The Silly Faces of Steven

I wanted to get a great picture of Steven, so I asked him to take out his bink and smile for the camera. This is what I got...

Then he wanted to take a picture. He was not satisfied until he got the shot he wanted:

Update

Now that Natalie is just over a week and a half old, I thought I'd give an update on the Smith clan.

Concerning Natalie: Can you say easy? Seriously, she is so much easier than I dreamed possible. She sleeps through the night except to eat (which is every 3 to 4 hours); she sleeps most of the day, too. Although, she is having more and more awake time everyday. I never doubted my love for her, but I never imagined how full my heart is now than it was before she was here!

Concerning Steven: Can you say easy? Seriously! Steven has taken to being a big brother with much greater ease than I thought. He dotes on Natalie. Here are several examples of how Steven has become such an awesome big brother:

• When Nate's mom was bringing him to the hospital the day we were getting discharged, she asked Steven, "Do you want to go see mommy and daddy?" To which he answered, "Na-ee." (It sounds just like "Natalie" but without the middle sounds.)
• When Steven went to bed two nights ago, Natalie was already asleep and in the pack 'n' play by our bed. We kissed Steven, but before we could put him in bed, he asked, "Na-ee?" He has given her a kiss every night before he goes to bed, so tonight needed to be the same! I promptly brought her to Steven for the night-night kiss.
• Every morning, Steven crawls into bed with us and before he kisses mommy or daddy good morning, he must give Natalie a kiss. I feel a little cheated. I went from the first morning kiss to the second or third! :)

Concerning Daddy: The moment I found out we were having a girl, I knew she would wrap daddy around her little finger. What I never realized, was just how quickly the wrapping would occur. Let's say it took less time than it did to get me out of the OR before she had daddy firmly ensconced around that tiny finger. I frequently catch Natalie and Daddy sharing secrets already. Nate has warned me that all Natalie will have to do is go tell daddy when mommy makes her upset. I don't think he's kidding, either!

Concerning Mommy: I have always imagined loading my children up on my lap and reading to them or just plain cuddling with them. It's better than I imagined!

Best Pictures EVER!

These are the best pictures I've ever seen! I love them so much.

Daddy kissing Steven while Steven kisses Natalie

Sweet Baby Girl

The best big brother!

Perspective

Pictures with Family and Friends

Okay, I lied about having 90-some pictures, I actually have 100+ pictures. I've sorted through them and put some that I liked on the blog. If you want them in chronological order, start at the bottom and work your way up. There are just too many for me to reorganize, since I forgot to put them in order in the first place! Remember, I put captions above the pictures.

Natalie's first time at homeDaddy with Natalie before going homeGetting ready to leave the hospitalIn the car for the first time!Mommy getting into the carDaddy getting into the carAunt Julie and Natalie Friends, Kim and Peter
Daddy talking to Natalie
Natalie in her going home outfit
Daddy, Steven, and Natalie

Grandma and Grandpa
Grandpa, Grandma, Aunt Freda, and Aunt Kathy
Uncle Luke with Natalie and Steven
Great Grandma Wood
Grammy

Daddy who is as happy as can be!
Aunt Julie, Mommy, and Natalie
Another picture of a very happy Daddy
Steven meets Natalie for the very first time!

The Story

The day before Natalie's arrival, I was extremely nervous and still not entirely sure if I was making the right choice. Out of the blue, Karina (Zack and Maggie's mom) called. She had just had her repeat c-section two weeks ago. She was just the person I needed to talk to. She, Zack, and Maggie stopped by and the boys played while we talked. I asked a lot of questions about her repeat c-section and the recovery from it. I felt so much better about my c-section the next day.

Bright and early on Thursday morning, we had to leave the house for the 6:30 am check-in at the hospital.

I was put on the monitor for the morning while I was prepped for surgery. The ironic part is, I was having contractions every 2 to 5 minutes, and I believe I have been having them for a week; they just weren't doing anything! We were put on standby, since my c-section was scheduled and not an emergency. There was a labor somewhere else that was not progressing well. They need to keep a room open for emergency, which is only logical. Meanwhile, Nathan and I got ready to go. I put on my wonderful hat and Nate put his fun scrubs on.

Shortly, we walked back to the OR and got things started. It didn't take too much longer before Natalie was born! She was kicking and screaming and very healthy!

Off we went to recovery. The hospital is a very great proponent for skin-to-skin contact and rooming in. As a result, even though I had a c-section and had to go into recovery for a time, Natalie was in the room with us the whole time. They weighed her, measured her, and gave her the first bath all while I could watch. Then the nurses immediately brought Natalie to me so I could start nursing her.

After a time in recovery, we were off to our room. All in all, this experience was much better than my last c-section! I felt so much better and, so far, the recovery has been much easier. Do I still question my choice about having the c-section, especially in light of the fact that I was having contractions 2 to five minutes apart?

Look at Natalie's head in the picture above. Perfectly round... She was not engaged into the pelvis at all!!! She was still high and floating. Who knows when she may have dropped. I am perfectly content that the choice I made was correct!

Happy Birthday, Natalie!!

She has finally arrived!


Natalie Arynn
Born: 4-24-08
Time: 10:03 am
Weight: 7 lbs 13.4 oz
Height: 19 inches
Head circumference: 14 inches

The Plan

Well, I had my next doctor appointment today. Natalie is still floating up high and isn't engaged at all. I'm not dilated at all and might be 40% effaced (thinned out), but that's it. And it's been that was for a few weeks. So, we made a plan. If Natalie chooses not to come on her own time frame, I will have a repeat C-section on April 24.

Happy Birthday to Everyone...

... but Natalie!!! We have a lot of April birthdays on Nate's side of the family. We had a huge birthday party for everyone yesterday. I forgot my camera, but when I get other people to email pics to me, I'll update with pictures.

Aunt Katrina's birthday was April 8
Angelo's birthday is April 22
Grandma's birthday is April 25
Cousin Susan's birthday is April 26
Natalie's birthday... TBD!!!!



I did, however, get some cute videos and pictures of Steven from Saturday and Sunday morning...

Steven decided to play inside his box. Not that this is a "new" event for him, but it is particularly cute!

We've been watching Cars (the Disney movie) with Steven. Daddy taught Steven how to say, "Tractors is so dumb!" A quote from Mater. Now, I'm not sure how I feel about Steven calling things dumb, but for now, it is kinda cute. The first video... Steven is much more interested in playing with his tractor. The second... Got it!

Options

I've had a few questions about what my options are, now that my due date has come and gone. First and foremost, I found a doctor who is amazing. She is 100% behind my decision to attempt the trial of labor. (Remember, Steven was born via c-section.) As a result, she has been so in tuned with how I feel and even, to some degree, what my fears are. At my 39 week appointment, I was sure she would mention scheduling a possible date for a repeat c-section, but she didn't even mention the word! It was such a positive feeling.

Last Thursday, at my 40 week appointment, all she said was, we'll wait another week and then we'll start thinking about options. That means she's giving Natalie yet another week to try to come on her own. I have an appointment a little earlier than when I hit 41 weeks because we're going to try to "strip my membranes" to give me a little more time.

Unfortunately for me, my next real option available is a repeat section. Many late babies are induced, but because of my prior c-section, that option is not available. The risk for uterine rupture increases quite a bit when pitocin (the drug used to induce labor) is used. At 41 weeks, we'll probably schedule a c-section.

So, send a little prayer my way that Natalie decides to get this party started on her own!

40 w, 1 d

To define my title... Yes, I am still pregnant. 40 weeks and 1 day to be exact. That's "only" one day past my due date, but let's face it when your past 40 weeks, their's no "only" about it!!! Although, I have been having intermittant contractions since last night, so we'll see...

I got two really cute pictures yesterday. The first is Steven making a very cute and funny face for the camera. Notice that cute little lower lip just sticking out.

Second picture... A few days ago, Nate and Steven put together the floor puzzle. Penny somehow managed to nose her way underneath it. If you walked by (or like me, purposely irritated her), she would reach a paw out and "attack" you!

Frog in the House

Remember I mentioned Gennessee coming over on Monday? I wanted to make sure I added a picture of her and Steven playing. We went to the park and played all day, but I managed to only get my camera when they were playing with the sidewalk chalk.
Steven spent yesterday evening with grandma and grandpa. I had a very not fun stomach issue... I called Grandpa and pawned the boy off so I could rest. Thankfully, they were more than happy to get Steven. An added bonus: Uncle Luke was over there for dinner, so Steven and Uncle Luke got to run around and play.

After Steven got home, he saw that daddy had returned from his baseball game. This caused a very tired Steven to get a second wind! He organized the pillows on the sofa. He did lay down for a few moments, but just for a few!
As we went upstairs to get ready for bed, Steven started hopping around the room yelling "Ribbit, ribbit!" He did this for some time. It was SOOO cute!

When Steven finally did fall into an exhausted sleep, we thought he would be down for the count. Unfortunately, he rolled onto an uncomfortable book which woke him up. When daddy went to check, he realized the problem and fixed it. However, when Steven saw daddy, he said, "Up, up, up." Daddy, being wrapped around Steven's finger, picked him up and carried him downstairs. Steven curled right up on my lap and fell, promptly, back to sleep!

Sunday with Friends and Family

Sorry to keep you hanging!! We just had a good, fun weekend so I didn't update. Then, yesterday, Gennessee came over for a play day!! She and Steven missed each other so much, I'm so glad she could come over. Of course, this means Natalie is still staying put! See, I just hold these kiddos for a long time!
Steven's koala bear, Ki (short for Kiwi), is one of Steven's good pals. Steven was telling Ki all about Thomas. I missed the picture of Steven pointing to the TV and talking full sentences to Ki.

Steven and Daddy paused in their Thomas watching to give me a message: "I Love You!" I love how Steven signs it. Just holds up his whole hand!

After nap, we went to Grandma and Grandpa's for dinner. A few days ago we got a heavy April snow. The kind that's perfect for snowmen!! Grandpa made a snowman for Steven. Steven got to see it on Friday, but he was still around for Sunday dinner. Although, his nose and eyes were falling off! :)

Just before we were going home, Nate's childhood friend, Jim came for a visit. Jim's parents are very good friends of the Smith's, but we don't get to see Jim or his family often anymore; he lives in Hawaii! He is visiting for a little over a week with his little girl Keilana! She is three and is as cute as a button. Steven had to practice his sharing skills with his trampoline. It was a challenging, but he did a pretty good job after a little while!!!

Bread, Pillows, and Puzzles

Today Steven had a very fun day:

First mommy and Steven made banana bread. Yummy! (Although, Steven refuses to try any, even though I know he'll love it!)

Then, after lunch, I couldn't find Steven...

...Wait a minute, there he is!!!

Just before bed, Steven and daddy play with the foam floor puzzle. What started out as a "normal" puzzling session turned into a "Let's hit ourselves with the pieces and see what happens" session. The boys were having SO much fun. Steven was laughing so hard he would fall over!

Maggie

No, this isn't my little girl, sorry to disappoint. It is, however, my friend, Karina's little girl. Karina was initially due the day after me, but had her scheduled c-section on April 9.

Margaret Olivia (Maggie)
Born: 09 APR 2008 at 1235 PM
6 lbs 15.5 ounzes
20 inches

Snores

Steven fell asleep on Daddy's lap last night. The way he was laying led to some adorable snoring... The picture quality is horrible, but this video is all about the sounds, so turn it up just a bit!

A "flashy" version of the video

Crocheted blankets

Okay, strange post, but I think I'd like to start showing off my work...

For those that don't know, I love to crochet. I finished two blankets throughout this pregnancy. One for Natalie and one for a friend of mine who had her baby yesterday.

Natalie's Blanket:

Maggie's Blanket (my friend's new daughter): Allison, you might recognize the flower detail on this one... I made a bottle cover (in retrospect, an entirely useless, albeit beautiful baby item) for Elie with this same pattern.

Detail of flower:

Quick Update, No Pics

Well, since I'm just about down to the wire, I figure I should try to post (almost) daily. The ticker is still correct!! For as hard as this pregnancy has been on me, my body sure likes to hold onto the babies! This is, of course, a good thing, but let's face it, I'm through! My most recent doctor's appointment, which was today, went well. I did a NST because Natalie was not moving as much as she normally does. She must have had a sleepy day, because she slept through the first half of the test. The nurse "buzzed" my stomach to wake her up and after that, her heart rate showed the variations that it needed to show.

You'll Never See this Again

This was so cute and so unusual that it deserved it's own post. Be sure to read past this to see what else happened Sunday...

After I got home from church, we had lunch as a family. Then Steven went downstairs to watch a Thomas. He was unusually quiet so I decided to check on him. By this time, Nate had gone upstairs to jump in the shower. This is what I found...

I ran to get Nate, because he had to see his adorable little guy! When we returned, this is how he was!

Steven never falls asleep on his own without being in bed. He just goes and goes and goes until he can hardle go anymore, but this was rare.

Busy Sunday Morning

Daddy and Steven stayed home from church this morning since I had to play bells at two services and then practice for an hour and a half. They did some fun playing. They built a sofa cushion and blanket fort!

Steven attempts to put a fort together

With Daddy's help, he finds success

Playing in the fort

Cute bottom

After playing in the fort, Steven makes a break for it...

...to play with trains

Evidently, Gordon (the blue engine on his side) only pulls the "Press" (express). When Nate tries to add any other cars to Gordon, Steven yells, "No, press, press." Then Steven pushes Gordon around the tracks yelling, "Hurry, hurry." Unfortunately, Thomas (the smaller blue engine still on the tracks) didn't get out of the way for the express. Gordon had a very serious crash. He even took out the crane building and poor Sir Topham Hat! Notice the blue car by Steven's hand? That's Gordon's coal tender. The accident went for a long way, clearly.

Noah, again

I wanted to share this wonderful email I got from our cousin, Susan:

Hello Everyone,

We recently received copies of Noahs Xrays from the hospital and thought we'd share. The first xray was taken September 2006, the morning of his first cast. The hospital measured his curve at 78 degrees. The second xray was taken February 2008 IN his 6th cast. This xray was measured at 20 degrees. So........................18 months and 6 casts later, we are absolutely amazed with the progress. We will be returning to SLC May 26th (Kens Birthday) to have this cast removed, MRI done, and get Noahs first brace!! The doctors want to give Noah a "Cast Break" for the summer. As of now, the plan is to then return to SLC in September or October to possibly be recasted. We will know more in May.

Anyways, we hope you are all well. We love you all.

Ken & Susan

Can you say baths and swimming pools galore!!! Great news, Noah!!!

Watching 'Mas

Daddy and Steven were watching what Steven call "Mas." For those of you who don't know, it's Steven's favorite thing in the world... THOMAS!! I love how Steven used daddy as a jungle gym to get to the perfect viewing angle.

Happy Easter!!!

Yeah, yeah, I know it's over a week late, but the batteries in the camera were dead, and frankly, I'm just too tired to worry about it! Alas, I have changed the batteries. Now the problem lies in choosing the pictures for the blog; we got a ton!!!

Breakfast- Daddy let Steven eat Lucky Charms. What a lucky guy.

After Church- There were some gifts left under a blanket in Steven's room. Could you guess what it was?

THOMAS STUFF!!!

Daddy and Steven spent a lot of time playing with the trains.

Grandma and Grandpa's- After spending some time playing with the new train gear, we went to grandma and grandpa's house.

More Thomas stuff, including a really cool Thomas backpack. Steven still proudly wears his backpack everywhere he goes.

Dying Easter Eggs- This activity started in the dining room, but with the thought of upholstered chairs and white-ish carpeting facing its impending demise, we moved to the kitchen table.

Easter Egg hand!

Easter Egg Hunt- This was very fun!!!

Steven ran around hunting for eggs while yelling, "EGG!!!"

He then hid some eggs.

The fun part about a 21 month old hiding eggs is that by the time you hide the last one, you don't know where you put the first and you get to hunt some more eggs down!