Eden VS Elara (Coming Home)

EDEN 3/2010 7lbs 15 oz

ELARA 09/2012 6 lbs 2 oz

EDEN 03/2010

ELARA 09/2012

Elara Jane Bradley (A Birth Story)

Elara Jane Bradley

September 25, 2012

10:28 AM

6 pounds 2 ounces

19 inches

 Last pregnant photo before she came. 

36 weeks 5 days

After getting the phone call from the OB resident we decided to talk to Derek's school people and see what he would be allowed for time off. The OB doctor said she would talk to the attending doctor's and high risk doctor's and see how far back they would let us push back the c-section. Derek and I just needed more time, and we really wanted to give Elara more time to get bigger before she arrived.

We waited until 9 o'clock pm the next day and then I couldn't wait any longer and I called the OB. She was just busy and hadn't had time to call me back yet. Derek had his big surgery shelf exam on the Friday they wanted to do the surgery and then would start his psych rotation with orientation the next Monday. We just wanted to push the surgery back as far as possible. We were hoping for Wednesday the 26th.

When I talked to the doctor she said that with my water usually breaking at 38 weeks they wanted to do it soon. Also they wanted to go off my period date, which was on the first ultrasound. I knew my conception date was 5 days later, but because it was only 5 days and not 7 off they kept my due date as Oct. 13th. So... She said the attendings said absolutely not Wednesday and absolutely no later than Tue. the 25th. They really wanted to do the surgery on Monday the 24th, but Derek had orientation, so we went with Tuesday the 25th. She also kept my appointment for that Friday so we could go over last minute things and any questions we might have.

It was settled. I had 6 days. I went into crazy get things done mode. I had a lot to do before this baby arrived. Thanks to all who helped me! My friend Jane sent me an email with a groupon for a mattress store. I ended up finding a twin bed and box springs that was worth $200 and only paid $63! My Uncle David picked it up for me. My friend Jocelyn cut my hair for me on Thursday. Friday the kids went to a birthday party and I got to go to the doctor one last time. Then, Derek had Saturday and Sunday off. It was a temple dedication on Sunday, so Saturday we went to This is the Place Heritage Park and took the kids to do fun stuff, which they loved. We tried to soak up as much time together as a family of 4. Sunday we cleaned and cleaned some more. Derek scrubbed my entire kitchen and was so sweet about it. He is such an amazing hubby and I'm so grateful for him. On Monday he had to go to school for orientation and some other things. Then, we had our last supper and played with the kids together. It was such a great weekend and I'm so glad we had that time together. 

Pointless to say, but I did NOT sleep the night before the surgery. Derek's Mom came over Monday night, so we wouldn't have to stress the morning. Tuesday morning came and I called the hospital at 6 am to find out when to be there. We were told any time after 7:30 am. We got everything packed and said our good byes to the kids. We got to the hospital at 7:45 am. The "cut" time was scheduled for 9:30 am. I kept teasing them saying if we could hurry we could have the baby at 9:25 on 9-25. Didn't happen, but it was a cool thought. Derek gave me a blessing that morning before we left the house. I just wanted to be happy and excited and not nervous. Once we were in our room they started the IV. It only took 2 pokes this time around. With Eden it took about 7... Not too bad. I got hooked up to the baby heart monitor and contraction monitor. To pass the time Derek and I just kept telling funny stories from medical school and making each other laugh. It was perfect. I felt excited and happy just like I wanted to. We had so many doctor's come in to see how we were doing and explain things. As we walked into labor and delivery we of course saw about 3 other medical students from Derek's class. Everyone was so nice and understanding when we asked to not have student's there with us. It would be just a little weird saying, "Oh hey, so you are Derek's wife", while i'm lying naked on an operating table. Ya..... 

They were awesome and let Derek stay by me the entire time. He got to wear the sexy scrubs and hat. I just love seeing him in scrubs! ;) I got to walk to the operating table. It was so much smaller than I thought it would be! So, far nothing was that bad. The anesthesiologists were great! They walked me through step by step and Derek held on to me. The worst part was them making me drink this bitter drink to keep me from throwing up. I could never drink alcohol because I can't make myself drink something I don't like. Ugh. This drink was the worst especially on an empty stomach. Then came the spinal. I was nervous, but just ready to have it done. This was the "EASIEST" part! The numbing needle I barely even felt, it felt like someone touching my skin then a weird feeling. I didn't even feel the spinal needle at all or any pressure or anything. It took effect immediately! It was weird. My bottom started tingling immediately.  I then had to lay down and put on the awesome oxygen mask. Things were really picking up. There were so many people in the room at this point. Derek held my hand the entire time. They then cleaned my stomach with what looked like orange tanning lotion that stains your skin and looks awesome. My arms were spread out on these holders. One had my IV and the other arm had the blood pressure cuff. They felt to see how far the numbing was taking effect and just pricked my skin with a sharp point. The nurse inserted a catheter. Didn't hurt at all. Then, the curtain was going up. It was all happening so fast and it was a little weird lying there naked on a table with so many people in the room. Again, glad no medical students were there. The incision came fast. I didn't really have time to get my head on straight, I was just excited to meet Elara and so much was happening. Derek was still right at my side holding my hand. 

Elara came so fast! I think the surgery lasted maybe 45 minutes total! There was a lot of pushing on my stomach to get her out. I didn't think about how they would get her out, but push they did. They suctioned a lot too. I really had no idea, but the anesthesiologist talked me through any questions I had and kept me happy. He was awesome! She cried immediately when she came out and I knew she'd be ok. She was completely covered head to toe in vernix the white coating. She looked tiny the moment they showed her to me. They took her to clean her up a bit and get wrapped up. Derek went with her. They were able to stay in the operating room with me the entire time. I could hear Derek talking to her and they were maybe 5 feet away was all. It was amazing. Of course someone didn't let the pediatric team in on no med students and Derek knew the guy, but thankfully it was just for the baby and for a few seconds. They got her wrapped up. They didn't weigh her or anything. They asked if I wanted to hold her. I didn't know if I could. They just set her on my chest. They took off the oxygen mask and I just fell in love. She was here. She was perfect. She was sooo small. I still can't stop thinking about how small she is. I knew immediately she was my smallest baby yet. Her apgar score was an 8 and then a 9. They said they would have given her a 10, but they aren't allowed. Perfect! My biggest fear of the c-section was that Elara would be too early and need help. She is strong! She is healthy!

I had read a book about c-sections before the surgery, so when I started feeling like I couldn't breathe they took the baby back. I asked for an oxygen mask and to look at my oxygen levels. I knew they were normal. Again, the anesthesiologist was awesome. It just felt hard to breathe even though I knew I was just fine. Before Elara came out I got sooooo nauseous! I told them I was going to throw up. The anesthesiologist gave me medicine to help my blood pressure. It had dropped just ever so lightly. It helped. Then, after he gave me more nausea medicine for when the surgery would be over. I'm totally ok with Derek going into anesthesia after this. I might not remember the anesthiologist name, but I will forever remember how kind he was to me and how he got me through this surgery. I couldn't have done it without this guy and Derek! 

Once the surgery was done and I was all stitched up they took us to recovery. This was so hard. The surgery was nothing. Recovery was everything.

Again, Derek was by my side through this. I couldn't have done it without him. They put pressure cuffs on my legs and I was getting a lot of IV fluids. I was so so dizzy, which is an effect of the anesthesia. Because I was so dizzy I would throw up every couple of hours. I think I threw up 7 times that day. I'll spare the details of recovery, but I can come out of this delivery and say I can do hard things whether I want to or not. I feel so blessed

A Phone Call I Didn't Want

Welp.
I got a phone call last night. It was Dr. Sok the OB resident I've been seeing. I was a little surprised, but not completely because at my 32 week ultrasound when it showed the placenta didn't move, I called to ask what to do (make an appointment, what?), and she called me. This time the placenta didn't move, so it wasn't a shock to get the phone call.
She immediately went to tell me that she scheduled me for Friday morning at 9:30 am. I said, oh that's great, but I already have an appointment with you to discuss this on Friday at 8:30. She then said, "Oh no. I scheduled your c-section."
Pause...
Pause...
"Wait, what?!"
Ya. Can we say EARLY!
Still not in full comprehension mode.
She then went on to explain my placenta is 8 mm "over" my cervix. Because it is actually over the cervical os they don't want me having contractions, water breaking, "anything" to happen really. If I go into labor at all it is a huge risk of me and baby bleeding and causing bad problems. Any pressure the baby puts on the placenta can cause it to tear away from the uterus, or cause the placenta to rupture, which would be really bad for baby and me.
Ok, but my water doesn't usually "break" until about 38 weeks, so this is really so early.

Next...

Um. Friday is REALLY REALLY REALLY a bad day for us. Derek has 2 HUGE tests for the end of his surgery rotation. He is still on surgery and studying like a mad man on top of working still. Then, he starts psych next Monday and has orientation. This is NOT what we planned. Yes, we are planners! So, obviously this is a shock.

How many people in my courtyard apartment complex are due any day now? At least 4! Not including me, because I didn't think I was due any day now... So, with about 4 women wanting babies to come now, I'm begging to keep my baby in! Will she be big and strong enough to be delivered that early?! How small will she be? Can I handle a c-section with Derek starting a new rotation?

I start begging, give me the next Thursday the 27th. Just one more week. They don't want to wait longer than Monday if possible. I then tell her I really really need to talk to my husband and I'll call her back.
She was really kind and offered to talk to Derek's scheduling people and explain the situation and try for Monday. She said absolutely no later than next Wednesday Sep. 26th. She would talk to the attendings and see if they would be ok with Mon, Tue, or Wed next week and then call me back the next night.

Derek emailed the school and thankfully they have been super super kind and willing to work with us. We don't know which date it will be yet, but we are hoping for Tue or Wed of next week just so Derek can make it to orientation.

A WEEK!

I can look back and see that the sense of time running out was probably a little divine back in July and August preparing things for Elara to come. I looked at Derek last night and said, "We don't have diapers!" He just got on the computer and ordered them. I'm so glad I have been preparing early!

I am so glad I decided to get Kael and appointment with the pediatrician and flu shots scheduled for today! I wasn't going to make him an appointment, but I just did it for no reason. I decided it would be good to see the pediatrician I wanted for Elara before she came and scheduling an appointment for Kael would be good. I'm really hoping she can answer my questions about what to expect with Elara so early and have her right on board from the moment we deliver. I know this is Heavenly Father helping me because I wasn't going to make this appointment and it is just a reassurance for me to be able to talk to someone today about what to expect and to make sure she will be ok.

I feel like I'm in a tornado being blown around out of control and trying to keep my feet planted on the ground. I'm no longer worried about a c-section just kind of in shock is all. I know there is nothing I could do about where the placenta is and the risks that it entails. I am still really grateful for modern medicine. I'm grateful for Derek being by my side through all of this figuring everything out with school, family, and making sure me and Elara are 100% taken care of, and Kael and Eden as well. I can't begin to imagine what is on his plate! School, wife going to surgery, new baby coming, 2 other kids to make sure are going to be ok. It makes me glad I'm the one having surgery and not stressing all the extra stuff. He does it for me and I couldn't do this without him. He is my rock and I'm so grateful for him!

After we figured all of this out the stupid toilet broke. Really?! Really?! I even stuck my hand in that dirty thing and couldn't fix it like normal and after living in the Philippines I got good at fixing toilets.... Derek came to the rescue again and got it working.

It is my last day of waiting.

Tonight I should know.

I'm just going to end by saying, maybe just maybe Elara really wants to come early and this is her way how.
Until tonight I guess...

Hard things and a Name

One of the reason's I had for wanting to do a natural labor was to tell myself I could do hard things. Bah. What c-section isn't hard?! Crap, I'm going to do something HARD! And, I'm going to be excited about it! I had my 36 week ultrasound today and that darn placenta hasn't moved. Little Elara started sticking her tongue out at us like she was saying, "Neener neener, I'm going to be stubborn". Not that it's her fault that the placenta went where it did, but it was just too funny and cute. It was amazing to see her. She was opening her mouth and sticking her tongue out and just being a baby! She was adorable already and I'm in love. Seeing her on the ultrasound made it so real that she is coming and I will do whatever I need to get her here safe and healthy! She is so perfect.
Her official name is going to be Elara Jane Bradley.

Elara means: The Lord is my Light
Jane means: God is Gracious

God is gracious to give me Elara. I hope she can let the Lord be her light in this life like her name says, and be the amazing little girl she already is. I'm so excited to meet her and I know she is going to be a great addition to our family. My next doctor's appointment is Friday and we can hopefully pick a day for the c-section then. I'll update then.

Sippy Cups and Pillows

When Kael was 2 he used to wake up in the middle of the night and come get me because he couldn't find his sippy cup and demand that I help him find it. Sometimes it could happen 2 or 3 times a night. He'd always go right back to bed after I found it. It was like his security thing or something.

Now, Eden who is 2 comes into my room and taps me and says, "Mom, I can't find my pillow!" I then have to go into her room and put her back in bed. Her pillow is right where it always has been on the top of her bed... She just sleeps in crazy positions all the time!!! Thank goodness it is easier to find than the missing sippy cup.

These two make me laugh so hard. I'm glad I can laugh about it at 2 am. It's just funny to see their cute little personalities. Love them both so much. They are getting so big and we are loving every day!

Hold on to your bums!

We were driving in the car and Derek was making a sharp turn and to prepare us all he said, "Hold on to your bums!" Then, we hear Kael yell from his car seat, "Hold on to your private parts guys!!!"

Still laughing. Glad he knows where his private parts are at least...

Kael's 1st Day of Preschool

Excited much?! Kael will be going to preschool on Monday and Wednesday from 8:30 to 11. He will take a bus to and from school. For his first day I of course had to drive him and see him off. He picked out a Dora book and sat down on a couch and said, "Bye Mom, have a good day". Poor Eden was so sad and wanted to stay and play with the "different toys". She got over it pretty quick when we went to the store and I got her a donut... I was proud of myself. No tears. Just a phone call to Aunt Shelly to tell her my woes and all was well. The wait wasn't bad. I think I checked my phone every 15 minutes once we got home from the store. I was so nervous about meeting the bus at the right spot at the right time. When the bus pulled up I got to go in. There was one other boy still on the bus with Kael and there was a bus driver and another man to help buckle the kids and get them on and off the bus safely. They said that Kael had to give them directions and tell them how to get to his house and that he invited them over to play and eat at his house. ;) Next week they learn the letter 10 and the letter A. He had red juice stains on his mouth from his juice and goldfish crackers. He was so funny. He did tell me at nap time that he didn't need to go back to school for a while because he missed me. Don't worry he will be so excited next week. I'm so glad it is only 2 days a week. The kid is awesome! I'm so proud of him and excited to see what this year brings! Oh wait, kindergarten next year... So glad we have a year. Love you Kael! You did awesome and I'm so proud of you!

Eden insisted on pictures of her wearing a back pack too. Really glad she has several years with me still!

A pregnancy post

So, I don't even know where to begin. I guess the beginning is a good start. Derek and I like to plan. We are planners, that is who we are. We learned when he decided to go to medical school that plans are good, but be ready for change. Sometimes BIG change. You would think this would be an easy lesson to learn, but when you are planner, it is hard. Change isn't bad, actually I usually welcome it and find that it really becomes the best path. So, all this being said, we planned to have Elara when we did. I planned to be healthy, fit, and the most prepared for this pregnancy and birth than with my other 2. I started trying to eat healthy since September last year. I was getting my body ready for pregnancy and exercising and doing all things possible for a great pregnancy. I also decided I wanted to try and have a natural labor, (no epidural, no pain medicine). Derek has often asked me why I would choose this. Well, for me I am a fan of modern medicine. I love it, we are medical people, I want to be a nurse someday and my husband is going to be a doctor. I like that women can choose! For me, it was empowering to know that my body is capable to give birth to a child. I had dilated to a 7 with Kael before I got my epidural and with Eden I got an epidural before I really had any contractions. I felt like this is something my body can do and it is something that I can do. I have always wanted to try hard things. This would be something I could look back and say, I did something hard. I don't think any woman who gave birth naturally would look back and say, "that was easy". I wanted to do something for myself and something I could look back and say, ya I did that. I wouldn't do it for anyone else, I wouldn't do it to prove anything to anyone, to compare, whatever. This is for me and I started working hard for this before I got pregnant.

When I was about 6 weeks pregnant I had sharp pains and we didn't know what was going on. We got an ultrasound at 9 weeks after we got back from Disneyland. Everything was fine, this little girl just wanted to give us grief. We are pretty for certain it was ligament pain. Then, we all got sick. Being sick in the first trimester isn't a whole lot of fun... I have always had rather easy pregnancies and so far, this one was turning out to be really really hard. Things got better and in my second trimester once everything was getting better I decided to switch from an OB to a midwife. The midwife would be there with me from the moment I start labor until the end. What a great support right?. Well, we got our 20 week ultrasound and found out this baby is a girl. To say I was shocked was true. The kids and Derek called it. We also found out that the placenta was completely covering my cervix. We went back to the OB and midwife who both said not to worry that 90% of the time the placenta will move and everything will be fine. If the placenta doesn't move it is reason for a c-section. Everything seemed to be going ok. Heart burn did give me grief though. Ugh. Thankful for modern medicine (see I am pro medicine) this has been helped. Now here we are at 32 weeks and it is time for the follow up ultrasound. I have continued to prepare this whole time for my natural labor. What else is there to do? Worry? Yesterday was the scan. I had an awesome friend come with me so that Kael and Eden could come and see their little sister on "the big tv". They have been begging to see baby Elara on the tv since May! The tech was super nice. She got the baby's heart rate, checked the fluid levels, and confirmed again that Elara is still a girl. All positive things! Then, it came time to look at the placenta. It hadn't moved. It was still completely covering the cervix. Again, shock. She took lots of measurements. Then, she decided since I was so far along that she needed to do an internal ultrasound because they are more accurate. After everyone went to the bathroom, (we had a room full and I was grateful everyone was there!) we got ready. Again, no shift. It had moved some, but it was still over the cervix. To be able to not have a c-section the placenta has to be 2 cm away from the cervix opening... It was still covering it. The technician wanted to show the radiologist to confirm it and then I had to hurry to my midwife appointment. The midwife didn't want to worry about it until she saw the radiologist report. So, here we are playing the waiting game again... The technician said that most don't shift very much after 32 weeks. I was exactly 32 weeks yesterday... They will let me know how much is still covering the cervix hopefully today and then we can start planning what to do next. I'm scheduling an appointment with the OB I saw earlier in the pregnancy and hoping if I do need a c-section she can do it. It looks like again, plans have changed. I'm again sooooo grateful for modern medicine so that I can have a c-section and get my little girl here safe. It has been really hard to try and change my mind set that I won't have a natural labor. This is scary for me and a bit of a whirlwind. I already love this little girl so much and I will do anything to get her here safe! She looked beautiful on the ultrasound and I'm so glad I was able to see her again. The most major procedures I have had were my wisdom teeth taken out and the birth of my first 2 kids. For both I've never had any medicine stronger than ibuprofen and tylenol... I'm nervous for sure. For now, I'll just wait for the phone call to see what will happen next. I'm pretty for certain there will be one more ultrasound at 36 weeks just to be sure. I'm going to keep preparing my body for labor whether that ends up a c-section or whatever, at least physically I'll be ready... Here's to change, and although it's not what I expected, like all the other change that has happened in my life I'm going to be positive about it and know it is good.

So, enjoy a picture by Kael and compare it to when I was pregnant with Eden. She's in both pictures with me and I love having that little girl with me. :)

 32 weeks pregnant with Elara

31 weeks pregnant with Eden

Also, my latest creation for baby girl. I just hope it isn't too huge on Elara's little head. :)

Kael Turned 4!!!

The anticipation for his birthday has been amazing! Kael has been so excited for weeks leading up to it. He has been asking for a bow and arrow for months. It all started when we read his Book of Mormon stories book and the story of the 2000 stripling warriors following Helaman to battle and how their Mom's taught them to have faith came up. It is a pop up book and had a picture of all the soldiers with bows and arrows. Every time we read the story he would say, "Mom, I need a bow and arrow!" So, Derek and I started to say if he was good maybe he would get one for his birthday. 

His birthday was on a Monday, but with Derek's crazy schedule we waited until the weekend to celebrate because he finally got a Saturday off. The week was torture and every day was Kael's birthday. So, we literally talked about his birthday and celebrated for a week straight. Eden even got in on it, everything was, "it's Kael's birthday, it's my birthday". On Friday night I got brave and made his cake. I let him pick it out from the store and tell me what he wanted. He picked the funfetti with the dots in it and then wanted an angry birds space cake. Oh boy. I looked at so many pictures on the internet. I really didn't want to put the time into a fondant cake (hours), so I just made up some buttercream frosting and it was delicious! After hours to find the right bird and practicing drawing it on paper I think it turned out awesome! I let him pick a square or rectangle cake, and he wanted a circle. Then, he scrutinized every detail I did... It was a lot of fun actually and when I was done I got the best praise. I asked him if he liked his cake and he replied, "It's PERFECT Mom!!!" Well, 6th grade art teacher who let me grade myself and I got a C, guess what?! My artwork is PERFECT! Beat that! No art classes since then either! I'm just glad he liked it!

 Saturday came and he had been telling us for weeks he wanted to go to Discovery Gateway. It was a lot of fun and there weren't very many kids there. Kael's Grammy and Grampster were able to come with us and then we ate lunch at McDonald's. The kids had a blast! 

When we got home Kael showed his Grammy and Grampster how he could ride his bike with no training wheels. Then, we ate cake. Eden fell asleep in the car on the way home and slept through singing and cake. Then, it was nap time and it was much needed after a fun filled morning!

 Then, PRESENTS!

We got him a doctor set so he could be like Dad. Eden loved trying to help him with the presents and it made me super excited for Christmas this year! I also made him a reversible cape superman and spiderman and we got him a mask to go with it. And, of course he got his bow and arrow. We hid it until last and he was so excited! Now he talks about saving people from bad guys all the time. It is quite hilarious and I love that his imagination is just going crazy now! He is quite the 4 year old and I'm loving this guy more and more every day!

 Kael,
You are one amazing kid! I love being your Mom and I am so excited to see the next 4 years! Love you kiddo!
Mom

Angry Birds

Kael loves the angry birds game on the ipod. We have done angry birds with legos, and now balloons. He really wants an angry birds birthday cake... I'm gonna have to start looking on the internet. I love that he has so much fun with something so silly. He is such a fun little boy!

Riding Bikes

August 4th was a big day for Kael and Eden. Kael decided to pick up a 2 wheel bike and just start riding it, and Eden started peddling a tricycle all by herself! I was so impressed! I can't believe Kael can ride a bike! He just got on and said, "Mom, look!" Off my 4 year old went and now he rides all the time and loves it. I guess it is finally time to take the training wheels off his bike now so he can stop riding everyone else's bikes. He absolutely loves it! I'm so proud of these 2! They impress me every day.

An Eden Update 28 Months Old

My dearest oldest daughter,

This face totally describes your personality right now. From the time I brought you home from the hospital you have been my stubborn child. I have written about it countless times. It's something that drives me crazy, but something that makes me love you sooooo much! Ever since February you have been taking off your diaper and going potty. You made up your mind and did it. So, I thought why not try and potty train the girl? Well, as soon as it became something that Mom wanted and not what Eden wanted you immediately asserted your independent stubborn little self and decided it was not what you wanted to do anymore. I only wanted to do it because I thought it was what you wanted. Nope, I was way wrong. We have struggled back and forth and back and forth for month. I would give up and throw in the towel and then start over a month later. Well, ever since Dad started taking the car to school I decided that maybe you really were ready. You still have been going on your own and have thought it is pretty cool. We've been stuck at home a lot, so it was the perfect time. No more distractions! And guess what? You did great on the first day and that stubborn little girl came and showed Mom who was boss. Days 2 through 4 were miserable! I wanted to throw in the towel, but Dad kept my hopes up with Elara coming and you somehow pulled through. The last 3 days have been such a change and I am so amazed by you!!! You have only had #2 accidents and knock on wood I think you might have this potty thing down! You have been so excited for your stickers, your treats and your butterfly wings! You have decided "finally" that this is what YOU want to do for you! Since this moment that you made up your mind you have been a rock star! You get so sad when you have a #2 accident and you go and hide in the corner and feel so sad. It makes me want to just hug your little self. Kael took 4 months to learn/decide to go #2 in the toilet, so I'm giving you LOTS of credit. You are doing great! You are such a champ and I am so so proud of you! I love who you are even though I want to pull my hair out sometimes, but it is YOU and YOU are AMAZING! You do hard things and you are only 2! You insist on doing everything yourself! You are always telling me, "No Mom, I do it myself!" And then proceed to get mad if I try and help. You love being a big kid like Kael, and truth be told you are a big kid like him. You are going to be a great big sister! Elara is going to be so lucky to have you. I never got to be a big sister and I always wanted to. However, looking back I have learned how hard it must be, but I know you are going to be great and when you decide it for yourself Elara is going to be the luckiest little sister ever!

Kid, you are so smart, funny, happy, stubborn, persistent, fun, and a little crazy! I LOVE YOU!

I really love you with all my heart!

Thanks for being your stubborn self! You are going to make an amazing woman because of your personality and I am so lucky to be your Mommy!

Love you little lady!

Love,

Mom

3rd Trimester

27 weeks with little Elara.

Photo cutesy of Kael. 

I have to use a Nacho Libre quote when thinking about the second trimester...

"It's the Best"!

Little Elara is such an active little girl already. Being in the 2nd trimester was perfect for traveling to Europe. I'd go go go seeing everything and then we'd get back in the car and I'd fall asleep until we got out again. Now that I'm in the 3rd trimester I'm starting to really feel big. The 3rd trimester has brought an extra wiggly girl, no more lap room for Kael and Eden, heart burn (thankfully resolved by prescription medicine), and a sense that time is running out.

My to do list is only getting longer and it makes me nervous. Derek was suppose to be on outpatient internal medicine, but the school was having a hard time with their contracts with doctors and switched him to in-patient. Instead of a 7 to 6ish schedule Mon through Friday he is back to 6 days a week, a call day and an unknown schedule... This isn't helping my hunny do list. Not to mention when this is done he will be in surgery until I'm 36 weeks. Medical school is not very considerate of the pregnant wife. However, I cannot complain although I just did, because Derek is working so hard to find us a car and help me get ready for Elara in all that spare time he has you know, and still play and love on Kael and Eden. He is AMAZING through all of this and I'm so glad I have him. 

We are getting excited to meet Elara and see our little family grow. We are loving our family of 4 and where we are at, but know it will be great to have Elara. The count down is on. My next apt is August 7th and we will then schedule an ultrasound to see if my placenta has moved. I'm trying to be as patient as possible and give it lots of time to move. So, hopefully in about a month we will have some good news.

Kael and Eden sure are ready to meet Elara. They go around telling people, baby Elara is in Mommy's tummy. And people keep saying, "What?" I then have to explain Elara is the baby's name, and they get it. They are so excited to tell the world about their new baby sister coming in a couple months. Kael is always coming up to my stomach and yelling, "Wake up baby Elara". Yup, that hasn't stopped... I'm hoping I can put an end to it when she is born, or there will be serious consequences...... Eden is always trying to pull up my shirt so she can see baby Elara. And a couple nights ago I was taking Kael to the bathroom around 2 am and he ran into the door. The poor kid... He kept crying and was going to wake everyone up so I sat him on the toilet and said quick feel Elara kicking you! So he did and sure enough she kicked him for the first time. He was so excited and stopped crying and was so happy! He kept saying her foot kicked me! I love that Kael and Eden are so excited. It has made my excitement double since I get to share it with them. Kael is going to be a great big brother to another little sister and take just as good care of her as he does Eden. And Eden is going to love having a little sister. Of course they will all have their moments, but man they are the cutest siblings right now. I hope they still love each other this much always.

It takes a village to raise a family.

It has been kind of rough having Derek have the car every day. I'm not quite used to it and was ready to get out for a bit. We are still looking for a second car that will work for our family, but in the mean time we have been doing a lot more with our village family. This ward has been in a word, amazing. We've had so much help with car problems, baby sitters, and any little thing we might have needed including toilet paper, we have just had so much help. 

This day in July was no different. I realized how much I like to get out with the kids and not be stuck in the house. After talking to some of the other Mom's we got car pool rides to the free swim day for the village and got several families to the pool and we got a free car ride and a fun day hanging out with friends swimming! I'm so grateful to live here in the village and to have so many people watching out for me and my family. The saying is true that it takes a village to raise a family. We feel so blessed!

The Nyberg's Visit

Aunt Shelly came to the rescue the other day and helped me in a tight spot. We decided we needed to do something fun and free after that adventure! We went to City Creek and walked around, watched the water show, walked around temple square and the visitor center, went to the church history museum and let the kids play, played at the food court, and just had a great time being together. Only thing better would have been if Dad wasn't at the hospital.

 The mini water show.

 The Salt Lake Temple from the visitor center.

 The Church History Museum Children's Center.

Eden and Megan. We like to refer to them as mini Sharice and Shell. We just needed to throw cousin Rebekah in and then we'd have a mini Shannon too. We discovered that these 3 girls are just about the same age gap as me and my sisters and they all kind of look like their Mom's. Kind of silly, but cute!

We sure had fun with the Nyberg's! Until next time!