California Trip

We had a family reunion in northern California. Yes, I made another super long trip before Jonathan was two weeks old. Yes, you can think I'm crazy just like everyone else. We went to San Francisco and went over to Alcatraz while we were there. Fascinating place. Even my kids were very interested. We also went to Yosemite. All of my family except myself and a sister stayed in tents. My sister was kind enough to invite me to stay in a cabin with her so Jonathan wouldn't have to sleep outside. We also went to a lake nearby my brother's and sister's homes. We had a great trip! I loved spending so much time with my family. The sites were great. My kids had so much fun with their cousins. 

Scott carried Thomas on all our hikes at Yosemite.

Richard carried my water and his water. He was a huge help!

.

Happy Birthday!

Scott had a birthday! I made a cake I was really excited to try. It didn't turn out nearly as good as I was hoping. I liked the concept, but I would use a different recipe next time. The layers didn't meld. 

I love Scott because he works hard to support our family. I love that he earns enough that I don't have to work. So, when I don't want to work, we don't feel the pinch. I love that he has a testimony of the gospel and is a faithful priesthood holder. I love that he loves kids. I love him for the wonderful person he is. Happy Birthday my love!

My mom

My Mom came! I had no idea she was going to come help me after Jonathan was born. She's on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mexico. As a senior missionary, she can go home for special events. However, she didn't tell me she was coming. I was prepared to have to make the adjustment on my own. My sister helped her coordinate a surprise, and she showed up on my doorstep one night! I almost cried! (I'm not a cryer). She was a huge help and made the next two weeks when she was around so much easier. As she was leaving, I thanked her for coming and she said, "You know how much I love you because I wanted to come and help." Yes. That's definitely what it meant to me. She loves me so much she wants to come and help. Her visit meant so much to me.

Wedding

We drove to my brother-in-law's wedding in Arizona. Jonathan was 3 days old. Yes, that's how much I love Scott. I will drive 13 1/2 hours three days after giving birth to go to his brother's wedding. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do.

The wedding was wonderful. My kids had a great time. My girls still adore the concept of a wedding. Even at their young age, they have a fascination with beautiful dresses and weddings. 

Congratulations to the happy couple!

Richard was made a groomsmen. We didn't know that until after the ceremony. Richard was thrilled and loved being more a part of things.

Those are all our kids. The only nieces and nephews for both of them.

Four days old. What a trooper.

My girls LOVED the dancing. I think they danced the whole time. They would dance with whomever would dance with them. I often saw Marie grabbing the hands of an older girl. Who was she? No idea. Where was Richard? Out on the patio wandering around wondering when the dancing would end. Where was Peter? Sulking, because he kicked a cactus and realized that was a BAD idea.

Memorial Day

I decided to be induced the night before Memorial Day. My brother-in-law was getting married on May 31st. So, I couldn't be pregnant or Scott wouldn't be able to attend the wedding. I had been induced with Richard at 41 weeks because my body was doing nothing and he needed to be born. I had pitocin with Audrey. My water broke, but my body did not go in to labor. Once my contractions started, things went fairly quickly. The twins were a whole different animal. My water broke, I went in to labor spontaneously, and they were born two hours after I walked in the hospital. My water broke with Thomas, but my body did not go in to labor. So, I needed pitocin again. It was almost a repeat of my experience with Richard. However, I was 37 weeks. 

So, I had high hopes that this induction would be better. I was 40 weeks--not 37 weeks. I had delivered 5 other children--this was not the first time around. Surely this would go quickly like with the twins. Right? Right? Wrong. I was not really "favorable." Yet again. So, after hours and hours of pitocin, I finally was doing..... nothing. My doctor broke my water. After hours and hours of pain, I was finally a 4+. (I think that + is put on the end just to make me feel better.) I caved in and got an epidural. He was born at 7:51 a.m. So, the delivery was not as quick as I had hoped. It's something with my boys. My body just doesn't want to go in to labor. It seems the only time I go in to labor is when I'm carrying 12 pounds of baby...

However, do I really have the right to complain? No. I had a healthy baby. Neither of us was ever in danger. I had a very easy pregnancy. I had a very easy recovery. So, really I should just be grateful.

This is the first time I remembered to get a picture of right before delivery. 5th time's a charm, right?

We chose the name Jonathan Christian Woolston. Jonathan was used from father to son several times in Scott's family history. Scott wanted to use the name again. Christian because my maiden name is Christensen. Christian seemed to be a better middle name. Woolston because, well, that's Scott's last name :)

Jonathan Christian Woolston

I was measuring "small" the whole pregnancy. My due date was even pushed back a few days because my doctor was worried about inducing me before the baby was mature. He was 7 lb. 15 oz! He was my biggest baby by almost a pound. So much for measuring small!

I've always wished I could watch the first bath. Alas.

One of the first things my doctor said after Jonathan was born was "Wow! Look at those feet! Look at his hands! They're so big!" I've never actually had a baby keep the ankle tags on before.

The girls were just thrilled! Audrey loves to take care of him. She even said to me,"Mom, how about I take care of the new baby and you take care of Thomas?!" Right.

So, now we have six! My girls feel slightly outnumbered, but at least they're right next to each other in age.

Dancers

Here are my lovely dancers. I think they did a great job for their age. Audrey isn't sure she wants to do dance next year, which disappoints me. I think she does so well and it's a shame to quit. I think she just doesn't want to do something that interferes with playing. I'm hoping the summer break will help her get the break she needs.

Soccer

Both Richard and Audrey played soccer this spring. They did a great job! I was proud to watch them and realize they were valuable contributors to their teams. I think Audrey only had one or two games that she didn't score a goal. They certainly didn't get their athleticism from me!