Family of Six

Can you believe we are a family of six?! Neither can I. Little Gracie Virginia made her big debut June 13. It was Peter's and mine anniversary, and I was a little selfish and didn't want to share our anniversary with a child's birthday, but it turned out to be a perfect gift for us and the perfect testament of our love and commitment to each other.

Birth Story

You can skip ahead if you don't want to gritty details. Some people know that we opted to go with a midwife and a birthing center this time around, and some of those people may have thought we were crazy =) and that's okay. We loved it! Our midwife was absolutely wonderful and I never would have made it through this without her and without Peter. Susan has many years experience with midwifery and that was important to me as it was my first time with natural childbirth. I have nothing but positive experiences with my past OB/GYN's, hospital stays, and epidurals (I've had one with all three of my previous births); in fact, our first OB/GYN is still my absolute favorite medical person we have come in contact with, but I really didn't want to do the whole hospital/clinical experience again, and after a lot of talks with Peter and other women in the area, we opted to look into the closest birthing center and we felt great about it!

The entire week following up to her coming, I had contractions. And there were a couple of times where I totally thought, "This is it!" but it wasn't. I was pretty miserable in honesty and super anxious to see and meet her. My due date came and went, which really didn't surprise me, but it was still discouraging. When you have an induction date you know there's an end in sight, but when you're going natural it's anyone's guess.

Friday following my due date (five days overdue) I was really uncomfortable. Just achy and crampy all day and throughout the night before, but I was resigned that it would be a while longer. It was our 6th Anniversary and I wanted to be happy and go out with Peter, which we did for lunch to Outback. Yum!! Finally around 3 PM I told Peter I was going to take a bath to try and alleviate some of the pain I was in. I dozed in and out while in the tub and finally got out to lay on the bed to take a real nap. That was around 4 PM. At about 5 PM my contractions woke me. They were coming every five minutes, but I didn't get too excited about it because I had gone through hours of having them that close together, but about 30 minutes later they were every four minutes and then 20 minutes later every three minutes. I decided I should call my doula (such an amazing woman), who advised me to call Susan. After telling her that my contractions went from every five minutes to every three minutes within an hour, Susan told me to meet her at the center in about an hour to get checked and, hopefully, have a baby. Aaaah!!!

I called Peter into the room and told him to call his work (he's campus safety) and let them know he wouldn't be coming in for his 8-midnight shift. "Serious?" he asked. I sort of gave a laugh/cry and said, "Yes, we're having a baby." Thankfully, my parents were in town for the week so the three girls at home were well taken care of.

The drive to the center brought the contractions to about every two minutes. We got to the center about 8 PM and I was 100% effaced and 5 cm dilated. She told us to go and walk the stairs while she and her assistant got the room ready for us. So, the next hour or so I walked with Peter and it got to the point where I just had to stop and breathe through the contractions. One hour later I was at a six and Susan gave me the option to break my water after I spent some time with a hot shower pounding on my back to help with the back labor. I agreed(in hindsight if we do this route again I won't have my water broken this early). After she broke my water I got into the birthing tub. My contractions immediately came quicker and more intensely. It was like a thunderstorm took over. One thunderclap after another. I got in the tub at about 10:30 PM 6 cm dilated and she was born at 11 PM, to give you a sense of how intense and quick things progressed. As I said before, I would not have broken my water for the reason that I had no way to prepare or build the endurance for my contractions. I got to a point where I was scared. Terrified. And hit that, "I can't do this" wall. Susan looked me right in the face and said, "You can do this. She is almost here." I was leaning back against Peter and when I tried to push I just couldn't -- it hurt so bad! I just felt like I needed to get up in a squat to get her to come. Unfortunately, Peter wouldn't let me go (looking back, I should have been more clear and asked him nicely to let me go so I could get up in order to get our daughter out of me, but, pretty sure I was beyond rational thinking) so I threw him off of me with a very mean, "LET ME GO!" (sorry Love) and grabbed for the edge of the tub but grabbed Susan instead and nearly pulled her headfirst into the water...haha!!! Luckily, her student and assistant had good holds on her and kept her dry. After I gripped the tub I gave one big push and her head came and then (I'm pretty sure they were telling me to take a break but I didn't even hear anyone at this point) one more big push and she was there and pure relief, joy, and exhaustion took over.

Our sweet Gracie Virginia joined our family June 13, 2014 at 11:00 PM. 8 lbs. 1 oz. and 20 1/4 inches long. It just so happens this is a FANTASTIC day of the year -- it is Peter's and mine anniversary, it's one of my best friend's birthdays, and it was on Friday the 13th! Peter and I were married on Friday the 13th as well. So much fun!

Gracie gave us one big scream and then she was calm and alert. We sat there admiring this beautiful baby girl in awe at the goodness and greatness of God's love and trust in us. I couldn't believe that I did it. Peter was a complete rock for me. He never once faltered in his support and never left my side. I found out later it was kind of traumatic for him to see the pain I was in and not be able to do anything about it, but you would never know that with how he did. My love for him has grown all the more because of this experience. He is my best friend and my truest love. I am, oh, so blessed to have him in my life. Seriously.

My favorite part about this whole thing, we were in our own bed in our own home by 2:30 AM. We all woke up at 7:30 and the girls and my parents got to come in and meet little Gracie. It was so wonderful to just be home.

Gracie is now 10 weeks old and we just love her. It has been a tough transition for me (that may be a post later on) but the girls just love their new sister and are always asking to see and hold her. Peter has been a rock star and has helped so much with everything. Here are some pictures and I'll try to get back on here soon.

The morning after her birth.

Olivia has been such a wonderful oldest sister and helper.

 

Anne loves to hold her any chance she gets.

 

She's been wide eyed since day one

Is this not the cutest picture ever?

Ten weeks old already

 

Newborn snuggles are the best!

First smiles!

Chatting with Dad

Cute!

 

Love this little princess

 

What's Holding Me Back?

I hope that after reading this, I don’t turn people away from coming back =). Have I scared you already? Haha! Do you ever feel like you’re in a rut; emotionally, physically, spiritually? Ever since our move, I have been in a rut, emotionally more than anything.  And one of the things that added to that stress was that I have the hardest time asking for help. What is holding me back from asking for help? I have done a lot of thinking and soul searching about this, and I have come up with some reasons.

I am determined to put on “the face”. I have everything under control, I am happy with who I am, I have no issues, and I am Wonder Woman.

I have no trouble coming to the aid of those who are in need but when it comes to my own struggles, I am stubborn and prideful.

I am afraid that I will be seen as weak if I don’t have everything together.

I don’t want anyone to second guess my happiness or think I second guess my choice to be a stay-at-home mom.

Now I just need to figure out how to get past these thoughts and insecurities.

One thing that I need to remember is that having weaknesses, doesn't make me a weak person. Also, I firmly believe that even the strongest people have had times where they may have doubted themselves and their abilities. We are all on a journey, and I can adapt and adjust.

My goodness, that was way too deep and gritty =) Let’s move on to the updates on my sweet family.

Olivia is thriving in primary. She has made a cute little friend who saves her a chair next to him each week. She has also informed us that she loves him and that he is beautiful =) I really hope this isn’t too much of an indicator as to how she’ll be in 10 years or so.  Haha! Kindergarten registration starts next month, and I am blown away at how fast the years have flown by. Our school district here just passed something that means there is only full-day available. I don’t know how I feel about this, and am concerned at how Olivia will adjust to it. She hasn’t adjusted well to changes in the past and so we are exploring our options (crossing districts, pulling her after lunch each day, etc.) but I know we’ll be guided and get the right answer that will be best for her and our family. She can almost recognize each letter in the alphabet now but still mixes up J and K when she sings the alphabet, which she sings every time Anne starts to fuss, and it must work because Anne stops crying as soon as she hears her. She is still a fantastic oldest sister and watches out for Anne and Jane and loves to make them laugh. She is exploring her emotions and how best to show them, especially when she’s mad; lately, it consists of stomping upstairs to her room or out to the playroom and requiring everyone to “leave me alone to be mad.” She has turned into a perfect tattle-tale and does it with such a grown-up attitude that it’s hard for us to steer her away from it. She loves making up songs and singing them to her many animals and throughout her many adventures. Frozen’s “Let It Go” is an ultimate favorite.

Jane-oh Jane =) Speaking of working through emotions, she has NOT figure this out. Lately she’s taken to throwing the BIGGEST fits when she doesn't get her way that include: screams at the top of her lungs, many, many tears, lashing out at mom or dad, and now she’s taken to scratching herself which breaks my heart. I hope this is just a phase and will pass quickly, any tips would be wonderful. It takes quite a few minutes of soothing talk and lots of bear hugs to get her to calm down enough to rationalize with her and get through to her. Other than the occasional tantrum, she is such a lively and joyous little girl. She tags along with Olivia as much as possible and I think it’s going to be a tough transition to have Olivia go to school for her; although, she and Anne are starting to play more together (with fewer altercations) and my hope is that they will grow close when they’re forced to be together =) Jane has been doing well in Primary and is so excited to get to go with Olivia to “her class” and to be a part of singing and sharing time. We’re looking into preschool for her come Fall or a tumbling/gymnastics class to help her with her energy and to give her something to do that is all her own. Books are favorite things to occupy her time when she’s wanting alone time and she’s learning her letters and numbers right along with Olivia. She’s the first one to make us laugh and never seems to run out of energy. She’s often found dancing alongside her two sisters.

Anne Girl, or Annie as her dad and sisters call her, is very quick to copy her sisters and loves to play with them now that she’s able to keep up with them a little better. She has finally gotten her two bottom teeth in, one molar, and her two top teeth are going to pop through anytime, and all of these coming in at once, has made for some sleepless nights and cranky days, but I hope the worst is behind us. Besides the teething, Anne is so loving and gives heaps of kisses and hugs to her whole family, but mostly Dad. She definitely has more diva in her than her two older sisters. Anne is the ultimate accessorizer (it's a word) and loves to pick out her own shoes and clothes already (my other two still don’t do this) and gets pretty riled up when we don’t act on her timetable. Once Peter is home she doesn't let him put her down or out of her sight, and she gets so excited when she hears his keys in the door. Some of her favorite activities are: dancing, dressing up, reading, playing with horses with her sisters, eating, and chattering to herself or anyone that will pay attention to her. She’s great at folding her arms for prayers and has picked up on a few sign language signs to help with communication with her parents. All in all she has definitely made our home a brighter place and we love having her around.

Peter is still Superman in my eyes. I can’t fathom how he does so much for his children and me, while staying on top of his studies and working. How did I get so blessed to have him be my husband? He is really enjoying his classes, and they are really starting to prep them for their clinical and for seeing patients, and Peter is really excited for that to happen this fall. I don’t know if we've mentioned this but, Peter’s been called to be a Family History Consultant in our ward and it has been pretty great to get more involved with that. I've never really gotten into it, and now that I have I’m catching the fire =) He is such a wonderful and patient father to his girls and they just adore him and all of them vie for his attention when he’s home.

I am doing well. The pregnancy is going well and baby girl (who will most likely be named Claire) is doing well and moves around a lot. Being First Counselor in RS has been wonderful for me to get to know more people in the ward and to be able to serve others. And although I feel pretty inadequate, I know that at long as I’m willing, the Lord will help me with the rest. It’s been such a blessing to me and our family to be able to serve the Lord and give back just a little through our perspective callings. I am missing the sun and have struggled to feel at home but I am slowly getting there and hope to overcome my insecurities and struggles.

A Much Needed Update

It has been far too long since I have been on this blog for more than to check on all my awesome friends. So, for the few of those who read this, but mostly for my own family's sake, here is a much belated update. 

We are settling in here in Washington. The girls have done fantastic with the transition. Peter is working hard and studying even harder. He is so wonderful and I am so blessed to have someone who is willing to work so hard so that I can stay home with our children. He is really enjoying his classes and is learning a lot from, not only his professors, but his classmates. There are 23 students in his cohort, and it's quite diverse. 

Olivia is doing great. She is learning to write her name and she would sit and color all day if her sisters didn't interrupt her so much. She is very patient with them and is more than happy to go off on new adventures with Jane or being a horse for Anne. Her passions are still horses and knights. Her development seems to have taken off lately and she is doing so well with the worksheets I give her. She loves sunbeams and I know she'll do great with school next year. We had our primary program a couple weeks ago and she did such a great job with her part and singing.  She is such a wonderful big sister! 

Jane is so energetic and fun! She is constantly on the move and she loves to be where Olivia is. Jane was quite disappointed when she didn't get a chance to say a part into the microphone during the primary program. =) She is often the brains behind most of their escapades and is fearless and headstrong. She is also doing well with the little lessons we have, mostly involving colors and shapes but she is beginning to recognize letters on sight and she is super intelligent. I think she is going to have a hard time when Olivia goes to school. They are two peas in a pod and I am so blessed to have them be such great friends. The fighting is pretty minimal. 

Anne is already 14 months old! I can't believe it. She is a walking machine and loves chasing after her big sisters for as long as they let her. She still doesn't have any teeth which surprises me and limits on what she can eat, and she does NOT appreciate it. Haha! She is a big time daddy's girl. If Peter is home, she wants nothing to do with me. She's got him wrapped around her little finger. She loves bracelets and necklaces and hats and purses. She's always bringing me shoes to put on or jackets. We have a feeling she's going to be our girly-girl and love all that princess stuff. 

I am playing volleyball in a women's league with some friends I know from BYU-Idaho. It has been wonderful to get back on the court and play the game I love so much. I sure miss the sun. =) We had fabulous weather here for the first few weeks but it's been quite gloomy and gray ever since. No sun in the mornings is the hardest to adjust to. We do have a fabulous tree in our backyard with fire-red leaves at the moment, and it is my artificial sun for as long as those leaves hold on. =) Which means they lasted until the first big wind storm. Haha! 

We had a fantastic Thanksgiving this year. Although, I missed our extended families something fierce, we did get to have some of our close friends come up for a few days. It was so much fun and lightened the blow of not being able to be with family. It was my first time cooking almost everything Thanksgiving but I must say that I did pretty fantastic! Haha! It was such a fun and relaxing weekend and the girls loved having their daughter here to have a new friend around for a few days. I can't thank Molly and Doug enough for taking the time to drive here and spend the holiday with us. You guys are rock stars!

We are anxiously awaiting Christmas and the much anticipated arrival of my parents for the holiday. It is going to be a fantastic time and we are so grateful and mindful of our many blessings and most especially for the unconditional gift of our Heavenly Father's love through the birth of His Son, our Savior. What a testament of His love for us! And through our Savior's willing sacrifice, I am able to be with the ones I love the most for eternity. Not just in this life but in the next. I am so grateful for this knowledge and the comfort that it brings to me. I am so blessed to have Peter in my life. For his love and acceptance of me. For his unwavering faith in me and my abilities, most especially during the times I doubt myself. Oh, I am so blessed! Life is good!

I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving and that you all have a wonderful holiday and remember your many blessings and to reach out to those who may need uplifting from you, even if it's just a smile. 

P.S. I'll get some pictures up soon.  

We've Been Busy

 Can you believe it is already September? Oh my goodness, time has certainly flown by and we have had a whirlwind of a summer. We've had so much fun!!

We've been so fortunate to celebrate two weddings this summer. My brother Nick was married in May and Peter's brother was married in June. So, we got to welcome two new, and might I add fabulous, sisters-in-law into our lives and we couldn't be happier for the newlyweds. 

The Benson wedding was great because all the siblings, minus the awesome Matt who is serving a full-time mission for our church, were able to make it for the wedding. We're all so scattered across the world, that it's such a fantastic time to see everyone and strengthen our relationships and make wonderful memories. 

The first weekend of July saw us in Idaho where we enjoyed a quiet 4th of July with our immediate family and our own personal firework show in the driveway of my parents' home. I love the fourth. Each year I am so eternally grateful for the country I  am blessed to live in, and even more grateful for the courage and sacrifice it took to establish and maintain the land of the free. Since my grandfather's passing three years ago on July 3, I have more reason to be grateful for the holiday and the Plan of Happiness and he knowledge and testimony the families are forever and that I'll get to see my grandpa again. The Saturday following the fourth, the Mecham side of the family ran in a 5K Color Run. It was so much fun! And I even ran the ENTIRE time! I'm not gonna lie, I'm pretty darn proud of myself. 

End of July and the first week of August brought family reunions for both sides of the family. This meant lots of food, camping, 4-wheeling, late nights, games, amazing music video making, food, Rook, and especially laughing and great times!  I am so grateful for our families. I am so blessed to have been raised in the family I have and so blessed to have met Peter and gain another family who took me in as one of their own.

We have made the move to Washington, but that update will have to wait for another post because my bed is beckoning and my warm, handsome hubby is waiting to snuggle with me. =) I'll update about our family again soon and add more pics from our adventures. 

Cousins!

Patriotic cutie!

Parade time

Color Run!!

Fishing with Papa

Wedding Days

Playing Catch Up

Now that I think about it, we really don't have a lot going on that's any different from the last time I posted. I don't know if that's a good thing, but it's okay with me. =)

Peter's interviewed for a job in Washington and we are just waiting (trying to do so patiently) to hear back whether or not he got it. If he does then we'll be moving within a month, if not then we'll most likely stay put until the end of July/beginning of August. We're kinda packed and kinda not. Just trying to get a little ahead of the moving game. It isn't my favorite thing to do in the world. But I am still so grateful for this wonderful opportunity for my family and especially for Peter. For him to be able to pursue his dreams is so awesome!

I got to celebrate my 27th birthday a few days ago, and it was great! Peter took me to lunch and, thanks to a great friend, it was child-free =), not that I don't love my little princesses but sometimes you just need some alone time with your main man. He also got me the Anne of Green Gables trilogy on DVD!! I am so happy to have them! It's definitely in my top 5 favorite shows. I felt a lot of love that day and am so grateful for all that I have and what I have been blessed with in such a short amount of time. I'm staying busy with my girls and with Activity Days and hope I'm making a positive influence on them all. It's so important for me to establish a sense of their incredible worth, not only in my eyes, but the eyes of our Heavenly Father. With that sure knowledge, I know that they can go so far in this life and have a sense of who they are and what they are capable of. It's a scary, scary world, but I know that when we rely on the knowledge that we have infinite potential, we can and will be happy and comfortable with who we are and the journey we're on.

Olivia is becoming quite the little protector of her little sisters. Anytime she thinks we're too harsh with them, she tells us to, "Say sorry to my sister!" and is quick to offer hugs of comfort if they are upset in anyway. She has really loved entertaining Anne lately and is always asking if she can play with her. She'll be celebrating her 4th birthday next week. I can hardly believe it. She seems so grown up and it's been so exciting to see her develop and see her personality come through. She is definitely my tenderhearted little sweetie and keeps those around her smiling with her love.

Jane is still our little wild child! Haha! That girl make my heart melt with her monkey hugs and slobbery kisses. She is fearless and is usually the instigator of all the more risky adventures in our home. Her vocabulary is definitely expanding and it's been much nicer to communicate with her. I always hate when I can't figure out what my kids want or need because of the communication barrier. As for potty training, well she is definitely winning that war. I think one day it will just click and we'll go for it. Gotta pick your battles, right? =) She definitely keeps us on our toes and she is such a little spark in our home.

Anne is 6 months old and sitting up like a champ! She is now 18 pounds and 27 inches long. 90% for both.  She's figured out how to get up on her hands and knees and is starting to rock back and forth. I have a feeling she'll be more mobile in no time. She really is such an amazing little baby. She always smiling and laughing and the only time we really have issues with her is at night. She's still waking up 2-3 times a night and it is wearing. She definitely makes up for it with her sweetness when she's up and about. She is much loved by her sisters and everyone who sees her here. What a joy she is!

Peter and I had an opportunity to speak in church on talks form this last General Conference. I chose "The Savior Wants To Forgive" by Elder Craig A. Cardon of the Seventy. I've definitely had some personal experience when it comes to His forgiveness. It is NEVER too late to seek our Savior's forgiveness. NEVER. He loves us. He is just waiting for us to reach out to Him. In his talk, Elder Cardon also reminds us that we need to be patient and forgiving with those who we love but may be struggling with trials. I know that I am so grateful for people in my life who have stood, steadfast, by my side when I have struggled with life's curve balls and pit falls. I am better and stronger for them. Don't be too hard on yourself and reach for the Savior. He makes up for so much, even when we feel like we don't deserve His help, and let's help each other out and help those who need a friend or are struggling with their own trials and temptations in life.

I hope everyone is well and I hope your day is fantastic!!!

So strong!

So big!

Just chillin!

Love them!

 Getting shots =(

Washington Bound

That's right...my a-ma-zing husband got into Graduate School!!! I am so proud of him! He will begin his Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA in September of this year, just a few short months away. I can't believe it. I feel like we're "growing up" again. I'm sure we'll have a few more moments like that throughout our lives.

We are so excited to start a new chapter in our lives and to take the next big (huge leap in my mind) step to making our dreams our reality. It's going to be a great adventure, and we know after this chances are we'll start Peter's practice and that means we'll find where we'll be living the rest of our lives and where we'll raise our family. And I am...pumped!!! Seriously, I cannot wait for that final step. To have a home, to know we get to stay in one place for longer than 4 months to a year. I'm so happy!

A quick update of the fam. Peter and I are reveling in the fact we're moving on. It's still bittersweet for us though. We have LOVED our time in Deer Lodge and will sorely miss the Branch and the area. I have made some amazing friends here and wish I could just take them with us. I am already stressing out about moving and packing everything up and deciding what we can do without. We don't have a for sure date of moving but end of July will be the latest date. We're excited to see a lot of family this summer, we both have a brother getting married to their amazing perspective girlfriends and therefore I am on a mission to get into better shape...dang wedding pictures =)

Olivia and Jane are so fun! I love just watching them play with each other. Being animals is still their favorite but they've added playing like they haven't seen each other in FOREVER and they'll run towards each other yelling each other's names and then having a huge bear hug. It's awesome. They are the best of friends 90% of the time and I'm so glad. Anne is still my happy little baby girl. Can you believe she's already 6 months old?! I can't. She's mastered rolling and has been scooting around by pushing with her legs. I feel like she is developing so quickly and I want to push the slow-mo button to make it all slow down. She is such a smiley little thing and is quick to laugh at her sisters' antics. She is such a joy!

I know it's short but at least it's an update and here are some pictures from our Easter Sunday. Loves to all!

Anne Girl. That dress was her favorite "toy" all day

I know it's a little blurry but seriously, how cute is she?

Ms. Jane and Livy Lu so pretty!

The best picture we could get with all three of them. 

I know I'm a little bias, but they are the cutest little girls on Earth!

4 Months Old

We just had Anne's four month check-up/vaccinations (boo!). She is doing so well and is our happy, chubby baby!

Weight: 15 lbs. 15 oz. - 93%
Height: 26 inches - 98%
And I forgot her head circumference, but it's in the 88th percentile.

I'd like to say she only gets up once in the night but, that would be lying. =) She eats every 3-4 hours and is such a happy girl! I seriously think she has been our easiest baby, or maybe we're just pros by now. Haha! Anne can now roll over both ways, loves to grab toys (or mom's/sister's hair), can babble like crazy, and laughs out loud.

I've decided to embark on the epic journey of potty training Jane. Heaven help me. I just need to start on a Monday, and not go anywhere for a week. Then I think we could get it. She's so, super stubborn though, but she's to the point that she tells us when she's gone in her diaper, so I think she understands the sensations. Wish me luck!

Olivia is still my sweet, tender-hearted girl. She is so loving to everyone around her (except when Jane takes her animals from her), and gives the best hugs. She's so obedient and is willing to help with whatever we ask her to most of the time. I'm so grateful to have her as my oldest child. She will be the best big sister ever.

Peter and I are still as in love as ever and are working hard at our prospective work sites. We're getting ready for a trip to Utah in a couple of weeks to see the Bensons (yay!) and for a Rec. Therapist's Conference for Peter. Life is wonderful and we are so grateful for our endless blessings.