.  Life is good.  I am blessed and I really just need some good sleep:).

And for the record, cravings and total turn offs with food eased up months ago, but a few random ones have come along.  (Boring to all who read this, but always interesting for mom to look back on)...

Ice...so good.  Sonic ice, the best thing ever, ever, ever!  (Yes, I am anemic)

Soda was something I hardly ever drank, like maybe I would try a sip every 3 years and realize I didn't care for it.  But all of the sudden, it's been hard to turn down, especially if it's with ice.  I still don't cave to that craving much though.

Green Smoothies.  Prior to pregnancy, I loved to start each day with a green smoothie.  It's been like that for the past 3 years.  But once I got pregnant with baby #4, I wanted nothing to do with them until my last trimester.  I'm so glad I want them again!

Lastly, coconut oil.  I've been using coconut oil for almost 4 years now and usually I would just throw it in a smoothie, other than using it as my skin moisturizer.  Cooper always has smoothies with me each day, and he has an allergic reaction to coconut oil, so I haven't been consuming any for a while now.  But for the past 3 weeks, I want to eat it by the jar, with a spoon!  It says on the jar that we can safely consume 1-4 tablespoons of it daily.  I stick to that serving size, but I always want more!  I eat it solid, not melted, and it's the best thing ever right now.  It's sadly, a highlight of my day, haha.  Can't wait to eat my spoonful of coconut oil every night.  I know, so weird, maybe gross to you, but I love it right now!  I've noticed that I'm less itchy since I've eating it too.  Right now, every member in my little family has a cough or cold symptoms, and so far I haven't felt sick.  I'm usually the first to get sick around here, so I'm thinking the coconut oil is benefiting.  Knock on wood, though.  We have to get better before baby gets here!

Halloween 2013

This Halloween, we told the kids that we were not going to spend money on costumes.  We have a costume box from past Halloweens and they could chose from that or get creative.  To my surprise, they were fine with that and even excited. Cooper was able to wear a costume that my aunt had given me.  This firefighter costume was so cute!  I should have taken a picture without the jacket on because the pants were overalls that were to die for.   He was thrilled to wear it.  Jonah picked out Julien's old pirate costume, and looked so cute!  Julien put on some baseball clothes and had me do his make up to look like he got beat up.  Rich wrapped up his arm to make it look like he had an ice pack on it.  I thought it was funny how Julien was soooo excited about such a simple throw-together costume.  He talked about it for weeks and by the time Halloween came and we put it all together, he "knew" he would win the costume contest at Dad's work!  Sometimes kids are easier than we think!  I'm not a huge fan of Halloween.  I keep it pretty low key every year.  I have one decoration; a wooden pumpkin that hangs on our door.  I think I start to get anxious for Thanksgiving and Christmas and just want to get Halloween over with.  I usually don't get excited about it until I see the kids in their costumes and see their faces light up with excitement and pride.  It really is cute to see them feel so special in their costume!  

This year, I made BBQ chicken sandwiches on rolls, and salad.  We had dinner together as a family and headed out to our new neighborhood to trick or treat.  Everyone starts early around here, when it's still light.  But first, I had to get pictures, of course (insert Julien and Jonah rolling their eyes and groaning here).

Here they are:

Julien (above) was actually really mad at me here because they were over taking pictures and getting frustrated seeing all the kids walking by trick or treating.  It kind of fit his costume though!  And don't let Jonah's smile fool you either, he was just as mad, if not more.  He told me next year I'm not allowed to take pictures (sorry Bud, not going to happen).  They were so anxious to get going.  But really, we were waiting for Daddy to get ready anyway. 

Our plans were to trick or treat around the neighborhood for a bit and then head over to a Halloween party at Rich's work.   Rich came home that day and said his boss wanted him to dress up, so we threw together our "nerd" costumes.  I tied a sweater around my shoulders and put on some glasses with tape on them, and called it good.  Little did I know, Rich was in there, taking it a little further.  I actually melted when I saw him. That hair!  I secretly liked it.  A lot.  Jonah snapped this pic of us and we were off!

Such a natural!

Cooper loved trick or treating and tried hard to keep up with his fast brothers.

I took a few pictures at the work party with my phone, but I'm too lazy to upload them here.  The kids had a blast though.  We went on spook walk where they got to trick or treat some more.  There was a glow in the dark putting green, a pie eating contest, food, movies, and a costume contest.  Julien's dreams were crushed when they announced that all the kids were winners for the costume contest. :).  He was so enthusiastic about that costume of his!  Maybe I'll upload those pictures later.

The kids got way too much candy and everyone had a ball!  Happy they had fun, and happy it's over!  Next major event: a new baby!

No Pictures. Just Random Thoughts.

I haven't been taking many pictures lately, even with my phone.  I think mostly because every day is about the same right now.  I'm not complaining though.  I'm growing a baby and I'm so fatigued.  Cooper and I stay home everyday.  Our van broke down and I think we are going to wait a bit to buy a new one, instead of pouring more money into our current one.  So for now, we are at home all day, everyday (besides when we have Rich's car to run errands) so we get to snuggle a whole lot.  I go a little crazy being home this much, but I'm also okay with it because, like I said, I'm so tired, and I'm loving this time with Cooper, and getting my house in tip top organized shape for baby.  This stage of pregnancy is always a bit strange for me.  I'm at that point where I'm so uncomfortable physically, I'm not sleeping well at night, and all the anxiety of "wait, how do I take care of a newborn again?"  sets in.    I remember feeling so nervous when I was expecting Julien (my first).  I didn't know how to nurse, how to bathe a baby, burp a baby, would I be able to sleep at night and not worry...etc.  And then he came and my love took over and I knew just what to do.  Funny how that works.  But even more weird that even after 3 babies, I still feel that way again.  I think my hormones are just going crazy and that's why my emotions are a bit up and down during this stage.  I have felt like this with all of my pregnancies.  It's like being in limbo to sum up the feeling.  We are sooo excited though!   Adding a new personality, a new little spirit, new face in the home and family...oh there is nothing like it!  I'm 35 1/2 weeks now, so not far to go.  Besides resting, organizing/cleaning, and soaking up my family, I am busy reading up on labor and delivery and trying to prepare mentally for that.  I'm hoping this time around will be an entirely different kind of experience in that department.  

And for a quick update on everyone else:

Rich is working hard and being extra helpful at home (cha ching!)  He is really excited about the baby.

Julien is displaying teenage attitudes but is still a really good kid overall and growing way too fast!  He lives for sports and knows way more about them than I do.  

Jonah is doing great at school and becoming less and less shy.  He is always rubbing my tummy and can't wait for the baby.  

Cooper talks non stop.  He also goes and goes all day long.  He is seriously the most loving child I know.  He is helpful, obedient, and extremely affectionate 99% of the time.

How did I get so lucky?!  This year has been one of challenges; and at times I thought it would over take me, but things look bright again and I am feeling so very very blessed.  My family and the gospel mean everything to me and I feel fortunate I have both.  

"Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny."  C.S. Lewis

"No matter what resentment tells you, to forgive is always in your favor."

"Keep trying.  Keep Believing.  Be happy.  Don't get discouraged.  Things will work out."  Gordon B. Hinckley

Baby Boy #4 Update

Who is this little guy inside of me?  Just two months away from meeting him!  This pregnancy has flown by, as I've had so much on my mind and life's struggles have taken over much of my thoughts.  But now that I'm on the homestretch, it's slowing down a bit, mainly because sleeping is becoming choppy and hip, back, and tooth pain are at it again.  Other than the physical pain and discomfort, I am loving being pregnant.  I'm really soaking this pregnancy up, savoring every little kick, knowing this is my last.    I think we have a name, but for some reason, I can't settle for sure on it.  Boy names are so much harder than girl names!  I have endless girl names that I love, but I'm really out of boy names that I absolutely love.  We'll figure it out in the next two months...hopefully!  I've been gutting the garage and house for weeks, trying to get organized and make room for baby.  What would normally take me a few days has taken me a few weeks because I can not move quickly or lift much.  It is coming along though!!  We have his crib and dresser set up and his closet is close to being done.  I sold a lot of our office stuff and old baby stuff and I'm working on a total baby boy nursery makeover.  Since we aren't getting a girl, I needed to put some creative energy into something, so the nursery will be different than what my other 3 boys had.  It's been a little sad to see some old things go, but excited to spruce up the nursery with new stuff.  I really hope my vision will come together.  Rich thinks the bedding is on the girly side and I kind of agree, but with the budget I'm working with it's the best I could find to go with my vision.  I'll post pictures when I'm done.  Getting excited to smell and kiss the cheeks off of this little mystery guy!  He feels huge already.  I really don't know how I'm going to grow anymore.  His kicks are powerful and sometimes make me jump or even hurt a bit.  He gets the hiccups a lot too.  We all love him so much already!

New School Year

We moved again (surprise!), and the boys had to start this school year at a new school.  Didn't seem to make them nervous though!  They were sad to leave their old school that they had made a lot of friends at, but I was so impressed with how well they embraced a totally new school.  Julien is in 4th grade!!  I still can't believe that!  Wasn't he just starting Kindergarten?  And Jonah, he started 2nd grade this year!  Seems like yesterday, he was my super shy child who was terrified to go to school.  Now, he runs out the door for the bus and doesn't look back.  Jonah got the best teacher this year.  She was my Relief Society president in an old ward, back when I was expecting Jonah.  I love her!  They are now over a month into the school year (slacker blogger mom), and making friends and learning a lot.  They need to slow this growing up stuff down!!!  It's too much for my mommy heart, but I sure am proud of the boys they are becoming!  Life is getting interesting in this phase.  I'm so glad I have a little one at home still ( and one coming in just 2 months!), but I am also enjoying this phase with having older children.  I love that our conversations are becoming deeper and I love watching them become more independent.  Feelings for girls are coming into play, although, "Like hello, Mom, no way! Don't even say that!"  Yep, it's happening and the lessons of friends and being a leader are in full play too.  They are learning so much right now, and parenting is an ongoing learning experience for me. I love being their mom!!

A few little facts about what these boys are into these day:

Julien:  Sports, sports, sports!  His favorites are baseball, football, and basketball.  He loves to golf and practice his pitching with Dad.  Julien isn't afraid to try new things.  He is the first to get out there and make new friends and put himself out there, whether he is new at something or not.  This kid can eat!  I feel like I'm raising a teenager.  He is a great brother, especially to Cooper, and still a sweetheart who loves people and is super in tune with his feelings.  Julien and I have very deep talks often and he always thanks me and showers me with love when we are done discussing something in depth.  I trust him and couldn't be more proud.  He is and always has been way above his age.  Going to the store is probably the thing Julien hates the most.  It's total drudgery to him and it drives me crazy, but love him anyway.

Jonah: Minecraft!  He is kind of a computer genius.  It's quite impressive.  He is more of a video game type of kid, although we really limit what kind of games he can play.  Jonah is coming out of his shell a ton.  He is becoming less shy and speaks out way more than he used to.  I love hearing him talk to his brothers and friends.  He's so animated!  He is super smart and does well in school.  Socially, he is coming along and it's been so fun to see.  He recently memorized and said his line for the primary program at church, and said it with confidence on the microphone in front of everyone!  Unheard of a couple of years ago, even last year!  He's still a crazy picky eater, but hoping this phase will end soon. ;/  Jonah loves to feel the baby move in my tummy and is so enthusiastic in his excitement when the baby kicks!  (Julien too).  Jonah loves to golf with Daddy and apparently, he is a bit of a natural.  I think Jonah wants to play sports but struggles with confidence to to try at times.  He's been shooting hoops in the neighborhood lately, and getting excited about it as he gains confidence.  So proud of how far Jonah has come!  Jonah's least favorite thing to do is definitely cleaning and helping around the house.  Not fun for him, but especially for the rest of us.  Making a check list for his chores seems to help;) though.

Love my boys!  Hoping they have a great school year with lots of growth!

CA Part 4

The last time we were in CA was six years ago, for my grandpa's funeral.  Visiting his grave was one thing on my must do list, while in CA.  After spending the morning having brunch at my sister's house that day, my dad and I took the kids to the grave site.  It's a gorgeous cemetery.  I miss my grandpa.  He was so cute.  He called all of his granddaughters "sister" whenever he would see us.  In 8th and 9th grade, we lived with my grandparents and I became really close to them.  This was the first death I've experienced with someone I was really close to.  It was great to visit the site with my dad and kids.

My family likes to stick golf balls next to his tomb when they visit, since he loved golf.  Rest in Peace Papa!  Love you forever.