Violet's Photo Shoot

My friend Megan asked if she could take pictures of Violet. I never turn down an opportunity for my kids to be photographed--well, by aspiring photographers who happen to be friends, not random strangers. These are her birth/2wk shots. She looks SO big. And I'm in love with ALL of the pictures but 37 was too many to put on the blog so we picked a few favorites.

Bye Bye Diapers!

I'm the worst potty trainer in the world. And I'm ok with it. But after the last trip to Costco when I had to buy two boxes of diapers--I said, "Eliza, tomorrow you (and I) are saying good-bye to diapers!" So we did. We use plastic pants (as seen above) for traveling and underwear at home. We've only had about 1 week of this and about 1 accident a day--seriously, what was I waiting for???

Life at Home

Adjusting to 3 kids has been a fun challenge. It is probably a good thing Grandma is out of town right now. :) We're starting to get the hang of it though--everything just takes a LOT of planning. Props to all my friends who have more than 3! The kids LOVE Violet--sometimes too much--but they are learning. And Xander is already praying for a baby boy. :)

Our 1st Camping Trip!!

Be amazed, be very amazed...we went camping with a 3 week old!

Hahaha, j/k. Kind of

Ben came in the house the other day and informed me that our neighbor was selling his camper trailer. Ben has wanted one FOREVER. He went and bought it.

Then he informed me, Oops, we don't have a trailer hitch. So he got one of those too!
Happy Fathers Day Ben!

Of course, we had to try it all out right away. So we packed up and headed to Grandma and Papa's. Dad slept with the older monsters in the tent and I slept in the house with Violet. No one slept that well with the sheep, dogs and trains that were so loud. But we had a great time making s'mores, singing campfire songs and then having a delicious breakfast (made by Ben!!) in the morning. Everythings broken in now...so now we can go real camping!
Can you believe how cute this is? Eliza and Grandma matched from the toes up--it was so adorable and totally done by mistake! Love it!

2 weeks old!

Miss Violet...

Every time I say that I want to say, in the kitchen with the revolver or something like that. I guess I played Clue too much as a child. :) How we love you though. You are such an angel. You bring a smile to everyone's face when they see you. Your stats at 2 wks: 10 lbs 6 oz and 21 inches long. The doctor smiled at your weight and said, "Well, usually we like to see that the babies are at their birth weight by their 2 week check-up. So, good job Mom" Yes, you were almost a full 2 lbs heavier. We had some issues with your umbilical cord but all is well now--the doctor gave you your first and ONLY tattoo to help clean it up. We are still working on the sleeping thing but you've got the eating thing down and that is always nice. Your brother and sister LOVE when you are awake because then they can hold you and kiss you and squeeze you all over--just like I do!

PS Photo courtesy of B&T Photography. More to come soon!

Always thinking

Ben was reading Xander a book about giraffes the other day and told him that when a lion comes near, that a giraffe will kick the lion.

So he asks Xander, "What would we do if a lion came near us?"

Xander thinks and replies, "We would call a giraffe!"

I love how his mind works!

Violet Jeanne

Due Date: May 21
Born: May 22 6:31 pm

The Story:
I tried to have Violet earlier in the week but my contractions kept petering out. Bummer. So on Saturday morning, when my mom called and offered to take Xander & Eliza to a primary activity so that Ben & I could go on a date, I broke out the castor oil. I mixed it into chocolate milk via a Vitamix and must say it was better that way than any other way I have tried it. As we were getting closer to the Villa we were going to tour for our date I started to have contractions and told Ben we'd better get lunch in case I go into labor. Nothing else happened until we finished our date (about 1:30pm)--then the contractions got pretty good and were consistent. We went to my folks to check on the kids and time the contractions. Around 4, I was pretty unconvinced that I was in labor but I thought that I had a slow water leak. Called L&D and they told me to come and get checked out. We took our time but organized the kids and stuff so that Ben's sister could come and pick them up, just in case. Got to the hospital around 4:45 (we took the scenic route) and found out I was in labor, 4 cm dilated and could stay. Got set up in the room. Had a few laughing fits with Ben that made my mom and the nurse even crack up. We were in a pretty good mood. Ben's parents got to the hospital just before 6 and they sat in the corner of the room with my mom while we finished laboring. I got to the point where I really wanted to push but my water hadn't broken yet. The midwife said, "Well, let's break the water and see what happens?" I said, "Yes!" Well, out popped Violet after only a few little pushes. She felt so tiny and she was SO purple (haha, violet!) but she was doing well.

Xander & Eliza came to visit right away in their pajamas. They couldn't wait to see their baby sister. The nurses at the hospital were great and let the kids be curious and help give Violet her first bath. It was all very tender and sweet.

We had lots of visitors that first night--both sets of grandparents were there, along with Ben's sister (who had brought X & E) and Ben's brother's family. What a great way to bring such a beautiful baby into the world.

As far as labor goes, all went well. I thought it was progressing slowly, I guess I was wrong. I felt pretty good afterwards and the nurse helped me take a shower within the first few hours--ahh, that felt great! I was able to do the delivery without an epidural again but had a narcotic for about 40 minutes. With all the insomnia I've had this pregnancy, I have had very little energy.

Violet weighed 8lbs 11oz and was 21 in long. Our 2nd biggest baby--but with the smallest feet for sure. She most resembles Xander as a baby--especially with her dark hair and skin. Sometimes her hair gets a little kinky and so we are crossing our fingers that she'll get the curls we once cut from Xander's hair.

We are so grateful for Violet's safe arrival and for the sweet spirit she brings to our family.