Tuesday, October 14, 2014

The Birth

The last few weeks I knew I was getting closer and closer to having this baby. I was getting more and more uncomfortable. You know that weird feeling when you sit down and you feel like you're sitting on a head. And then there's the needing to pee every half hour. My inner thighs starting to hurt because they're moving in anticipation for the birth. Oh my hips, lower back and sciatica...I was taking a rest and/or a nap daily but I was still beat. This baby was kicking my butt. 

I was having major contractions all day and even more at night. All I kept thinking and hoping was to NOT have this baby in September. I have 3 other boys' birthdays in September and wanted another October birthday. I kept talking myself into it. On Tuesday the 30th, the last day of September I was close...really close. I had a list of things I wanted and needed to get done before this baby could come. I put up the Halloween decorations with Jackson's help. I had Scott take the rest of my maternity pictures. I pre-bowled a game, packed my hospital bag, did laundry, went to a doctor's appointment, had Cafe Rio for lunch and get a few more things ready for the babe. 

By 9 pm that evening, my list was done, I was having major contractions, and was about ready to head to the hospital with Scott and a couple of the boys. Around 10 pm I decided to take a nap, and then we'd go. I woke up around 11:30 pm and everyone was asleep, so I decided to go back to bed too. At 4:30 am I woke up to a gnarly contraction and off we went.

When I arrived to the hospital they were wheeling me to triage to try and determine if I was ready or not, but when I told them this was my 8th boy and at an earlier doctor's appointment I was already dilated to a 4, they took me right to a room. When they checked me, I was already an 8 1/2! I got my epidural, they broke my water and with 2 pushes he was out of me. Yea!!! Will, Tyler, Gavin and a very close friend, Michelle, were there to witness the delivery. Gavin was able to cut the umbilical cord.

He was born at 9:33 am, and was 9 pounds 1 ounce and 20 inches long.  My mom landed at 10 am and was at the hospital my 10:30 am. She barely missed the delivery, but it was nice that she was there while I was in the hospital.

The second he was born I felt so much better. Instantly I was pain free. Yes, I had an epidural, but all those physical problems before were gone. Thank goodness!!




Scott was able to deliver another baby along side my doctor. And like I said, Gavin was able to cut the umbilical cord. 








Each of my boys have been born on a different day of the month, AND their weights have all been different.  We have also been good about not repeating a first or middle initial. We knew the date would work, but what about his weight? 9lbs 1 oz.  HE FITS!! 



Monday, October 6, 2014

Maternity Photoshoot



 The last week of September I knew I was progressing rapidly and that the baby would be coming soon. The day before the baby was born I had a list of "to-do's", one of which was my maternity pictures. We had taken several inside ones the previous weekend, but I wanted to head outside and take some others. Thank goodness I was able to take the time to get some shots before the baby arrived. (He came 12 hours later, by the way!!) 













Extra special THANKS to Scott for taking these pictures. Love you babe!

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Jump Around!!

Jackson's birthday is officially tomorrow, but he collected on one of his main gifts yesterday. Jackson invited a couple of friends and went to a place called Airborne. Will joined them as well, and man did they all have a blast. I was tired just watching them! There was several different rooms with tons of tramps to jump and flip on...But my favorite room was the XTREME room. It was a mini American Ninja Warrior course!!! So cool!!















 Here is most of the Extreme course that the boys practiced on over and over...It looked super fun and hard! 















Happy, happy birthday Jackson!! 

I'm glad you had a great time at Airborne. I love you with all my heart!!

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Map of Where We've Been



I've been wanting to make a cool map poster with all the places we've been on vacations and the places that we have visited before. I purchased a thin board and glued a foam cork board to it. I bought a high quality map and attached it to the cork board. I also purchased, cut and stained frame wooded pieces and attached those to the board.






I purchased a huge bag of beads with 10 different colors, which was perfect for my family of 10! Everyone chose their own color:
          Scott (dark green)
          Me (yellow)
          Will (white)
          Jackson (light blue)
          Tyler (red)
          Gavin (dark blue)
          Brigham (light green)
          Nathan (orange)
          Preston (brown)
          New baby (will be black)




Scott and I also searched for different traveling quotes, and we came up with this one;

"We haven't been everywhere, but it's on our list..."
We enjoy traveling with the family and visiting new sites around America. It's fun to see where we've been and where we still need to go!

This craft was super easy to make and under $25.00 to put together. 

Monday, September 8, 2014

15

Wait, that can't be right. 15 years ago my first son joined our family? 15 years seems a long time ago, but that sure went by fast.

I wish you all knew Will, he's a great kid. He's the best oldest child. Will is helpful, hard working, smart and fun. He is self motivated which is great for all his little brothers that look up to him. Will isn't afraid to try anything and everything. He's participated on the wrestling team, the cross country team, football team, basketball team, golf team, musicals at school, lacrosse team, student council, several different clubs at school, scouting program and much more. 

Will has been a straight A student for as long as I can remember. He's enrolled in all Honor or advanced classes. He received his Eagle at age 13. He enjoys hunting, football, lacrosse and of course his new love skiing. He has already figured out what classes he needs to take in his Jr. and Sr. year to get him the most college credits so he can be ahead of the game. 

As summer started he vigorously looked for a job that would allow a 14 year old to do. He wanted to make some extra money so he could focus on park skiing. Will knows he can join any club or team or camp but has to pay half. He was thinking ahead, skiing cost a lot of $$!

Here are just a few pictures of him through out the years.

























Will you are a stud. You're a great example to me and I love you with all my heart. Continue on the path you're on, you'll accomplish lots of wonderful things!


HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!