My Little Helper

When all was quiet in our house and everyone under the age of 2 was asleep...
Emma and I were able to have some 1 on 1 time.
Daddy needed some rice crispy treats made for a YM activity
and since my little helper was available, I put her to work.

Guess what she's doing?

Oh, yeah! Licking the spoon is the best reward for hard work!

Who needs a dishwasher, when your kids can get spoons this clean?

A Belated Gift

Apparently Keira felt bad about showing up 2 days before my 30th birthday without a gift (although she is a gift from God). So she decided to give me a gift last night. She went to bed at 915pm and didn't wake up until 430am for her first feeding!! That's over 7 hours!! Amazingly she is exactly 4 weeks old today.
Thank you Keira. With the 10 new grey hairs that came along with a 4th child, a good nights sleep was a MUCH BETTER gift!

Fall Festivities

To bring in the crisp cool weather and pump the kids up for the Holiday season we stopped by a local pumpkin patch. We really didn't need any pumpkins but the haybale maze was more then enough to entertain the kids for 1/2 hour. Especially when Dad spent most of the time answering the kids pleas to play hide and go seek inside of it. (what a good Dad)

Everyone is holding their harvest pumpkin...even me.

And here's Larry, always ready to carve the pumpkins. I think he was more excited to do it then the kids were!

The girls couldn't wait for the pumpkin seeds to be cleaned and ready to eat!

Personally I can't stand sticking my hand into the nasty, stringy pumpkin guts. It's a good thing we have some boys in this family!!

And here's Ben pushing Sydney's hand out of the pumpkin.
He's definitely at the height of his stubborn toddler stage.

A Hat With A Past

Keira received a very special opportunity this week. Grandma Nancy passed down a family treasure to me that was perfect for Keira. When my mom was a baby her Grandmother Sarah Thomas knit her a beautiful pink and off-white baby hat. Which makes this precious family heirloom 61 years old.

Keira's great-great-grandmother spent most of her free time crocheting.

And grew up in the happenin' town of Malad, Idaho.

Her ancestors, the Richards, came from Wales with the Mormon pioneers through Liverpool, England Harbor to Salt Lake City.

Brigham Young sent them to Birgham City, UT and then later to Malad, Idaho.

And there they settled.

I think Keira wears the hat perfectly!

Doesn't she look old fashioned?

Is It Littering Or What? My Soap Box.

Growing up in the South-Western States and traveling many miles driving the open roads to visit family and friends something has come to my attention and really struck a nerve. I'm sure many of you have seen them for years...the white crosses on the sides of the road decorated with fake flowers and other treasured mementos to mark the site of a loved ones death. Now seriously people...isn't that littering? Isn't that a little creepy? What if an accident happened on your street, right in front of your house? Would you want one of those there? Personally I think it's a little creepy to have such signs being placed all over the roadsides. Although the cake topper of all of these interesting constant reminders of someones bloody car accident was the one I saw just a few miles from my home. It was not only highly loved by someone with loads of fake flowers, but it had been updated to keep with the changing seasons. I am sure that the loved one is in Heaven looking down at this white cross with cheap-o Halloween decorations from Wal-mart thinking..."Gee thanks, I'm sure glad my road-side marker has a plastic bat and glow-in-the-dark skeleton next to it. I wouldn't want to clash with the season."
Now come on people...really? I would like to make a stance on this tradition and say...
"Let's keep the mourning of our loved ones to their grave sites and not along random roads and highways!"
and to the local government...clean it up. It's littering! Where's the $500 fine?

Try, Try, Try Again

Over the past months we have been promising the girls a trip to Chuck E. Cheese IF they were successful in some goals of theirs. Emma is still working on staying dry all night along. So we created a sticker chart for 30 days of success. It was heart warming to see Sydney get very excited for her sister when it as a "good" day. They would jump around and scream while deciding which box would get the next sticker.
And for Sydney, her goal was to complete 2 months worth of "green" days from her Kindergarten teacher. We were all very proud of her for being such a great student. It can't be easy for a 5 year old to ALWAYS be on their best behavior. When Larry and I attended her "Parent-Teacher Conference" (which by the way made me feel super old) her teacher raved and raved about her good listening skills and quiet demeanor that sets a good example for her fellow students. We couldn't be more proud of her. Here are a few pictures of the fun trip to CEC!

We've been there about 30 seconds and they were already 1/2 way up the playground!

Over the years we've learned and taught our kids to only play the games that reward the most tickets. I think we have a little "competitive" drive in us! (some might even call us...dare I say...TICKET-OBSESSED) Sydney was more then happy to find a new game that gave away bags of cotton candy too!!

Emma shows off her skills as she muscles around the flying bees to catch them in a honey pot.

Grandma gladly sat playing watchdog over 3 day old Keira.

Ben-ners spent about 99.4% of his time having make-believe conversations with Chuck himself. It was pretty hysterical!

"I'm sure if I could just see over the edge of this darn game, that I would be super good at it."

T.M.I.

Over the past years life has taught me many valuable lessons. But the most poinent have been the ones that I have learned while raising our 4 children. And after attending more then my fair share of baby showers I decided maybe it's time to start documenting these valuable tid-bits. Besides having Keira going through everything again is really helping me remember these special tricks.

Today I'll start with: "Baby Bombshells #1-4"
(please note: if you have a weak stomach...don't pass go and collect $200...if you know what I mean)
#1. Many times babies cry through their first baths and many o' diaper changes. We have found that with putting a little extra warmth on their abdomen areas, it will totally change their dispositions. In baths, we wet a thick wash cloth and continually add more warm water over it with a cup. And when we are changing their diapers we will lay an extra blanket over them to keep them feeling secure. (note: they will soon learn to love baths and not need this warmth, especially after they put on some extra weight)
#2. Having many diaper blowouts? When newborns are only taking in a liquid and haven't started solids yet, their poops are so liquid-y it's like a rocket going off. And that pressure shooting through their diapers is lethal! Major stain-age! Try different brands of diapers until you find the one that fits your baby the best. I have had many friends rave about expensive brands and others that have found the cheap labels worked better. I figure, all babies are built differently and not all diapers are shaped the same.
At times things will be going well with a specific diaper but then suddenly the explosions are no longer staying contained and many times in the morning pee is leaking through. This is the major hint that it's time to go up a size.
#3. With nursing come the usual "sore nips". And at times...dare I say...cracking and bleeding. I'm cringing at the thoughts of the pain. So NOT FUN. With this 4th pregnancy I took some advice to not us "nursing pads" for the first week. It is thought that this extra cotton depletes natural oils and drys up "so much" that it might add to the cracking and bleeding. I tried this theory and stand by it 100%. This was my first time not having any of these issues.
#4. And with breast-feeding comes pumping. Adding more to my illusions of feeling like a "dairy queen". With my first child I felt like a cow being hooked up to some machine. I couldn't "let down" any milk with that darn thing. And it burned liked crazy. Thankfully after many conversations with friends I have become much more successful with each kid.
a. Feed your baby on one breast and pump the other one. That way they baby brought down the milk for you. Repeat again and switch breasts.
b. Use olive oil. Having a machine tug on my whole breast felt like someone was giving me an indian burn. By using this natural ingredient to "lube up" kept everything gliding along. Very helpful!

***I already have a list going for future entry's. There will be more BABY BOMBSHELL's to come!***

Time For A Revamp

With Keira joining our family ciaos and the seasons changing I can't help but feel like my own leaves are changing from Green to Red. These past few days I have spent many hours in closets, knee deep in clothes. Ben, Emma and Sydney needed to have their summer clothes rotated out and their winter clothes accessible. As for me, I am more then ready to be rid of the bulky shirts and pants up to your arm-pits pregnancy clothes.
Although as I was packing them...I had to really contemplate "am I ever going to wear these again?" I don't know? I don't think so. And the same went for Ben's clothes. I've been asking myself, "why are you saving these?"
Thankfully my "GO-TOO GALS" (my mom, and Kim) reminded me...as long as I have the room, why not keep it...just in case. Maybe that's what my body is saying about all this extra baby fat...why not keep it...just in case!! Too bad I don't have a fairy godmother that can bippity-boppity-boo away all that saggy, stretched out, tiger stripped costume that currently covers my hot body.
So as the seasons change and I learn to use make-up to hide the sleepless nights and remind my kids that my squishy tummy isn't a drum...let us all just be thankful that in winter-time we can hide in LAYERS!

A Sunday Walk

This past Sunday was our churches semi-annual Conference. And since Grandma was here we decided to take the kids for a walk around the Lake to get all of their wiggles out. This was Grandma's first time going to the "Harbors". She loved the great view, the lighthouse, the cool breeze and the relaxing atmosphere.

Grandma was also shocked to see Ben's "no fear" and incessant need to climb EVERYTHING.

Look at those models!
Our new family.
(although Keira's kickin' it in the carrier)
I'm also wondering why Larry looks more wasted then I do.
Considering Keira's only 3 days old.

Grandma = a blessing with bifocals

Thankfully Grandma's are on-call 24-7. And thankfully they don't mind too much if you ruin their plans and make them change their flights. Although I think the reward of holding a newborn grandchild is all the incentive they need!
And with 4 kids at home we really needed Grandma's help.
I'm proud to say that I was able to take naps, sleep in, rarely change any diapers, and never unloaded the dishwasher.
Thanks MOM!
But that wasn't the end of her long list of "to-do's".

Emma need her new Fancy Nancy dress-up dress lengthened.
Grandma came prepared with fabric and all.

Sydney also needed a little more added to a favorite skirt.
(Gosh, these kids have GOT to STOP growing!)

But we did leave her a few spare moments to treasure moments with Keira Jane.
The 7th "Jane" in a long line of amazing women/girls.

...And a kiss to grow on.

Grandma Nancy also prepared plenty of meals and snacks for this little guy.
He was more then willing to let Grandma wipe his dirty hands and face.
(unlike when mom tries)

Ben was extremely appreciative that Grandma was around to spring for a donut, because his mom sure wasn't going to!!

We were very blessed to have her for 10 days...and daunted at the task at hand when she left.

Ben's New Best Friend

With Sydney and Emma being so close in age, it has made them into perfect playmates for each other. So it was natural for Ben to be looking for someone that he could bond with. And Keira was the perfect package. From day 1 Ben has just smothered her with love. I am so proud of how soft he is with her. He'll make a wonderful big brother.


Ben's first time meeting Keira!
This 20 month old little BOY actually sat still for 10 minutes holding her.
I think he was in heaven!

He even wanted to share a book with her and wasn't even jealous that he didn't get the prime spot on Daddy's lap.

Lately it has been getting harder to change Ben's diapers. He's at that age where he loves to run away and make a game out of it. But now he'll do anything if we attach Keira's name to it.
"Ben come lay down next to Keira so we can change both your diapers!"
It works every time!

Ben NEVER runs out of kisses for his little sister!

Keira's Favorite Past-times

Keira's first weeks at home have included much of the usual...SLEEPING.
97% of the time you'll find Keira snoozing some where around the house.

Sleeping on the boppy with her favorite red blanket from Aunt Mimmi.

Catching some shut-eye wrapped in a new blanket made by Grandma Nancy.

Or spending some "bonding" time with Daddy.

The other 3% of the time she's eating, pooping or someone is taking her picture!

No little girl is complete without a BIG PINK BOW!

The bouncy has become Keira's safe haven from little kid rough play that is always surrounding her.

I just love the hat and her little tongue that is always sticking out!

Mom's pride and joy!

Daddy took Keira to the Pediatrician the day after she was born.
They said she had gained 4 oz since the previous day!!

Keira's biggest fan club!

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES

I have loads of pictures to share with everyone. But my laptop has decided to not display the "browse" button so I can add photos...to anything...emails, blogs, even snapfish. If anyone has any advice to solve this huge inconvenience...I'll try anything. Otherwise my blog just might have to be photo-free until Thanksgiving when my Dad comes to the rescue!

Time For A Scrub Down

Keira's first bath...

It's A Girl

We are proud to introduce the newest member of our family...

Keira Jane

born: 10-02

8oz 2lbs

20in

After arriving to the birthing center a little after 12pm we started the birth off by popping the water. I was surprised to see after dispelling the extra water that this picture showed me looking so big still. I also love how fancy and homey the birthing center is. After all the vitals were taken we were sent outside to walk the park. After about 2 laps I couldn't keep up my pace with the contractions. They were so strong I needed to stop and lean on Larry for support. Within about 15 mins of this I could only get about 15 steps before more contractions would come that would wrap the back and make my legs shake. I was so afraid of not making it back to the birthing center , we turned around and started back.

I was grateful to find that stopping to sit helped steal a few moments in between contractions. After laboring through a few more contractions inside the birthing center I asked if I could get into the nice, warm, relaxing comfortable tub. The Midwives agreed to it, but not until the baby could be monitored and I was checked to see my progress. To my surprise I was only a 5.

All that work and only a 5. Bummer. At 215pm I got into the tub, moaning through ugly contractions. After 3 more contractions and trying my best to relax and not freak out, the labor jumped into high gear. Soon I wanted to just crawl out of my skin. And let's just say that by 245pm, Keira was born. And in the traditional Rachel fashion, I pushed once to slowly release her head (that Larry caught in the tub) and then pushed a second time to have him catch her and lay her on my chest! And YES, that calculates out to 30 mins of contracting so hard I moved 5 inches, went through transition and pushed out a kid. I am so grateful it went fast because if it had gone longer, I don't think I could have made it.

After seeing the photos, I was also glad to see that the water I was sitting in wasn't totally gross. I'm slightly anal about cleanliness and wasn't very keen on sitting in a big mess. Depending on the date you calculate from Keira could be 2 weeks to 1 week early. Either way she was still coated in that thick white goo, but was already over 8 lbs. I'm super happy she didn't have a chance to grow any bigger inside me.

Larry was able to bond with Keira while I finished the birthing process. She quickly turned from blue to pink as she screamed and cried for most of the first hour. Obviously from the picture you can see she was not happy and grabbed on tight to her dad. So sweet! All the workers at the B.C. were very happy to have such an experienced Dad that didn't need any instruction on cleaning, diapering, etc..

And another blessing is counted to find that Keira was superb at feeding too. There's nothing worse then a lazy eater. Personally I think was just glad to have the whole experience over with.

After a shower and some food, I was totally revitalized. And by 8pm we were home with our kids and introducing them to their new little sister!

Off To See The Wizard...

Today's the day! I am so excited! This morning I dragged the kids with me to the Midwife and she offered up the best news. I was dialated to a 4 and ready to be popped. She even asked if someone could come pick up the kids. HOLY COW! I wasn't expecting that. Thankfully I was able to persuade them that I wouldn't have the baby in the car and that I needed to drop off my car at home and deliver my kids to a friends house. So they stripped my "membranes" and gave me some fancy contracting pill and I was off.
Now I'm waiting for Larry to speed home from court (hopefully avoiding the cops) so that we can get this party started! The contractions have already started and are currently making my legs go numb. Weird, huh? But I'm sure it will get much worse before it gets better! Smile. Now to sneak some food before I'm left high and dry with ice chips for my only salvation. Wish us luck!