Baby Bradley and more...

First attempt at a picture of all FOUR kids... we'll try again when they're not in PJs. :)

I took Bradley back to the doctor and his jaundice was much better and he'd gained back most of his weight already so that was great. He's a sweet little baby and there's nothing better than having him fall asleep on you... I love it. Proud Big Sister Natalie made him a Valentine.

My Dad came in on Saturday--he'll get to be here almost a week. The kids are loving having a man around and constantly wanting to wrestle and play with him. We're having fun and I feel so blessed that my parents were able to come visit (and to help me!)

Brian sent me 2 dozen beautiful roses for Valentine's Day. Thank you honey!

And my parents sent me these in the hospital.

We made Valentine Jell-O Cups again this year.

Blake and Bradley... we sure have a lot of "B's" around here now.

It has been so wonderful having my mom (and now my dad) here. I seriously don't know how I would be handling all this on my own. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Bradley William

Bradley William was born Feb 8, 2011 at 9:47 pm. He was 7 lb. and 20 3/4 inches long. I was induced (because of pre-eclampsia) so it took a little longer than my other labors but the nurses and doctors were great and my mom was a huge support. I was able to email back and forth a little with Brian to keep him updated (although we didn't get reception so my mom kept taking the phone down the hall to send the messages!) Bradley was face-up so it was pretty difficult towards the end but overall it was a good experience and we're so excited that he's here! Proud Grandma!

My mom brought the kids in the next day. (Thanks Siobhan for watching them for us all day Tuesday!)

I love this one of Evan.

Bringing Baby Home:

Jaundice is really common here because of the altitude and at his next day check up, they were a little concerned so we're laying him in the sun during the day and trying to make sure he gets enough fluids. He's already better today. First sponge bath from Grandma:

He is a sweet baby and we're all totally in love with him already. We got to Skype with Brian today so he could see him "in person" besides just the pictures. I'll try to put pictures on more frequently for all of you but especially for Brian.

I can tell my blood pressure is going down as well as the swelling in my face and hands/feet and I'm feeling so much better now. I don't know what I would do without my mom here and all the friends who have been helping out--and thank you for all the messages and prayers. I appreciate you!

Evan's 2nd Birthday!

Sunday was Evan's 2nd birthday. We were so glad to be able to celebrate it before the baby's birth... although they may have joint parties in years to come as their birthdays will likely be only 2 days apart! Whenever Evan sits on the couch, he wants to put a pillow behind his head and blanket on his lap... just like Daddy.
Here's the cake my mom and I put together... complete with oreo dirt.

The video is on the bottom... can't seem to move it up.

We went to McDonalds for lunch after church and then did cake and presents when we got home.

Yum yum!

Opening presents

Card from Grandma and Poppa-with 2 dollar bills inside... he just handed them to my mom. I'm sure that will change soon!

My mom's present for Evan

These trucks make sounds... he loves them.

And especially his BIG dump truck!

Going for a ride... :)


We are all ready to head to the hospital in the morning to have the baby. We'll keep you updated as we can! :)

Baby Update

Some of you may know but a few weeks ago, my doctors discovered that my blood pressure is really high and I have pre-eclampsia. I've never had trouble with the other pregnancies and I don't feel terrible but definitely not great. The doctors decided that for the health of the baby and me, they are going to induce me on Tuesday. I'll be just shy of 38 weeks. While I'm sad Brian can't be here, I'm so glad that my mom is here and will be with us for about a month. So keep us in your prayers and we'll keep you updated on the little guy's arrival!

For those that wanted belly pics... :)

Chuck E Cheese

My mom got in about a week ago and we are so glad she's here!
We went to Toys R Us to pick up a few more things for the baby and Evan got balloons and a crown since it's his birthday on Sunday. (Plus they sent us a $3 gift card in the mail--you can sign up your kids online.)

Then we went to Chuck E Cheeses... we went once in Hawaii but haven't ever been since. I had promised the kids it would be a "before baby/when Grandma's here" treat. They loved it!

Riding the Kiddie Coaster

Pizza lunch...

... complete with a visit from a special guest!

The kids absolutely loved it... although my mom and I were wiped out by the end of it! :)

We needed to move Evan out of the crib for the baby so we bought a little guard rail and tried it out last night. It took awhile for him to fall asleep because he thought it was just for fun (he often pretends to sleep on the bottom bunk while playing.) For nap today, he laid there and was quiet right away... I went back later to check and he'd dumped out all of those stuffed animals and had a bunch on his bed.

He had them covering his face... and I thought he was sleeping even though his arm was moving a little. He came out later (after over 1 1/2 hrs) and we can tell that he did NOT sleep by the fussiness... but at least he knew enough to stay in his room! Hopefully tonight will be better. :)

Hi Daddy!

They're singing a song for Daddy about hibernation... not sure where they come up with these things... Enjoy the video! :)

Update

Just wanted to let everyone know that Brian deployed this week. He left to join his unit that is already there and so he'll only be gone for 2-3 months. That's much shorter than the usual year or more and we know the time will go quickly. The hard part is that I'm 34 weeks pregnant now and so our little baby will come while he's away. Of course we wish he could be here for the birth but we're rejoicing that we were able to be together over the holidays. My mom is going to come out to be with us so that will be really helpful. Please keep him and us in your prayers during this time. Thanks so much! We appreciate all our friends and family! :)

We love you honey and miss you already!