First bath at home

Just a few pictures of Liv's first bath.

She loved getting her hair wet but hated being cold. Who can blame her? I like getting my hair done too... and I also hate being cold.

Bell-arina

Ella started her very own Ballet class today. She has been dying to do this for sometime now and, clearly, she couldn't be happier.

She was the cutest little ballerina and  just the best listener in her class. She looked like she had been doing this forever.

Here's to years of pink and puff.

On our way home

our camera lens is so dirty it should be a crime to shoot with it.

Just wanted to post a couple of pictures of Olivia in her little going home ensemble. Luke picked it out and I think he did a great job choosing the perfect outfit!

We are happy to be home, though I had the greatest Hospital experience of my life. The food was amazing, the rooms made me feel like I was in a beautiful Hotel, the Nurses were top notch. I asked them if I could stay all week but I guess it just doesn't work that way.

The kids have been on cloud nine with Olivia here. I never expected them to do this great with all of this newness and craziness... but we are thrilled that they are.

We will post a little video later on but I think the posts will probably be taking a break for now.

Everything's going great and I feel 100 times the way I've felt with the other 2 kids recoveries. Its nice to be able to walk around and be off of pain medication.... and sooooo different from my history. I am so grateful. As are Dave and the kids.

Day 2

I cant believe that we have gone our entire lives without this sweet girl.

It has been a really incredible experience spending time with and getting to know our little Livvie Lou. She is a very content and snugly baby thus far and we cant seem to get enough.

We had a little scare with her last night. About the time my Sister and her family were leaving Olivia started having a hard time breathing. Within a few seconds she had turned blue and her little eyes were watering. I turned her over and started hitting her back as my quick-thinking Nephew, Tyler, ran out the door calling for a Nurse to help. Trish, the worlds best RN, ran in and got to work. Lots of tears and suctioning later she started breathing. The tears were from all of us... not Olivia. It was terrifying to see all of the goo pouring out of her nose and mouth.

They kept her all night in the Nursery so that she could be monitored, which I was relieved about. No way did I feel comfortable sleeping knowing she could do it again. They ended up basically pumping her stomach. She came down and out so quickly that she never had all the gunk in her lungs squeezed out. I was so grateful to have been here and to be in such good hands.

She's doing much better today... she's been sleeping pretty much non-stop, she's been through a lot in the last 24 hours.

Here are a couple of pictures we took today, just thought I'd share. Thanks for all of your comments and sweet words, I have loved reading them. We are thankful to have so many great friends and family who love us.

Olivia is here

Olivia Lou Wirthlin was born at 2:28, measuring 18 3/4 inches and weighing 6lbs. 15oz. (no one won the guess her stats game, so we dodged the bullet of having to award a prize). She came in impressive fashion. As of 2:12, Jill was only dilated to a 5 and by 2:28 she was holding a baby. The doctor barely made it in as Olivia was crowning. We thought for a minute the nurse would be delivering her, but the doctor made it, had just enough time to put on gloves and catch Olivia on her way out. It was intense and impressive to see. Everyone is doing well, and we'll post more when we're all settled in at home.

Parker Family Fair

We had a nice time at the Parker Family Fair this morning. It was a great event with lots of free food, jumpy houses, booths, music and skating (8 track, my Sisters skate shop, had all of their ramps set up)

Its strange to realize that this was our last Saturday with only 2 kids. This time next week will be very different.

We love living here in Parker and this is just one example of why. Its just such a great community. The focus on these fairs is based around emergency preparedness so there were lots of booths from Firemen, Police Officers, Etc. They even sold 72 hour kits, car kits and other such things. It was really neat to see.


Dillon is such a stud. He was skating these ramps like a pro and he's only 7!!

snow cone time

they weren't fancy but they were free and the kids loved 'em!

watch out Parker

my little cutie

They look like the sucker gang or something.

funny kids

Just wanted to post a few of the funny things the kids have said and done in the last couple of days. I need a blog all its own to keep track of this stuff... we all know how hilarious kids are and I just dont want to forget these little things.

I found a bridal portrait of myself  and took it out to show the kids. And to stare at day and night, wondering how I was ever that tiny and didn't enjoy it! 

Luke saw it and said, "Mom, you look like a princess!"

I was thrilled with his description and said, " you think I looked pretty?"

"Well, not a pretty princess."

"O' you don't think I was beautiful when I got married?"

"No Mom.... you kinda' just look........ medium."

I laughed and he said again, "do you even know what medium is?"

"yes Luke."

"ok.... yep, you're just medium Mom."

Yesterday Luke was trying to get Ella to play Light saber's. This is a regular occurrence at our house. Luke insisted that he be Yoda. He was trying with all of his might to get Ella to be Padme , she had other ideas.

"Lukie... I'm Princess Yoda!"

He eventually let it go since that was the only was Ella was going to participate. And Yoda and Princess Yoda had a nice little battle.

Last night Ella was playing with her little Care Bear's. She was playing so thoughtfully with them. It was time for them to go to sleep and I overheard her telling all 5 of them that it was story time and then bedtime. She read each of them a story, gave them a kiss and told them to have good dreams. I got up a few minutes later to use the restroom... what a rarity! And I about died when I looked on the steps. 

Each Care Bear was indeed asleep in their bed. The "bed" was a book, half opened, with a soft little bear nestled between the pages. It certainly looked like a mattress and a bedspread. 5 books, 5 Care Bears and Ella's imagination. 

She's going to be such a great Big Sister.

Entry of a tired, hormonal pregnant lady

****WARNING*****

(lots and lots of self-pity and complaining ahead. feel free to skip this entry if you aren't interested)

Dont judge me too harshly but I have something to get off of my chest. 

I do not enjoy being pregnant. There... I said it. In fact, being pregnant is something I pretty much despise. Don't get me wrong, I thank my Father in Heaven for the blessing it is to bear my own children. But that doesn't mean I like it.

I hate the beginning. Rather, I hate the beginning after maybe the 8th day. Thats when the excitement factor has started to wear off and I get sick. 

I hate feeling nauseous from sun up till sun down. I hate throwing up in the morning before I've even gotten a chance to eat anything. I hate feeling like I am so tired that I can hardly do the simplest daily tasks without passing out from exhaustion. 

I eventually get annoyed at all of the moving and jabbing that goes along with sharing my body. I miss the way it feels to take a deep, un-altered breath. I get headaches and heartburn. My sciatic nerve feels like it is on fire. My feet and legs start to feel as though they are going to give way with all the weight. And I hate that I can not sleep at night. I don't even attempt to go to bed until almost midnight anymore because laying there for hours, constantly re-adjusting my heavy, perturbing belly, just infuriates me.

At least with a newborn who is up every couple of hours I can get uninterrupted, comfortable sleep. Even if it is for only a hour at a time, I'll take it. Its more than I am getting now.

Yes, I can honestly say I do not like being pregnant. I imagine everyday how I can not wait to be done with this. I will gladly take on these hard upcoming newborn months, she'll be out. And with that comes cares and concerns all their own. But she will be on the outside and I couldn't want anything more in the whole world right now.

So don't judge me too harshly. I chalk it all up to sleep deprivation and the inability to regulate my breath. Though its all true.

And yet, even at 9 months pregnant, I am still excited about having another one...... someday.

( i promise the next entry will be more positive and upbeat!)

on a side-note Ella said the funniest thing. I was about to read her a story for nap time and as I had her scoot over to make room for me in her twin bed she stated, "Mom.... you're so huge and big!"

I loved her honesty. This is why I do it all!

more than just new shoes

Today we dropped Luke off at School, decided to skip Ella's nap, so unlike us, and took Ella shopping for new shoes.

Im guessing it was the fact that Ella had her Mom and Dad all to herself. For a few hours she was the star of the show. It was calm. And she came alive.

The entire 3 hours of shopping and eating lunch were spent with this sweet angel. She was funny, charming, cute and a great listener. I felt like I was out with my teenage daughter as opposed to my 2 1/2 year old. We chatted and laughed the entire time.

At lunch she put her arm around me from behind, looked into my eyes as she smiled and said, "Mom, I wish we were always best friends."

I smiled and said, "we are best friends... forever, Bell."

Ella grinned, rubbed my back and thanked me.

It was the perfect outing with my pleasant, grown-up girl. I couldn't help but get a little sad for just the slightest moment, knowing this was probably the last time it would just be Ella and us. And yet, in the same thought, I couldn't help but to get excited about more great memories eating and shopping with my two daughters. 

And she is still going crazy over her new shoes. She hasn't taken them off in 3 hours. I guess the trip was a success in that regard too.. though the shoe's became so secondary.

Guessing game

I thought it may be kinda' fun to see what people's guesses were for Olivia's weight and length.

Now remember, I have a long torso and looks can be quite deceiving on me.... I have had a 9 1/2 lb. baby!

I'll go first....

8 lbs. 5 oz.  20  inches long

And Daves'.....

7 lbs. 4 oz. 19 1/2 inches long

There may even be a surprise for anyone who gets it right...... I'll bet you're excited to play now. If you want to see a recent pic before committing there is one 2 posts down from 2 days ago.

They're back!!!!!

Welcome Home Mom and Dad W.!!!!

Today is the big day we've all been so excited about. Mom and Dad are on a flight home from their mission to Geneva Switzerland. 

We have been so blessed by their service and couldn't thank them enough for giving us the opportunity to live in their home and to spend so many months with GG. We never could have imagined the blessings that have come from it all. We know we would not be here, in Dave's PhD. program, without their desire to serve. I know our lives would be so different. 

Thank you Grammie and Grandpa for your righteous examples to us. Not only now but always. You can always be relied upon to be emulated. We're so grateful to be your family and for our Children to have such amazing and good people to have in their lives. You have unwavering faith and an indestructible testimony. We love you and cant wait to see you.

We are so proud of you!!!!

I cant believe all the things that have happened in the last 18 months. I especially cant believe how much the kids have grown and changed. Thank goodness for ichat. The kids have really loved chatting with Grammie and Grandpa over these many months. And I know they will excitedly run right back into their familiar arms.

Luke now

Luke 18 months ago

Ella now

Ella 18 months ago

Dear Olivia

Your Mommy's belly with 13 days left to induction date.

To my sweet baby girl,

I can not believe that in less than 2 weeks I will be holding you. That you will be on the outside rather than the inside. That I can finally look on your little face rather than feel your big kicks and jabs all day long.

In so many ways it feels like yesterday when I was taking that pregnancy test, sure that I was not pregnant that month... maybe the next. I watched the test and no line appeared, I was not surprised. Then, before bed, I peeked into the trash can. There, on that little white plastic rectangle,was just the slightest second line.  I immediately took another, though it had only been a few hours. And there it was, the barely darker, pink line that would change our lives. I was indeed pregnant. And I couldn't stop smiling.

The beginning was scary with you. It had been 3 months since I miscarried, something that made it almost impossible for me to get too excited. I was just so aware of all the things that could go wrong. And even a little numb still. Then the news of lowered progesterone came. I was devastated. It was happening all over again. I started medication. Levels went up... and then down. They put me on higher dosages. Levels went up... and then started to lower. After a few more up's and down's, many blood draws, and a lot of expensive progesterone (thank goodness for great health insurance) things were steady and we all felt hopeful. I was so grateful that even all the sickness I had didn't seem too bad, I needed to loose weight anyway :)

All of that seems so long ago. Back then the end result seemed so far off. And now, here we are. We made it. 

You have been to many Dr's appointments, gone to Europe, already attended your first Girls Camp, moved to a new state and are now ready to start the real adventures. Namely Luke and Ella. 

We are all so excited to meet you. Your Brother and Sister ask about you every day. How much longer? what color will your eyes will be? They discuss the ways that they'll help you to stop crying, who will sit by you in the car, and how they'll kiss you when they hold you. Our lives are filled with Olivia excitement.

I still cant get over how much you can love somebody you've never met. But I do. And I will love you for eternity. 

Love,

Your Mommy

The Girls room

Is done!!!!

I took these in terrible light but you get it. Im just going to change out a few little things in the shelves as I find what I am looking for.

I am happy with the finished product. I went back and forth on the paint for weeks. I initially had my heart set on pink walls but all their pink and white stuff would have been totally washed out. I think this brown makes all their pink pop. I did get a bit of my pink though (on the top) 

And Olivia's bedding is hard to see in this light. Its light pink and white with stripes and dots.

On a Sunday afternoon

I walked outside to check on the kids yesterday. This is a bit of what I saw......

They really are such good friends. 

I cant wait for Olivia to be a part of this team of sweet Wirthlin's.

Jills baby top 10

Lots of people know that I have an obsession with baby products. I spend hours doing research on products. Walking around Babies R Us and Bergstrom's is one of my favorite things to do. I am always trying to seek out the best and coolest things out there. 

So, as people have inquired about some of my choices for baby best's, I thought... why not blog? I have nothing else to do as I wait out the longest few weeks of my year.

The following are my top ten, in no particular order. Just my opinions.

1. Best infant car seat: Now, I have the Britax Companion and love it (its just heavy) so this may come as a surprise. The best car seat is the Graco. Its lightweight and compatible with just about any stroller out there. I am not a big fan of the Safe Seat. It takes one of the best features and eliminates it. The lightweight factor. There are people out there who will actually utilize the feature that does this, the fact that a baby can be in it longer as it supports more weight and a longer baby. But in my opinion, I don't want to be carrying around a huge baby in an infant seat anyway. At that point I've moved them into the Marathon, the best Convertible car seat on the market... hands down.

The Graco is not the prettiest car seat out there and everyone has one but you really cant beat it. Features, price, safety. Its a sure thing. 

2. Snap 'N Go: I typically am no fan of those package stroller/ car seat combo's. I say, dont bother. The stroller that comes as the pair, usually, is a bulky, huge thing. And I just think there are so many wonderful strollers out there, I am not a fan of the single "limos" that you'll be stuck with. Again, there are a few exceptions.

Snap N' Go's are  great. You never need to take your baby out of the infant seat, they snap perfectly with the graco car seat (and most all others), are lightweight, easy to load and unload, have good storage baskets, a good cup holder and roll nicely.

You'll need another stroller as you ditch the infant seat but I have still loved it and felt it worth every penny, they're not pricey. Used one with each baby! You can find them almost new on Craigslist all the time.

3. Stroller- There are lots of great ones. In my opinion you get what you pay for on this one. I spend good money on my stroller.

 I love the Bob (single and double), Quinny, Phil and Ted's, Maclaren Triumph, Valco, Baby Jogger brand (single and double) and the Bugaboo. Pushing these, even with heavy kids, is still a dream. I can push my double (which is the Baby Jogger City Series), with 70 lbs. of kid in it, with one finger. Especially in a double... get a great one. I'd probably do the Bob Revolution if I had to do it over again, just because you can put an infant seat in it And when you're done you can sell it and re-coop a good amount of your money.

4. The Miracle Blanket- I wont go on about this. Check out the website it says it all.

www.miracleblanket.com

5. Amby baby- If you have a baby with colic or reflux this is especially wonderful. They are super pricey but can find them for the price of a bassinet on Craigslist, if you keep an open eye. Just buy a new mattress and sheets if you do.

www.ambybaby.com

6. A cradle swing- The cradle swings are just much more comfortable and cozy for little babies. The aquarium swing, though the pattern is loud and busy, has a great aquarium- mobile feature that lights up and babies seem to love. 

7. Baby Bjorn active- Don't bother getting a bjorn if its not the active model. The lumbar support will save your back and you'll end up using it for months longer. I got one that looks like new on Craigslist for $45 by the way.

8. Peek a boo pouch- These are great. Newborns love them, Ella would fall asleep the minute she settled into it. They're comfortable for the wearer too. My friend Jana introduced me to this one. Plus I could get a lot done as I still had both hands accessible.

www.peekaboobabycollection.com

9. Stokke highchair- I just think these are cool. Both of my kids have one and they love it. They are solid wood, easy to clean, can be up at the table with us and are adjustable through various stages, up to 200 lbs. Plus they look nice at the table. These are not great for kids under 1, though you can get the infant rail. I'd go with a smaller highchair that you can just put on a regular seat in the meantime. I like the Fisher Price Space Saver. It has all the features of the big chairs but don't take up much room.

Also, you can always find good deals on the Stokke. I'd never pay full-price for one. 

10. Exersaucer- Great invention. Kids love them which means I love it. These are on CL all the time too, look like new and are super good deals.

11. I had to add this one...KidCo Baby Food Mill- This baby food grinder was awesome. It made it so easy to give Ella almost anything we were eating for dinner. I have ground up all sorts of things, from Fruit and veggies to roasts and chicken... just add a little moisture. She ate everything and I never had to do any special foods for her. Plus it saves a lot of money that you'd pay for baby food jars. And you get to give it to your little ones fresh. As a bonus they're only like $10.

These are just a few of my favorites. Again, just my opinions. Im know everyone has their own favorites. I'd love to hear them.

My biggest plug.... a good stroller. You'll use it for years and the initial spending will be so worth it. I still smile when I push my Bugaboo around...and I did NOT pay full price for it. There are tons of great strollers that are a lot less than mine. Im just saying a good stroller can change your life.

And buy smart. Just because retail on something is a lot doesn't mean you'll actually need to spend it. I almost NEVER pay retail on anything for my kids. And do research before you decide on a brand/model. I know so many people who bought the same thing twice because they ended up unhappy with their initial choice. If you take the time and research you'll be happier with your choice, save money, and be an informed shopper.

Thanks for indulging me. Like I said, I love this stuff and its been fun to write about my opinions.

20 day freak out

I just realized that this little girl of ours is coming in less then 3 weeks. And I havent done anything for her arrival.

I went into the storage space in the basement and got out all of Ella's 0-3 month clothes. The last thing on my mind was needing to buy anything in the way of clothing for Olivia. Ella has gone through sizes where she's never even wore the same thing twice. More than half of the 0-3 was covered in yellow stains. What? I always immediately took off her clothes when she spit up and washed them. How was it possible that so much was still ruined? I suppose that when you have a baby like Ella who spit up 15 times a day, no exaggeration, this was going to happen. It doesn't make the blow any less disappointing to take.

So now I have a new add to my list.

1. buy some new baby clothes

2. wash baby clothes

3. wash and sanitize bottles

4. buy a pack of newborn pacifiers 

5. wash sheets

6. get Amby baby cleaned and ready

7. find the other miracle blanket... best invention ever!!!!

8. put new car seat cover on

9. wash and put on bundle me light... its getting chilly already let alone 3 weeks from now

10. get a small gift from Olivia to the kids and one from the kids to Olivia

11. pack hospital bag... will be done night before I guarantee it.

12. put together new parts on breast pump

13. charge all camera batteries

14. get sheets and comforter ordered for downstairs bed. Parents coming in 2 1/2 weeks.

15. get shower curtain and bath mat for downstairs bathroom

16. buy nursing pads, bra and have ice packs ready!

I think that may be it. What am I forgetting?  I just felt my blood pressure rise.

Labor Day with the Wilkins clan

Yesterday was one of those days when I have been so grateful to be close to Family out here. 

We met at Charity's house and had a great BBQ complete with lots of great food, as always with the Wilkins', and company. We brought our inflatable pool, which has proved to be the best $15 we've spent in a long time. Its super fun, good quality and its quite big. The kids had a great time running in and out yelling all sorts of silly things before they jumped in.

Our kids have the best time with these fun boys, we're so grateful for them.

The pool gang

Ella charging in full-force

Its a little more effort for her to jump in the it was for the boys

Handsome Dillon. He's so cute and about the nicest boy I have ever known. I think Ella has a little crush on him, well... I know she does.

Ella partaking of some Labor day grub.

Dave doing the kids hot dogs. We also had some of the yummiest Steaks you've ever eaten!