Noah Pictures!

The Story of Noah

As most of you know, Pregnancy and me don't really mix well. I always seem to have some sort of issue. With Brooklynn I got heart palpatations, Tater brought some pre-eclampsia and pre-term labor and Noah allowed me to experience gestational diabetes, bed rest and of course a good dose of worry to go along with it.

For a few weeks before Noah was born I had it set in my mind that if I could just get to 37 weeks then he could come. Thanks to a great hubby and a mom and dad who were willing to let mom be here and help for forever I made it. I made it to 37 wks and 1 day.

Sunday night (as in last Sunday night), I started to have some small contractions. Nothing major but some good Braxton Hicks. They were coming about every 20 min for a few hours. The last one I remember before falling asleep was at 12:30 am. I slept well, but woke up at five and realized after Steve had left to go golfing that contractions were still coming every 20 minutes. After about an hour they were 10 minutes apart, then about an hour later they were 5 minutes. I called Steve and after a few phone calls he packed it in and headed home. By the time he arrived home, I had been having contractions all morning and they were consistently 5 minutes apart. They weren't painful, but with the baby being breech and my history, pain didn't indicate much. So after getting the kids taken care of, we headed to the hospital.

Once at the hospital, I got settled into a gown, you know those lovely ones, and the nurse came in, hooked me up to the monitors and checked to see if anything was going on. Let's just say NOTHING. No dialation, no nothing. I was surprised and a little disappointed, but they were going to watch me and see what happened. After being checked my contractions kicked up a notch and got a little more painful. After a while the nurse came in to take blood to check for pre-eclampsia and hooked up an IV to make sure the contractions weren't due to dehydration. The fluids didn't help and contractions persisted. The Doctor came in after an hour and a half to check me and lets just say things had definitely changed. Well some things. I had dialated to almost a 4 and was 80% effaced. What? Are you kidding me? How is it possible to have things move so fast. Unfortunately the one thing that hadn't changed was that the baby was still Breech. How fast would my labor had been if the baby wasn't breech? So within minutes the Dr double checked his position on the ultra sound and the nurses were all on the move to get things ready for a C-Section.

Yep that is right, after 4 'normal' deliveries I was going to be lucky enough to have a c-section. All went well in the c-section. Steve looked fantastic in his get-up. I surprisingly enough wasn't super nervous, but a little uncertain about how things would go. It all seems very sureal now. And although different than my other deliveries, it was still just as amazing to hear that baby cry and see his cute little face.

Noah was born at 2:17 pm and weighed 7 lbs. 5 oz. Steve was there and while we didn't get any still pictures, we did get lots of video of his first few minutes of life. We are so blessed to have him here and healthy. The nurses called him a 'Miracle Baby' because he was born with what they call a 'True Knot' in his cord and the cord was also wrapped around his neck. Both of those things could have been made worse if he had turned. I have no doubt that it was a blessing that he came when he did and that I had to have a c-section.

My recovery has been very slow and very painful. I am finally feeling mostly good and not quite so sore. My kids adore their brother as do Steve and I. He looks like he belongs and more importantly it feels like he belongs. I am always amazed at how instantly I can love someone so much. He is a little angel and I am glad he is here safe and sound.

Now, onto the adventure of everyone adjusting to our NEW NORMAL.

Noah Steven

We are so happy to welcome our newest addition! Noah Steven arrived Monday September 7th, at 2:17 PM. He was 7 lbs. 5 oz. and just over 20 inches. He is a sweet baby and we are lucky to have him. Of course there is a story and I will post that in the next couple of days. For now, enjoy a few pictures!

Ready, Set, Go!

Well not totally go, but after the Baby Shower my wonderful and helpful and amazing and giving and incredible friends give me tomorrow, then we can go. And hopefully soon.

I do believe I am all ready. I have been mostly ready for weeks, but today the finishing touches finally came together. I am so excited and nervous!

I have been asked by many people, "What are you doing with your nursery?" That is a tricky one. I don't really have a 'nursery' - simply because our space is limited. This little man will eventually have to share his domain with his sister. It is not ideal, but the 'boys' room just is not big enough for 3. So, I have done my best, with the opinions of the mom and sista's to make it a good combo of both girly and boyish.

We'll start with Brooklynn's 'side. She was able to get some new bedding that while very girly, it has all the essential colors needed to go with something for the boy. It is super adorable and will be perfect for someday when she has her own room and it will also grow with her.

Now for the baby's side. In June I ordered some perfectly adorable and very boyish bedding. It was set to arrive at the beginning of July, I was then informed it wouldn't ship until mid August. 'No biggie' I thought that is still plenty of time. Well August came and I was emailed again that the bedding was backordered and I wouldn't get it until OCTOBER! Are you kidding me? So the hunt for the perfect bedding began again. I wanted something simple, but definitely boy, I wanted both blue's and green's. You know how you have a picture in your mind. After hours of both me and my mom searching the internet, I finally found it! It arrived today and it is exactly what I was looking for. You really can't go wrong with Argyle and Stripes, can you?

I also had to post a picture of my diaper bag. This arrived earlier in the week and I absolutely love it! It is quite large, but not too big. It is durable and has all kinds of great pockets (I love pockets!) for Momma, baby and Tater stuff!

And finally the Car Seat! I ordered this carseat cover and even picked the fabric I wanted. I was all excited to attempt to make one myself, but after searching in vain for the perfect fabric I opted this was just as good. I just love it!

Now all we need is baby - After he turns that is! I am now accepting that a C-section is possible, but I am ever hopeful that I can encourage this baby to turn, we still have time! I have searched the internet and have found some ideas to help encourage this little man to get with the program, so I'll let you know how they turn out. Some of them are most interesting!

Just for Tater!

The first day of school was a little rough for Tater, but this morning he woke up super happy. He has figured out it isn't so bad when your big brother and sister aren't around to bug you. We'll let him get all adjusted to the school schedule and some undivided attention and then we will throw his world into chaos and bring him home a new baby brother. Sounds like fun doesn't it!

LOVE HIM!

Back to School - Yipee!

I cannot lie - I am thrilled the kids are back to school. There are a number of reasons for this.
#1 - They were ready and the arguing was about as much as I could handle
#2 - This means a regular schedule and I was ready for that. Especially in preparation for baby
#3 - That means that the end of pregnancy is ever closer!

The night before both of these two were most excited, even though Ty tried to play it cool and say he didn't care. It was most evident that wasn't the case when he asked Steve to turn on some music so he could DANCE! HaHa - too funny! Brooklynn got her classic upset stomach, which is much like me as a child. Nerves for me meant an upset tummy and it is the same for her!

When I woke up yesterday, I could hear them up. Ty was in the shower already and Brooklynn was dressed and ready to go. After some finishing touches in their lunches, some breakfast, family prayer and much anticipation it was time to go. I took some pictures in the back yard and then Steve took them to School. Daddy wasn't able to go and wait and make sure Brookie found the right place to go - So her wonderful big brother took good care of her and showed her the ropes - where to line up and all that stuff. He even found her at recesses to see if she wanted to play. He is such a sweetie! By all accounts the first day was successful!

Brookie has a wonderful teacher and was excited to have the same one that Ty had for 1st grade. Tyler's teacher is a mystery. I had never heard of her, but I am excited for him and anxious to meet his teacher!

My beautiful/handsome kids!

Ready for 3rd Grade!

My big girl already for 1st grade! This girl LOVES school!

Tyler Swimming

Here is a video of Ty's last swim meet! He loves the backstroke, so here it is!

Pregnancy Update!

I AM STILL PREGNANT! This is big news for us and we are so grateful for it. I have now officially made it past when my little Tater was born. In fact we have passed it by a week and a few days. I was never really worried that I wouldn't, but oh so grateful I did.

As for the rest, let's see. I give myself three shots of insulin a day. It has definitely helped keep my sugars 'normal.' I think it gets harder and harder the more shots I give myself. The first one wasn't so bad, now I have a little hesitation. The great thing about being on a strict diet is that I am not gaining as much weight as I would have other wise. I can't complain about that, hopefully it makes getting it off easier!

I am now on official bed rest. I don't have to lie flat or anything, but I have to kick back and relax all day. I am allowed to shower and make some food and stuff like that, but I am mostly just hanging out at home or at one of my many Dr's Appointments. My mom being here has made this so much easier on me and on Steve. She is my angel right now. I could not have done it without her. She is the best and I am grateful she is willing to live with us, in our not so big house and help! I am also so grateful for my Dad and his willingness to be without Mom for who knows how long! LOVES to you both!

I have to monitor my blood pressure and keep a log of that. My Dr. is super conservative and takes all precautions for which I am most grateful. So along with that I have now started Non-stress tests, twice a week. I also went for another ultra sound last week. It was fun to see the baby, but he is already in big trouble because he is right side up (breech). Yes, that is right, to top off all the other issues, I may end up with a c-section if he doesn't turn. I have a constant prayer in my heart that he will turn and hopefully soon.

Other than that I am good. I am tired, but I am happy and excited that this pregnancy is getting closer to the end.

Most of all I am getting excited to meet this little man and find out what he is all about!

The Battle with the Blood Sugar!

This Gestational Diabetes thing is really frustrating. It isn't so much about what I eat, I can deal with the Vegies and the limited bread/carbs and fruit (although the fruit thing is hard, especially with all the yummy fresh fruit around) and even eating lots of protien. I am dealing with all that, I am following the diet they gave me and I really am trying to get this thing under control. But when I eat what is 'good' for me and my blood sugar is too high, it is extremely frustrating. Why is it that I can eat the exact same thing for lunch two days in a row and one day the blood sugar is 'Normal' and the next it is too 'high?' I am baffled and I hope that when I see the Dr. again on Friday I will get some more guidance and answers.

I am determined not to complain, except maybe once in a while to Steve, my Mom, and my sisters. I am getting anxious as the end is getting closer. 60 days until my due date, but I am thinking/hoping they don't let me go to my due date - I don't need Jumbo Baby! HaHa. But really if I can just get to the 37 week mark I will be a happy camper.

I have been greatly blessed with some fantastic Doctors and that gives me some peace of mind. So as the battle continues, I know that I will be well taken care of and I am determined to WIN!

Is anyone out there?

I am just wondering - really are you there? No one seems to be reading or at least leaving any comments. I do love the comments. Come on make a hot (and not the good looking kind of hot) pregnant ladies day and comment. Really I would love it!

Out of the Heat

I do not love heat! I don't love being hot - give me some 80 degree weather and I am a happy girl. Once the thermometer starts creeping past 95 - I really don't like it. Now, add into that mix that I am a large, somewhat grumpy pregnant lady, let's just say it is not pretty. So I have more or less decided to just stay inside, unless absolutely necessary. I can't even take the kids swimming, but in my defense it is 109 degrees or so. Let's hope we cool down, just a little bit soon.



In that light and in a need to just escape for a little, Steve and I decided to head out to the coast Friday evening and then hit the beach on Saturday. It was spur of the moment and although in our early married years we did the spur of the moment thing often, with more kids it has happened less and less. So when we announced to the kids we were going these were the reactions:



Tyler - Looked at us oddly and said, "What?"
Brooklynn - With big tears in her eyes kept saying, "I don't understand, what do you mean?" She was most confused, I mean really confused, I explained it to her a number of times before she understand and was rolling with the idea.
Josh - Was naked and looking for his swimsuit in about 20 seconds. He just heard beach and was ready to go.



So with that we packed some clothes and left. Let me just say the 30 degree drop in temperature was WONDERFUL!



On Saturday, we enjoyed breakfast at Denny's, a quick check out of the outlet stores, a couple of hours at Avila beach (Steve thought it was cold), a lovely dip in the pool at the hotel and then we were on the road to head home. I am amazed at what a mere 24 hours out of this heat did for my spirits and the joy it brought the rest of the family. Well worth it!

Enjoying a snow cone! Josh picked green, he always pics green.

Proof I was there - I can't believe I am posting this lovely shot.

Swim Club

We found out this year that the Clovis Swim Club does a summer program at all the highschools. For a most reasonable price, especially for around here, we could sign Ty up and he would swim Monday to Friday every morning for an hour. It was a great way for him to improve his swimming and learn some of the more advanced strokes. Not to mention it is much cheaper than swimming lessons! To top it off once a week they would have a swim meet. How fun I thought - and it has been. Although we missed the first 2 swim meets while we were in Idaho/Utah. Tyler has completely enjoyed it. The first meet he swam in was a little crazy, he swam a 25 Free Style and a 25 Backstroke. It was so fun to watch him. Last week was great MINUS the 106 degree heat. He swam the butterfly leg of the relay and did great! The 25 Free and 25 back. They also put him in the 25 breaststroke, but he opted not to swim it because he does not love it. This week is his last meet and even though it will be hot still I am excited to get out there and watch him again! He is improving his times and although he hasn't necessarily been the fastest he is doing great and getting better. Not to mention that he has loved it. He will deny it and even say he wouldn't do it again next year, but he is a liar and you can tell by the look on his face when we are there!

Vacation Part 3 - Fourth of July

After our time in Bear Lake and to make our long trek from home worth it, we headed back down south to Julie and TJ's house. It was going to be another family reunion of sorts with everyone there except for my parents and Marilee. Adam braved bringing the kids on his own and left a sad lonely and very preggo Mar behind. We missed having her with us, but were happy we got to enjoy time with Adam and the kids.

We arrived at Julie's on Wednesday and just hung out and relaxed. Natalie had been in the hospital and had surgery the night before because she broke her elbow the night before. She was a trooper and had a pretty good day, despite her discomfort because of all the flowers and cookies and letters she recieved all day. She was very brave and Brooklynn was glad to be there to help her and do what she does best - Mother.

Thursday Julie and I braved taking the kids to Boondocks. When I say braved, I mean it was me and Julie with 11 children ranging in age from age 11 to almost 2. Not to mention little miss Natalie who was in a cast from wrist to arm pit. It was quite an adventure and I am glad to say that we didn't lose anyone. Everyone got a prize with the tickets they won and we didn't get rained on while trying to do the outdoor activities. We were also lucky enough to run into Misty and her kiddos. They were staying at her in-laws, who happen to live right around the corner from Julie. Anyway, it was fun to see them and I was most grateful to Justin who helped me out and took Brookie on the bumper boats!

The mini golfing crew

Justin and Brookie

Tyler and Logan on the bumper boats

On Friday we hung around all day and then in the evening after the Miller crew arrived we went to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house. I am sure I spelled that all wrong, but oh well. It was enjoyable, but it took a very, very long time. The temple was beautiful and I think the kids thought it was pretty cool, but by the end Steve and I were done. I thank the sweet worker who stopped me and suggested that we take the elevator because of all the stairs. I don't think Steve or I would have made it. We were quite the pair.

Natalie, Marin and Brookie

Me and my silly brother.

Julie snapped this cute one of our girls in their matching PJ's.

The fourth of July brought with it some great fun. Although not sure that we would even be there for it, Julie convinced all of us to get tickets to Stadium of Fire, with the Jonas Brothers. Oh yes people, we went and had a great time. Not only did we go to the show, but Julie had the great idea to go down early to Tailgate! So that is what we did. With 16 kids, plus Julie's babysitter and her younger sister, and 7 adults we parked it and ate some dinner! It was fantastic and saved us from battling traffic and worrying about getting there in time and finding parking. After a great meal and some fun visiting, we headed into the stadium. We split up in order for the cousins to each have a buddy. Steve, Adam, TJ, Ty, Jack, Brady, Garett and Logan sat in one area. Ryan, Nic, Amber, Annie, Justin, Spencer, Ben and Grace sat together. And the Julie, Me, Natalie, Reece, Brooklynn, Josh and Kirsten and her sister headed to the last group of seats. As far as I know everyone, including our little 2 year olds had a great time. I even got reports that Tyler and Jack were belting out the tunes and totally groovin! I think the winner for the party animal of the night was Reece - SHE LOVED IT! She danced and sung the whole show! The show really was fantastic and I'm glad JuJu talked us all into it. This was one of the best July 4th's ever!

Julie's traditional, but tedious, flag brownies

Spencer and Brookie


Cousins Grace and Reece

Brookie, Annie, Natalie and Marin

Waiting for the Jonas Brothers

Reece who loved the show soooo much!

That brings our vacation run down to an end. We chilled all day Sunday and then trekked back home on Monday. While it is always good to be home, I hate being so far away from all those that I love. I am blessed to have a great family that I love to be with. And that goes for both the Empey and Miller sides! LOVES to you all!!!

Vacation Part 2 - Bear Lake

After our little stop in Vegas we headed for Utah. After a night at my parents house and an early morning we started heading north again for Bear Lake. We had hauled all our camping gear and the kids were most excited to see their cousins.

Upon arriving at Bear Lake we drove right out to the beach to meet up with the Empey Family! It had been a long time since we had seen most of the family and it was wonderful to see them all. At least for the first 30 minutes. It was at that point that Tyler and some of the other kids started throwing water on Steve. Of course Uncle Steve is always up for a good water fight and throwing the kids into the water and what not. The water was high at the Lake this year due to all the rain they had been getting. This possed a big unseen hazard. As Steve started chasing Ty through the water he stepped into a hole and whamo - there goes his ankle. We assumed this hole had been dug before the water level got so high and was not visible to unsuspecting water goers. This was not a normal sprain as Steve initially thought it was and after some coaxing by his mom and his beautiful wife he agreed to go to the ER 23 miles away. Diagnosis - Broken! Not broken as in broken, but as in a chunk of bone was pulled away and was not looking so good in there. The Dr. oncall, who happened to be the OBGyn for the area, recommended seeing an Orthopedic surgeon, but for the time being Steve got to camp on crutches. We had not even set up our tent yet. We were quite the pair - me huge waddling and prego and steve on crutches. Oh the fun! We all know how much I love camping and this was not helping at all. Thankfully everything turned out great and despite the injury we had a great week.

• The kids, of course, had fun with their cousins.
• We had our traditional dutch oven cook off.
• Grandpa took Steve and Ty and Josh fishing. This was a huge hit with the boys.
• Brooklynn followed Grandma around and was her shadow and helper, she adores her Grandma and I think her Grandma adores her!
• Uncle Kelly set up an obstacle course for the kids and we all found out how fast Brooklynn is. She beat Haven and then went up against Tyler and she beat him too.
• We ate some great food
• We played at the beach
• We enjoyed spending time with everyone.

We love and miss you all and wish we weren't so far away.

Thanks to Kari and J, I do have a few pics to share. I don't think there is one of Ty, but I'm pretty sure Grandma will have some!Me and Steph! Here is a small glimpse of me Prego - Enjoy because I don't allow to many of these to be taken.

These two silly boys love and hate each other. They are almost like twins and loved not listening to us and wandering off together when they were told not to.

Brooklynn and Haven. They had a great time together and are both very silly girls!

Summer Vacation Part 1!

Just to remind you all this post will have no pictures. Sorry super boring, but such is life.

So our summer vacation started with a stop in Las Vegas. Steve had some work to do there so we all packed up jumped in the car and enjoyed a stop for a few days. Besides having a great time, it was a wonderful way to break up the drive. We stayed at a great hotel with a great pool (thank heavens) and thanks to Steve's quick thinking and talking we even got upgraded to a suite bigger than our house. No joke people it was really nice!

On day One in Vegas Steve worked all the day long and the kids and I spent the day by the pool. The pool was great, I would show you, but again no pictures. The kids loved it, I loved it and thankfully it wasn't unbearably hot. I found a nice spot under an umbrella, we had lunch by the pool and just enjoyed the change of scenery.

Day two brought with it some more fun. We decided to head down to the strip to take the kids to the Mandalay Bay Shark Reef Aquarium. In my opinion it was well worth the money and all the kids loved it. Josh was not so sure at first, but warmed up and all the way through would look at the animals and then try to find them in his information book. It was cute and all in all his favorite animal was the Kimodo Dragon and the red ball that was sitting in his enclosure to play with. Tyler loved the sharks and Brooklynn really enjoyed all of it. Once back at the hotel we headed back out to the pool and enjoyed swimming and being together as a family. I really am blessed with adorable great kids and a fantastic hubby!

On day Three we woke up, packed up, Steve finished up all his work and we hit the road to Utah. We arrived at my mom and dad's house, enjoyed a great Thunder Storm and got to catch up with Steve's buddy JD, his wife Christy and their 4 adorable kids. We lived by them for the few months that we lived in Logan, Utah when Ty was a baby.

This was a great start to our Vacation and although we all despise the drive to Utah, this stop definitely made it bearable.

I have to mention one thing about Josh that was awesome. Really the kid is always so funny, but he loved the Elevator. He always wanted to press the buttons and for whatever reason, it made his day everytime we let him press them. There was one time where he didn't get to press either button so as we were waiting for the Elevator to stop, Steve being the quick thinking dad that he is, told Josh to quickly press the button so the Elevator would stop. He did and when he realized that the Elevator stopped and the doors opened because he pressed the button he was so thrilled that as we got out he started cheering, raised the roof a little, and even gave us a 'woohoo,' he them proceeded to dance through the lobby. It was so cute and of course the rest of us got the giggles. I love that little boy! He is such a nut. Oh and I musn't forget that in Josh lingo, it is a 'MOTIVATOR' not an Elevator.

Updates coming.....

As usual after a great vacation I am suffering from PVB - you know the post vacation blues. To make it worse I still have not caught up on my sleep and am exhausted.

I am going to update, but after an unknown person got ahold of my camera at my sister's house and deleted all and I do mean all, as in every last one of my pictures from our vacation, I am trying to collect shots taken by the rest of the family. I was most disappointed with the loss of all the pictures but especially of a few of the fantastic shots I took. For example the one that Ty took of me by the pool in Vegas, the ones of Josh and Jake being crazy, Steve playing with Maggie. The one of Brooklynn with Grandpa Nelson it couldn't have been more adorable. The pictures of all of us outside the new Temple in Utah, all the pictures at Stadium of fire and the list goes on.

After a few hours of anger and a few tears, I came to the conclusion that the memories are what is really important and besides everyone else took some pictures too, so I'll just have to get all the copies!

With that, I will update in the next few days!