.a happy easter.

I can't remember an Easter when the weather was as beautiful as it was this year.  At the risk of sounding a little silly, I'd say it was glorious.  So it was a little frustrating waking up to the sunshine having had a fever filled night (me and Viv) and not knowing if I would make it to church.  But in the middle of night during my cold chills and shaking, I begged Heavenly Father to help me and Vivienne feel better so I could enjoy this spiritual holiday at church, with my family.  And glory be, it happened!  Wasn't 100 % but good enough. 

The girls had been waiting months to wear their dresses.  I picked them up at Costco for 17 bucks a while back and forbid the girls to put them on until Easter Sunday.  Because of the built anticipation they were even more excited to slip the lovely light blue dresses on. 

After a great morning at Church, we came home to just relax.  I decided to take advantage of the non raining day and snapped a few pictures of the kids.  Thankfully I got several good ones before they grew tired of it!

We had gotten together with the 'local' family the day before and did a fun brunch and egg hunt, so it was just us on Sunday.  Doug did a great job with dinner and we spent the rest of the evening just being together.  It was pretty quiet and laid back...and yes, glorious!

6 weeks

8 weeks

10 weeks

I started working on this post 4 weeks ago. 

To say that these past 10 weeks have gone by fast would be an understatement.  I honestly don't know where the time has gone.  If feels like I just brought this little miss home and already she is getting chubby, giving me smiles that make my day, and making my absolute favorite sound in the world...baby coo's.  Seriously, melts. my. heart!!

The first 6 weeks weren't the easiest for me and miss Viv. Besides taking forever to heal from the fabulous delivery, I had a few boob issues.  I got mastitis for the first time ever.  Don't recommend it to anyone.  Then just after I finished my antibiotics for that, Vivienne and I got thrush.  That was the first time for that too.  So, we both got put on drugs.  Boob pain in terrible.

I had my share of the baby blues.  I prepare myself for them, because I know they come.  I try really hard to work through them.  Some days are better than others, but I think I have done alright...Doug may disagree with me.  But the kids are still alive, I haven't gone totally crazy yet and he still loves me.  So, I consider that a success! 

{I have a lot more pictures, but am being lazy about loading them.  Maybe in another post}

 

The newness of Vivienne hasn't worn off yet.  She is still a rock star in this house.  She is certainly not attention deprived.  In fact, smothered is the word I would use.  Savannah and Payton are the ones usually fighting over who gets to hold her.  I will say that having older kids to help out this time around has been a.maz.ing!  And so far, they have been very willing to help as much as I need them to.  It's pretty sweet!

At her 2 month check up she weighed in at 12 lbs. 15 oz. and was 23 inches long.  Her first out right giggles came just the other night and at...of course...Jillian.  It was hilarious and infectious.  She also rolled over 4 times the night before that.  Oh goodness, it's all happening so fast. 

I have a very deep attachment to this girl. I don't mind others holding her at all...but I miss her when they do.  I could spend all day just holding her, listening to her talk, absorbing her full face smiles, and having her sleep on me.  It's hard to do anything else sometimes.  She is very distracting.  Now, it's not all peaches and cream.  She spits up a lot, is extremely fidgety and unsettled and has her inconsolable moments...but all that really doesn't matter.  I am putty in her hands.

I do need to talk about one other thing.  My amazing, fantabulous, phenomenal husband.  I don't know a better person than him and couldn't function without him.  He is my hero and has taken such good care of all of us.  He does so much and without complaining.  He only wants to make sure I am happy.  Love.  That.  Man!!

Something About Savannah

My sweet 8 year old plowed through the door a couple of weeks ago with a huge smile!  She was holding the sought after Student of the Month certificate.  She received the award for Honesty during the month of February.  I'm starting to think the teachers don't want me there because just like with Jillian, I wasn't told this was happening!  Nevertheless, I was proud and snapped a picture or two at home. 

(love those dimples!)

Another thing... Savannah banana asked for a sewing machine for Christmas.  (That sort of desire does not come from me.)  We got her one only after her grandmother said she would give her lessons.  Didn't want to spend the money for the thing to just sit there.  Heaven knows I wouldn't be teaching her. 

She completed her first project this week.  A little lap quilt for miss Vivienne.  She did an excellent job and insisted that we wrap Viv in it immediately.  We have received lots of blankets with this new baby and I put them in the closet upstairs.  Savannah asked..."Mom, can you actually leave this blanket with the baby instead of putting it in the closet?"  It now lays in the babes co-sleeper. 

I will probably be taking sewing lessons from her in the future!

**OSCAR WORTHY**

I have this thing with Hollywood and celebrities.  I'm not obsessed...just a little intrigued by the glitz and glamor of it all.  Maybe I still hold on to my childhood fantasy of becoming a famous singer/actress, (which I think most little girls have at some point in their lives).  Or maybe it's just because I'm a pretty typical 30-something year old housewife who longs to escape into the world of make believe every once in a while. 

I love movies.  When it comes to great movies,  I become attached to characters (same with books) and allow them to sink into my heart and usually don't want the story to end.  Unless of course it's a terrible movie.  Then I just pity the actors and wish them a better movie roll next time.

For the last few years I have wanted to throw an all out fancy shmancy Oscar party.  What better way to indulge my silly fantasy?  I picture having a red carpet leading to my house, fake paparazzi taking pictures of all my guests arriving in their killer (probably found at Good Will) dresses,  with their hair and make up done all purdy like!!  Eating hors d'oeuvers and sipping sparkling cider.  I'm smiling at how fun this all sounds to me and at how silly at the same time.

So...why haven't I thrown this fabulous Oscar party yet, you ask?  Last year...the awards show snuck up on me and I didn't have time to plan and this year, I popped out a kid.  But I was still able to celebrate with a little bit of class thanks to my fab friend, Traci.   

You see, Traci has the same obsession...I mean intrigue.  So she too wants to have an Oscar bash.  We will be doing it together next year!  To make up for not being able to bring my still healing self to get a party together, Traci put a little something together just for me and Doug (although his interest level is much much less than mine).  Sparkling cider, Lindor chocolates, champagne glasses.  She even had a ballot in there so I could vote before hand.  OH, I was giddy with excitement when she gave it to me.  Sadly, it ended up being Oscar party for one...Doug was gone at meetings.  I did have Viv but frankly she was bored with the whole thing!  I did enjoy the chocolates and cider and felt pretty fancy...and maybe just a little bit pathetic. 

I'm excited for next year though and know that Traci and I will throw a truly magnificent Oscar worthy party.  I can't wait to walk the red carpet!  

Grandma Iris...the Rock Star

My mom flew in a week after Vivienne was born.  The kids were doped up with anticipation.  We picked her up from the Portland airport and started her visit off with the delectable food of IHOP.  It's always fun trying to negotiate where to eat dinner that will satisfy the taste buds of 4 very different tongues.

My mom's time was fought over by some attention starved children.  They were all so excited to have Grandma Iris here!  She really was like a rock star.  She played legos, barbies, painted fingernails, giggled and snuggled.  The kids ate. it. up!

Besides going to town a few times, we really didn't do a whole lot.  I mean, I did just have a baby it's not like I was up for mall walking or sky diving.  So, we hung out at the house a lot and my mom did laundry.  Which I'm sure was just as thrilling to her as finding some amazing clothes on clearance or jumping out of a plane. 

But we did have a finale to her visit on her last night here.

What is there to do as a family in Chehalis/Centralia on a Friday night that doesn't cost a fortune?

BOWLING!

I'll have to tell you, it was so fun to see my mom bowling.  It was even more fun to watch the kids.  They had a blast and were so awesome with their enthusiasm and helping each other.  When we were leaving, the lady that works there said that I had a lovely family and my kids are very well behaved!  Thank goodness she saw them on a good night!  ;)

After our record breaking scoring at Centralia Bowl, we again, tried to satisfy everyones different appetites.  We settled on Happy Teriyaki.  And then ended our night at Baskin Robins!

Bowling, dinner and ice cream...enough excitement to make up for the rest of the week.

Saturday came quickly and it was time to make the trip back to the airport.  The kids did not want to see their grandma leave (of course, neither did I) and some tears were shed.  We all loved having our rock star here for the week. 

Thank you, mom for all your help!  We love you!

.A Name and a Blessing.

When trying to agree on a name, Doug would always bring up the fact that he had the final say because he would be giving her her blessing.  He said while giving her the blessing he thought for just a second to call her Charlotte (the name he really wanted) and then correct himself...just for kicks and giggles.  But he was a smart man and didn't do it. 

Because my mom was in town we had her blessed when she was just 10 days old.

As with all my girls, my mother in law made the dress.  I forgot to talk to her about it until 4 days before.  We discussed the design and thankfully I showed her a picture of what I wanted because we had two very different ideas. But, it turned out just the way I wanted (and yes, I was very picky about it) and I loved it!

Daddy gave her a most beautiful blessing. With lots of wonderful promises.  Just a few moments before the blessing, Payton leaned over to me and asked if he could carry her up to dad who now sits on the stand.  I had actually wondered how we would do it.  Would Doug come down and get her?  Would an uncle or friend take her up?  But when Payton asked to do it...it was what was suppose to happen.  I placed her in his arms and he very carefully took her up to daddy!  My heart swelled with pride and my eyes with tears!  It was a very tender and touching moment.  Absolutely perfect. 

 14 1/2 and Sunny Side Up

I briefly considered telling this story by just saying..."Hey, I had a kid.  Her name is Vivienne Loraine.  Born February 2nd at 11:29 p.m.  8 lbs. 4 oz. 20 inches long.  The end."

But I have decided to bore you with every last detail of this girl's arrival instead.  Enjoy!

I had gone in for an appointment Wednesday afternoon and after being told I was dilated to 3.5 and still 80 % effaced, I allowed the doc to proceed with the lovely process of membrane stripping.  Cringe!  She informed me that if I didn't have the baby by Monday (my due date), she would be willing to just go ahead and induce me that day.  She must have noticed the desperation on my face.  Actually, when she was walking out of the room, she said I could call on Friday if I just couldn't stand it anymore.  I love her.  Side note...while doc was doing the stripping, she actually felt the baby's hand reach up above her head and nudge her fingers.  It made her giggle.

Fast forward to Thursday, 11 a.m.  I finally gave in to Doug's "let's get this process going" suggestion and almost immediately after, I started having some pretty strong contractions.  I figured they would hang out for a while, and then fade away.  Because, it couldn't be that easy!  So, I just kept myself busy.  Showered, vacuumed, cleaned the kitchen, scrubbed the toilets.  The contractions just kept coming.  Doug was convinced I was in labor, I was not.  It didn't feel dramatic enough for me.  I needed something more obvious, something to smack me across the head that said "YOU'RE IN LABOR!"  The contractions were strong, and I was feeling a lot of pressure, but not intense enough to make me sure it was the real thing.  After several hours of nagging from D and my friend Veronica, I decided to call my doctor.  I talked to a nurse and she suggested I come to the hospital.  Fine.  I'll go.  But, I'm not in labor!  I really didn't want to get all the way up there and have them send me home!  It was around 4:30 and the kids were home from school.  Payton had been begging me for months to be in the delivery room and up until that moment I was undecided.  He thought he heard us say he couldn't come and I saw the devastation on his face, so I knew he was coming with us.  We hopped in the car, Veronica stayed with the girls and we headed north. 
We got checked in and met my nurse.  She told me that she had read my chart and she wasn't even gonna bother putting me in an exam room to rule out labor.  She was just taking me to a delivery room.  I was a bit shocked but shrugged my shoulders and said OK.  I still wasn't convinced this was the real thing.  I got changed into the ever-so fashionable hospital gown and then she checked my progress.  I was at a 5 now.  So...they decided to keep me there.  I guess I was in labor.  Go figure.

IV, check
Epidural, check
Breaking of water, check
Dilated to an 8

Everything was dandy and smooth.  Our friends, Ron and Jill had come to the house and fed our girls dinner because our grandma and grandpa plan didn't work because of grandma needing to teach institute.  Ron and Jill just couldn't stand it, so they loaded everyone in the car and came to the hospital.  When the girls came in, they looked wide-eyed and a bit concerned.  Jilli got a little teary-eyed.  At this point, I had started my usual uncontrollable shaking.  It made the girls even more concerned.  I had to keep telling them that I was fine.  They explored the room and I think my nurse was getting a little irritated, but oh well!

This is me on drugs.

The waiting game slowed a bit after getting to an 8.  I could feel the contractions...but not totally.  I was kind of waiting for the epi to really kick in.  I could still move my legs a bit and wiggle my toes...I should have been more concerned.  It was getting late (about 10 p.m.) so Ron and Jill decided to take the girls back home.  They were going to bring them in from the waiting room to say goodbye.  Then all of the sudden...I HAD TO PUSH.  I have never had the sensation before because of how much my epidural was masking the pain and urge.  With wide eyes and a strange act of finger snapping, I told Doug to get the nurse.  Just at that moment all the girls came in to say goodbye.  Oh goodness.  I tried to hurry and kiss and love on them.  They decided they would hang out in the waiting room a little longer because we thought the baby wouldn't take too long to arrive.  The nurse and the doc came in and checked...yep, I was 'complete'.  The doc took his position and started doing a few things, and I realized that I could feel everything he was doing.  Ummm...that's not suppose to happen.  But alas, it was too late to call in the anesthesiologist to up the dosage.  I was just gonna have to grin and bare it.  Super!

I started to push.  And then I pushed a little more.  And then a little more.  And then a little more.  Nothing seemed to be happening.  30 minutes passed.  45 minutes.  Seriously?  I got the last couple of kids out in 4 pushes.  What was going on here?  (By this time, Ron and Jill had taken the girls home.)  The time between contractions was spent making silly jokes and light conversation and listening to Payton complain about how long it was taking. I remember saying "I wonder if she will see her shadow?"  (Since it was Groundhog Day).  I think I got a courtesy laugh from everyone.  "Laugh at the joke the lady in labor made or it could get ugly!"  The baby finally made her way to where she was suppose to be and OH.  MY.  GOODNESS!  I will be perfectly honest right now.  I don't handle pain very well and this was beyond painful.  I'm not one of those women who feels empowered by facing this birthing thing naturally.  She was down right stuck and I felt like I was gonna tear in half.  So much pressure.  So much pain.  And I was so very tired.  I tried to keep a positive attitude and not scream or cry.  I didn't scream, but I did get a bit emotional.  I warned everyone that it was gonna happen.  The last couple of pushes I almost couldn't bring myself to do.  I felt like I had less than nothing left.  But, I dug deep and bore down and finally after pushing for over an hour...

she came out.  They layed her on my chest and I was so relieved to be done.  She looked almost albino because of the amount of vernix she was covered in.  We just laid there weeping a little together and then she stopped and looked around like she was taking it all in...didn't make a sound. 

The doctor was doing all the after stuff (which included A LOT of stitches) and when I looked at him, he seemed a little perplexed.  Not necessarily a look you want to see on your doctors face when he is taking care of your girl business.  I asked if everything was OK and he said that part of the placenta was still inside and that he was trying to get it out.  His "I'm trying to not hurt you" approach wasn't working, so he had to do the "this is going to be really uncomfortable" approach instead.  He had to reach up into my uterus to get the missing pieces.  I thought his whole arm had disappeared.  Now, remember...my epidural wasn't working.  This had to be one of the most uncomfortable things I've ever experienced.  Unfortunately, he was unable to get every tiny piece, but he didn't think they would be problematic.  They gave me an anti-biotic through my iv to help fight off the possibility of infection. 

Payton's thoughts on being in the delivery room...."I thought it was interesting and fun to see my little sister.  I wish I hadn't walked back behind the curtain that last time because 2 seconds later, pop, she came out.  When I cut the cord it was really worm like."

(He was getting really bored because it was taking so long so he would disappear into the extension part of the room to read and play his DS, and had just went back in there when she finally made her arrival.  He didn't make the initial cut of the cord, he did a second cut with the nurse after they weighed and measured her.)

She stayed wide awake for about 2 hours!

This is Dr. Bell.  I was so stoked when I found out that he was the doc on call that evening!! 

Upon weighing and measuring her, they of course measured her head.  14 1/2 inches!  Yeah, I know.  That's a big noggin'!  But then the doc informed me that she was born OP...which is also known as 'sunny side up.'  That means her face was up instead of down when I pushed her out.  Making the delivery even more difficult.  You see, the skull plates on the back of a babies head are what is supposed to move together when being delivered.  When the face is up...no plates move.  Super sweet, huh!?  Apparently Dr. Bell and the nurses were stunned at the size of her head and her being flipped.  No wonder I felt like I was going to tear in half.  Later on we discovered that because of the sunny side up thing, her head had bruised pretty bad.  She looked like she had stripes!  I lovingly called them her racing stripes.

We got transferred into our recovery room a couple hours later (about 2 am) and as expected I got absolutely no sleep.  Doug and Payton crashed on the most comfortable couch and cot ever (sarcasm intended) while the babe and I cuddled in my hostpital bed.  Morning came like a speeding train. 

That afternoon, Grandma and Grandpa brought the girls to meet their new little sister.  I was a little worried because apparently Jillian had been throwing up all night.  But thankfully she was all right when they got there. When we told the girls about the sunny side up occurance, Jillian suggested we name her Sunny.  Such logic from my 5 year old.

We enjoyed lots of visitors throughout the day and loved all the goodies they brought.  We felt very special and loved!

I stayed another night upon request of the pediatrician.  That evening (Saturday) was spent trying to pick a name for our poor child.  Apparently Doug didn't feel like Vivienne fit.  He went through every name he could find on his internet accessible phone.  There were some dozzies.  I can't believe what people have named their children.  D went home that night still pondering on a name that suited the child and took care of the other kids and the babe and I toughed it out all alone.  We did OK...but I got kind of lonely.  Doug came back the next morning to take us both home.  We made the name Vivienne Loraine officail when we filled out the paperwork.  The discharge process took for.ev.er!!  But we eventually made it out and were on our way back to reality.

Vivienne's going home outfit.  'Mommy rocks!'  Well...I do!

Holding Payton's finger.

Holding Savannah's finger.

So there you have it.  A baby story.  Another Gifford.  Another girl.  Another blessing.