Monday, September 30, 2013

Luca's Blessing

We blessed Luca yesterday in our ward.  The day worked out well in that Luca had his hardest day yet- crying all the time, wanting to nurse ALL THE TIME, etc- but he didn't cry during his blessing!  He resumed crying right after, though.   We were so glad to have Kaylon's mom and my dad there to share the day with us.

Caught him in between screams to give the illusion of calm.
 What he really looked like all day.




I had a moment in the morning when it was just Luca and me in my room and I realized that Mom wasn't going to be here in person.  I allowed myself to cry for a minute.  She had been to all the other blessings, and while I am sure she was there in spirit, it felt wrong for her to not be there.  But I imagine that is how life will be for now on- happy moments tinged with just a little sadness.  But still an overwhelming happiness, for we are truly blessed and have many people who love us. 

Monday, September 23, 2013

Friday, September 20, 2013

Starting to Wake Up

 Just because he's so handsome with his eyes open :)




Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Big Sister Love

 Has there ever been a boy so loved?  I think not...



 Little explanation on this last one- Moira made Luca his own castle and insisted he lay in it.  Good thing he's still pretty scrunched up so that he could fit! 

Coming Home From the Hospital


Do you see all that blue and brown?  Yup!  No pink or purple here- we are bringing home a BOY!


Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Welcome Luca!

 On September 16th, 2013, after two days of frustrating pre-labor, our lives were forever changed with the arrival of our 5th child, and first son, Luca Merrill.  He weighed in at 8lbs5oz, and measured 21 inches long.  Labor and delivery went well, even though neither my doctor, nor the hospitalist made it.  My water broke when I was completely dilated and I told Kaylon I had to start pushing.  Our wonderful nurse quickly arrived with a resident, who had time to put on her gloves, but not break down the bed, before our little boy arrived.  There was some meconium in my fluid, so they could not give him right to me, which was fine, but no one was telling me if it was a boy or girl!  Finally I asked, and the doctor asked Kaylon if he wanted to make the announcement.  He hadn't even looked yet he was so wrapped up in seeing the baby!  He announced, "It's a game changer!  It's a boy!"




The girls were thrilled to hear that they finally had a baby brother- especially Moira who had been praying for that every night.  They happily made the drive after school to meet the new member of our family.

Overall things are going well.  Luca is sleeping as well as can be expected.  I have tons of help from Kaylon and his mom, as well as our four little mommas.  We'll see if I'm still this positive next week when all the help goes away, but for now, life is good, and I'm grateful to have this opportunity to raise a son- a whole new adventure.

Sunday, September 15, 2013

39 Weeks Pregnant

Turns out this was taken a little more than 24 hours before I gave birth.  I was so miserable I could barely smile.  Yup, I was ready to pop.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

1st Day of School

Second and Fourth Grades- Can you believe it?