Madison Elaine Blackhurst...

...Is our dream come true. We almost can't believe she is here! We are so in love!  Dad, Ben and James adore her and we couldn't feel more blessed.

I didn't want to take forever to share this post so I'm staying up for a minute-- probably to suffer later-- to share with you the experience we had as she came into this world. Saturday afternoon Will and I planned a date- before baby came. On the way over to dropping Ben and James at Jarom and Brittany's for a couple hours I felt what I thought was a contraction. I had another one while we were talking to Brittany. After I left another in the car and by the time we got to Costco we realized I was in labor. If I could tell you how sweet Will's look was when I told him- it wouldn't even do it justice. He was grinning ear to ear. We tried to at least "finish" a date but neither of us could focus. After getting our Costco supplies and ordering subway sandwich at Jimmy Johns, and then eating half of it Will decided it was high time to take off grab the boys and head on our way…. Long story short (so I can to sleep tonight before babe wakes up) we ran a ton of errands and dropped off the boys. Finally we ran one last errand for last minute groceries- bad idea. After dropping off the groceries I knew it was go time but I had no idea how fast "go time" would be.

By the time I got to the hospital I could barely make it out of the car. I stood frozen on the sidewalk in pain asking Will to warm me until my contraction passed. We finally made it to the fourth floor reception desk and were taken to our room. This is where things got complicated. For anyone who has gone natural - they would be embarrassed if they were in the room watching me. I was a mess. Screaming I can't do this and help me and where is the epideral. I told her I wet the bed she said it was my water breaking. I told her I was about to "poop" on the bed and she said that isn't poop. I was having a baby. Luckily I was still at an eight and we had time to get the epideral in.  The relief swept over me and the pain subsided and 20 minutes later when the doctor arrived the baby was born after three quick pushes.

I think they must have whispered around that the cord was wrapped around the baby's neck twice because I had no idea. All I knew was that she was not crying and they were not telling me how she was. Through it all Will was calm which made me calm. She was not placed in my arms until 20 mins later after she had been given oxygen and her color came back. After a brief time in my arms they took her to the special care nursery to monitor her and then gave her back to us 40 minutes later. She was fine. She had a little trouble breathing the next hour and some low blood sugar the next day but nothing too problematic.

Will and I felt so blessed that Madison came on Saturday (before the Monday induction date). We knew she would need to come early- even thought we didn't know why- we prayed that the Lord might bring her early so we would not have to be induced and he opened the windows of heaven and poured down the blessings. We are so grateful she is here with us. Our lives are forever changed. The Lord is mindful of all of his children and all of their prayers. As we exercise faith we are blessed. And right now our hearts are full of gratitude.

Baby's coming

 

Dear world,

I think you should know I am being induced on Monday the 10th, instead of waiting (my due date is the 14th). Baby is good, and everything is normal with my pregnancy, so it was a hard decision to make, and I'm not sure why I made it-- it seems like it is some combination having to do with my "mother bear" and prayer. As most of my readers know I am kinda of a  "halvesies" when it comes to natural child birth. AKA I prefer to go into labor on my own but use an epideral the last few hours to pick up the worst part. I don't do pitocin. Well Monday I am doing something that goes against some of my preconcieved notions and Will and I are trusting that things will be OK. That the Lord directs our paths and that he is the author of all things. He knows our hearts and our past and future. So with hopeful/happy hearts we are anxiously awaiting the birth of our baby girl Monday afternoon sometime. In the meantime, I hope our baby girl knows how much she already has our hearts. And when I say our hearts I mean Ben and James too-- Ben says the cutest things and jumps around everytime we talk about her. He picks up her little pink clothes and says "these are sooo cute." He also insisted on getting her a present--- he picked out something he thinks she will love- a pirate ship. He can't wait to give it too her when she is born. As for James he loves pulling up my shirt and patting my tummy and laughing. Finally, Will is already in love with her-- I sometimes wonder if I'll have to compete for the place of first girl in his life after his little princess is born. He is sooo cute about her.

Since we are on the home stretch Will and I are trying to spend these last few days spoiling our boys. Tonight we went to city creek and got them pizza and spagehtii and rootbeer (the boys favorite meal) - and we watched the fish, and then picked up penny candy from Desert Book and ate it while we watched the trains (trax) pass underneath us. Ben and James Loved it!

So for the update on Ben - he is soo close on potty training- few accidents now and he still has to be reminded a lot. But I'll take it. Lately a  favorite quote of mine is he says "Mom I love you because I love you." I hear this at least a handful of times a day. He has also taken up art. Unfortunately it is generally on our wall instead of on paper-- I swear I thought this phase came earlier like 2 years old- not closer to four.... grrrrrr... Lets see -- anything else... him and James get along great! It is soo cute to see James tackle Ben any chance he gets - they are a great brother pair. James is more laid back and Ben is more serious so the to are a great balance for one another.

Speaking of James-- melt my heart this kid is so cute! He laughs alot and gives great hugs. The little stinker is still not walking (18 months old!!!!!!!!- is that enough "!!!" or should I add a few more?!) But we think he is on the way up-- he is finally taking 4,5,6 and 7 steps and lifiting himself from the ground... the walking day can't come soon enough for me-- the little stinker! Also he thinks he is sooo funny. When he is done with his food he picks it up one piece at a time and drops it on the floor or chucks it at me or Ben or dad. He is such a tease. O and one more thing... we've got a "daddy's boy" on our hands. James complains whenever his dad walks out of the room and can never decide who to hug first in the morning... mom or dad!

Will and I can't be more thankful for the beautiful family we have been given. Stay tuned for the latest on the baby.

O and I've included a picture of the building Will works in downtown- he is working more hours all the time and we're hoping that it will continue to produce a good income-- mostly I'm just really happy to see him so happy working there!

Enjoying the Journey

This post doesn't really fit with the themes running through the other posts in this blog- but I don't have somewhere else to write it. And since these entries end up in my "personal history" maybe someone will read it someday and they will feel less alone.

Loneliness is the topic of the blog. I guess I have experinced a whole gammit of loneliness by this time in my life. The loneliness of not being married, the loneliness of not having close friends to talk to, the loneliness of coming off a mission and feeling like the time I spent doing other things was worthless and no one could feel what I felt.

Well this is a whole different type of "loneliness" I have my spouse, my cute kids, my close friends, and I think I am doing some pretty worthwhile thing raisng children, but sometimes it's just hard. Hard because I can't always talk to my husband- he works during the day we chase the kids around in the evening and I work at night. If I want to call my friends those phone conversations are quickly interupted by nagging children. My sisters are great to let my kids make noise and poop at their house and pick on their kids... but they have their crazy to deal with too.

I think it took time for me to adjust to my other stages where I felt alone, I am just trying to figure out how to tackle this one. It used to be a good run or book to calm my angst - now those two activites seem a little out of reach because of the big belly and the active baby and toddler. Writing helps too, I guess that is what I am doing now, but I admit because my career/job is writing I get a little "burnt out" in this area too. I don't know if there is some recipe for sanity when your drowning in toddler tanturms, inconsistent baby sleep patterns and the waddling woes of pregnancy. I'd love figure out the tricks of the trade though. I guess like the other times in my life- by the time I figure it out I'll be over the phase. My kids will be older, my husband and my schedules will compliment one another better, and so on.  Maybe the trick really is enjoying the journey. Wish me luck :)

Love,

Summer

Made it through December

There I was in my third trimester of pregnancy with back aches, two kids, lots of cooking, tons of work deadlines, a few parties, and my dad who was in and out of the hospital. Things weren't looking good for the waddling woman- Would her and her family have a merry season or one full of tears and great nashing of teeth....???? I'm happy to say we made it. We made it through December, with only one major temper tantrum at 1 am in the morning... That is pretty good for me (he he- you thought I was talking about Ben - I wasn't :)  We had a Christmas brunch at our place that day and I finished my "work shift" and looked around the house to find it in complete disarry I FREAKED! Will barely survived the meltdown but he buckled down and started working. We cleaned until 2 am and I went to sleep more prepared for the morning. Besides that I kept my cool the rest of the month.

December actually was pretty magical as it turns out. I'm starting to get the whole "the magic of Christmas is Children" thing. Ben was so alive! Everything was fun for him the snowmen, the Christmas lights, the Christmas tree, the gifts under the tree, and the list go on... We spent some time at city creek and lots of time with Ben's cousins. December is also Will's Birthday and our anniversary-- both of which where perfect! We saw Hunger Games on his birthday at my request ;) and our Anniversary in a bed and breakfast at the Armstrong Mansion- a home built in 1893. It was goregous! Will also got to try Rodizios Grill for the first time and he ate chicken heart- I wasn't brave enough.

As for the other two Ben started Primary today-- I have never been so nervous in my whole life! My little baby! I told Will all morning that Ben and I were not emotionally prepared to go to church today but Will was unyeilding he made us dress to the tens and make our way to our fateful transition. Ben only shed one tear and then the rest of the time he was perfect! I'm still tramatized over the whole situation though. What other story can I tell you about Ben. He says the cutest things right now-- "I'm not a person I'm a big boy" or "I don't need to go potty" - only moments before he goes potty or "James wants some water" then I hand ben the water - and he is obliged :) Ben is doing much better with potty training - to which Will and I are THRILLED!

James is adorable right now- he laughs whenever he balances on two feet and he and Ben love to wrestle and play in blankets. James is  a great sleeper and is starting to turn into a toddler already. He has to touch everything and moans for help whenever he wants something. I think I have told you before he is a scooter like Ben was. His little gorilla crawl makes everyone smile and his babbling is constant. He talks much more than Ben - or I guess makes much more noise than Ben ever did at his age.

Madison had her first baby shower. She got lots of pink clothes and ruffly skirts. She loves her daddy- I know because much of the time when he talks she is moving. Finally, she is giving my back a run for it's money- my back aches are unbearable half the day- I don't know if it is my age or picking up Ben or James every few minutes but this pregnancy is quite challenging -- relatively I guess. I know lots of other women who really have problems so I better not complain tooo loud!

Well You're probably tired of reading and I think I covered this last month pretty well- Here is to a great 2014!

Love,

Summer

Holidays a coming

Your going to get me twice this month- generally it's too much effort to lift the lid of my husband's imac and pluck out a couple of posts a month- becuase by the time I get to Sunday night I'm beat! With being pregnant- chasing after the boys and working til 1 am most nights Sundays are my day to SLEEP! But here I am awake so I better say something before I lose my second wind.

First of all I'm surrounded. And it's getting closer. My sisters had the flu bug and I was around them minutes before and after it happened. Somehow the sly little infection made it's way to Will and now he is cuddled up next to me in bed trying to hold his dinner down. I hope it doesn't end up in my lap ;) If I do have to go down that road I hope it hits me before Thanksgiving on Thursday so I don't miss out on the festivities.

As for Benny Boy-- why that little rascal will have a few great days without potty accidents and then pull a few slip ups and then repeats the process again, and again. ARgggh. Benji got his first bunk bed the other week and refuses to sleep "in cave" so up top is where he sleeps- I have no idea where he comes up with some of these terms but it is soo cute! He also is so excited about Christmas this year... he found his christmas presents under the bed and was playing with him while I napped yesterday and today--- the little stinker! I'll have to actually start being more sneaky about my strategic present placement. He is growing up!

James is starting to balance on two feet without the help of a support, and everytime he does he laughs himself to the ground because he thinks it's so funny. He is just the sweetest thing since apple pie. He also got his wish of two front teeth for Christmas they are starting to drill their way down and out.

Madison- I'm approaching third trimester in a month but she has decided to toss me a few back aches here and there prematurely. I can't wait to hold my little girl in my arms. Just knowing that she is well and safe - I am so excited!

Well I better tend to my ailing husband. I hope alls well in the world. Til next time! Love,

Summer

The Adventures of the Blackhursts

I'm dropping in today for a quick Hello. So I'll get right to the meat of it. My belly is expanding and my energy is depleting. We're still walking around on cloud nine over the news of our baby girl and our house is buzzing with the preparations for our little angel. First we've moved in a bunk bed and kicked out the toddler bed. Next we've started our van savings account, Will's putting in extra hours so we can afford this addition. Finally, I've offically become the wimpiest mom on the planet- I have so much to complain about. "Honey will you pick that up, Honey you carry James- I'm already carrying a baby, Honey" - you get the picture. Poor Will is going to deserve the husband award of the century by the time I'm done with this pregnancy.

Next- Benny boy. He's started a new habit. Sucking his finger and touching his little private part. As a responsible mother I have begun the reprimands. "Ben we don't touch our private parts." This morning he retorted with "But it's my favorite part." He is such a cute kid. Besides this news the only thing you should know about him is he is coming along in his potty training. A few more years of this and he'll be potty trained by Junior High... Yeah for me!

James is becoming quite the character. He loves to tease. He is twice as silly as Ben was at his age. James will take off with a toy if he knows you want it and laugh everytime you come bounding his way in search for a stolen pen or whatever it might be.

Madison, is kickin it on the inside, and yesterday she kicked it on the outside. Will actually felt his first kick. It is always so fun when the tiny inside movements become public demonstrations of bumps and bends on my belly's surface.

Well I think I've covered the latest and greatest. Will is good and I am good. I continue to see great things in Will and am amazed that he seems to progress all of the time, even though it has been five years since his stroke. Someday I'll write a book, but for now this blog will have to do. Take care all!

Cowboy Ben and Ninja James

 Ben took a side picture of me. Thought it would be good for Maddy to see herself before she was born. 

Our little toddler is growing!

It's a girl!!!!

We are having a baby girl and we can't be more thrilled!! Currently our little angel is about a pound and close to 20 weeks old. Because of multiple slip ups, on my part, we've decided to release her name: Madison Elaine Blackhurst. I didn't know how excited I would be about having a girl, but if you take my excitement and multiply it a few times- you'll get Will. I'm talking perma grin!!! It is so cute to see him so happy about his little princess. And daddy isn't the only boy in this house pleased as a pickle about the announcement. Ben insisted on packing her clothes into her new dresser and then he ran outside to find her… "Where is daddy with Maddy??"  It was sooo cute. We had to explain to him that she was still cooking and that he'll have to wait a little longer. Here is a picture of her flashing the ultrasound camera a peace sign….

Speaking of Ben- we are in the throws of potty training and it is the worst!!!! Today I had to fish out of the bath logs of poop. GROSS!!! I don't know if I am going to survive the next however many months (and I hope not years!). As for his social development it is coming along quite nicely. Ben's primary teacher said he is talking more than she has ever heard him talk. Generally Ben is a very quiet and decisive child. He knows what he wants and goes after it-- without a word to anyone on where he might be headed.

James is of course still that little light in our house that scoots around smiling at anyone who will make eye contact with him. His thing is cars. He loves to push cars everywhere. It seems like he likes the feel of the wheels on the ground. He naps and sleeps like a charm. Even this last week when I think he may have had an ear infection he slept soundly only waking once to let me know he had a fever. I gave him tylenol and put him back down and he was out the rest of the night. He still eats twice what his brother eats. We know right when he is done, because his meal ends up on the ground once he is finished. His daddy keeps asking him to grow a few top teeth- so far he has three (and a fourth on the way) on the bottom. His little asian looking eyes have still kept their blue hue- and I just love the unique style. He makes everyone melt by just glancing their direction.

Will and I are good. I can't complain. People are starting to ask questions like… how long are you going to live in your little apartment. My answer is Who knows!!! But I'll let you know when we know :) We are looking forward to the holidays - they are more real to us this year because Ben is so excited about them-- he talks about Halloween and Christmas all they time.

I'll end with some pictures and a note to those who still read. You're great! Thanks for keeping up with us and know we love you!