One day I'll get back to blogging. As for now other little people have taken over my life. Speaking of little people...it's amazing how one little person could create more laundry than any other person in the house. That's alright though, I'm glad he's here and more than happy to do his laundry.

For now enjoy the new pics of this precious little guy. This is the little lumber Jack at 13 days old.





I swear...either he's the perfect baby or since he's the fourth I'm much more relaxed with having him around. I think in some ways it's easier to be a parent the fourth time instead of the first...you worry a lot less and enjoy it a lot more.







No newborn pics are complete with out a picture of the sweet little feet! (I should patten that line and sell it to photographers...I could make millions!)



If you're looking for a photographer in the valley check Brian out at shutteroptic.com

I think it's back to reality...

Bathrooms, laundry, vacuuming, sweeping, cooking dinner, homework all the usual stuff done today. I just kept telling myself: "I can do this." "I can handle four kids." "I am not tired." Now the day is over all four are sleep, one currently asleep on my chest as I type and I survived. I didn't get a shower and am still in my pajama pants with my hair tied on top of my head but at least I'm alive.

This little one is super sweet. He doesn't seem to be high maintenance, last night he only woke up to eat once between 8pm and 6:30am...I'm hoping that wasn't a fluke. He smiles when you talk to him and is pure joy to have. Now if I could say only say that about the other three. :)

Now it's time for bed for me.

Introducing...

Our little "Lumber Jack"


He arrived on Saturday September 10, 2011 at 5:26pm and like I said before weighed in at 11lbs 2oz and was 22inches long. I will record the details of his birth in the days to come. Each of his older brothers really enjoy him. They all like to take turns holding him and thus far we have yet to see any jealousy issues.

He seems to have a very calm demeanor about him and doesn't mind sleeping as long as he sleeps in my arms or Pops' arms at night. Needless to say we've been sharing our bed with him and could have skipped on setting up the crib...hopefully he'll use it eventually. :) For the mean time I don't mind having him next to us each night.



It's nice to once again look down and see my toes and now that he's out I will paint them once again. I wanted to get a pedicure before he came but never got around to it. Now I don't have an excuse as to why I can't paint the toenails.

I had the most amazing nurse during labor...she deserves her own post. For now I'll just say that when your going through transition during labor and your nurse is right there rubbing your feet you know you got it good.

And for Pops...Again he deserves his own post but having an amazing birthing partner is what makes a natural birth doable. Since this is the fourth it's like he new exactly what to do or what not to do.



The boys got to meet him for the first time the following day. It was so neat to watch them and their reactions to their new brother.


Boss wanted to be the first to hold him...the still camera wasn't quite ready yet. He found great enjoyment with the gloves at the hospital...as did his cousins. It made for quite the giggle fest.


Crate LOVES to kiss his little brother and always has to take a turn holding him too!


Alright, Mr. Lumber Jack needs me. I will be posting the birth story shortly. For now a quick word of thanks to:
My mother, who so kindly came and stayed here at the house and made the first week with four kids a breeze. I didn't do a load of laundry all week thanks to her. The boys already miss her tons.
The three very kind sisters in the ward who brought meals...what a big act of service this was to our family.
The many people from the ward who popped in with freezer meals, gifts and sweet messages for the new arrival.
And for Pops and the boys who have been very helpful and patient with me throughout the week.

When I look at the family Heavenly Father has blessed me with I feel overwhelmed with gratitude. It is a beautiful thing.

He's here safe and sound. Labor was an amazing experience. Delivery was really hard but it wasn't horribly long. He's a whopping 11lbs 2oz and beautiful. I am extremely blessed. Everything went well and I was able to hold off getting any meds once again. I can't believe I have four children. Four! Pictures will come as for right now I'm enjoying holding this big bundle in my arms!

He's coming today! Can't wait to hold him!

So far today I've walked four miles, climbed 15 flights of stairs, rubbed Clary Sage oil on my belly and now I'm off for a warm shower. You would think one of those things would get things going...

Maybe next post will be a picture of the little one?

41 weeks + and counting...

Today I took Crate to the zoo. It was 8am and only 214 degrees outside...not bad for September. I walked and walked and walked. While doing so I sang "Pioneer children sang as they walked and walked and walked and walked..." Is the song now stuck in your head too? Anyhow, that obviously did not induce labor. I think I've given up on the idea that walking induces labor. Do you realize I've walked about 50 miles in the last 8 days. And that is no joke.

Anyhow I had a non-stress test this afternoon. Which was pretty non-stressful. Baby looks perfect, water levels are perfect, heartbeat is perfect...he's a pretty happy camper right about now. I'm hoping he'll pack up his camping tent and head on down the valley really, really soon. Maybe tomorrow?

Crate peed in the toilet for the first time tonight. I don't think he had a clue what he was doing but it was exciting for him non the less. However no potty training will be going on in our house anytime soon unless he's a complete genius when it comes to knowing his bladder.

You know I've been doing a lot of cleaning lately when my one year old insists on carrying the vacuum attachments around pretending to clean the furniture and floor...he's even sleeping with the attachment as I write. Holy cow...I'm ready for a new hobby other than cleaning.

Tomorrow is Friday! Yeah for Friday!

Pops has had a busy week during the evenings...I'm ready for him to be home one of these nights and get the boys to bed while I rest in a warm bath eating chocolate. (That is a really nice thought, huh.)

I should have taken a picture at the 41 week mark...I think I'm still in shock that it's come and gone and I still haven't touched this little guy.

And yes, it is a boy for sure...nothing has changed over the last 5 months. The ultrasound tech was more than convinced and so am I.

German pancakes with grapes and watermelon were on the menu for dinner tonight...can you tell that: A. I'm done cooking and B. Pops wasn't here to worry about cooking for. It's a good thing these boys have a father that lives in this home or I'm pretty sure I would attempt cooking a true dinner about once a month.

I've always been over due but this is officially the longest I've gone...Don't "they" say that with each pregnancy your body becomes more aware of what to do? I'm so done with theories now.

Buster said he thinks it'll happen tomorrow. I hope he's right.

I almost thought tonight would be the night. I even started packing a hospital bag. Then I started vacuuming and while doing so I ended up taking the cushions off the couches and giving the couch a good vacuum. Then I started laundry, fed the boys, whipped down the bathrooms, folded laundry hoping that would keep the contractions coming...no such luck I guess. I didn't realize how hard it was to endure a contraction with three very LOUD boys right by my side. I think I did pretty well keeping my patience level high.

I have thought about the things I'll miss being pregnant, here are a few...

~feeling the baby move inside of me
~having people including strangers be extra nice and helpful
~the kind comments that include phrases like "you're glowing"
~the good excuse it is to get you out of things you don't really want to do. :) Not that I've ever used it of course...
~the extra care and concern people show
~the ability to be lazy and not feel guilty
~the ability to image what this new little baby will look like
~the closeness to the little baby spirit waiting to come
~the ability to park in the parking spaces marked "Expectant Mother parking" (I wish every store had a few of those)
~eating what I want and not thinking twice about it. :)Diet starts after the baby is born right?

There are many more things I'll miss and I could make a long list of the things I won't miss...no need to focus of the negative though. :)

On the to-do list for tomorrow:
~visit doctor
~attend cub scouts
~have baby

Darn you Labor day...you didn't live up to your name for me this year.

I guess I still have about 5 more hours to start labor...keeping my fingers crossed.

40 Weeks and counting...

This is what I see each time I look down...


This picture was taken on the due date...


I visited the doctor again this past week:

Highlight: I lost two pounds! (I think it's cause I didn't eat breakfast but either way it looked good on paper)
Low-light: No more progress since last week, still at a 3.

He told me if I wanted I could have the baby Friday...that would be tomorrow. I opted to let this little guy cook a bit longer and try to come on his own. I was happy to hear that I can go another two full weeks before we'll start talking about inducing. I'm hoping it won't take that long but I'm glad I'm not being pressured.

Once again things are all ready for this guy...bathrooms done, laundry completely done, floor is clean and each night I've been making the boys' lunches before heading to bed just in case something happens in the middle of the night. Hopefully it won't happen on the night I bypass making lunch.

I keep telling this little guy that this weekend would be great for him to come...Pops has minimal work and church responsibilities to take care of, the boys are off of school on Monday, my doctor is on call this weekend...everything looks good. I hope he listens!

Boss wanted to show off his army glasses and his "way cool sniper riffle" Pops made for him. It's amazing how an empty roll of wrapping paper can become the coolest toy in the house. Go figure...


Crate wanted to get in on the picture taking action too!

Speaking of Crate he's back to climbing on top of the table. Which means for me that all chairs have to continue to be on top of the table at all times. Lovely...the chairs are a beast to lift up and take down each time we want to use the table. Ahhh, the beauty of an almost two year old.

This is the only picture I could get of Buster...little stinker is becoming camera shy.


Lately I've been reading Alma in the Book of Mormon. His testimony is amazing along with those who were converted. Makes sharing the gospel very exciting. We have two new neighbors that recently moved in. My goal is to get to their houses this week and meet them. I hope they're nice. :)