Birth day arrives:)

Kinsley Blake

March 16, 2011

6 lbs 10 ozs

19 inches

5:28 pm

Kinsley made a grand entrance into the world al little early. I had a gall bladder attack during the wee hours of March 6. At 4 in the morning, Jonathan, the kids, and myself headed to MWH to see what was going on. They quickly determined I was having an attack and needed pain meds. I was extremely dehydrated so it was VERY difficult to get an IV in me. Eventually they did and the rest of the day is kind of blurry. They kept me 2 nights to make some decisions. My OB doctor wanted Kinsley out while the high risk doctor (more so for baby) wanted her to stay in. So after going home and continuously throwing up my doctor asked for an amnio. So the following Tuesday (March 15) I went to have an amnio in the morning. After lots of tears due to the doctor scaring us, we realized there was another issue. My fluid was VERY low. He said she needed to be out NOW! We followed up with my OB that afternoon and she gave us instructions to get our stuff together and head over to MWH to get the show on the road. So we picked up kids from school and headed to hospital. I had to be induced over night. Late that night, the OB (a different one) decided I had pre-eclampsia and started me on magnesium. This stuff was BAD!!

The next morning MY OB came in and I was a mess. She felt really bad and went to talk to another doctor. They both agreed that they did not think I was pre-eclampsia and took me off those meds. By lunch, she was returning to break my water. I slept on and off all morning. I did have an epidural before the doctor came back. My water broke on its own while she was there so they cranked up the meds to get things moving quicker. The kids and mom came in that afternoon along with my sister. My OB came back right after 5 and I was beginning to feel the urge to push. so she said, let's do it! We were cracking jokes during the delivery. It was by far, the EASIEST (and quickest) delivery I have ever had. It felt very natural and I knew what I needed to do. Kinsley came into the world screaming and was perfectly healthy. This was a big deal since she was 3 weeks early. She was laid right on my chest and it was so sweet. I was never allowed to hold the boys so early. Jonathan and I enjoyed our sweet baby girl for a bit before the kids came in. They were super excited to meet their new sister. We were eventually moved to another room where we hung out for the next several days. Both Kinsley and I needed some extra attention afterwards. We were finally able to go home on Saturday.(I had my gall bladder removed at the end of April! )

Pregnancy and crutches

I have always wanted crutches . . .maybe I should have changed that thought for when I am old and pregnant. Yesterday, I was walking out the door to crank the car and slipped on the steps and twisted my foot. Thankfully, I did not fall completely down and was able to catch myself. Kale and Keegan quickly jumped into action and pushed a chair where I could sit, then ran and got Jonathan. They were screaming, "Mom's hurt!". Jonathan came running to find me in lots of pain and bawling! He helped get me to the couch where he examined my foot. After deciding I needed to have it checked out, we headed off to Spotsy Hospital. Due to the location of the pain, the doctor thought there could be a fracture in the bone of my foot so he ordered x-rays. Thank goodness, there was no fracture just a sprained foot. The nurse wrapped my foot and sent me home with drugs and crutches. I've never used crutches so this was an interesting experience especially when I have a huge belly in front. I kept my foot propped and iced and before bed was able to walk some without the crutches. I have gone all today walking on my own. However, I was already moving slowly due to the above mentioned belly and now I am moving slower. Hopefully in the next few days, the foot will all be healed and I can move a little faster. And I no longer have the want to use crutches:)

Family of 6 is becoming family of 7

At the end of July, Jonathan and I took a home pregnancy test which came back positive. We were quite excited, but not ready to share the news yet so we sat on it. This was very difficult to do. After a couple of weeks, we told the kids and they also had to sit on it until we were past the 12 week mark. They did a great job keeping the secret! At the end of September we began to share the news that we were expecting a new little one in April 2011. We could not be more excited!!

Jonathan and the kids wanted to know the sex of the baby while I didn't. However, after reading about a Christmas present idea on a blog, I decided to surprise everyone on Christmas Eve. At a sonogram at the beginning of December, I had the lady put the picture and news in a envelope that we would open later. I did tell Jonathan I had the envelope, but not the kids.

On Christmas Eve, we opened the envelope to discover we are having a GIRL!!! I was in shock and Chloe was ecstatic to have a sister. She is all about sharing her room with her baby sister. So, Kinsley is due April 7. Everything has gone great so far and she is growing right on target. We are very ready to meet her!!!

New Beginnings 2011

So everyone keeps reminding me I need to blog since I sort of quit. So, I decided with the new baby coming and wanting to document all the things our family does, I would attempt to do this again. I hate not being able to look back at 2010 and see all the things we have done so I may attempt to fill in some gaps there as well. So, here's to new beginnings. . . .

CWAC Story Hour with Annie Garman

Pillar S.T.O.R.M. Event 2010

Pillar of Locust Grove Baptism

Chloe's Donation

Much to everyone's dismay, Chloe had her long locks cut. She was able to donate several pony tails to the Locks of Love.

December happenings

Brief summary:
1. Cody had his first band concert. It was a great success and he did well.
2. Jonathan's birthday in Charlottesville
3. Jonathan painted our bedroom for my birthday. It looks super!!
4. Jonathan and the boys were home ALL day for 3 Saturdays in a row.
5. Chloe and I had a girls only date for lunch and shopping. She was very excited that there were NO boys and that we were shopping. She did not want to stop.
6. I decided to work at blogging again:)) Thanks for all the "gentle" reminders from everyone.

Blizzard 2009

The snow began about 6:00 last night and it is currently still snowing. We have over 2 feet of snow!!

Christmas Tree

We did our normal and went and chopped down 2 Christmas trees. It has snowed the day before so it was messy and cold.

First Snow

We were suppose to go get our Christmas tree today, but the weather has a different thought. It began to snow not long after we got up and continued most of the day. We enjoyed chilling at home!!

Jonathan's Birthday

The kids and I took off from school to go with Jonathan and Chloe to Charlottesville. They went to a doctor's appointment and the boys and I hung out at a children's mueseum. We then went to see Blindside. It was a great day!!

Thanksgiving in NC

Thanksgiving play

We had Thanksgiving at the Clifton house with many friends. The kids did a play about the celebration.

CWAC opened

Coffee with a Cause opened the doors.