Baby Blessing

A couple of Sunday's ago we blessed Cadence.  In our church father's bless their babies with a name and a special blessing when they are infants.

In Cadence's blessing Jason blessed her that she would know that she was a child of God and a precious daughter in Zion, and that this knowledge would be a comfort and strength throughout her life.  He blessed her with a great capacity for kindness and that others would feel of her love for them. Cadence was blessed with the desire to learn of the gospel, and that the light of Christ will shine brightly in her life and act as a compass as she makes decisions. That she will serve her Father in Heaven in any capacity that she is asked.

It was a beautiful blessing and we were grateful for so many family members that were able to join us.  My mom, Rachel, Jared and their family, Dave, Char and their family, Jared, Amber and their family, Jason's mom, Mitchel, and Jill and her two boys.

After church we came back to our home for lunch.  We served beef barley soup, potato soup with toppings, buns (that mom brought), veggie platter (that Char brought), and lemon lime delight salad, with creme puffs and carrot cake for dessert.  Such a beautiful day for a beautiful girl.

Cadence in her beautiful blessing dress.

What Cadence did throughout her blessing.

I bought her a keepsake bracelet that she can hopefully pass down to use for her daughter's blessing someday.

Starting to get a bit annoyed.

Getting hungry.

Getting really hungry.

Really mother don't you think you have enough pictures!

NO MORE PICTURES!

Alright - one last picture.

What a sweet girl - but she sure lets us know when she's not happy!!

Cadence's Digs

When we found out we were pregnant we talked to Bowen about moving out of his room and sharing with Ashton so we could turn the room closest to ours into a nursery.

We weren't going to find out the sex of the baby so we painted in a gender neutral colour and purchased a dresser, side table and rocking chair.  We still had our crib and a wardrobe.  I decided to wait until the baby was born to accessorize.

I love how Cadence's room turned out.  I only have one addition to make - I plan on putting a big wooden C beside the owl pictures over the crib.

Love the nursing and reading corner.

So many sweet and adorable clothes!

Home Sweet Home Cadence - we love you soooo much!

Mother's Day 2014

This Mother's Day I'm overwhelmingly grateful.  I still can't quite believe that I am so blessed.  I'm so thankful I have the privilege of being Ashton, Bowen, Kenneth, and Cadence's mom.  We of course are sad we don't have Kenny to raise in our home now - but I know someday we will be all together as a family. My children bring me so my joy (as well as a little frustration).  I love all their different personalities, and I love every stage they go through.  Ashton is very mature and I enjoy our talks and he is such a great help to me.  Bowen is so funny and always makes me laugh.  Cadence loves to be held and I enjoy endless cuddles with her.  I feel complete and content - something I've not felt for quite a few years.

We had a nice Mother's Day.  Our nephews Dane and Bennett had spent the night and we were able to take them to church with us.  They had fun going to nursery and primary.  After church, and the boys were picked up by their mom, we had a yummy lasagna dinner with chocolate cake and icecream for dessert.  It was nice to be home and to just relax and spend time together.  We watched a movie as a family and then Dane and Bennett were back and it was time for bed.

I'm also very grateful for the moms in my life. I love and appreciate Jason's mom, especially for raising such a great son.  I'm grateful for all my mom does for me and my family.  She is my best friend and if I have a concern or problem I know I will always get good advice.

Happy Mother's Day!

Our First Month

One month old - really!!  I can't believe our precious little Cadence is one month old already.  Yesterday May 7th marked her one month birthday.  It has been a month full of joy, laughter, tears, anxiety, pain, - every emotion it seems.  My recovery from the c-section has been difficult.  First with a spike in my blood pressure and a visit to the ER.  Gratefully that seems to be under control.  Then about a week and a half ago I got an infection in my c-section incision, but a round of antibiotics seems to have solved that problem and I am feeling much better.

Cadence is a sweet little baby.  She has been having some trouble putting on weight.  To help her with this we had her tongue tie clipped as her tongue was very tight.  Then with my being on antibiotics she got thrush in her mouth so it was painful for her to nurse and I found my milk supply lowered considerably.  When we went for her appointment on Tuesday we found she hadn't gained any weight in a week - not good.  So we have decided to supplement her with formula.  It was hard for me to admit I didn't have enough milk for her as I exclusively breastfed the boys, but I need to do what is best for her and give her what she needs.  Since starting the extra feeds she seems much more content and I even got 6 hours of sleep last night (not all at once of course, but I'll take it).

Despite all the problems, and endless doctor appointments I have never felt more complete, and content and happy.  What a blessing she is to our family.  The boys are still completely in love, and are a HUGE help to me.  I've starting teaching piano again and Ashton is often found with Cadence sleeping on his chest during the time I'm teaching.

May 7th - One Month
Weight - 7 lbs 8 ounces
Is spending more time alert and looking around
Beautiful dark blue eyes
A bit jaundice still
Goes directly from content and quiet, to screaming and down right mad (no in between)
Loves to be held

As her name suggests, Cadence is a perfect ending to complete our family.

One Month Old

Baby Shower

My friend Marisa was kind enough to offer to throw a baby shower for Cadence.  I was grateful as I don't have anything for a girl.  The theme was as cute as a button and she made adorable invitations to hand out to friends of mine.  The shower was held last Saturday.

We all had a great time.  There was a great turnout and everyone was so generous with the presents they had for Cadence.  She is going to be one fabulously dressed girl.

Marisa had gone to so much work.  The food was incredible.  I must admit I even had 2 pieces of cake.

My friend Mindy had made a cookie bouquet.  Notice on the one cookie it even has Cadence's name on it.  So cute!

We visited, held the baby, and of course opened presents.

When I opened Marisa's gift all I could see was tissue paper and a piece of string with a note saying pull me.  As I pulled clothes came out as if hung on a clothes line - such a great idea.  I totally want to copy it at the next baby shower I go to.

Mom and Rachel were able to come up.

Thank you Marisa for all your hard work and for throwing Cadence and I such a beautiful shower.  As well as a big thank you to all my friends for your generous gifts.  It was a wonderful afternoon.

Easter 2014

Another Easter has come and went.  Easter Sunday - April 20th was Cadence's actual due date.  I'm glad we didn't have to wait until then to meet her.  On Saturday the boys got busy decorating easter eggs.  They always really enjoy this activity and do a great job.  Jason really likes decorating eggs too.  So I'm happy to leave them to it.

Cadence hung out in her new swing while her brothers were busy.

Early Sunday morning the boys looked for their easter baskets.

Then we went to church.  The boys looked so handsome in their suits and Cadence so pretty in her new easter dress.

I accompanied for someone in our ward who was singing O Divine Redeemer - it felt good to get back to the piano.  The speakers gave a nice easter message and it was great to remember the true meaning of Easter and all our Savior has done for all of us.   Cadence was a little angel and didn't make a peep all through church.  Her and I came home after sacrament and Jason and the boys stayed for the rest of the meetings.

The easter bunny didn't forget Cadence either.  She got a new outfit and a little lamb with "My First Easter" on it's tummy.

Later that afternoon we went to Ty and Jill's for dinner.  Jason's mom and brother Mitch were up as well.  We had a very yummy dinner of ham, scalloped potatoes, asparagus, salad, buns, and Jason had made a yummy chocolate pie, and a delicious banana cream pie for dessert.

A happy easter was had by all!

The End!!

Settling In

I'm happy to be home, and we're all settling into our new life with Cadence.  Even though it has been 8 years since we've had a newborn in the house - it didn't take much adjusting to jump back into late night feedings, and all the demands of a little one.

I've taken a couple of weeks off from music students, and Jason took a bit of time off from work.  We've enjoyed the time together and a bit slower pace of life.  It will be interesting to see how we manage when busy schedules start up again.

Everyone enjoys lots of baby cuddles.  Especially the big brothers.

We had lots of visits from family and friends.  I didn't always remember to take pictures.

Our first week was fairly uneventful til I woke up Sunday morning and my blood pressure was spiking a bit out of control.  After checking it a few times and a few tears I called Jason who was already at church for meetings and told him I thought I should go to the hospital.  So we headed to the ER with Cadence and left the boys with Uncle Ty.

After 3 hours at the hospital, it was decided to double my meds and add one additional medication.  It seems to be working and keeping my blood pressure in check.

This past week we visited the boys classrooms at school.  They were so proud to show off their baby sister.

Cadence had her one week visit with the doctor.  She has gained back some of the weight she initially lost and now weighs 6 lbs 15 ounces.  The doctor says she is doing great and is perfect.

I still can't quite believe how blessed we are to have this little one join our family, and I do promise not every blog will be about Cadence.

Also, I think I've got the multi-tasking down pat.  I just blogged one handed while putting Cadence to sleep on my other shoulder.  And even though the recovery has been a bit rougher from the c-section and I'm a bit sleep deprived, I haven't been able to stop grinning!

Introducing Cadence Elaine & the Baby Poll Winner

She's here!!  and She's perfect!!

As you may have figured out from the photo I ended up with a c-section.  To all of you who have had a c-section - I'm sorry!  I was supposed to just be getting induced.  It had been decided at my last doctor's appointment  that it was probably a good time to do it and after an ultrasound on Thursday had determined that the baby was head down I was told to come in Sunday, April 6th at 6:00 p.m. to get things started.

We arrived at the hospital and the nurses couldn't quite decide if they thought the baby was still head down.  After a quick ultrasound it was determined the baby was in fact breech (you've got to be kidding me).  We discussed options with the doctor and it was decided he would try and flip the baby and then break my water to hold in place.  The baby had different plans however when I went into labour shortly after this discussion with the doctor and then it was to late to do anything but deliver by c-section immediately.

So off to the or we went.  I shed a few tears while the doctor and nurses were out of the room - but quickly wrapped my head around the fact that this was the safest and really only option.

The whole process went fairly quickly, with the spinal and getting all hooked up, bringing Jason to my side.  Apparently Jason peeked around the curtain quite often to see what was happening.  I was quite happy not to be able to see, everything I was able to feel was enough for me.  When the baby was almost out Jason whispered to me that it was a girl.  I kept asking him if he was sure.  When the nurse came and confirmed it to me I must admit I burst into tears.  She arrived on Monday morning, April 7th at 1:17 a.m.

I'm not lying when I say that I would have been thrilled with a boy - but what a special blessing to be able to have a little girl in our family.  The boys are just going to dote on her.  They love her to pieces already.

We are loving on our little Cadence Elaine

Trying on her new outfit to come home from the hospital.  It's waaay too big!

Not liking getting into her new car seat.

The Winner of the Baby Poll Contest is

Marisa Smith

Congratulations Marisa - you correctly guessed baby girl at 7 lbs, 2 ounces

she was also 20.5 inches long

Thanks to everyone who played along, and for all your lovely comments here and on facebook.

We are so grateful our little miracle has arrived safely - I hope you all get to meet her soon!!

Ready to Pop & a Contest

I can't believe I am only a week or so away from our baby being born.  I've been feeling good, a bit sore and tired and certainly READY TO POP!!

I'm so excited, nervous, and anxious all wrapped into one.  Just praying for a smooth, easy, healthy delivery and baby.

So I thought we should finish up these 9 months with a contest.

BABY POLL

So to enter you need to give me your guesses as to:

1 - the sex of the baby

&

2- the weight of the baby

Don't be swayed by the colour of the wall behind me or my shirt - we are decorating the nursery in turquoise and red and I happened to be wearing a blue shirt today - we honestly do not know!

So enter your guesses either here on my blog, or on my facebook page.  You have until Sunday at midnight to enter.

What will you win you might be wondering - well .... we thought we'd name the baby after you!

JUST KIDDING!!

You will win a $25.00 gift card to the Bath & Body Shop so you can "baby" yourself.

Good luck to everyone, and wish me luck too!!