Welcome to the Family

Beware:  I am way behind and this post may contain information that is old news to you, but in hopes of remembering every moment ( or at least what I can find time to post) I am posting it anyway!

Kelsey Rae

Kelsey was born on March 2nd!  I finally had a baby a little early (Her due date was March 9th) .  She was born healthy, happy and beautiful.  Kelsey weighed 7 lbs. 6 oz.  19 3/4 in. long at 4:48 on Wednesday March 2nd.

Kelsey's birth was all I had hoped for.  Her being the fourth and final baby to our family, I really wanted to go into labor on my own.  I wanted to do it naturally; that is by my definition of natural... With the drugs! but not induced.  The night before I slept very little due to timing contractions.  I was sure this was it.  But because I had been induced for all the other kids, I didn't really know what I was waiting for.  It sounds crazy that this was my fourth child and I still didn't know what I was doing!

We went into the hospital at 11:30 am.  I was 6 cm.  yeah!  They decided to keep me and prep me for the much anticipated epidural.  I was terrified of getting too far along and not getting the epidural in time!  At 3 pm I got that wonderful epidural at 7cm. and they broke my water.  I was quite disappointed in the relief my epidural was giving me.  If I had not felt that huge needle going in my back I would have told you they lied and didn't give me anything!  At  3:30pm I was 8cm. At 4:15pm they finally listened to me and gave me more drugs.  The nurse said she would check me in 5 minutes.  I told her I was feeling a little pressure.  About a minute later I was really feeling pressure!  I sent Kyle to get the nurse.  I had reached the much anticipated 10 cm. and was ready to push.  Now where was the doctor?  Waiting for the doctor!  These were not the most comfortable moments!  Waiting and praying the doctor would hurry!

With three easy pushes she was out a 4:48 pm.  It was a beautiful delivery.  The first time I actually saw my baby come into the world.  What a gift she is. 

Two Proud Parents

Kelsey was extremely alert when she was first born.  Even the nurses were commenting on it.  More than one  person made the comment that she had a mission and she needed to get busy.  And sadly each one also said she was going to grow up fast.  Now I know that was just their observations, but it seems to fit her personality.  Time flies so quickly and wish I could wrap her up and keep her small forever.

Naming her proved to be a challenge.  I had hoped we would be given her name to us by divine intervention, because nothing seemed just right for this perfect baby.  Unfortunately, it took a lot of prayer to give her the name Kelsey Rae.  It seems right now, but boy was it stressful.

Because we had three little ones at home, and my Mom wasn't able to come out for the birth things were a little different this time.  With in a hour after Kelsey was born, Kyle was off to get the older kids and for the first time I spent the night in the hospital alone.  Just Kelsey and I.  It was cherished time.  It was so wonderful to fully devote my attention to my beautiful baby, especially because once I went home I would have to figure out how to make all four of my children feel special.

I only stayed 24 hours in the hospital.  When it was time to go home we tookKelsey home as a family.  Another first!  Before, just Kyle and I had taken the baby home.  This time I had many hands to carry things out and many proud faces beaming as they took their sister home and showed her each room of the house.  It was so cute!

I am so blessed to have four healthy, happy, beautiful children.  My cup run-eth over! 

We love you, Kelsey!

Kelsey's 2 mth appointment

 Kelsey had her 2 month appointment today.  It was a little early, she is 5 days short of 2 months.  She weighed in at 11 lbs. 6 ozs. 24 1/2 inches long that put her in the 100th percentile in height and 75th percentile in weight.  She is shaping up to be a big girl!

I love to see these two loving each other!  I can't wait until they can interact a little more.  Sometimes I just don't know who to feel for Kelsey who is getting mauled or Ryleigh who just wants her sister to play with her.  I hope they always look at each other with such love and yet I know there will be those not so loving moments too.  I just want them to enjoy their sisterhood as much as I have.  I can't imagine life without my sisters!

Atlanta Temple Open House

The Atlanta Temple has been remodeled and therefore is being rededicated.  Before they rededicate it they allow the public to go inside and take tours.  We wanted to take the family so the kids could have the opportunity to see the inside of the temple.  It was a wonderful experience.We could not take pictures of the inside but I made up for it on the outside.  It was a fun little photo opportunity for me and torture for everyone else. 

Brennan said he liked the baptismal font the best.

Connor liked the little booties we wore on our feet.

Ryleigh loved the Sealing room.  She said,"I just can't wait to get married here"

Kelsey is 7 weeks old and was just a great baby to travel with.

As we were walking out the kids just couldn't contain their energy an longer and ran through the perfectly plush green grass.  We haven't seen grass quite so perfect since we left Utah.  What a wonderful day!

While we were in Atlanta we went to check out a popular attraction, Stone Mountain.  It is a state park/ amusement park known for the giant rock the size of a mountain.  We took a Sky tram to the top and took pictures.

 The boys were playing around to make this look like they were climbing up the rock wall.

 I was trying to catch them in mid air, but I had the wrong camera.

 Always the dare devil.