Victoria

Some cute pics of my beautiful daughter.

She is still very little. We don't have an official weight, but from me stepping on the scale (ugh) and then stopping on again while holding her we guess she weighs about 7 1/2 pounds. 

She is also a big pain in the butt. I love her to pieces, but she isn't happy unless she is being held. It makes it really hard to get anything done. So I hold her most of the day and Tim tries to help out at night. The boys also like to hold her, but she doesn't like that as well. And she rarely lasts more than 5 minutes in the swing or bouncer.

 Love love love these cute ones with the tutu. The pink with the teal background looks awesome!

 I am so in love with her outie belly button. It's just freaking cute!!

Ack! I can't believe my baby girl is already more than a month old. She has already changed our lives and completed our family. I can't imagine not having her.

Victoria's Birth Story

Since this was my 5th pregnancy and Beckett came really fast I was a bit worried about how quickly Victoria would make her arrival. I was terrified of delivering her in the car or at home with no help. So Tim was on standby. For multiple days. I have a few pieces of paper with the timing of my contractions written down since I was having quite a few and never knew if it was real or not. I even called my doctor one of those days and he told me to head to the hospital. I did. And Tim and I sat around being bored for a couple of hours while I didn't progress at all in an evaluation room. Oh the joys.

I was seriously tired of timing contractions. I vowed I wouldn't time them again at all. That I would just wait until they really hurt. But on October 28 that went out the window. It seemed like they were coming fairly regularly so I started timing them around 3:00. I texted Tim and let him know that I was timing. Again. But I still wasn't sure. So he didn't rush home. Around 7:00pm they seemed to be about 6-8 minutes apart. So I called Becky to come grab the boys and Tim and I headed to the hospital. We got there around 8:30pm. Tim and Becky both thought this was it, but I still wasn't sure.

When we told the nursing staff that my contractions were 6-8 minutes apart they didn't bother with an evaluation room. We headed right to labor and delivery. (I must say this freaked me out a little.) They hooked me up to the monitors, had me rate my pain (it was very low), and we waited. I decided to give natural birth a try so I was walking around and trying to get things moving. At 10:30 I was checked and I was only at a 5. This was very disheartening. I felt like I had been laboring for a very long time already. My longest labor before now was 7 hours. And Beckett was a total of 4 1/2, with less than an hour of that being at the hospital.

At about midnight the midwife came in and broke my water since I still wasn't progressing a ton. And it took about 5 minutes for me to realize there was absolutely no way I was going to be able to go natural. So I promptly requested an epidural. Yay for modern medicine! At this point things got super boring. I wasn't feeling pain and since it was the middle of the night there wasn't a whole lot on TV. You can see the pic below of how Tim spent most of this time.

And I was even able to sneak in about 45 minutes of a nap. Thank goodness for my amazing sister Becky who stayed up way too late texting me. She helped with my sanity.

I was checked again at 4:00am and I was dilated to a 7 and 90% effaced. I was less than thrilled. But at least I was making some decent progress at this point. At 5:05am I was dilated to a 9+ and almost completely effaced. And at 6:05am I started pushing. My cute little baby girl finally made her arrival at 6:23am 13 days before her due date of November 11. So in total about 16 hours. Which is more than both Holden and Beckett combined.

She had a super short and fat umbilical cord. So they weren't able to put her up on my chest at first. She could only reach my stomach since it was so short. She also didn't cry at first. They took her over to the warmer to check her out and I couldn't hear anything. I was really scared for a minute or two. But they were able to get her lungs going and assured me that she was doing great.

She weighed 6 pounds 8 ounces and was 19 1/2 inches long. She scored an 8 and then a 9 on Apgar. And she was (and still is) perfection. She totally completes our family. And we all love her to pieces.

Halloween

This for Halloween Holden decided to dress up as Indiana Jones and Beckett was Iron Man. They both looked stinkin' adorable. Tim took them out trick or treating while I stayed home with the baby. They both got way too much candy and had a ton of fun. Overall, it was a very low key holiday and I loved it.

 

We had a lot more trick or treaters this year than in years past, but still not a ton. The boys loved answering the door to hand out candy before and after they went out to get their own. And I loved not having to get up every two seconds. 

 

Since I was very pregnant during the month of October I didn't have a ton of energy. Which means I had zero desire to carve pumpkins. Thankfully we were able to talk the boys into just using Mr. Potato head type decorations. Although this was after Holden spent all of two seconds cleaning his pumpkin out. He was dead set on carving it. Until he realized how much work it would be to clean it out. He HATES getting his hands dirty, so it didn't take long for him to realize it just wasn't worth it. And I love how they turned out. Especially because it was insanely easy to do. Pretty sure this is the new norm for my family.

September Soccer

Obviously I am a big blog slacker. (Let's blame it on the pregnancy.) So I'm going to play a little catch up.

September was a fun month. The boys were finishing up soccer. And I was anxiously awaiting the end of it. Holden had practice on Mondays and Wednesdays. Beckett had practice on Thursdays. And both of them had a game on Saturday morning. I was on soccer overload. But they love it. Holden is very good and really gets in there. He goes after the ball and isn't afraid to jump in front of other players to steal it. I have loved seeing him progress and get better and better. He is a very athletic kid.

Beckett, on the other hand isn't sure. Tim and I were sure he would start soccer this year and be a star player. He's been watching Holden play for a couple of years and practicing with him in the back yard. But that was definitely not the case. He wouldn't even play the first half of his first game. He just sat on my lap and hid his head in my shoulder. Thankfully, he got over that. But he still doesn't usually know where the ball is. He just kind of runs around with his other team mates and swings his arms around. Although he does enjoy it. And that's really all that matters.

All About Holden Age 7: Football Edition

I know I say it every year, but I can't believe I have a seven year old!!!

1. What do you want to be when you grow up?
A- A football player

2. What makes you happy?
A- My baby sister

3. What makes you sad?
A- Being yelled at

4. What makes you laugh?
A- Dad tickling me.

5. What is your favorite color?
A- Orange

6. What is your favorite toy?
A- My guns

7. How tall are you?
A- 4 feet

8. How much do you weigh?
A- 49.6 pounds (yes, he weighs himself often)

9. What’s your favorite thing to do?
A- Play football

10. Where is your favorite place to go?
A- To the baseball stadium

11. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go?
A- To Denver

12. What are you really good at?
A- Football (are you seeing a theme?)

13. What are you not so good at?
A- Hockey

14. What is your favorite thing about school?
A- Recess

15. What is your favorite food?
A- All the meats

16. What food don't you like?
A- Veggies

17. Are you a morning person or a night person?
A- Morning

18. What makes you proud of yourself?
A- Winning a soccer game

19. If you were a cartoon character, who would you be?
A- Spongebob

20. What‘s your favorite TV show?
A- Football

21. What is your favorite movie?
A- Planes (he just chose the last one we saw in the theater)

22. What is your favorite book?
A- Record Breakers (it's all about football records)

23. Who are your friends?
A- Max and Cameron

24. Who is your best friend?
A- Max

25. What do you like most about your dad?
A- That he likes the Denver Broncos

26. What do you like most about your mom?
A- That she likes the Denver Broncos

27. What do you like most about Beckett?
A- That he likes the Denver Broncos (seriously!?)

28. What do you like most about Victoria?
A- That she's cute

28. What do you like most about yourself?
A- That I'm good at football.

Guess When Baby Victoria Will Arrive

 

Head over to ExpectNet and guess when baby Victoria will be arriving. You can guess date, time, weight, and length. We have done this with Holden and Beckett as well and love it. It's fun to see everyone's guesses.

Mutton Bustin'

Every year the rodeo comes to West Jordan. This year, we talked Holden and Beckett into doing mutton bustin'. If you don't know, this is where someone climbs onto a sheep and hangs on for as long as possible while the sheep runs away and tries to get them off. Both boys were really excited to try it and they did great! They were number 2 and 3 in line, which meant they didn't have to wait long for some fun.

Holden got a score of 80 and Beckett a score of 81. The 81 put Beckett in third place and qualified him for the finals on the next night. Holden was extremely upset that he didn't place and wouldn't let us take a picture. And Beckett didn't help with his excitement over his bigger trophy.

So the next night (Saturday) we headed back to the rodeo for Beckett to compete in the mutton bustin' finals. He was insanely excited to try again and to get another trophy. It was raining this night and the field was muddy and beyond filthy. Beckett was number 9 to compete so he had to wait a bit before he could get filthy. But he did get filthy. Although he fell off the sheep super fast this time and immediately started crying. He wasn't hurt or scared. He was mad that he didn't hang on as long as he wanted to. Which means he did not place this night and did not get another trophy. He did, however, get a belt buckle. 

We are so proud of both boys. They did amazing. They tried their hardest, showed no fear, and did something new and a bit scary. I couldn't ask for anything more.

Anxiety

Tomorrow (June 19) is my ultrasound with my doctor to see our little baby. I will be exactly 19 weeks and 2 days along in my pregnancy. And I have to say my anxiety is through the roof! I've talked to Tim about it a number of times, but could never quite figure out why I was feeling so anxious. But as the ultrasound gets nearer and nearer I'm pretty sure this is what the majority of it has been about.

On July 5, 2005 at exactly 19 weeks and 6 days we found out that our little Quentin's heartbeat was no longer beating. In my heart, I know things will be okay this time around. But I still can't help but worry. What if her heart has stopped? What if she isn't growing properly? What if something is wrong? So many what ifs! I don't know if I can handle another loss. I'm just not strong enough.

I know not many people read this blog anymore, but I needed to get my feelings out there. And Facebook is just a little too public. If you do read this, please say a little prayer for me tonight. And for this little girl growing inside of me.

Ultrasound Pics

Here are a couple ultrasound pics from a couple of weeks ago. This wasn't our regular 20 week ultrasound. I talked Tim into going to Fetal Fotos at 15 weeks so we could find out the gender of our little one. And we did. It's a girl!!! I'm beyond thrilled.

And a little part of me is still afraid that an extra appendage will magically appear in the next ultrasound we have. I think after four boys I was convinced I was never going to get my girl.

All About Mom: by Holden and Beckett

In honor of Mother's Day I asked Holden the questions below. This is something I love doing every year, but I totally forgot this year! So it's a bit late, but here it is anyway.

Questions about mom:

1. What is something mom always says to you?
Holden- Be nice
Beckett- I love you

2. What makes mom happy?
Holden- Me being nice
Beckett- Smelling flowers

3. What makes mom sad?
Holden- Me running away
Beckett- When it's raining and I'm sad

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
Holden- Tickle me
Beckett- Saying a joke

5. What was your mom like as a child?
Holden- A little girl
Beckett- Being nice

6. How old is your mom?
Holden- 33 (wow! he got it right!)
Beckett- 33 (holy crap! They both got it right!)

7. How tall is your mom?
Holden- 40 inches
Beckett- Big

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
Holden- Go out on dates with dad
Beckett- Go to a play

9. What does your mom do when you are not home?
Holden- Sit and watch TV
Beckett- You just get us from school and bring us home.

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
Holden- To be a movie star
Beckett- A dress

11. What is your mom really good at?
Holden- Teaching me something
Beckett- Gymnastics (really!? So not true)

12. What is your mom not good at?
Holden- Being funny (ha ha ha! I laughed out loud)
Beckett- Football

13. What does your mom do for a job?
Holden- Be a couponer
Beckett- Work

14. What is your mom's favorite food?
Holden- Chocolate molten lava cake (seriously. It's heaven)
Beckett- Bananas

15. What makes you proud of your mom?
Holden- Trying to have a baby. (alrighty then)
Beckett- Getting a new toy.

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Holden- Supergirl
Beckett-  Nia (from Ninjago)

17. What do you and your mom do together?
Holden- Watch TV and snuggle
Beckett- Go have fun

18. How are you and your mom the same?
Holden- We have the same colored skin
Beckett- Wearing the same clothes

19. How are you and your mom different?
Holden- Your hair is long and mine is short
Beckett- Playing Wii

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
Holden- 'Cause she kisses me
Beckett- I just know that

21. What does your mom like most about your dad?
Holden- That he has short hair
Beckett- Making Lil' Cheddar Meatloaves

22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
Holden- Girls night out
Beckett- Chick-fil-a (this would be a big negative)

Holy Cow! Timothy is 16!

16 years ago today after 7 1/2 hours of labor I gave birth to my beautiful, Timothy James at 3:43 in the morning. I remember both my mom and my sister Becky being with me throughout the whole thing. It was the first time Becky had ever really dealt with labor and delivery and I remember her commenting on how boring it was. Because, really, it involves a lot of doing nothing while the contractions progress.

I also remember that my Bishop at the time came to the hospital to give me a blessing. And without being asked stayed in the waiting room the whole time so that he could give my new baby a blessing as well. And Becky's boyfriend Justin (who is now her hubby) also stayed in the waiting room the whole time. It was an intensely emotional night and I will never forget all those who were there for me during that time.

Holding my baby for the first time, knowing that I only had hours to get my fill was magical. He was perfect. But I knew from the moment he entered this world that he was never meant to be mine. I know without a doubt that I met his amazing mother, Lena, in the pre-existence and we discussed the trials that we would both go through to bring this little boy into the world. I still feel that bond with her and am so thankful that she was ready to take this boy and make him her own. She has shaped him into an incredible young man. I will be forever grateful for her and her family. 

I love you, Timothy! I hope you have an amazing birthday!

I know he isn't mine, but I felt his little feet kick my ribs for weeks on end.
I know he isn't mine, but I rejoice in his accomplishments and mourn for his losses.
I know he isn't mine, but his eyes and ears and feet are.
I know he isn't mine, but I can't imagine my life if he had never entered it.
I know he isn't mine, but I will always be his.
I am not his mom, I cannot take credit for his deeds.
But I am his birth mother, and I am responsible for his life.

And Then There Were Five...

So in case any of you aren't on Facebook (really!?) Tim and I are expanding our family by one. Another baby will be joining our family in November of this year!

We are all very excited. And the boys are over the moon. They ask quite often how the baby is doing and if they can feel it practicing karate yet. We also have a book that shows how the baby is growing and changing each week and they both love looking at it to see what is going on with their baby. I didn't get to experience this with the other kids so I love that I get to this time around. Holden is especially interested in learning more about what is going on and keeping up to date on how big the baby is.

I am also insanely grateful for my husband. I have been quite sick this time around. I have never experienced morning sickness with any of my four other pregnancies so it's hard to know how to handle it. And I think it's thrown Tim for a loop as well. I'm so thankful that he comes home every day to find me on the couch amid the mess of our house while our kids stare at the TV screen and doesn't blink an eye. He has been great with doing more around the house while I do less and less. I HATE not feeling up to doing things like I used to. I HATE that my house is messy, my laundry isn't done, the trash isn't being taken out, and all of the other things that are being un-done. But I can hate it just a little less knowing my husband is there to help pick up the slack.

I'm also thankful for my sister, Becky, who listens to my cry when I'm sick (yes, this has actually happened) and complain when I have no energy. Hopefully this all passes within a few weeks and life will get back to normal. So I can be a better wife, mother, and sister. And mostly, complain less often. But until then, a big thanks to all my friends and family who have been there for me. I appreciate you more then you know.

All About Beckett: Age Four!!

I can't believe my baby is four today! It seems like only yesterday that this little man came home with me. He has forever changed our lives. He is my hellion, get into trouble, stubborn, snuggley baby boy and I love him to pieces. Happy Birthday Beckett!

1. What do you want to be when you grow up?
A- A doctor

2. What makes you happy?
A- Having parties.

3. What makes you sad?
A- If Holden hits me.

4. What makes you laugh?
A-Holden saying a funny word.

5. What is your favorite color?
A- Red

6. What is your favorite toy?
A- My Hot Wheels

7. How tall are you?
A- 3 feet tall - I grew while I was sleeping!

8. How much do you weigh?
A- 22

9. What’s your favorite thing to do?
A- Race with Holden.

10. Where is your favorite place to go?
A- McDonalds (sigh).

11. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go?
A- Florida

12. What are you really good at?
A- Running

13. What are you not so good at?
A- Doing a punch trip.

14. What is your favorite thing about school?
A- Playing with the toys.

15. What is your favorite food?
A- Crackers.

16. What food don't you like?
A- Meatloaves

17. Are you a morning person or a night person?
A- Morning

18. What makes you proud of yourself?
A- Being crazy

19. If you were a cartoon character, who would you be?
A- Fire man (Johnny Storm from Fantastic Four)

20. What‘s your favorite TV show?
A- Tom and Jerry Tales

21. What is your favorite movie?
A- Wreck it Ralph

22. What is your favorite book?
A- Mad Marvin

23. Who are your friends?
A- Jack, Ella, and Emily.

24. Who is your best friend?
A- Aniston

25. What do you like most about your dad?
A- When he does memememe (tickles him).

26. What do you like most about your mom?
A- Getting a kiss.

27. What do you like most about Holden?
A- Him playing with me.

28. What do you like most about yourself?
A- That I'm nice to other people.

If You Were Busy...

I was going through some old things today and found a ton of old stories and poems from years ago. I plan on posting a few of them from time to time. I thought this one was written by my amazing mom, Joan Archibald, but it turns out it's not. Guess that goes to show what you can decide is true as a youngin'.

I absolutely love it and couldn't help but share it.

If you were busy being kind,
Before you knew it you would find
You'd soon forget to think 'twas true
That someone was unkind to you.

If you were busy being glad
And cheering people who seemed sad,
Although your heart might ache a bit,
You'd soon forget to notice it.

If you were busy being good,
And doing just the best you could,
You'd not have time to blame some man
Who's doing just the best he can.

If you were busy being true
To what you know you ought to do,
You'd be so busy you'd forget
The blunders of the folks you've met.

If you were busy being right,
You'd find yourself too busy quite
To criticize your brother long,
Because he's busy being wrong.

JJ: What is Your Favorite TV Show and Why

I will be the first to admit that I watch too much TV. But there is also a favorite for me. And while I know I'm a bit of a geek, it's definitely The Vampire Diaries.

So what is the Vampire Diaries about? THE VAMPIRE DIARIES is the story of two vampire brothers, obsessed with the same girl, in a small town where supernatural beings live in secret amongst its residents. In season one, Stefan (Paul Wesley) and Damon Salvatore (Ian Somerhalder), returned to their hometown of Mystic Falls, Virginia, for very different reasons. Stefan was determined to get to know Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev), who bears a striking resemblance to Katherine Pierce (also played by Dobrev), the beautiful but ruthless vampire the brothers knew and loved — in 1864.

It is AWESOME!! My favorite part? Damon Salvatore. I'm a bit obsessed. Tim often makes fun of me for it. Damon Salvatore is my person that I'm allowed to cheat on Tim with if the situation ever presents itself. Which it never will since Damon Salvatore is a character in the show and not an actual person. Because while I'm in love with Damon, the actor who plays him (Ian Somerholder) is just eh for me.

If you haven't watched this show yet then you need to. Now. No, seriously. Go find it on Netflix or Amazon or your local video store. You will love it. 

Temper Tantrums

Last month was full of wonder, family, presents, and temper tantrums. That's right, temper tantrums. I honestly don't remember what either child was crying over, but I do know that they both happened on the same day. And they were both over the top. I just couldn't resist taking a picture as the crying ensued.

I took a picture of Beckett crying and that made him even more mad. So I was able to get this one of his lovely face.

And maybe an hour or two later Holden decided he needed to have a temper tantrum as well. And, yes, I promise I do feed him.