A new baby . . . three days away

I'm having a baby in three days.  It's strange for me to even know the birth date ahead of time.  I guess, in reality, we knew Autumn's (since she was induced) and Gage's (since he was a c-section).  But, both of those situations were fairly last minute decisions.  This date, however, has been scheduled for more than a month!

Yet, days away, I still find it absolutely amazing that we're about to have another baby.  Gage is still so little.  Still my baby.  Although, just this week, he has felt a little heavier and looked a little bigger.  But, he's still my little baby.

Little Gage isn't going to know what to do with a new distraction in the house.

Autumn feels like she's surrounded my brothers . . . or "bothers" as she has just said recently starting saying (not sure where she heard that little gem).

Gavin was concerned that Jeff wouldn't be able to ride four-wheelers with him.  Once we confirmed that we would still have family walks . . . and that I would be happy to keep the babies at home while he and Daddy went for special rides together . . . Gavin was once again okay that another baby was joining the family.

I've said it so many times before . . . but, I do feel like the last year has just flown by.  I remember comforting everyone at work and emphasizing that I had MONTHS before anyone had to worry about me being out on maternity leave.  And, yet . . . here I am . . . days away.

Jeff and I had many long, serious discussions contemplating whether or not we should attempt to add a third baby to our family.  Although we had agreed from the beginning that we would like to have three or four children, so much changed when Gavin was born.

And, then . . . once we were committed to the notion that having another baby was the best thing for Gavin and our family . . . Gage took a couple of years to make his way to us.

So, imagine our surprise when we were blessed with another little angel so quickly.

And, yet . . . despite thinking the entire time that Gage would be my last pregnancy . . . this time things are much more final feeling.  And, my emotions are much more intense than they were before my delivery with Gage.

I can't imagine not feeling a little human tossing and turning in my belly.  Or having hiccups.  Or moving a foot under a rib.  It's the most wondrous and amazing experience that I could ever describe.  It's one that I wish I could share with Jeff.  Despite all of the pain that comes with bearing children, I would rather keep it all than have to give up the magical feeling of a baby inside.

And, now it really feels final.  I have three more days to experience the wonder of carrying a baby.  And, I'm sad.

I'll also admit . . . I'm really scared.  I'm scared because I know the pain of recovery from a c-section.  I know how uncomfortable I was in the hospital.  And, how I could barely breathe hard or deep enough to lift the little ball in the tool that the respiratory specialists used to help me recover.  I remember shaking uncontrollably.  I wish I didn't remember all of those things.  Recovery was just so much easier with both Autumn and Gavin.

But, there's also the emotional aspects of delivery.  Things progressed very smoothly with Autumn.  We were able to fully enjoy the first days of becoming new parents together in that little room.  I took countless pictures of Jeff holding our little girl . . . and thinking that I couldn't love any two people more.

And, then . . . Gavin's birth was the extreme opposite.  Nothing felt right about the entire day . . . and all of our concerns and fears were more than confirmed during delivery.  It was a day of chaos that I would never want to repeat.

My pregnancy with Gage was riddled with concerns and little potential problems that the doctors "just wanted to follow up on."  So, even though there was the traumatic call that he must be delivered via c-section, we were thrilled to hear his tiny cry when he was born.  And, then devastated moments later when we realized that the nurses couldn't find a heartbeat.  I will never forget looking over at the warmer, and two tiny blueish feet, as the nurse shook her head 'no' to her assistant as she tried to find a heartbeat.  Those next minutes were torturous.

So . . . here I am . . . emotional about this being our last baby . . . days away from a delivery and recovery that is just downright painful . . . and sick with worry.

Despite his positive and comforting nature, my doctor even knows now not to tell me how unlikely it is that something will go wrong.  Because, in my case . . . I tend to defy the odds.

Yet, this little man has been a smooth pregnancy.  I believe that he was sent to us for a reason.  My doctor even said that this little baby was meant to be - considering all the factors.

So, I'm feeling overwhelmed . . . with gratitude and excitement, fear and concern.  But, I'm looking forward to that moment when they place this little angel in my arms for the first time.  And, I can look into his eyes and meet the little man that's been kicking and poking me for months.  When I can look at him and see my husband in his features.  When I can see Jeff holding him . . . and think that I couldn't love any five people more.

The House

I just realized that it has almost been exactly a year since we first started building our house.  Wow.  It sure did seem like a long year in so many ways - and so short in others.  Jeff was gone all the time working so hard to build a perfect house for his family.  And, little Gage was experiencing his first year of life. Autumn changed schools yet again - as soon as we knew where we would be building (and the boundaries for the elementary school).  And, Gavin started preschool at the local elementary.

Now, I'm sitting at a computer at our desk in the new house.  And, it seems like the year just flew by and we've been here forever.

My completely blank walls tell a different story.  And, the boxes and bags still lingering in my closet betray me.  It's only been a few months since we've moved in.

Some could argue that it's plenty of time to hang a picture or two.  But, man . . . I'm just so happy to be here . . . with my family.  Settled.  With Jeff back at home with us.  And, the busyness never stopped.

Sadly, the pictures we took of the building process don't paint the full story.  And, at the most exciting time . . . when everything was finishing . . . we were far too busy focused on finalizing the details that were required for us to move in . . . including packing.  So, we don't have pictures of the finished product pre-move-in-date.

But, these pictures do paint a bit of the building story.

I am so very glad that while we were in Canada - and we were in the process of bidding on houses - that I didn't sign and fax the papers to accept the bank's counteroffer on a house that is now around the corner.  I told Jeff that I wanted to bring home the contract to review everything one more time.

That night, Jeff had a hard time sleeping.

When we woke up the next morning, Jeff told me that he had been running figures through his head and drawing plans for hours in the night.  And, that he was convinced we should buy a lot and build our own house . . . one that was totally suitable for Gavin.

Jeff is one of the smartest and most talented people I have ever met.

I fully supported his decision.  He was 100% right.

Gavin has a better life because of that night.

I am so happy to be here.  I'm so lucky to have Jeff.  I am so happy to have my family.

And, I love this house.

 

Birthday Season 2012

Peterson Birthday Season 2012 started earlier this year than in year's past because of our sweet new addition.  Gage's birthday on January 19th kicks off the season.  We were in our house less than a couple of weeks when we celebrated Gage's big first birthday!  During birthday season, we take one set of decorations down to put another set up.  And, in the middle, we celebrate Valentine's Day, too!  I learned a few years ago to switch to cupcakes.  We used to throw one cake away just to cook another one!

Gage's First Birthday - January 19th

Gage was a very willing participant in the festivities.  We are pretty sure one of his very favorite parts of the party was the streamers hanging from the ceiling fan.  Autumn and Gavin took turns turning the fan on and off.  It never lost its fascination with any of them!

The past year absolutely flew by.  It's been just over a year since we've been back from Canada - which seems like a million years ago.  In the past year, we've bought land, built a house, and moved again.  And, during it all, we have been able to enjoy this little bundle of joy.  And, those words are absolutely true for Gage.  His smile and mischievous little laugh lights a room.  He is laid-back and cuddly.  I am completely in love with this little man and am so glad that we were blessed with this angel.

Autumn and Gavin both had to be coaxed into eating their birthday cakes on their first birthdays.  Gage didn't hesitate even for a second!  He instinctively knew exactly what to do.  Clearly this little one takes after his mommy and her sweet tooth.

He licked every last bite.  Gage has always cracked us up with the way he smacks his lips when he eats. Jeff and I have a HUGE pet peeve about kids (or anyone) that eat with their mouth open.  But, one-year-olds get a free pass.

Gage ate every last crumb.

Autumn wrapped a present just for Gage.   She found one of her books that she knew he would like and included school photos of her and Gavin for the little man.

Grandma and Grandpa Peterson gave Gage a wooden toy that has proven to be extremely popular with all of the kids.  Hammering is a favorite around here.

And, like all the kids ... Gage is always willing to go for a quick spin in Gavin's wheelchair!

Autumn's 7th Birthday - February 2nd 

We made flower cupcakes for Autumn's class at school.  I was able to take the cupcakes in and read a few books to her class.  She loves it when we come in to her classroom.

We celebrated at home on Autumn's birthday on Thursday night.  Surprisingly, Autumn asked to go out to eat for the occasion.  So, we enjoyed our favorite Mexican dinner at Tarahumara in Midway.  And, then came home to open presents!

Since Santa brought a few of her friends American Girl dolls for Christmas, Autumn added a doll to her wish list for her birthday.  We searched around and opted to buy her a 'journeygirls' doll (honestly, less than 1/3 of the American Girl doll price - and much prettier, in my opinion).  She was absolutely thrilled.  Autumn dressed and undressed her for the first few days and carried her around.  And, she has comfortably rested in Autumn's room, tucked in gently with a blanket, since February 4th.  Oh thank goodness we didn't buy the American Girl doll!

On Saturday, we hosted a cooking birthday party for Autumn.  Twelve little girls arrived and decorated aprons and chef hats for the event.  [Mental note . . . puff paint, used in the way that these little girls use it (heavy, thick, globs of color) will never, ever dry.]  They all loved being crafty.  And, it was really fun to see their creativity and designs. 

We played a 'guess that food smell' game.  I stumped them all with soy sauce.

We played the cupcake game - where you throw a ball into a cupcake tin and have to do the activity on the card to earn the points.  Silly girls.

Autumn, of course, opened presents . . . and was thrilled at every sugary treat she opened!

And, after making 'salad on a stick' and individual pizzas (I gave them each a ball of dough and lots of toppings), each girl decorated two cupcakes.

And, after everyone went home, Jeff took the kids to the Midway ice skating rink while I stayed with a napping Gage.

Gavin really endured extremely well in the cold weather.  He is a huge hockey fan . . . and loves to watch the Colorado Avalanche on TV whenever he can.  So, sledge hockey is right up his alley.

I sure do love my little girl.  I can't believe she's seven already.  I can't believe what an amazing help she is to our family - and how she is always willing to help out with Gavin and Gage.  She has a lot of responsibility as an older sister in this family.  And, she never ceases to amaze us with her thoughtfulness for her little brothers.

She is truly beautiful on the inside and out.

Jeff's 35th Birthday - February 25th

For Jeff's big birthday celebration, we invited the 'old gang' up to the house for dinner, cake and ice cream.  Jeff has been lucky to have the same best friends for way more than a decade now.  Sickness kept the Engles away.  But, Jory, Johnny, and Wendy - and their families - all made the trek to Heber despite the stormy weather forecast.  Scott and Krissie are the latest additions to the 'old gang' and also came to celebrate!

It was a really fun night of catching up, eating and relaxing.  It is really amazing to think about how much has changed over the years with this same group.

We had seven little ones running around.  Three of us are pregnant.

Jeff's birthday has traditionally been a time when we all come together.  We've crammed in apartments, rental homes, and had surprise parties.  Sadly, our former hangout, Fuddrucker's, closed down this past year. But, the memories go on. 

I absolutely adore this man.  He is everything that I dreamed of in a husband and even more.  How many people can say that?  I feel like the luckiest girl.  I am so happy that he picked me.

Gavin's 5th Birthday - March 1st

More to come . . .