EVELYN JANE 7/24/2012

 About 25 weeks pregnant

 30 weeks

 35 weeks

 39 weeks

Evelyn Jane was born at 630 pm on July 24th 2012.  It was a picture perfect delivery.  I decided to be induced about 5 days early because my blood pressure was starting to rise, and quite frankly I was done being pregnant. It was actually a really great pregnancy.  I was able to run until about 35 weeks and I lifted weights the week before she was born.  That helped me feel better and I definitely kept my weight in check.  I topped out at 155 and am already back in my jeans (not super comfortable) three weeks out! :) That really helps you feel better after giving birth.  I am going to try to run tomorrow... maybe. :) Anyway, the pregnancy was perfect as well, but I was done with the heat of summer and not being able to navigate around the bump! I chose the 24th because it was a holiday and I would be able to get right in! We went in at 730 am.  I was all hooked up by about 830-9.  I got my epidural around 12, but I was not very dilated... maybe a 2.  I thought it would be about like Savannah and take forever.  Around 2, my contractions stopped and we noticed that my pitocin was kinked and not going through the IV.  The nurse fixed it and I had four huge contractions in a row.  Evelyn did great the whole time until that.  Her heart rate slowed and then came back up. Around 430 I was checked again and I was at a 3.  My nurse was leaving at 7 and I loved her so I hoped to have her in time for her to be there, but I didn't think it would happen.  AT 6 they checked me again and I was a 10 and ready to push!! My doctor got there around 620 and we started pushing at 625.  I pushed once and she was crowning.  My second push got her head out and my third got the rest of her.  So easy and beautiful! I love giving birth.  My doctor stitched me up a bit because after her head came out her hand came flying out and tore me a bit.  She loves her hands by her face! My doc also showed me the placenta and that was pretty cool to see.  Evelyn was 7 lbs 8 oz, my biggest baby.  She latched on right away and nurses without any problems.  She also will take a binkie and a bottle without any problems.  She was 20 inches long.  Kristin's baby was born three days before.  Hallie Anne was 7 lbs 6 oz and 20 inches.  I stayed at the hospital for a few days and it was absolutely delightful.  I loved the food and the time with Evelyn.  I missed out with Savannah when she was in the NICU.  I am so lucky to have these kids of mine.  I have really cherished Evelyn.  I think as I get older the more precious these newborns are.  I don't mind getting up with her.  I don't mind holding her.  I love everything about her.  She is super sweet.  The other kids love her to bits and I sometimes have to share her with them.  Jack especially loves her.  We are a blessed family.  I'm so grateful!!

JACK TURNS SIX!

Jack is a six year old! I can't believe it!! These last six years have gone by so fast.  For his party this year, we rented a bounce house water slide and invited about 8 friends.  I think they had a lot of fun.  Avery (our neighbor girl) made his cake to match the slide in an army  theme.  Some things about our six year old:

-- He is a pleaser and a great helper.  He has really liked having responsibilities and really takes care of the animals.
-- He loves his sisters.  He is very protective of Savannah and the typical older brother of making sure she is doing the right things.  He LOVES the new baby and is a huge help with her.
 -- He is getting more independent, but still wants to try to do the right things.
-- He is really interested in science, weather, and the world in general.  Starting to ask a lot of questions.
-- He is honest
-- He is a great friend and very kind to everyone. He does not have a temper with his friends (he rarely has one at home)
-- He loves video games (much to my dismay)
-- He is starting to read very well, although he is sometimes lazy
-- He is naturally athletic and loves swimming and running (much to my pleasure!)
-- He loves Johnny Test, Ninjago, Legos
--He loves riding his bike and getting slurpees, having playdates.
-- He loves being home.  He is a homebody for sure, I hope that continues. 
-- He still loves his B and his bear.  He has turned Savannah into a blanket girl too and I love it.  Hope it passes to Evelyn. 
-- He loves to play with his friends, Carson, Coleman, Mason, Trace.  He often has two playdates in a day because he is so liked. 

He is a wonderful part of our family and the perfect example for the two girls to follow.  He has a good heart and is just a good person.  I love him and I'm lucky to be his mama. 

SUMMER ACTIVITIES

 One of the kids favorite things to do this summer.... roast hot dogs and marshmallows in backyard.

 Savannah (and Jack) really are loving our animals lately and both animals do so well with them.

 Goofy girl

 Before church and before baby.

 She was outside jumping on the tramp and I had looked out the window and saw that she was picking her nose.  Good thing because she came in like this and I would have freaked out if I thought it was from something else!! She didn't even know she was bleeding.

 We took the kids to Park City for a night before baby came.  They loved the book store and the kitties and the chocolate goodies!

 Savannah has taken to taking all of her clothes off and peeing outside... not my proudest as a mother...

 Jack and Jason ran in the Dirty Dash.  It was fun for them.  Not so fun for pregnant me... :)

 Father's Day

 Savannah loves playing with her brother and his friends.

 Curlers for the first time!

 Fourth of July

 Jack's race.  He was the first 5 year old to cross the line!!

 Dance parties.

 Swimming lessons.  Jack loves swimming and is so good.  We are going to have him do a precompetitive class this fall! Michael Phelps anyone?? :)

End of Year party for track

We have had a busy crazy summer.  Because the baby was due at the end of July, I tried to fit in everything before then.  Jack was in track for 6 weeks, coach pitch for four weeks, swimming for four weeks... he went camping with Jason, we went to Seven Peaks and swimming at Great Grams a bunch, had playdates, went to the gym... I think it was all a success.  We loved track for Jack.  It was super cute and fun for him.  He is a natural runner so I think we will keep doing it.  He did really well in coach pitch as well, and swimming is a natural fit for him.  Savannah has had fun following along on all of Jack's adventures.  Next summer she will get to participate for herself!! I feel like I wasn't very fun because I was so pregnant, but I still think it was an okay summer. 

KINDERGARTEN GRADUATION

Jack is going into 1st grade in two weeks so I thought it was time to update the old blog about his kindergarten graduation.  He loved kindergarten and did really well during the whole year.  He loved his teacher and I really loved her too.  She seemed strict, but nice and I think that is what this boy needs.  He really started reading at the end of the year and did well enough that his teacher thought he would do fine in a 1st-2nd split  next year.  I am hoping that he does.  He seems to be a pleaser and will try his best for his teacher.  At least, that is what I am thinking based on seeing him this summer.  It was a really fun year for both of us and I am excited for him to continue to grow throughout elementary school.  I will miss him while he is at school.  He is such a big helper and he is always trying to do his best.  I love him so much!!