Sawyer's here!!

What and exciting week and weekend our family has had! This time last week, I was heading into week 4 of bedrest and week 37 of my pregnancy. At my weekly doctor's appointment, I was a tad discouraged to learn that not much had changed, my blood pressure was up some and another appointment was set. However, as I left, the doctor said "Maybe I'll see you in the delivery hall before your next appointment." Hmmm...

Nathan and I believe that it is not our timing and not our planning that matters, but God has an infinite wisdom and timing that I try not to question (it's hard sometimes when you are someone with control issues :) So I headed home prepared to settle in for another week. The next day, I spent most of the morning sleeping (just one of those days where I didn't really feel well) and when I woke up, my water broke and off to the doctor we went! Yay!! Labor was short and delivery was quick-a blessing I wish for everyone. I had only one panic right before Sawyer was born- that he wasn't really going to come out or he would be too big. However, at 4:01 on Wednesday afternoon (March 14, 2012) Robert Sawyer made his appearance into the world-an absolutely perfect 7lbs 12 oz and 19 1/4 inches long.

During this time- we've been completely blessed by our friends and family we don't know what we would do without so many special people in our lives. We finally arrived home to a clean house and a fridge stocked with food on Friday and the big kids came home on Saturday morning. They had spent the time we were gone with my mom, who I know worked hard too keep everyone going. I know it is difficult and exhausting when the kids get out of routine.

We are blessed with 4 beautiful babies (although I can't say that they are all "babies" anymore). I am reminded so much of McKenna and Asher when they were so tiny when I look at Ian and Sawyer. It's amazing how time has gone by so quickly as our family grows. Nathan and I have thought and talked a lot about how we want to make sure that the "big kids" don't feel like they are taking a back seat to the little guys or that they still get to do all of the fun things that we try to do as a family. We've talked about date nights for the kids in some sort of a rotation or big kid only outings (as well as adding in a date night for ourselves every now and then as we need some adult time in a world full of kiddos). It's also important to us that McKenna get her time with the "girls" because being the oldest and being the only girl I'm sure is a little overwhelming- although she can certainly hold her own. There is so much that goes through my mind that I have to remind myself to stop or slow down and just enjoy each day. Enjoy that little things that each one does that may often take us by surprise or make us laugh.

So right now, I will share with you that Ian is going through a stage where he barks like a seal and claps his hands at random times. Asher spent his day leaving the first letter off of every word he said, mainly just for a reaction- which I try not to give him too much of-lol :) McKenna is so happy that it is warm enough to wear shorts-she delights in the little things and her smile can light up a room. And baby Sawyer is already changing and growing as we are getting to know his patterns and schedules. Life is full of changes for us right now, but life is good as we welcome Sawyer into our family.

Tales of a bed rested mommy...

Hello, friends! Yes, you read my title correctly...I will officially be 37 weeks pregnant tomorrow as well as starting my 4th week of bed rest. To briefly catch you up, on February 21 (after a not so fun doctor's visit on the 20th) I had to go to the hospital for what the doctor thought was likely to be dehydration. As it turns out, my bloodwork came back with results of pre-eclampsia. I have had this before with McKenna (but to a much more severe degree) and it is basically high blood pressure, swelling and protein issues. My blood pressure had actually been behaving itself, it was the swelling and liver enzymes that raised red flags for my doctor. So bed rest it was in hopes that I made it to 36 weeks so that I can deliver a healthy baby boy without further problems.

I hear a lot of " I wish I were on bed rest" . Lol! Although my life may seem very relaxed yet glamourous from the outside, I am allowed out of the house to meet my mom, who is the best, and takes everyone to school and on Sundays, I have eaten lunch at my mom's. Period. I am not quite sure I remember what the grocery store looks like as my sweet husband goes each week- although I organize the list and coupons. He also makes sure everyone makes it to church and got the kid's school music program on video to share with me. My day revolves around television shows and I make sure to send my sister, mom and husband any interesting facts I may find ( at what my sister says are the most random times of the day)- sorry, guys. I have missed spring consignment sales-boo! That is one of my favorite things and I am seriousliy needing a haircut. Yes, bed rest does seem appealing but as the weeks go on, I become a tad restless. SO....I believe in counting my blessings and not being whiney therefore, here are some positive notes to bed rest I have decided to list.

1. Now that we have a new modem ( which took entirely too long to come in) I can update my blog and surf the web a little more frequently.
2. I can continue my random lists (drives the hubby crazy) of projects to be done, recipes, movies, books, and misc things to do.
3. Alone time. Yes, this rarely occurs in my world. I once had a friend say " do you ever ride in the car alone?" my reply? " no." I now enjoy a little alone time in the car each morning- I love to listen to music loudly :) I will also sneak a little drive thru to McDonalds every now and then. I will say though, that I would much rather have a little quiet time in the car than what can be long and quiet days at home. I enjoy my rowdy bunch and it gets very quiet during the day-so I definitely look forward to everyone's return in the afternoon.
4. I have done some organizing -although minimal- but Nathan will bring down totes of clothes etc for me in the morning and I will sort through them during the day. Boys and girls clothes are all organized at this time.
5. Laundry is caught up. This is not necessarily a difficult task that I can do pretty easily.
6. Most importantly, we have been shown such support and love from friends and family. Some food, cards and calls just to check in and as I mentioned my mom meets me each morning to drop the kids off at school and get them home every afternoon. What would we do without all these wonderful people in our lives?

I will make sure to keep you posted as I head into these last few weeks before we go from a family of 5 to 6! Perhaps I will post some of my lists and ideas ;)

Winter Deals...

With all of the warmer than usual temperatures, I can't help but look up some warm weather activities. I thought I would share a few of the winter deals you may find at a few of our favorite places (locally).

The Louisville Zoo- From 11/1/11-2/29/12 the zoo is offering 1/2 price admission when you bring in 1 canned good per person

Salato Wildlife Center- this wildlife center opens on February 14th and has some new exhibits and other great opportunities!

The Cincinnati Zoo- from 1/2/12-2/29/12 is having Penquin Days which means 1/2 zoo admission!

The Newport Aquarium-While this is more of a fun thing your family can do anytime, the aquarium has it's winter days as well. This includes 2 kids getting in free with an adult paying full price.

Fazoli's- Although this hasn't been an issue for us yet, when schools are closed due to snow or ice, get a FREE kids meal with the purchase of any adult entrée. You can get up to three FREE kids meals per adult entrée purchase. I am not 100% if this is a regional deal, so call ahead to yours just to make sure.

Other activities my crew has enjoyed over the last couple of months include heading out to the library and building at Lowes. Other great options may include an indoor activity area (Bounce U, Monkey Joe's, Kids Place, etc). There are always some great ideas for a winter outing on a budget but these were just a few that stuck out for me. Enjoy!