Monday, November 5, 2012

Summer of 2012 in Pictures

Ms. Jane 













 Ms. Olivia











Peter and a VERY pregnant Heidi









Anne's Blessing Day

Words may not be enough to express everything that I felt this last weekend. I have such gratitude and love in my heart for my wonderful family and for my wonderful in-law family. I started crying the moment all of the men started walking to the front of the the chapel. They almost didn't fit there were so many of them and there were some who weren't able to make it. I just kept thinking, "How blessed we are to have the Priesthood on the earth. How blessed my Anne girl is to have so many worthy men who love her. How blessed I am to have a strong, worthy husband who can bless his children and act as the Lord's mouthpiece." 

Peter did a wonderful job and Anne didn't make a peep. Unfortunately, I don't have many pictures right now but I'll post more soon. My amazing mother-in-law made Anne's dress and it is gorgeous. My mom took more pictures with her camera so I hope to get some copies soon to put up.  

It was so great seeing so many from our families. My whole family made it up along with my Grandma and Grandpa Mecham, which was an added bonus. Then we got to see Mama and Papa Benson, Michael, Tamy, Annalyn and Ryan and their kids, and Grandma and Grandpa Roundy. It was a short visit unfortunately but we'll get to see them in a couple of weeks for Thanksgiving. Super excited! 

Mom and Anne



Handsome Dad and Anne 



As a side note, my youngest brother received his mission call to the Louisiana, Baton Rouge Mission, the same mission that my dad served in. How amazing is that? Way to go Thomas! 


One Month Later...

 I can't believe one month has gone by already and honestly I don't really remember a lot of it. The days all seem to blend into each other. There have been a lot of pajama days at the Benson home and even more diaper changes =) 

 I seriously have loved having my three girls! Anne is such a wonderful baby and hardly ever cries and is starting to get on a pretty consistent schedule when comes to eating, which is much appreciated by me. Olivia and Jane have been really great with Anne and have become even better friends since she's come along. They run around our apartment all day playing what ever imaginary game they've come up with lately (usually it has something to do with horses, swords, and bad guys) or watching a show. Olivia's latest favorite movie is The Avengers (FANTASTIC!) which she calls "The Good Guys" and she goes around pretending to help the "green good guy" (aka The Hulk) get all of the bad guys and Jane tags along with her sword getting the strays =). It really is so fun to watch them and listen to them.

 In other news Anne had her 1 Month check up and she now weighs a healthy 10 lbs. 9 oz. She's getting more beautiful every day and is starting to smile. There are days that it still seems pretty surreal that I have three kids but I'm loving it and the pros definitely outweigh the cons. 


Jane's new favorite place

Proud big sister

Getting so big already

Thinking about smiling

 I'm finally feeling comfortable enough to take all three of the girls out by myself and we have gone for walks and to several play dates thanks to some wonderful friends in our branch. It feels good to get out of the apartment and into the fresh air. 

Here are just some pics of the past few weeks. 


FHE Activity





Life is great and we love being a family of 5!

Anne's Birth Stories....


From Peter's Perspective...

The end of this pregnancy was pretty tough. Heidi had a cold, a sinus infection, a root canal worked on and 9 months of restless legs. On the 22nd of September we went to the hospital to get checked because Heidi had been contracting. After an hour and no progress, the Dr sent us home. The following Thursday we had an appointment and the Doc told us we were a 2 and was willing to induce us the Thursday following that.... we were hoping for something much sooner so we left the Dr a bit discouraged. Saturday I caught a bug and was in bed all day... not fun. Then on Sunday Heidi was contracting again, hard enough that she had to stop and breath through them so we headed to the hospital. Once we got up to the Labor and Delivery wing, the contractions calmed down... disappointment again. Our nurse took pity on us and did some advocating for us so the Doc moved our induction up to Tuesday the 2nd. Tuesday morning, we got up bright and early to head to the hospital. Just before we left I decided I was still sick and threw up :). So Heidi drove herself and her sick husband to the hospital. They started her while I laid on the couch and tried to act like I wasn't sick. Heidi was a champ and made it through the majority of her labor with me on the couch trying not too move too much. The doc had a series of surgeries to get too before the birth could happen so in between each one he came and checked in. Heidi got an epidural when she was at a 7 and about two hours later her water broke and half an hour later we had a baby. The nurses and the anesthesiologist were all very impressed with Heidi and how calm and collected she was during her labor. I was feeling well enough to be up and about for the delivery. All in all it was a good experience and has been great timing. 
The girls came a little later with Heidi's parents to visit. Livy was too enthralled with the new surroundings to care that she had a new baby sister and refused to even look at her. Jane on the other hand wanted to hold her and unwrap her and look at her tiny sister. It was very fun to watch. 
Since we've been home they've both really warmed up to her and love to hold her and look at her and smile at her. It all makes me so grateful for families, the gospel and the plan of salvation. There's nothing in this life that has brought me more joy than my little family. 

I really don't have much to add to Peter's version. The reason we wanted to be induced earlier was because my mom had one week off from teaching thanks to Spud Harvest and was up to help us for a few days ease into this new life of 3 kids. I will also say that this was the longest I went without an epidural and I was pretty darn proud of myself. There were so many new things that I got to experience with this birth. My water actually broke on its own which I've never experienced, and I actually got to feel the moment Anne dropped (literally) into the birth canal. Both made me appreciate all the more, the miracle of birth and for my body and what it can do to bring children into this world. Anne weighed 8 lbs. 2 oz. and was 20 inches long. Right in between Olivia and Jane. My doctor and nurses were all wonderful and we had a wonderful stay at the hospital. We stayed one night and were lucky enough to get to go home the next day. Some people like to stay at the hospital as long as possible, not me. No judgment to those that do, I just can't sleep and I love being in my own bed with my own things and my family around me. 





Well, life with three little girls is certainly hectic. There are days that I want to rip my hair out or just sit down and cry (which happens every once in a while) and I know there are people who think we may be a little crazy for having our kids so close together, but I know that it'll be so wonderful in the coming years. My girls will have a best friend at home all the time and someone to play with all the time and hopefully they will be a wonderful support for each other and this is what we want for our family. Crazy, fabulous chaos. =)

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Thoughts and Blessings

I really feel like I need to take a minute and remember all that I am blessed with (well, maybe not ALL cause that would take a really long time). There are just some days that I get distracted with the "world" and other things that just make me feel lousy but really shouldn't. I know that I'm not the cutest pregnant lady out there. And I'm not just saying that to get sympathy...it's just the truth. I retain water A LOT which results in puffy hands, feet, and my personal favorite, face. And when people tell me I look ready to "pop any day" when I still have 11 weeks to go just doesn't help too much =). But, seriously, what is all that when it compares to that fact that my little growing baby Claire (I'm determined to name her this so I'm calling her that until Peter is 100% on board =)) is healthy and strong? NOTHING!! I don't care how puffy I get. And let's be honest, if  I'm wanting 6 kids close together in age I may be puffy for the next 5 years or so, which will be so worth it. This pregnancy has been my easiest so far. I've thrown up once. That's it. I've kept my gestational diabetes under control this time, knowing it was very likely I'd have it again, no bouts with Bell's Palsy, my skin disorder has stayed hibernating, and I was able to get my knee fixed before my pregnancy by a brilliant surgeon so I can actually exercise to help with everything else and play with my very active girls. 

I have a husband that is loving, faithful, spiritual, hardworking, and helpful. He never complains when I ask for a favor, or when I tell him I need to put my feet up. In fact, he usually comes over and rubs the swelling out of my feet and ankles when ever I put them up. And despite my puffiness, he tells me I'm beautiful every day, whether I feel it or not. He's studying hard for his GRE and will be taking it in the next month or so (if you feel like sending a prayer up for him sometime we wouldn't say no =)) and I know that he's excited to get started on the next step for his education. 

I have two adorable little girls that I just can't get enough of. Their imaginations are amazing! How they can turn the cupboard under our sink into their "house" and then the next minute they're both dogs playing fetch. Haha! No matter how hard a day is, they can always, always, always put a smile on my face and make things look a lot better. 

I realize this is probably not the funnest read, but I needed to put my thoughts on paper. I needed to have a written reminder to tell me that what the "world" thinks, doesn't matter. I am blessed. I am loved. And I know I am living the way that is meant for me and for my family. I know having kids so close together may seem crazy to a lot of people, but we know this is what is right for us. The thing I am most blessed with is knowing I have a Heavenly Father who loves me and it constantly watching over me, and knowing I have a Savior, who willingly chose to suffer so that He can always be someone I can turn to for empathy and support when I feel alone or misunderstood. That knowledge is priceless. 

And here are some pictures to smile at =)

In their "house"



Olivia being Angus...that's my brother's dog


Tea party...seriously how cute?!


"Cheers!"


Living in the upstairs apartment makes for hot afternoons...but Jane makes the most of them


Decorating cookies on a hot day

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Montana

Well, it may be safe to say that I am the worst blogger ever! But you know what? As long as I am posting I'll keep the blog alive. =)

We moved into our apartment in Deer Lodge, MT (you should google the place so you'll all want to come visit us) mid-April, and I told Peter we are NOT allowed to move on my birthday anymore. =) We spent a weekend moving in our stuff after my parents graciously hauled everything up for us the weekend before, and then we headed back to Sugar City to welcome my brother Andrew home from his mission! Yay!

We officially moved to Deer Lodge April 22 and Peter started work as a Recreational Therapist at the Montana State Hospital April 23. It was a busy couple of weeks but totally worth it. Peter has really loved his job and we are so happy that he's able to do what he is interested in. He is currently studying for the GRE  which he plans on taking in August so we can start applying for graduate school. He gets to be home everyday before 5 and the girls and I LOVE it!! We better take advantage of it now, cause once he's in school again there won't be much time left.

The girls are doing great! Seriously, they have become such great friends and they love to play with each other and all day I get to hear one of them say to the other, "Come on, this way!" =) Living in an upstairs apartment without AC is pretty uncomfortable now that it's getting hot here, so it isn't uncommon to find the girls' clothes strewn about the place and find them in their undies/diaper (although, Jane's taken to going completely nudey and loves it when she can get away with it).

I am doing well, feeling the heat while being pregnant. Oh yes, you read that right...we are expecting baby girl #3 towards the end of September and we are so excited! I know it may seem a little crazy to be having 3 kids 3 and younger but we have loved how close Jane and Olivia are and hope to have the rest of our family close as well. The girls keep me smiling throughout the hot days and I am learning how to...well nothing new. I try to keep the house clean and the laundry at an agreeable pile and food on the table. But I love it. I love being a mom and a wife and I think I'm spoiled rotten when it comes to a fine lookin' husband that, despite my swollen ankles and feet, thinks I'm beautiful, and girls that smother me with sticky hugs and kisses. Life is good, and it's gonna get better!

Ms. Olivia loves to pose for the camera! 

Showing her princess crown 

Ms. Jane helping make cookies =) 

Playing in the sprinklers 

Making cookies for Father's Day

This is our complex. Our window is the top right. 

We miss the Benson and Mecham families and are hoping to see them sometime this summer. We miss our friends we've left in Idaho and Utah but we think of all of you often and hope to see you all soon as well. Everyone have a wonderful day and we love you all!

Sunday, January 22, 2012

My Bad...

Ok, so I know that it has been FOREVER since I last wrote on this thing. It has been a wonderful last five months. So, here's a quick and brief outline of the last few months:

*Peter turned 26 years old
*We were the Badger Creek parents to 30 college freshmen
*On Oct. 3 we went in for a consult on my knee
*On Oct. 4 at noon I was in pre-op getting ready to have my ACL repaired and my inner-meniscus clipped
*Oct. 11 I started P.T. and have been there ever since 3 times a week
*Thanksgiving was spent at my grandparents house in Firth, ID
*Dec. 16 Jane turned one and took her first steps
*Christmas was spent in Orem with the Bensons, Vigils, Tingeys, and Jaynes
*January Olivia is POTTY-TRAINED!

That's the whirlwind of the last few months. We have a lot of snow and are loving it! The sled hill is my personal favorite. We would love visitors. Hopefully, I can be better at updating this thing more often. =) Here are some pictures I hope you enjoy them and much love!

Our home sweet home!

Matching jammies.

Livy's really into swords and horses right now.

Like I said...

Our big 1-year-old!

Love this sweet girl!

Sorry it's sideways but I love this picture of her


Sweet sisters


So happy!

Going for a walk

This is what we do when we have to stay home...=)




Helping Dad pick out a tie for church



Family photo