Ho, ho, ho

I just wanted to say to everyone, have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! We love you all and hope you are doing well.

On a happier note

I know after last night's post it might seem like nothing good has happened lately, but that is not true. Sarah has been exploding in the development stage. Just this weekend, she started pulling herself to her feet against the furniture. She can flip herself out of her Bumbo, she can go from a stink bug position straight to her booty, and according to Whitney, she said "Dada". It was more of a "thatha", but Whitney wanted to count it. I wasn't going to shatter his illusions. Jacob and Jared love Sarah so much. They love having her in their room to play and have a bad babit of waking her up when she is sleeping. They are good boys(for the most part) and they are good big brothers.

The kids playing in the leaves in the front yard.

Sarah joining the boys.

My cute kids.

My strong boys. We took family pics too, but I didn't like any of them enough to use. We are taking more this weekend.

ALways a first time

So I realized that I was feeling pretty smug about how I have been handling Whitney in the academy. I thought, oh this is not as hard as everyone says. So he's gone all week. At least I get to see him on the weekends.
I was already used to having him gone at night from the night shifts he worked. But it was not seeing him at all that was hard, and I was handling it pretty well. And then came Friday. I swear, everything the kids did that day just drove me nuts. But 3:30 I am watching the clock because I know in an hour and a half he will be starting his leave and on his way home. Then what do I do while he is home? I spend the next 12 hours criticising everything he does as pertains to the kids. What is my problem? I couldn't wait for him to be home, then I'm stressing because are making me insane, and then I get upset and frustrated at everything he does. No wonder he was pissed at me Saturday morning. We worked it out and are fine, but I felt like such a shrew. I have decided it will be good for me to get away for a few weeks. I think I need the break. I could tell he really didn't want to go back tonight, and as he got in the car with Jimbo, I started crying, but I didn't let him see. I didn't want him to feel bad. He already felt that our Christmas will be a lot less than we planned because his check was a lot smaller than we thought (hoped) it would be, but there's nothing to do. We will have Charlie Brown and always remember it. It will give us a chance to really focus on the Savior. And that is so easier said than done, gosh dangit.
Wow, talk about emotions. I just feel like I am getting worse every week. I feel more stressed and tense with each passing day. I pray and ask the Lord to help me but I still feel tense and stressed all the time. What am I doing wrong? Why can't I be strong like everyone thinks I can? Why can't I stop snapping at my kids and feeling like a horrible mom? Why can't I just be better? How am I going to make it another 23 weeks?
Okay, I am going to go to bed before I soak the keyboard. thank you all for your love and support.

Week 1

Wow, has it really been a month? I am BAD!! Well, three important things have happened. One, Sarah has two teeth. TWO!! She is 5 months old! But she has only bitten me twice whie nursing and I'm sure she is very sorry. She is such a sweet baby. And so dang happy!! Except, of course, when she's not. Two, Whitney started the ACADEMY!!! I am happy and frustrated at the same time. He just started week 2 today. Week 1 went well. He said it was better than he thought it would be. But when you're expecting hell week, I guess anything is better than that. However we have heard that it's actually going to get worse, if you can believe it. He's tough; he'll do well. I thought it would probably be easier if he had done this while still single and I told him so. He said he would have no motivation. I asked him what he meant. He said that when he was on the floor, thinking he couldn't do one more push up or one more crunch, he would think of the kids and I and remember he is doing this for us. I have no doubt that he could do this on his own, but it is nice to know that he needs me just as much as I need him. Sometimes I feel like this need is more one-sided. I prayed last night that nothing would happen to him. I know that the Lord knows best and we will do his will, and I pray that whatever happens I can accept it with all my heart, but I pray for him, everyday. I know there is not much risk while he is in the academy, but once he is on the road, anything can happen and I pray every day that the Lord will protect. I never want that phone call or have to sit through a funeral where they give me a flag.

Sorry about that. I guess it's on my mind, just a little bit.

Okay, third thing that happened is that between Friday night when Whitney got home and Sunday evening when he left, Sarah is now crawling all over the house. She can barely sit up!!

She goes eveywhere now. NO place is safe. However the boys have been wonderful. They have wanted her in their room while they play. They never hit her or push her away. Sometimes in their enthusiasm there might be cause for concern but I know they would never do anything to hurt her. They love her so much. I love seeing it.

This picture Jacob took. He's taken some good ones. As to last week, Sarah got thrush and is now feeling better. Jared threw up Friday night, twice before Whit got home and 3 or 4 times after. And so far this week (it's only Monday, mind you) Jacob is now throwing up. Oh, the glamorous life we mothers lead. I love my children and my husband and I know all of you are supportive and reliable shoulders should we need them. Thank you. If I don't post before Thanksgiving, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

One more

Since most of you live in California, you are well aware of the Prop 8 issue. I guess you could say I had my first encounter with the opposite opinion today. We have a sign in our yard to vote yes on 8. well today I am sitting on the couch when I hear noise outside. I usually have the window open slightly on days like this. So I look out the window and see some kid throw a mangled sign in front of the window. I hop up and get out of the house as fast as I can so I can blister him verbally. I went out and gave him a piece of my mind. I keep waiting to see if he and his friends will pass by and take down the two new signs I put up. Since we have plenty in our garage, for every one that's taken down, we will put one up.
I don't understand. They say they are just after equal rights. And yet people will infringe on my rights to express my opinion. It's called the first amendment. In being faced with this issue I have realized that if Prop 8 is defeated, it will do much damage. In changing the meaning of marriage, our school systems will teach that about same sex marriage. In Mass, parents had no right to object to their children being taught that. They also had no right to know when the schools would be teaching it. They were teaching it to 2nd graders!! If Prop 8 is defeated, churches who don't accept same sex couples will lose their tax exemptions. Priests or bishops who refuse to marry same sex couples could be sued. I have nothing against same sex couples. However, I don't think it is right for them to define marriage for the rest of us. Anyone have any questions on what else would happen, visit http://www.protectmarriage.com/. I usually don't pay attention to politics or really the issues that we are voting on, but I won't ignore this. Neither of the presidential candidates support same sex marriage. I worry for my children who will be starting school in a couple of years. It is not the job of the school system to tell my children about marriage. It is my right and duty as a parent. As domestic partners, same sex couples have all the rights that a married couple does. Look up the facts and find the truth before Noevember, I urge you. This is an important issue. Those judges in SF shouldn't have turned over a decision that Californians already voted on. Help us protect the sanctity of marriage. This is not a civil rights issue, its a moral issue.

Worst week

Ok, so that new show on CBS has nothing on me. What do you do when your kids get up in the morning, like they normally do, watch Disney, like they normally do, and then eat all the crackers, pretzels, and today it was cookies. Actually, after I sent them to their room and called Whitney to complain, I found probably ten on the couch. So it looks like they only ate half the bag, thank goodness. They have been bouncing off the walls this week as it is. I don't mind letting them have sugar, but they never more than a couple of cookies in a day, or a small bowl of ice cream. The only time they get spoiled with more is if we're at familys' house. I guess I'll just have to to take them to the park again today. Any suggestions on how to keep the kids from eating all the food before I even get out of bed? I know I could get up earlier, but I really don't like that idea. They get up about 7am and I usually get up about 8. IS that so bad? Advise would be helpful.

The yard is still under construction, but should be done by Tuesday or Wednesday. The last and final step will be to get us a lawn mower so we don't have to hawl over Dad's stuff every other week in the van. But they have an extra one that just needs to be fixed so I'll prod Whitney to get that done before the end of next week. I am so excited for the yard!! Well, I guess that's the list of complaints for today. I know I don't just get on here and complain but today it feels like that is all I do. Thanks for listening!!

This is blog worthy

Ok, so I must amend my last entry. It wasn't really Medic's fault. Whitney takes responsibility, of course. But it still sucked. Then he called me before he left for work and wanted to know what I thought about him picking up a 24....right. Anyway, by the time he called dispatch to tell them he would take the shift, they found someone else. So I got to have him home on Tuesday, which was nice. What is not so nice, is that he will practically get no sleep this week. He worked last night and today Rick stopped by to look at the progress Whit's been making on the backyard. Then he had to go to Fairfield to a meeting about one of his calls he had back in May. Then he had to have his snuggle time and fell asleep on the couch for a couple of hours. Tonight he works and tomorrow he's supposed to get Dad from the airport, and will probably want to work on the yard. Then he picked up a shift for Saturday 7a to 7p. So he will finally get a solid eight Saturday night. Poor guy. Pray that he gets some sleep at work between now and then.
Now, moving on. Today we had a little adventure. I realized the best blog material is the stuff that happens everyday with the boy. So, today I decided to plant some flowers in the front and the boys were helping. Jacob came over and asked if I could get the blue ball out of his nose. What? I remembered seeing him play with a little pellet-sized blue plastic ball. I looked in his nose but I couldn't see anything. I grabbed my phone and wanted to call Whitney but he was in a meeting. Figures. So I called the doctor's office and was on hold when I saw the boys playing in the neighbor's driveway. I went over and Jacob was trying to get a little blue pellet from between the cracks. He said he "smelled the ball out of my nose". I asked if the one on the ground was the one that had been in his nose and he said yes. When Whitney got home we got on film Jacob telling Whit what happened. the nurse I had talked to gave me pointers in case he decides to shove anything else up his nose. So now we know. We had a little talk with Jacob about putting things in his nose. Like I said, an adventure.

stupid job

So there we are laying in bed this morning getting up the energy to get out of bed, and Whitney's phone rings. Aparently he was scheduled to work today but they forgot to tell him. So he set a record getting ready this morning and getting to work. But of course he still gets written up for being late. It seems he is supposed to be all-knowing. If he had known he was supposed to work, he wouldn't have been late. He has only been late one time in the year he has worked there. Stupid Medic. Especially now that he has a date to go into the Academy, the days he is home are more precious. They took one away from me. But I have realized the positive thing about it. His shift on Friday will be all over time. That's a plus. Okay, I am done venting now.

More Pics!

In other news of the Lowe household (please see post below first), our backyard is undergoing construction. We did find cheap labor, but they are not always the most organized. We are putting in sprinklers in the backyard so we can lay sod. The goal is to have it done before November. Rick, our landlord, and Whitney tell me this is possible and will be done. I will believe when I see it. Not that I do not have faith in them, but they seem to side tracked rather easily. Of course, Whitney has been really good at pushing foreward with this. I know this is not his idea of a great way to spend his time while he is at home.

Ah, the perils of playing playing in a construction site. Jared found one of the many holes that litter the yard at the moment.

Sarah has finally found her thumb. She sucks her thumb just like Jared. Gotta have the finger wrapped around the nose. I haven't seen her do it since I took the picture, but it is soo cute.

The following are pictures that Jacob and Jared took. You will see what they find to be important.

I actually erased like thirty pictures they had taken on the camera, but realized it would make good blog material so I saved a couple. The others were pictures of their bed and the movie (Tarzan) that was playing at the time. They are my mischief makers (I saw that phrase in a book and really liked it). But I love them dearly and hey, let's face it. IF they didn't do silly or mischievous things, what could I possibly write about? Till next time!!

He's In!!

Whitney got the letter yesterday. He's accepted for the next CHP academy!! It starts Nov 10. He's really excited! I am excited too, but not so much that I won't get to see him. Luckily we have a good support group here. Plus I will be going to visit family in January. His graduation will be May 15. So there's a heads up. I'm mostly excited that we can move to the next phase of our life. We can really settle in to life. I feel like we've been moving toward this point for so long. It'll be nice not to have any more school or classes. He can have his career and just work. it's actually been nice to have that for the last year. It will definately be an adventure.

Other than that, I cannot believe how quickly Sarah is developing. She rolls all over the floor, but I noticed today she only rolls to the right side. How funny is that? But she already gets up on her knees and elbows. In no time she will be crawling. But I guess it's not so abnormal. She is four months old today and the boys were crawling by six or seven months. I guess it just seems fast because I want to savor her time as an infant. We are taking lots of pics and I do have video of her rolling. I wish I could upload it to our blog but I tried and it didn't work.

Picture Time!!

Whitney is trying to teach Sarah to stand on his hands. This is her holding hte pose for about two seconds. I caught her just in time.

Jared found Sarah to be a very handy armrest.

She makes this face alot. You can see the dimple on her right cheek. She has a matching one on her left. Isn't she adorable? See, I can say that and not be conceited because I am merely speaking the truth.

ABC's of me

A - ADVOCATE FOR: getting grass in my backyard

B - BEST FEATURE: physically-my hair, personality-if someone has a problem I wish I could fix it. I want everyone to be as happy in their life as I am in mine.

C - COULD DO WITHOUT:changing diapers

D - DREAMS & DESIRES: get my interpreters' license in sign language. See my boys go on missions and my children marry in the temple.

E - ESSENTIAL ITEMS: my scriptures and a good book

F - FAVORITE PAST TIME: reading or snuggling with my kiddies or hubby

G - GOOD AT: keeping up with our pics and journals

H - HAVE NEVER TRIED: skydiving. Maybe someday

I - IF I HAD A MILLION DOLLARS: After tithing, I would get debt free and put enough money aside to buy a house when we're ready. then I would go on a big shopping spree. I would love to do that just once.

J - JUNKIE FOR: good movies

K - KINDRED SPIRIT: Shannon

L - LITTLE KNOWN FACT: I won an oscar

M - MEMORABLE MOMENT: When Whitney kissed me for the first time.

N - NEVER AGAIN WILL I: stick my finger in a power outlet.

O - OCCASIONAL INDULGENCE: time away from the kids where it's just Whitney and me.

P - PROFESSION: workaholic,enforcer, nuruturer,...Mom. Cass, I should have kept your list. It was perfect.

Q - QUOTE: I don't have a favorite quote. "That thine alms may be in secret. And thy father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly." Matt 6:3

R - REASON TO SMILE: my family

S - SORRY ABOUT: not spending more time engaged with my boys

T - TAG SOME FRIENDS: Shannon, Natalie, Erin, Willow, Whit and Marni

U - UNINTERESTED IN: Football and the resulting fantasy league

V - VERY SCARED OF: something happening to Whit and I'm alone

W - WORST HABIT: I have to pick at everything.

X - X MARKS MY IDEAL VACATION SPOT: Europe with Whit

Y - YUMMIEST DESSERT: chocolate silk pie. Also apple dumplings. Yum!

Z - ZODIAC SIGN: aquarius. My birth stone is a garnet. Aren't you glad you know that tidbit of infor?

Out of touch

Unless there is something significant happening, I don't always think to blog about it, but I will try and be better. I've kind of been in my own little world the last two or three weeks. I haven't done much outside the house. I call them my funk periods and Whitney says they happen after every baby. I feel like I don't do enough with the boys, that I just let them play and don't really interact with them or do anything stimulating. So I've been trying to be better at reading them stories and spending at least a few minutes with each boy and playing with them.
Fortunately for my boys, they both have great imaginations. I enjoy listening to Jacob talk to his trains and cars. he makes them come alive and I think that is such a precious thing about childhood. An active imagination should never be squelched and I hope I never do that to my kids.
Whitney is working to get in shape for the academy. We haven't heard anything since his surgery and I am nagging him to just give them a call and make sure they received the info on his surgery. Sometimes I think applications can get shuffled to the side and I don't want that to happen to him. I just want to know for sure that he is starting in November. It seems like everything we do and plan hinges on when he goes in.
I started out exercising with Whitney, but it seemed too much to ask for the boys to stay in their room for an hour. I liked doing my workouts in the morning, and then go shower and get ready for the day, but they wanted to be right there and do it with me. Which isn't a bad thing unless I'm trying to hold my self up and they decide I am a tunnel and start crawling under me. I feel like I am going to collapse on top of them. So we got a hold of a ten minute work out by the same guy and I am able to do that in the morning while the boys are eating breakfast. The only result I have noticed is sore muscles. Well, I am hoping that in a couple of months I'll be able to see a difference.
Sarah is doing great. She smiles at me all the time. I am so lucky to have a beautiful daughter and wonderful sons who love her so much. I know I need to be more patient with my boys, but every night I thank the Lord that he has blessed me with such sweet spirits to nurture in this life. I try and remember that when they are driving my insane.
Oh, here is a bit of news. I have the worst teeth in the entire world. I had to go get a fourth root canal and crown done yesterday. They want to do one more root canal but the dentist said it's an infection so I am trying to get rid of it using supplements first. I would really rather not have another root canal, thank you. They are not the most pleasant things in the world. I have made a promise to myself that I am going to take extra nutrients to keep my teeth healthy. Maybe if I'm lucky I'll still have some of my own by the time I'm forty. Thanks for letting me ramble. We love you all!!

He Lives!

Whitney had his surgery Tuesday. We got there at 6:30am and they took Whitney to do all his pre-op stuff. Kim and Julie went with us and that was a blessing. I had Sarah there so it was nice to have a couple extra set of hands. The surgery took 2 1/2 hours. The doctor told me it went textbook perfect and there were no complications. They just wanted to observe him for the next 6 hours. This pic is Whitney right after the surgery when they let me in to see him.This is Whitney 5 seconds later.
They moved him to an observation section of the hospital. When it was time for him to get up and move, he got dizzy and his blood presure. They noticed his leg where they went in was bleeding so they laid him back down and redressed the wound. We were able to leave an hour and 1/2 later. We got home about 7:30pm. It was a long day at the hospital. A friend had watched the boys for most of that time and then Shannon went and picked them for a couple of hours until we got home. They were such blessings on Tuesday. I didn't have to worry about the boys at all. I knew they were safe and having fun. In fact today, I took cookies over to Julliann to say Thank you and when we got there, Jared told me to leave. I think that tells you where he wants to spend his time. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. Now is a good time to call Whit. He'll be home until Wednesday evening recouping. We love you all.

pretty princess

Here you go, Shannon. I told you I would get a pic of her blessing gown. I couldn't believe how beautiful it turned out. I guess I'll have to have more just so Nanny can make more gorgeous dresses. Here is my beautiful girl. She will be 10 weeks old on Sunday.
This is Dad and aunt Janece. We recorded them singing Papa's songs. They are songs that the kids and grandkids heard him sing before he passed away. Anyone wants copies I can send the file. Whitney goes in for his surgery on Tuesday. It should go smoothly but if you can include him in your prayers I would really appreciate it. We love you all and let us know how you're doing.

Finally!!

We took the kids the swimming again. Jared enjoyed the relaxation part. He looks content floating in the water. I've been hoping to go more often but it seems other stuff always comes up. Jacob really likes holding baby Sarah. I don't know that she enjoys it quite as much.
Happy Birthday Jared!! His birthday was the 13th of July. We had a small family party at the Lowe's. It was nice to just have family. Good thing he's too young to remember this when he is older because Jacob had 2 birthday parties this year and Jared only got one.
Sarah sure loves her Daddy. She smiles alot now. It seems we have found the current method of making her happy. I just hope it lasts awhile. I love seeing her smile.
We took Jared's 2 year picture and this one is my favorite. He looks less like a toddler and more a growing boy. I love to see the things they learn and watch them grow, but at the same time it makes me sad because I realize that someday they'll be all grown up.

As far as other updates, Whitney is finally going to have his surgery. He has what is called Wolf-Parkinson-White Syndrome. Basically he has extra charges in his heart that go off. SO they go in with a catheter and use a high radio frequency to blast the cells. it's an out patient procedure and one that the doctor says he could do without, but because he's going into the CHP, he needs to get it done. Once it is we just have to wait to hear back from the personel board that he is in.
Sarah was blessed on Sunday. My dad flew out for it. We were sad to not have the rest of our families there but it gets harder and harder to travel for anything but big events. We haven't yet taken pictures of Sarah in her dress, but that is on the agenda this week. Hope you all are doing well and we love you!

Pictures

We took pics on Saturday. Of course, I left the camera in the car and Whitney is gone until tomorrow night so I can't post any right now. We took new family ones with all five of us, Jared's two year pic, and pics of Sarah. We also took ones of the boys together. I can't wait to get them on the computer and print some out. I am ready to have more recent pics around the house. As far as our family, Whitney is going to have to get an ablation on his heart. It's a simple out-patient procedure. As soon as we have approval from MediCal we can get it done. Whitney is planning on going into the academy in November.
Friday was an adventure. I took the kids to Target with me while Whit slept. Sarah was asleep until we got into the store. She then proceeded to blow out her diaper. Where was the diaper bag? In the car. So I asked a lady to watch the boys while I ran out to the car. Then I got Sarah changed. Was she happy after that? Oh no. We sat in the snack area and I fed her while the boys sat very patiently. Then we got ICEEs but Sarah still wasn't happy. We made it to the back of the store with a cart half full of stuff. Sarah was screaming, Jacob and Jared were running around crawling under and through things, and I just couldn't do it anymore. We left the cart where it was and went home. As soon as we got home I put Sarah in the swing and crawled next to Whitney on the bed and cried. He semi woke up and comforted me. I wnet back during nap time and finished the shopping. My cart was still there. That was my latest adventure and I hope I don't have to repeat it anytime soon!!

Almost 6 weeks

Sarah will be 6 weeks tomorrow. It seems like it has flown by. She smiles now. I love seeing her smile. Jacob and Jared are still very much in love with her. Jacob loves to hold her and parrots everything I say about her. Everytime she cries it is announced through the house. I am glad though, that they don't cry just because she is crying. That would drive me nuts.My babies are so cute. Sometimes I can't believe that I have three kids already. Are we insane? Probably, but I wouldn't change a thing.
Whitney was showing Jacob how to hula-hoop at the Ward Fourth of July activity. I don't think he quite got it. But they sure had fun.
When Jared jumps, he squats and then bounces up and takes a step. Both vener leave the ground at the same time. Whitney was trying to get Jared to jump to him. It didn't really work. But it was fun to watch him try.

Sarah's first Sunday

I bought this dress at Easter because I thought it was adorable. Whitney thought it was silly when she wouldn't be here for Easter but, I ask you, isn't she perfect in that dress? I wanted her to wear it for her Sunday at church.
I needed a better pic of all three of my kids. I am still getting used to having three. I think the hardest thing right now is the lack of sleep. The boys are up about 6:30 but there's no way I can pull myself out of bed that early. And Sarah doesn't usually goto sleep in the evening until about 11or 12. So, needless to say, I am one tired cookie most of the time.

My menfolk were having a cuddle session in Jared's bed. I know it is so important for both Whitney and I to make sure we still give the boys attention so they feel secure. They seem to be doing pretty well. Now I am glad that Jacob and Jared are so close in age because they have each other while Mom is busy with the baby.

What's up here.

Mom and Dad were here and I wanted to get some pics of them. Of course once the camera came out the boys wanted in the picutre too. So we got this one. I thought it came out good.
Jared has developed this habit of wanting to eat crayons. Where do kids get this stuff?

And Sarah has developed a habit of eating, or trying to eat, anything that comes close to her mouth. Silly baby.

What a Day!

I just had a learning experience. I took three children by myself to Walmart. Am i insane? I must be since they were two toddlers and a two week old. We were there for maybe twenty minutes and they were quite a long twenty minutes. Sarah started crying so I was holding her in one hand while pushing the cart with the other hand and Jacob running everywhere. Such fun!! To top off my wonderful Saturday, Sarah decided to unload on her mother. I had to change all my clothes, ALL of them, and then take a shower while Mom gave Sarah a bath. I forgot how often newborn diapers do not hold all they're supposed to.

This is my frog princess. I can't believe how big she already after just two weeks. When I pick her up she already feels heavier. Why do they have to grow so fast?

Daddy's girl

I love the face they make when they don't want anymore food and you try to open their mouth. Sarah has the cutest kissy face.
I look at my baby girl and can't believe that she is already a week old. At the same time, if I was still pregnant, this week would have crept by. I am so glad I can now hold her in my arms.
Whitney came home from work, picked up Sarah when she was sleeping, and proceeded to cuddle with her for the next three hours. He did it again the other day when he got home and last night when we were at the Lowes. He was slightly tired after being awake for almost three days straight and fell asleep on the couch with Sarah. She already has him wrapped around her little finger. I find it absolutely adorable.

Baby update

Sarah and I came home Monday evening. She is so perfect. Our nights are getting a little easier. At least I sleep well between feedings. I think I got five hours of sleep last night. Jacob and Jared absolutely love her. Jacob wants to hold her all the time and Jared gives the sweetest little kisses. We went to the doctor yesterday and she was 8 pounds and had grown almost an inch; in a week! Isn't that crazy? She nurses really well which I am grateful for. We've taken a couple more pics but they're still on the camera, which Whitney has at the moment. So here's another picture from the hospital. I'll post more pics probably Sunday since I will three hours with just Sarah and I while Whitney and the boys are at church.

Here She Is!!!

Contractions started on Friday, and Sarah June Lowe was delivered on Sunday, June 8, 2008 at 1254 pm. She weighed 8 pounds 5 ounces, and was a grand total of 19.5 inches. Everything went well and our daughter is so beautiful!! Here are a few pics to gawk at:

This is Jacob riding his first pony at the fiesta days on May 24.

This is Jared not. He likes animals, just from a distance.
We went swimming with Shannon and the kids on Friday. Whitney had his own little swim class consisting of Rebekah, Jacob, Jared and Michael. He handled it very well.
The boys did pretty well. I am hoping Whitney can teach them before he goes into the Academy. We plan on spending lots of time at the pool.
We are hoping for a baby this weekend but we will keep you all updated. I've been having contractions off and on since Thursday, consistantly since yesterday. So we'll see.