The Beginning

This week we began a new chapter in our lives from a family of four to a family of five. We welcomed our third little man into the world.

So, where to begin......

We have been excited since the day we found out we were having another kiddo. Probably a little more on the nervous side of things from the parentals but change can be hard sometimes. The boys have been excitedly talking about you, wondering how big you were pretty much every day, giving kisses and non stop talking about you and waiting for the day to come and it finally did.

First off I really didn't think you were going to make it to the scheduled date because this pregnancy has been very different from the other two. I have been walking like a penguin since month 6 and wanting to get you out since then and felt with every sneeze, cough, step in and out of the van that you were coming. Turns out you were just big. Really big and laying low.

While I wanted you out at the same time I didn't because I am a planner and wanted to have everything taken care of so I made lists and plans and more lists and plans about what needed to be done while I was gone, who would go where and be taken care of by who. I wanted to be sure the house was clean and things got taken care of and I did my best to make sure it all happened. It didn't all get done of course but I was able to live with what was done. How do people have babies at such unpredictable times I'll never know.

On baby eve I tried my darndenst to go to bed early because I knew we needed to be at the hospital at 5:30am (waking up at around 4:30 ish. BOOO!!!). The boys were off with grandma and grandpa, the house was clean, things were pretty much ready to go. But I couldn't sleep at all. It was probably a mix of the excitement, nervousness, back pain and you kicking nonstop for an hour or so. I really only got 2 hours or so of sleep but it is what it is.

We went to the hospital did all the fun prep including putting in an IV which was horrible for me. I think more than anything the needles are the hardest thing for me. One lady tried, no luck. Then the specialist person tried 3 times and got it on the third try after far too much poking for my liking. Ok, I might have cried a bit. Then we were ready to go to the operating room where it turns out the IV came out or wasn't working right and they had to do it again in the hand which hurt and I might have cried some more espeically considering I though that part was over. Then they numbed me up and got started. After all the needles it wasn't so bad actually, probably my best yet. No nausea, no shaking. Mostly I was a bit out of it because I was so tired and didn't even realize they had started operating, I thought they were still doing the prep work. Then when I asked turns out they had already started and baby was on his way out. A few pushes (from the Dr.) and there you were!

I remember Dr. Bair saying he was a big guy and thought he was 9 1/2 or so. I love this picture Jason took.

Turns out he was bigger than we thought. No wonder I was so dang uncomfortable for so long. He's definitely our biggest baby at 10lbs even and 21" (Levi was 8lbs 13oz and 22 inches and Max was 8lbs and 7oz and 21 inches). And for stats sake born 10/28/13 at 8:05am

Again I was fairly out of it but actually feeling pretty well after I saw our little guy.

 When we all were back in the room, which didn't take too long, you started nursing and knew exactly what you were doing and were ready to eat. Then sleep.

 

 

 I love your little face. To me you look a lot like Levi did when he was born and I love that chin! It was actually one of the first things I asked about.

You got lots and lots of admirers. Nese, Aunt Rose, Uncle Jared (who very very proudly and excitedly changed your very first diaper), Uncle Isaac, Grandpa Gary, Grandma Rhonda, your brothers. My friends Kate, Brooke, Marissa, Megan who made me laugh WAY too much considering I just had an operation and made me almost literally bust a gut with their antics. Everyone wanted to see that cute face.

 

 You met your big brothers. Max said you were so strong, like dad.

What a cute smushy face.

I got this half smile. I love those cheeks.

Later during the stay while dad was out shuffling kids around to their schools and it was just me and the man. It was tricky but we made it work.

I think the recovery went well. I felt much better earlier on than when I had Max and definitely better than with Levi. I felt stronger faster and I was SOOO ready to go home. Also I was getting no sleep, which I actually was feeling pretty ok with suprisingly but I was extremely uncomfortable just sitting in a bed for 3 days. It was uncomfortable, itchy, I couldn't really lay on my side (how I usually sleep) and asked to go home early and since all was well they said yes.

Part of me wanting to leave was due to sleep because now they don't really do nursery time unless they have to go observe baby. They had to watch Davis for an hour or two once because he was making noises while sleeping and they wanted to check about oxygen levels (which were fine) but other than that they stay in the room with you. And if you want to take them out of the room you have to do it in the roller cart thing making it tricky when you have a crying baby that wants some comfort (for Davis it was food which I only had so much of at the time) and didn't really like the idea of a pacifier quite yet so cried a lot in the middle of the night with only dad to try his best to rock him in the room because I was still mastering getting out of bed and going to the bathroom on my own so standing rocking a baby was out. At least at home we could separate and someone could get some sleep! That and I just wanted out.

So Jason brought the boys to hang out and watch some cartoons while we waited for my sister to help getting everyone back home. I sure missed my boys.


So home we went. It was not a bad night and the next day was Halloween!!!! I was kind of bummed because I love it and wanted to participate so much more this yar but couldn't really. I barely got these pictures of Max before they headed out as I hung out in the recliner which is my new best friend.

I don't recall what Levi dressed as but I'm sure it was awesome. They both have had several different costumes during this Halloween season, it's hard to keep up.

    

Davis and I just hung out and I made him talk. I love doing that with babies.

Even he gets tired of me taking so many pictures. Eye roll.

So for the past week we've been hanging out, trying to get used to things. The boys have both watch far too many movies and tv but, shocker, they don't seem to mind one bit. They were finally thrown outside while it was nice out and they made a nice pile of leaves. No, it wasn't halloween, Max just still loves dressing up. You can only dress up as a superhero for so long you know. Actually I'm sure anyone can at any age it's just as a 4 year old it's cute, as a 40 year old people start calling luny bin.

 See? Lots of movies, even 3d ones!

And more of this just eaten look while I hang out in the recliner:

All and all we're doing good, baby's first week home is done and so far so good. 

Random first week home facts/tidbits/whathaveyou:

- Davis is actually a pretty good sleeper and has seemed to figure out night and day pretty quickly so I don't have to try at all to get him to go to sleep at night he just goes right back down (knock on wood).

- Despite his great sleeping skills I'm still lacking a lot of sleep due to a bit of insomnia. I guess going from my 2am bed times to 9pm bedtimes is a bit of a jump...working on it.

- The boys love their baby brother and love to put his pacifier in his mouth and have him hold their fingers. Today Max hilariously tried to put socks on him but he's got some wiggly toes.

- This boy has peed on things more times this week than either of the other two during their whole time in diapers. Their must be something about that cold air.....Jason hasn't reported it as much, maybe it's all for me.

- We're all getting over colds but it's almost all gone, thank goodness. I couldn't take any meds for it because we're breastfeeding. Luckily Davis didn't get anything and has come out unharmed by a house full of people coughing all over the place.

- Speaking of breastfeeding, Max and Levi are learning all about it. I try to keep the explications simple and easy and they seem to get it and make very interesting observations about the whole process.

- I am able to get around just fine now and am completely off my pain meds, yea! Soon I'll be able to drive though I'm not exactly looking forward to all of that. It's been nice not having to drive two kids around to two different schools everyday. Just a lot of hanging out. Hey, I've even been able to sit and watch tv too! I haven't done that in a long time (usually I'm working and half watching)

- And I don't know how but I am 5lbs below my pre-pregnancy weight. Nothing I was trying for it just happened. This pregnancy has been my weirdest food wise though. I have never been so disinterested in food in my life, even now. Now I think half of the weight gain was baby and the other half was in my freakishly swollen legs and feet which have all gone down.I can actually see my ankle bones! They almost look weird not being so insanely huge. All this swollenness was also a first this time around.

Primary Program

Today was one of the best Sunday's of the year, primary program and this time both boys had a part. Levi was quite excited to get all dressed up and even tried to do his hair himself though dad had to give him a little lesson. When he came in to see me he asked 'Do I look handsome mom?'. Yup.

Max was a little less than trilled with the whole thing. Dad got him dress and his hair did (which looked quite handsome) but then got mad, got it wet and gave his hair a good rub for that just woke up look. We're just lucky he kept his pants and shoes on.

Since I am so slow lately and we wanted a good front seat Jason and Levi headed off while Max and I had a bite to eat. Eventually he calmed down a bit though it took quite a bit of distracting and changing of subjects.

Eventually we made it out with shoes and pants on not screaming about not wanting to go to church. He even let me get a couple of pictures, though he didn't make it easy.

See? But again, at least he's not screaming like he had been for the past hour or so.

He even gave me a smile or two. 

In the car I prepped him about what to say, "I am thankful to God for my brothers." Technically it was supposed to be brother but we changed it to brothers because he was about to have another one. Like usual he said he was only going to say he was thankful for his blanket, snuggle bear or peanut (his baby). I just encouraged the best I could and told him that he could always get help from Sister Hancock, the primary prez who would be up there helping.

Overall it was hilarious and awesome, I really wish I could have taped it. Since we were right up front I took this quick illegal picture, I'm such a rebel. We got lucky and Levi sat almost right behind Max so we got a good view of everything.

Levi class was up first and he did an amazing job and had his all memorized. He totally owned it. Walked straight up to the top step, which he definitely did not need and made him tower over the microphone, said very loudly and self assuredly something like "Heavenly Father created the beasts of the fields, the cattle and all creeping things. He also created man to rule and reign over them". Something like that. The last line was awesome because he said it so loud and proudly then took several seconds to look around at everyone with wide eyes and a big smile, hopped down and when he got down to his seat leaned down to Max to get a big loud high five.

Max did a great job too, I was most nervous for him because I wasn't quite sure what was going to happen or what he was going to say. But he got up there, waited his turn and said his correct line without any help clear enough so everyone could hear it. I was so proud of him! As he walked back to his seat he also gave Levi a high five. Very cute.

I don't remember too much of the rest, I mostly just watched my boys. Levi started off blankly during all but the singing parts and Max was in a gaggle of boys and kept copying whatever the others did. Play with ties, rock paper scissors, make faces. I know it's horrible but I was so happy that he was not the wiggliest or the most unruly of the bunch, probably a close second though. Those boys were a sight to see and the only girl on the row sang loudly and kept trying to encouage singing but then a couple times told them they were too loud. Such funny little people.

All and all a good program and I'm so happy they both did so well. Afterwards I went home while the boys went off to classes so I could get a nap in. I love me a nice long nap.

Spooky weekend

Since Halloween is on a weekday most of the parties happened this weekend and I was lucky I snapped a few shots. I've been taking less and less pictures lately but keep trying because I love seeing them, especially years later when I know I'll really want to see them.

For Halloween the boys both picked out power ranger costumes months ago and have been playing with them off and on. To get ready I had them put everything together themselves so they did a ton of mixing and matching. It was funny to see what they came up with.

Levi's a power ranger/knight/super hero. When I told him I wanted to get pictures inside the church for our ward trunk or treat, he asked me what pose he should do. I told him to surprise me.

Max barely looked at me because behind me were some of his favorite kids dressed up in super cool ninja costumes. He took his accessorizing cue from his big bro.

It was a fun night with their cousins (of course I got no pictures of them, but they were a cute pirate and princess) and there was even a fun magic show followed by a trunk or treat.

In usual Kendra fashion I felt lame for not doing anything I wanted to to do like decorate the van up, have a fun costume (I had some great ideas), make some really crafty snacks for during the socializing/magic show. None of it happened. I even planned on just wearing a witches hat but made it out to the car and realized I forgot it, then didn't even want to go back up to get it. Lame. But at least we showed up. Again, I really didn't think I was going to actually make it because this kid has felt like he was going to just fall out for months and I didn't want to spend time, money or energy on something that I didn't think was going to happen.

Good thing the boys don't really notice or care or anyone else for that matter, it's just me and my own silliness.

Then today (Saturday) was my b-day and it was not what I usually would have done. Man, I did not time this baby thing well at all, right smack between my birthday and Halloween. Oh well, I wasn't thinking about timing just that the green light was on for having baby #3.

I slept in crazy late and didn't do much for the day. Cleaned the house up a bit, did some laundry, worked a little so I could close down my shop. Nothing to crazy, because we have the primary program and I really don't want to miss it.

We did go out to Red Robin for dinner. This was my view. I totally felt like an old guy with my beer belly sticking out. Nice.

The boys were so funny and for a while they concentrated on their drawing and games but eventually I found each of my three boys looking at three different tv sets. It's football season, need I say more?

Max loves to draw and color and he has been working pretty hard learning and writing his letters. I can't believe in two days he will no longer be my baby!

After dinner another Halloween party at a friends house and then after that the boys had a b-day surprise for me. We tried to get them to wait until tomorrow but they pitched a fit and since they're leaving to spend the night with the grandparents anyways after church we obliged and they did their surprise. 

Again, no pictures, I'm a lame-o but they got a small cake, some ice cream and sorbet for me along with some of my favorite fruits and a singing card. When the boys pick out cards that is the only kind they'll get if they can help it.

Now it's officially the 27th and I don't have to share my birthday with anyone. Sorry, I was kind of selfish and really didn't want to have to share my birthday if I could help it, though I'm sure I would have been fine if I would have had to. Less than 36 hours and we meet the newest member of the Goodrich clan.