Isaac's birthday

Our handsome little boy is here.

Isaac Jenkins Dawson

born March 2nd 2014

7 lbs. 20 in.

I've never shared a birth story on my blog before, but it's because they've all been wonderfully uneventful.  Isaac was a little different, so I thought I would write about it.

We decided to get started on Sunday, March 2nd.  I wasn't due until Thursday, but the rest of the week was hectic, we always worried that Ben might get stuck in traffic and not make it home in time if I were to go into labor, and my Dr. really likes to do it on Sundays (for some reason that I don't know).

The night before I started having regular contractions, far apart, but they were there.  Same thing when I woke up on Sunday.  They were getting closer together.  Ben went to a meeting Sunday morning and I was getting ready for church.  We weren't supposed to be to the hospital until 6:00 p.m.  The hospital called me at 8:00 a.m. and asked if we could be there at 9 a.m. instead.  I told the lady I would try my hardest, I text Ben to come home from his meeting and got the kids ready.

We dropped the kids off at my parents house and Ben and my Dad gave me a blessing.

We got up to the hospital and got hooked up to everything.  They checked me and said the baby's head was down and in perfect position.  A while later I got my epidural, and then they checked me again.  The nurse said that it didn't feel like his head anymore.  She said that either his head had gone squishy or it was a bum.  They did an ultrasound and saw that he'd flipped and he was now breech.  The nurse casually mentioned that I might have to have a C section.  Ben and I were both shocked when she said that, it never even entered my head that this birth would go any other way then easy.  All four previous births had been perfect.

My nurse had me do some moves, which proved slightly difficult with my numb lower half, to try and get the baby to turn.  A while later, my Dr. came in and pushed on my belly really hard and tried to get him to turn   (I was SUPER glad I was numb for that part)

He wouldn't budge, and his heart rate was going down. He didn't like being pushed on, and I didn't blame him.  

They told us that we could go home, hoping he would turn on his own, or we could do a c section.  They had taken me off pitocin to see how close I was contracting on my own.  They were getting close and strong, so the nurse recommended that we stay.  My Dr. had gone to church to teach his class while we discussing and hoping the baby would turn.  I kept praying that we would know what to do.  I didn't want a c section if we didn't have to have one. But I also didn't want to go home, knowing we'd be back to the hospital shortly.  Right then my water broke, all by itself. I was so happy, knowing the decision had been made for us.  The Dr. got back a few minutes later and they wheeled me to the operating room.

last day as a pregnant lady... Ever

Our sweet little Isaac. 

 I was slightly traumatized not being able to hold him the second he was born.  

I tried to be brave, but I wasn't.

Getting all cleaned up

I swear that they were dawdling, because it seemed like forever until they brought him back to me.

Finally, I get to love and hold him.

Ben is such a great Dad!  He did so much for Isaac and I when I wasn't up to moving much.

proud parents

Now our family is complete.

The kids have been so happy to have Isaac here, and they're so gentle and loving with him.  Everyone says that he looks just like his brother and he's got the longest fingers ever.  

Ben and I are constantly amazed at blessings in our life... mainly, our kids.  We're so blessed.

My recovery went really well and I have a new found sympathy for mothers that have c sections.  Definitely not as fun as a regular birth :)  

I'm also amazed with all of the love we have felt from family, friends, and neighbors.  I didn't have to worry about laundry, cleaning,  dinners,  my little girls, or carpooling for a couple of weeks.

February 2014

Time flies when we're having fun!

February went by so fast this year.  I don't know if it's because we were busy getting ready for the baby or what. Here's a few things that made it on to the camera this month.

Abigail and Carly's dance studio put on a Daddy Daughter dance.  They were so excited to get all fancy and go dancin' with Ben.

 Carly had a quick melt down right before they left... it's like she thinks it's a requirement before going anywhere. 

1. got dressed - check

2. got shoes on- check

3. cry because an article of clothing feels slightly weird- check

 They received mini pizza kits from Grandparents for V-day.

I can't believe how excited they get about these.

 We had our Blue and Gold banquet.

Luke earned his wolf badge, and his religious square knot. 

 He was always asking what he should pass off next, he loves scouts.

The Primary presidency was in charge of B&G, and we went with an Olympic theme.

The boys got to stand on the podium to get their medals.

 We had lots of fun games, and an Olympic cake at the end.

Dec-Jan in the life of our phones.

Ben and I just put all of our phone pics onto the computer, and I realized that there are a few random things I have left out of the blog these last two months.

 We did our annual Christmas cookie trees with Grandma Barb

Christmas vacation was nice. The kids got along well and played all sorts of pretend things together.

 Hailey loves to kiss her baby brother

 Carly thinks she's being sneaky hiding away in the closet with Dad's tablet.  Sometimes I pretend I don't know where she is just so we can have some quiet time.

 We played human Foosball at our Jenkins Christmas party

 I tried to make a blanket and burp cloths, (picture by Carly or Hailey of me cutting out fabric) realized I have no skill for such things and got all frustrated and angry.  I do this about every 2 years or so.

 We went on a field trip to the fire station.  Carly is with her cute little friend Avery.  Ever since then, Carly's been having dreams that our house is on fire.

 Hailey loved the fire truck

 Blake came over a few times and we enjoyed some monopoly, settlers, rummikub, skipbo, and other favorite games.  He kinda looks like a terrorist with his black ensemble and  hoodie.

 Ben turned the big 32 this year! 

 We quilted a baby quilt for Luke and Lisa's baby... due any day now. (again, picture by either Carly or Hailey)

 I find these two like this a lot.  Hailey puts up with Carly making her pretend to be her baby.  Only a few more weeks until the real one comes and I have a feeling that Carly is going to take the baby and run away with him.

 We got to babysit my handsome little nephew, Noah (Jess and Matt's little guy).  But really it was just Carly telling me what to do and how to do it.  She really thinks she the expert on child rearing.

 The kids all switched up their rooms to make way for the new baby.  Hailey has her own room upstairs now with a new bed.  She loves it.

 Luke also moved back upstairs so the baby could sleep in his room.  He's been dying to have some one to share with.

Abigail and Carly moved downstairs in the bunk beds and they are also very happy about it.  

Luke and Ben got to go to a Jazz clinic last week.  We drove Luke down to S.L. to meet Ben and then us girls went shopping and ate dinner at IHOP.  We didn't want to feel left out of all the fun.

Luke got his bball signed by someone pretty cool, I just can't remember who. 

 They played lightening and did drills with some Jazz players

Luke won a round of lightening and he was ecstatic. 

The two cool guys who signed his ball, still can't remember who they are.

Last but not least, Ben waited in line for 3 1/2 hours to get a signed copy of Assisted, John Stockton's book.  He was SO lucky, because they cut the line off  2 people after him.  John had to make his flight.  Ben's been the biggest Jazz fan since he was little, so this was really exciting for him.