A Baptism and a Blessing

Saturday evening we put Jason through a Priesthood triathlon, and he took first place. We baptised Ivy, and blessed Carmella. It was such a wonderful service. Aunt Monique, and Uncle Shawn gave excellent talks, and Ivy was so cute and funny during them. She answered their questions, and threw in a little of Ivy's signature silliness.

She put Jason through a bit of a workout. He had to dunk her twice because she lifted her foot out of the water. He took care of that the second time by standing on her feet.

He then confirmed her, and gave her a sweet blessing. After that it was Carmella's turn to be blessed. There was such an outpouring of the Spirit in the room. I could really feel Heavenly Father's love for my children. As members of the church we have such a unique privilege to perform these sacred ordinances. It really is a beautiful gift from our loving Father in Heaven.

I am so grateful that my parents were able to be here from Las Vegas. I know it meant a lot to them, and to my girls, and to me.

Thank you to all our family and friends who were able to share in the day with us.

Ella's First Bath

On April 24th we gave Ella her first bath. I think she lost her cord in record time.

Only 5 days after birth the little thing fell off. I guess she is all grown up

already. I'm not sure how I feel about that.

I was hoping to have a little baby for a while.

Actually she did really well for her first bath. No crying at all.

She really likes the warm water, and she

seemed to have a good time kicking her legs around.

I personally love the clean baby smell.

I also love my little baby.

Enter Carmella

Saturday night at 9:56pm Carmella Mae entered our world in the usual way, but lets face it, the usual way is always exciting and wonderful.

It began at about 4:00 in the morning. Contractions, nothing major or insistent, but not leaving either. The day progressed. At around 8:30 I thought my water was leaking. Off to the Midwives we go to get that checked. Baby is fine, maybe just a small or high leak. Watch it as the day goes on, but we think you are in labor for sure this time.

I spent the day watching Jason make a small patio in the front of my house. Forgot the sun was strong, that explains the farmers tan. About 5:30 call a friend to help give me a blessing. Is this baby ever going to come! 6:00 lets go get pedicures. Off I go with Julie Ann, and Valerie. Cute toes, now I'm hungry where should we eat? On second thought take me home, this is starting to hurt.

Jason, I think we need to go to the birth center now. Get Rachael to babysit, drive to Cleburne with Julie Ann, and Valerie in tow. Arrive about 8:20. Man this is really hurting!

dilated to a 4. What! it feels like more than that!

Contractions come faster, and harder. Oh Mama! That HURTS!

7 cm. Lift the belly, get in the tub, Oh that feels better, for about a second.

9:54pm, My water just broke! PAIN!!!!!!

Her heads out!

One more push, She's here, she's perfect! 9:56 pm.

Thank you Jason, Midwives, Julie Ann, and Valerie. I couldn't have done it without you.

The End is Near

I was just looking at our family picture at the top of the page, and thinking about how small my belly looked then. It is amazing what just a few months can do to change a person. Back when we took the picture I was still a little apprehensive about having another baby. She was rather unexpected, and it took me a while to wrap my head around the idea of another baby. Even a few weeks ago it seemed unreal to me, even with all the heart burn, sleepless nights, and swollen feet. But this last week has changed everything. We set up her dresser and crib. I washed and folded all the tiny baby clothes. I put up the bassinet in our room, and stocked it with diapers and wipes. Being surrounded with all things baby has really gotten me excited. I am so looking forward to meeting this new little girl who would not be stopped from being apart of our crazy family.

I have this image in my mind of what she looks likes. Since we are naming her after the Italian side of the family I picture her looking Italian, with dark skin, dark hair, and deep brown eyes. Nothing like the other girls, a look all her own. I'm most likely wrong, but its fun to imagine.

I think I am finally ready to have a baby. Now its just a matter days, and a few sleepless nights.