We had a little surprise earlier this year when we found out that I was pregnant! The pregnancy went well, minus a couple of issues. At a regular checkup (36 week), my blood pressure was a bit elevated. The doctor sent me to the hospital to be monitored. When my numbers didn't come down, they started inducing me. Two days later and after my doctor broke my water, I was wheeled in for an emergency c-section. Two minutes into knocking me out and our little one was safely delivered. We stayed in the hospital for a few more days and I was readmitted for high blood pressure numbers a two days after I came home. Thankfully, she and I are doing much better.
Baby Z was born on October 18th. She weighed 6 pounds even and was 19 1/2 inches long.
Here are a few pictures of our little miracle.
After Delivery.
Sweet Pea with her little sister
Loves from Cutie Pie and Grandma
Sisters
Grandma Valerie made this bubble blanket. She's so tiny on it.
On the way to Idaho, we stopped off to visit some friends of Sara's. They have a farm that the kids were so excited to check out. They were able to milk cows, feed the chickens and climb on the hay. Ms A and her cousins had a wonderful time.
Checking out the pigs and goats
Having fun on the hay
One of Grandma Valerie's tradition with her grand-kids is bowling. It was Ms A's second time, she did a great job and even bowled a couple of strikes and spares. She was jumping ALL OVER THE PLACE when all the pins were knocked down.
Resting between the frames
We were so excited on the second day of our trip when we discovered the wind and weather perfect for flying a kite. We found the perfect park with little trees, flat ground and tons of space for three or five kites to fly. Once we got the kites in the air, a lady from the local paper came over to take pictures and get names. (The kids were so excited at the prospect of being in grandma's paper, but only Ms E's picture made it.)
For those of you out there that don't know our little one very well, Ms A has a deep love for My Little Ponies. She has quite a collection. A couple of months ago, she lost her favorite Pegasus, StarSong. When Ms. A started Preschool, my mom sent her a package. (It was also because she has given all her other grandchildren a Build-A-Bear.) Ms A was tickled to receive a package and even more excited when she saw what was inside - a TALKING STARSONG! Her favorite part was when StarSong sang her version of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."
She giggled, laughed, hugged, "fed" StarSong and smiled for days. Thanks MOM!!
Ms. A and I were able to visit my mom for a couple of weeks. Thanks Honey!!! We had a wonderful time. Ms. A especially loved grandma's waterbed and exploring her home. She had a great time playing with all of the toys my sisters and I played with as children. I think her favorite thing to do was cuddle up with grandma on her bed as she read Ms. A stories. :)
We had a bit of a surprise one day, we woke up to SIX inches of wet, packable snow!!! After church Ms. A and Grandma V made a snowman and used the dandelions for eyes. Very cool!!
Ms. A was a little curious about the zipper and snaps on one of grandma's blankets, so I showed her what else the blanket could do. She was SO EXCITED with her little coat.
As a child, we used to make HUGE tents, something I still enjoy to do. I've told Ms. A about the tents we used to make, so she asked grandma if they could make one. After it was finished, she begged me to be able to take a nap in it. :) I let her lay down for a short time, before she had to go to her room for a real nap.
We also visited the Idaho Falls Temple. We made two attempts to take pictures, but the weather didn't cooperate, finally on the third time the rain went away. Ms. A loved posing for me. She's such a cutie!!
Ms. A received this cool microphone for Christmas. It has become a very popular toy. One evening she started singing "I Am A Child of God." I was so impressed that she remembered all the words.
During my mother's visit, she and Ms. A performed a song for us. It was fun watching them.
My mom celebrated her birthday on the 20th. Because of the time difference, Ms. A and I called her this morning (21st) to wish her Happy Birthday. I was surprised when Ms. A burst out singing her rendition of 'Happy Birthday.' Grandma was so touched. Ms. A usually doesn't talk very long on the phone and quickly loses interest.
When I told Ms. A that it was Grandma Valerie's birthday, she asked me if we could have some birthday cake. I told her grandma lived too far away for us to eat her cake. She replied with a very serious 'Oh'.
After several attempts Ms. A was ready to repeat her performance. Enjoy Grandma!
My mom is an amazing person. She is so caring and loving. She gives so freely of herself to so many people. It's difficult being so far away. I am grateful she is only a phone call away.
Ms A received a special package from Grandma Valerie. She was so excited to open it and discover what was inside. It was a package of big girl panties and candies for using the toilet. When we asked her if she wanted to wear the panties, she said yes. She proceeded to try on half of the panties. She was so proud of herself.
After an hour or so in panties, she asked if she could wear her diaper, but we decided to try using the potty ONE MORE TIME! Ms A hasn't been too excited about trying and we have used all sorts of methods to motivate her.
She sat for a bit and tried to get off a couple times, but we finally heard the happy sound of her going potty. We were so thrilled. It was a HAPPY DAY in the Nelson home. :)
