Daniel Laker Roberts

After waiting, waiting and more waiting...

on July 21st we finally got our wish!

We could wait some more while

Daniel took his own sweet time

to join our family.

8 hours of labor was NOT what I 

had expected.

But a miracle from God was worth it!

What a handsome man.

Sporting blond hair, blue eyes,

the classic Gurvine nose

he's a great mix of Larry and I!!

Gran Nan gladly takes her 16th grandchild

for a close up!

He weighted 8 lbs 4oz and

is 20 inches long!!

Is he content or what?

Daddy was there to clean Dan off

for his first bath.

There is absolutely NO mistaken

that this little guy is all MAN.

Such a strong profile!

Who wouldn't be all cozy and warm

in a basketball blanket?

All ready to go home with Gran Nan's

Laker-inspired blanket!!

Update

"Up at midnight with contractions for 4 hours?"

YES!

"Did they hurt?"

YES!

"Did they wrap around your back?"

YES!

"Did you go into labor?"

YES!!

 nope.

Confessions of a "Desperate Housewife"

Some people might label me as "desperate".

Some may say "she's at the end of her rope".

But any way you explain it, I'm a pregnant women who didn't expect to still be pregnant.

This is a bad, very bad combination.

Almost like dynamite ready to explode at any moment.  (just ask Larry)

You'd think I would have taken my own advice.  Words of wisdom I have said many times over the years.  To many new mom's asking for advice from someone who has "been there, done that" I've explained ... kids come when they want, don't have any expectations, just when you think you have a schedule or a plan ...things change.  Being a parent means learning to be flexible.

Why, OH why didn't I take my own advice?

After having my 4th baby, I thought for sure my body was getting into the groove of this whole

labor and delivery thing.  Thus planning on baby #5 to be just as early, just as progressive in the laboring process.

But at 2wks ahead of the due date I found myself slipping backward.  Things were closing that shouldn't be closing, strangling muscle pains were diminishing instead of intensifying.  And now I'm a force to be reckoned with.  Truly someone that no one wants to live with.  (I send my apologies)

And now I've become one of "THEM".

Ugh!  I cringe even now, admitting the things I have attempted to alleviate myself from this present situation.

Trampoline Jumping...check

Raspberry Tea...check

Midnight Primrose Oil...check

Walking...check

Relaxing...check

Personal Approaches...check, check

I think all I have left is to either make an appointment with an acupuncturist or try a really long crocheting needle.

Yes, I'm that desperate.  (don't judge)

Preperations!

Thankfully Larry has been home these 

last few days 

and boy have we kept him busy.

He got my van in the shop

for some quick repairs,

shampooed all the carpets in the house,

cleaned out his AWFUL car,

pruned, replanted half the yard,
cleared out drains,
re-caulked half the house

and made a wooden castle

for Ben in his spare time!

But as we wait with

fingers crossed for 

Little Dan to join our family,

this picture will have to do.

A request from my mom for weeks.

This is as much light, focus, and 

as close up as a 9 month prego

mom will let you!

Let Me Explain

Today I delicately, gently, lovingly but directly tried to explain to my young, energetic children why mommy can not go to the pool everyday or even every other day for that matter.  Why we'll probably be home a lot more until baby Daniel comes.  That mommy is tired, sore, swollen, hot and that all my energy is being sucked up by making the baby healthy.  I even tried to remind them that Daddy and many people will be here visiting and entertaining them after the baby comes.  With still frowns on their faces of disappointment and rejection at another request to go swimming we made this...

Today we removed "19".  On our COUNTDOWN TO BABY DANIEL.

Thankfully a primary activity for church and the 4th of July will be joyous distractions to get them through!

Moving On To Days

That's right.  No more counting in weeks.  Only days.

34 more days left.

And at this rate I'm going to need a wheelchair to get me there.  Lately my left leg/butt muscle/sciatic nerve have begun to flare up.  And when I say "flare up", I mean burn, sharp pains, stop dead in your tracks, squeal in agony, can't speak until it goes away kind of pain.  It used to show up at the end of a long day and I could bare through it to finish those motherly duties.

However, now I wake up with this wonderful jolt of lightening.  There's nothing better then to literally ROLL out of bed awkwardly to stand and feel your blood rushing down your legs, your head swim with stars and then a cramp in your muscle that feels like you've been kicked with a steel toe boot.

But the best part are the Braxton Hicks that have jumped from 10 a day to 10 an hour.  My mom especially has become an advocate at putting my feet up and doing nothing until her flight arrives the day before the baby is due.  We'll see if we can grant her wish.

A New Stage

I've officially hit a new stage in my pregnancy.

It's a very popular stage.
Although very few women admit it.

It's what I like to call,
"THE PAPER STAGE"

How do you know when you've
entered this stage in pregnancy?

When the dishes stay in the sink for
more then 2 days.

Yep.

It's time.

When you no longer have the
energy for them,
when your feet are so swollen
it hurts to stand there that long
and your belly girth is more then
your arms length.

Yes.

It's time.

When your husband has to pick
up so much of your slack that
he no longer has the energy
for such foolish indulgences.

Oh YEAH!

It's time!

But as long as I recycle
the abundant amount of paper products.
I absolutely do not feel guilty.

I blame this!!

What the girls call: "baby Dan"
and Ben calls: "baby brother"
(quite arduously)

Countdown.

12 weeks.

Me likey.

Permission To Lie!

Today was just a normal day, except for another repetitive, routine trip to the Midwife. The usual listen to the heartbeat, check the size of the belly, talk about any concerns, blood pressure, yada yada. (you get the picture)

Until I asked my burning question...

Do you think I'll progress early like I did with my last baby?

Because as you might not remember, 1 month before Keira was born I was dialated to a 2. 3 wks ahead I was at a 3. And then when I came for my "routine" check up 2 weeks before they said I was a 4, totally effaced and ready to drop at any moment. Thus I had to rush the kids home, find someone to watch them and run back to have my water broken and Keira graced us with her presence 2 hours later.

And now for the good part.

Today they divulged that at a month before my due date they would pick a date to pop my water again, just so we could be a little more "prepared".

YES YES YES YES YES.

So for now. I have officially been given permission to lie about how far along I am. I will now tell everyone that I am 2 wks further along then I am.

27 wks down, 13 more to go

A Brother For Ben

FROGS, SNAILS, & PUPPY DOG TAILS for us over here!!

WHOOOP!!
Let's hear it for the boy!!!

The sonogrammy person asked if we wanted to find out, we all shouted YES. Then as soon as she laid the doo-hicky on my tummy she said well that wasn't hard. Baby boy was flashin' his extra large bits and pieces.

(Roberts are known for not being very...shy!!)

And then Larry says..."That's my boy!"

"bit's & pieces"

profile

spine

feet


Beside the relief of knowing it was a boy.
The best part was Ben's reaction.
He kept saying things like...
"That's my brother."
"I share my GUYS with him."
(boy toys like army guys, star wars guys, etc)
"Sleep in my bunk bed."

You could just tell he was already PROUD
to be the recipient of a little bro!!

Blue vs Pink

The "BIG REVEAL" is scheduled for tomorrow!!!

I can't contain my excitement about finally finding out.
I've been drowning down my thirst for boy or girl. Trying to not get too worked up about the unknown. But now that it's TOMORROW...I'm freakin' out!! Will Ben be telling everyone he's got 4 sisters or a buddy to share a room with?

Dust Bunnies

Why is it that pregnancy always instills this organizational itch that needs to be scratched?

Every time it results in moving furniture, closets, shelves. But it becomes bigger then what was initially intended. Usually it's just something simple like a change over of seasonal clothing for the kids. Which reminds me to clean out their closets, or exchange one bed for another. Either way it results in more work and a sore back.

However, if I really want to be honest. I have to admit. I like it. I love that feeling of organization. Of knowing where everything is. And that it's clean. (for the time being) Maybe these traditional "Merry Maid" festivities are a result of making room for the new addition to the family. Making sure there is proper bedding, drawers and clothes dug out to be prepared for the whirlwind that is always in the wake of a newborn entering a new family. And I don't know why it always surprises us women that we find ourselves knee deep bent over a cupboard asking for a rag to clean out the dust in the back...but we do.

I guess it's just reality...setting in.

But What Am I?

After finishing the post about Larry,
I couldn't help but take a look in the mirror.

It started to make me think about,
what kind of wife am I?
Lately I have to admit.
Instead of looking and feeling like this...

I'm more of the wiped out,
hair in a million directions,
make-up less,
sweat pant wearing,
frog on a log kind of wife.

Kinda like how H-O-T
I was looking while camping with no
running water and a
below freezing temps
at night.

In my defense, I do try to keep up
with all the kids and
randomly whip out a dinner
about twice a week.
While being prego with an eggo
and teaching piano lessons.

But last night I had an
epiphany...

while Larry was losing his
stomach contents
many, many, many times
last night.
(due to lunch at the Golden Arch's)

Besides feeling sorry for him
because it truly sounded quite
awful and painful,
I had 2 major thoughts cross my mind.

#1. Welcome to My World.

#2. At least the toilet was clean.
(you can thank me in the morning)

Compassionate, aren't I?

But in my defense, let me explain.
#1...well let's just say having morning sickness
with 5 kids will hopefully prove my point,
now that he's down in the dumps.
Because really,
it's rare to come that close to how
awful it feels to have a queasy stomach
24-7, for 12 weeks.

#2...let's just say it had been so long since I
cleaned a bathroom that I couldn't
even remember the last time
it had been scrubbed.
But this week it was my goal to do
ALL of them.
Which I did.
Thus, offering up a perfectly sanitary
bleached basin for my hubby to christen.

See I am a good wife... maybe... a little... on occasion.

What About This One?

Dear Mom,
I found this nice little baby under my sisters bed. It's really cute. It even comes with it's own clothes that I decided to strip off. Do you think I could have this as a sibling instead of the one you're making? That way it technically WON'T take the place of being the "youngest"!!
Plus it doesn't cry, need baths or anything really significant.
Just think about it!
Love, Keira

More Then You Know

I guess talking about things with my neighbors and on Facebook isn't always totally getting the word out. I completely forgot about my Blogger Buddies! How Rude, I know!!

So here it is....
Let me answer your questions!

YES, we are having kid #5.

YES, it was a surprise. But the kind that are "happy" surprises.

We were "thinking" about having another kid, but putting that thought more toward next summer.

I guess God had other plans for us because this baby will come next summer.
(a time I vowed to never give birth, but what can I do? send it back?)

Larry and I are counting our blessings and are grateful our van and home can hold our family that seems to be growing exponentially! And we thank you all for your support!

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!

"We're In A Holding Pattern" -says the pilot.

We are still playing the "waiting" game here at the Robert's house. Trying to occupy our empty time and endless thoughts of the future. The anticipation for the sleepless nights, becoming a Dairy Queen (and all THAT entails), is it a boy or girl, what name we'll use, how can I get people here to help me as soon as possible and how it's going to work fitting a family of 6 in a Buick. Today marks 10 days to go. Tomorrow...single digits. But really what does that mean? It's not like the Delivery Fairy is going to show up on my due date and say "poof", here's your baby. The date means, NADA!!

I can't help but recall many songs that are more then appropriate for my situation like from one from Blues Clues..."wait, wait, wait"...or the infamous song my mom would sing to us..."be patient, don't worry, don't be in such a hurry". In other words, I need to find some serious distractions from this protruding belly that now rests on my legs when I sit down. So to start implementing this distraction plan, I officially say that this Saturday I am getting a pedi. A present to myself. Any Ladies in the big D area want to join me?


I bet if anyone is dying for a mom with a bit more energy it would be my kids. They have had their fair share of cereal for dinner, snacks for lunch...need I say more?? Although I must confess that for breakfast I gave them all a glass of milk and a chocolate No-Bake cookie. Hey it's got oatmeal in it! And Sydney has had a Nutri-grain bar for her "sandwich" more then once. But at least they aren't starving!!

Now off to Sonic for some delicious ice chips!

2 Weeks And Counting

I am sure it seems that all I can write about is pregnancy. Unfortunately I just can't help it. It's all consuming. It's what wakes me up in the night, pains me constantly, makes me slower in all my movements, keeps me from reaching far places with the baby-bump protruding out and forces me to make TUMS my 2nd most consumed food item.
Today marks my 2 weeks, 14 days to go. At some point over the last week I doubted even getting here. But I am glad I did. Making the baby officially full term is extremely comforting. Although I am beginning to doubt the possibilities of having an "early" baby. It just doesn't run in our family and it has only happened for me with the help of creams, gels and drugs.
But if I could have one wish it would be to avoid delivering on my birthday. The idea of growing up sharing your special day with your mom (especially as a snotty teenager) doesn't sound very tempting.
Wish me luck.

I *heart* Ice Chips

My latest, and greatest friend...ice chips. They do so much for me on a daily basis. The cool me down, they keep me from snacking, they count as water intake, they are always there for me, morning and night. Let's hear it for my new BFF!!

And now for the update from the latest baby appointment. I'm dialated to a 3 and 75% effac. Let the countdown begin!! Because I'm SURE it can't be much longer. RIGHT??