Charlotte just LOVES to hold Kate. She is always asking to hold her or she tells us to shhhh if the baby is sleeping and loves to show toys to Kate.

Jack LOVES to kiss Kate. In fact, I had to point to Kate's forehead for him to kiss because he would kiss her nose or her eye, etc. which is cute and fine but not when you have a little runny nose from teething/sinus infection.

Jack wanted and asked to hold the baby. Finally! he he. He loves the baby and is always asking about her and wants to give kisses but this is the first time he's asked so of course we had to take pictures.

Charlotte is just loving being a big sister. She's perfect for it!

Jack

Charlotte

Kate

I went through my pictures of Charlotte and Jack when they were newborns to see who Kate resembles. I definitely think Kate reminds me of Charlotte but she can't compete with that hair!! Some pictures of Jack while sucking on the dummy (binky) remind me of Kate as well.

It's kind of hard to look at what Charlotte and Jack used to be only because I miss how they used to be. Every single moment (well, almost...hehe) I would love to relive at some time again even though I know that will never happen. I don't know if it's my emotions right now but it makes me cry when I try to remember them that little. Those were good times, hard times too, but good times I'll always keep in my heart.

Home from the hospital.

Just after we got home, I laid Kate down on the bed and she was so awake. I took a lot of pictures. She just looks beautiful here.

I wanted to take pictures with the kids but they were so ready to go home on Sunday night that we decided to take them in the morning before Wade dropped Charlotte off at school. But crazy how things happen and you can't get what you want.

Wade finally went home on Sunday night from just being with me and Kate (kids were in bed with a babysitter at home) about 10:30 and at 11pm-5am Charlotte was awake. Of course she started to throw up all morning and then Jack woke up at 4:50. Poor Wade. He was praying for Jack to go back to sleep but Charlotte is the one that fell back asleep instead! So Wade had NO sleep for the night. I felt so guilty that I couldn't help him or Charlotte. It was really hard. But he was a trooper and still was able to help me at the hospital. Charlotte perked up and was her normal self by about 8:30am which was good for everyone. She isn't sick now. She does that sometimes where she just throws up in the night and by morning is okay. Of course she didn't go to school just in case she was but all is better now.

Anywho, so the above picture is just of us three before heading out of the hospital.

Lovely one of Kate ;) She was mad when we got her dressed in her take home outfit. I loved this when I picked it out for her. So Springy and beautiful! The socks were so big on her and they just wouldn't stay on!

The day I actually went into labor....

Warning! LONG Journal entry below:

As you all know, I was to be induced the day of my due date, April 24th! Funny how things change. I subconsciously woke up thinking, wow, what an annoying pain I have and fell back asleep. About 3am I felt it again, still thinking it was annoying but was curious if it was a contraction. I convinced myself it wasn't and fell back asleep until about an hour later and I felt it AGAIN. I was thinking, I wish it was 6am so we could call the hospital and go in so if this really was the start of labor that I'd get in without problems. I don't know what I was thinking. I wasn't coherent.

So about 4:50 I decide to get up and take a shower to see if these pains would go away. Certainly they did NOT. ha ha. I knew it was the start of something. I know sometimes early labor takes days and I wanted to go in that day so I was eager to talk to the hospital about the induction because I had EVERYTHING planned out with the kids. My plans weren't supposed to be messed up. That was the longest hour EVER.

I cleaned all the little messes from the kids and tried to keep myself busy until it was time to call. That's why I posted so early on the blog. So Wade came down about 5:55am to call the hospital. Couldn't get through until 6am anyway. So they said that they've had a very very busy night and to go back to bed, get your rest, eat some breakfast and they'll call back in the next couple of hours.

I was SO upset. I couldn't believe it. I was their ONLY induction of the day...isn't there room for me?? Pretty please?!!? Well, of course I was still having contractions and just plain worried about the day. Wade went back to bed with Jack and I stayed up dealing with my labor and worries! There's no way I can sleep like that. So the kids woke up at 7am and I was like, Wade what are we going to do? I'm having contractions. I tried to time them, etc. but I was just too upset. But by the time 8am rolled around, I knew I was in early labor. Wade called back to the hospital at 8 and they said, you can call as much as you want but a few more women came in and it's going to be a bit longer. Poo. I was like this isn't going to happen today but isn't it crazy I thought that cause HELLO I'M IN LABOR! ha ha ha.

I started timing my contractions at 8:11 (I have it written down, that's why I know the time) and stopped at 9:15. I had 11 even though I think 2 of them were together and lasted like 3 min. long. Hideous (I'm a wimp!). So we called the hospital and told them and they said, it's time to come to the hospital! And we said that we were the induction for the day and the hospital was like, isn't that funny?!! I was glad they didn't think I was a crazy liar or psycho. PHEW. I was SO excited. I didn't have to be induced and I get to go in earlier than I was thinking I would be able to.

I got to go and get checked in, they brought me to the room, got dressed down in those beautiful dressing gowns...you feel like such a lady in them. jk. The nurse checked me and I was at a 5+. Way to go ME. We were so impressed. We checked to make sure that I could indeed have an epidural. Oh yeah. I was at the right time to come in. So no worries there. The nurse put my I.V. in and Dr. Benedict came in to see me. He had a very very busy night. He was on call with another dr. but still a lot of women having babies. What a popular day! He went ahead and broke my water too. We asked how soon we could have the epidural and the nurse said that as soon as we fill out the healthy history, etc. on the computer, she'll get the anesthesiologist in and get started on the epidural. So that's what happened. The dr. came in and of course, I'm always nervous to get one even though I wouldn't go through this without an epidural. I knew what to expect but it still made me nervous. With Charlotte and Jack, everything went pretty smooth with the epidural even though Charlotte's had to be done twice. But this one took a long long time and he had to redo it so many times. Kept numbing me up. I wasn't outloud crying but I just had the waterworks going. It was so awful. He said I had a small epidural space. I was like, keep finding it. Tried to make small talk but you know how that goes...like it really really helps. But finally, he did it. I was thanking him profusely and he got me a nice helping of numbing medicine. The nurse this time (Jack's was like, make sure you let me know every time you push it) was like push as many times as you want. Oh believe you me. I had to make sure I wasn't feeling anything! ha ha. And I didn't. I love epidurals! No matter how much pain I was feeling getting it it was worth it. Seriously worth it.

About an hour after my epidural, they checked me again. I was at a 6+!! Yeah! I was so happy! Not long to go, I assumed. So for awhile (can't remember how long, it was awhile) Wade and I chatted and slept and worried about the kids. The nurse checked me again and I was still a 6+ so she checked to see if the dr. approved some Pitocin. And I was so she hooked me up. I think that was about 1:20pm. About 15 min. later Dr. Benedict came in with her and asked her if I had been checked and she said no, only because I've only been on the Pitocin a little bit. And he went ahead and checked me and he said, "10+3". Is there even such a thing?? he he. We were all so shocked I dialated so fast! But then again, my labors with Jack and Charlotte seemed to go rather quickly. so once again, go me! So lots and lots of preparations to get ready for me to push, getting all the supplies, dr. dressing up, etc. I started to push around 1:55. I pushed 3 to 4 times with my contractions. I think I only had to 3 contractions and then out she came! The nurse was curious if I felt any pressure before pushing and I was like, what kind of pressure since I had no idea what to think about that. She said it's like needing to go to the bathroom and I was like, oh yeah! I have to pee! ha ha ha ha. So that was my cue. I had so much control still even with the epidural to push. I felt like I was using all that strength I had! It was awesome.

The dr. placed Kate right on me. It was amazing. The nurse asked before I started to push if I wanted the baby placed on me or to be first cleaned up. I never had the baby on me and was a bit apprehensive about it for some reason. I hesitantly said clean her up but I don't think the dr. heard me and placed her on me. And you know what, I was so glad he did. It was amazing, I loved it. Kate had to be coaxed to turn around...just like Jack but she did it fine. Jack was so stubborn and didn't turn around til the last sec but not Kate. She also need oxygen too because she was so pale. Sometimes they are pale because of the cord being wrapped around the baby but Kate didn't have that problem and didn't know why she was pale. Of course, I was worried. But once she was cleaned up, given the shots, and weighed, etc. she didn't need it anymore. I was relieved about that. She was placed in my arms and she was just sooooooooo beautiful. I've got 3 gorgeous children. I love them so much. It's a feeling that no one can really comprehend until they're parents...am I right, parents??

Anywho, that was my labor and delivery. It was awesome. I am feeling so good, healing well and enjoying my baby.

Kate Marie Ardern

Kate just after her first bath.

Yep, we've decided on a name!! Kate Marie Ardern. I love it and I think it's strong yet feminine. I've got a couple of friends with their daughters named Kaitlyn/Katelynn and I hope they're not upset we took Kate but they've just inspired us is all. We have loved the name Kate for years and well, it's really the name that both of us had at the top of our list for the baby.

Some of the names we were thinking of: (Wade's choices) Aubrey or Audrey, Ashley, Kate, (my choices) Emma, Sophia, Kate and Maeve (which I thought was pronounced May-vee but it's Mave like Dave...)

Yeah so this is the one we both loved and cared about the most. She's a beautiful little thing and loves to make little whimper noises. Wade thinks she sounds like a puppy. At least she's not barking! woof woof.

We are home tomorrow. yay! I can't wait. We haven't taken too many new pictures today. More will come soon, I promise!

Squishy Ardern

I don't have a good picture of her by herself yet, so these will have to do. Tried getting a picture with Jack but...oh well. Charlotte just wanted to keep holding her and we kept taking pictures of it. The baby looks a lot like when Jack was born in the picture below although I can see some Charlotte too. But we have NO idea who she looks like. So funny.

She doesn't have a name...yet! We are still thinking of one and testing them out!

Born April 24, 2010, 2:05pm. 6lbs 15oz, 19 inches long. She has black hair and is such a cutie. Charlotte ADORES her and will be a wonderful big sister. Jack--he likes the baby for sure but is more interested in all the equipment/plugs around the room. he he. Thank you for all your well wishes! We will go home tomorrow (YAY! I can't WAIT!) and enjoy each other as a family.

poo

So, Wade just called for the induction. "Oh yes, you are our only scheduled induction for today. But we've had a very very busy night. Tell your wife to go to back to bed, get your rest, eat breakfast and we'll call you when we've had some of these babies delivered." AWW MAN!!!!

D-day

Or should I say B-day....ha ha ha ha. jk. Alright!!! LOOK! That baby thingy says 0!!! YEAH!!! FINALLY the day has come and I can see this little one and give her cuddles instead of her beating me up. I feel kind of bad because she's just enjoying life all snuggly and warm and then it's rip me out of mom and poke me and make me feel unhappy. But don't you worry, mom and dad's snuggles are going to comfort her.

It's 5:43 am and I've been up since about 3:20. I haven't been able to sleep very well these last two nights and I can't blame it on the kids either. But this morning, I think I've been starting to feel contractions...early labor ones. I couldn't believe it. I guess this is the day no matter what. Well, actually I have no idea. I've never felt them before so this could go on for days. I don't like them. And all I know is that they're going to get even worse. Again, all you natural birth mommies out there I don't know how you do it. I seriously think you are amazing and really admire what you go through. Even though that's not what I choose to do I seriously think you are strong, wonderful women. With that in mind, I'm already ready for my epidural. Lol. he he.

I'm just worried about Charlotte and Jack. I know they'll be fine and when everyone tells us they're fine when we check up on them it's a relief but it's just the mom in me constantly worried. Are they happy? Sad? Scared? Hungry? Tired? I'm going to miss them like crazy and can't wait to be home with all four of them on Monday.

Jack was really clingy last night. Had to hold him and take care of him and even though it was a bit tough I secretly loved it because it was just these last few cuddles with just him as my little baby. Charlotte's been a bit of a naughty girl but I think it's just a normal reaction to what's happening. I know she doesn't mean to ignore me...I hope. ha ha. But she really is excited for the baby and I can't wait for her and for Jack to hold this little one.

I'm so thankful Wade is going to be right next to me this whole way through. I couldn't imagine doing this all alone in any circumstance and I love Wade so much. He is my best friend and I couldn't think of any one else to be married to.

So, now it's 5:54 and Wade is downstairs about to call in for a time. Wish us luck! Happy epidural time is coming (knock on wood!! ha ha) and soon this little girl will be here and you can all say hello to Habiba Shaniqua Squishy Ardern.

Induction update!

Do you see that?? To the right?? The spinning crazy baby??? FIVE DAYS. FIVE STINKIN' DAYS!!!! GONNA MAKE IT!!! he he It's weird. This last week, I've felt the usual tiredness, no energy and normal pregnancy feelings but my hip hasn't been too bad and I feel like I'm going to get through the week fine! No antsy, the end is NOT in sight despair feeling.

Anywho, we scheduled this morning for an induction on Saturday, April 24th. It took a few days for me to decide which date would be best. Even though I LOVE the sound of April 30th/May 1st, there would be a chance I would not be able to be delivered by my dr. And with the induction on a Saturday, it seems easier to find people to help watch the kids and the major factor is that as a family we'll have 9 solid days together...well, maybe not the first two but you know what I mean. So, there is a chance they'll tell me I can't be induced when we call in Saturday morning but it's unlikely. It's just the time they'll have me come in.

With Jack, we called at 6am and they said to be there at 7:15am. And just as soon as they were prepping me, etc. they said, luckily you called when you did because we would have told you to come a lot later. So many women had gone in cause they're just lucky being able to go into labor on their own. Who knows!! Maybe things will be different and we'll have this baby before saturday! Woo hoo. But as for now, this baby is coming Saturday...knock on wood that everything goes as I plan!!!

Car seat tent

Well, I joined the bandwagon and made a car seat tent for the baby. I liked two different fabrics and decided to make a reversible one but then I like the purple side I made best and wished I had gotten the coordinating polka dot fabric to go with it. But I don't care now. It's stinkin' cute. I wish I knew about this for Jack and Charlotte and feel bad they didn't have one. But I hope they know I would've made them one too :)

Crepe Maker

This post is for Crystal. I got an AWESOME crepe maker for my birthday and we've been making crepes like crazy. It's been SO much fun and I recommend getting one :)

Hello crepe maker! Wait until it's hot...

Then dip dip dip!!! I wait about 3 or 4 sec...

Then lift up the crepe maker!

Set it down and it cooks literally in 25 sec. FAST!!

Fill your crepe with the toppings you desire! This one is with strawberry jam and cream in a can.

Then roll up your crepe and eat til your heart and stomach burst! :)

I'm still here! I'm posting again...WOW

ha ha ha. Jk. 8 MORE DAYS!!!!

I went to the dr. yesterday. Drum roll please....................STILL THE SAME. Wait wait wait....let's quote the dr. "No change since last week." Hmmm, he's said this every time!! What?! Is it really that possible?? Yes, yes it is. It's me. Oh well....I feel like the end of April is more sunny anyway. Although these last 3 days have been perfect. So it better stay that way when the baby comes!! The dr said that anything IS possible in the biological world. Yeah, I know. He's just trying to make me feel better. Sniff. I said, well, we'll see you next week. He said no no, it's we'll probably see you next week. What an optimist! ha ha ha ha. jk. That's alright.

So, it probably will turn out to be another induction (not like I really have a problem with it at all) it's just that picking the date for a baby to born. Right now, it's in the air. It's the unknown...kind of exciting letting fate (well, Heavenly Father really :) dictate the birthday. But if I have to pick a date it's going to be hard. It was like this with Jack. But we had our reasons to do it the 23rd of July that helped us and once things started along with having him, it seemed perfect.

But it's the before that's the unsure thing for me. Is it right?? Is it better? I asked the Dr. if they do inductions on Saturdays and he said they do sometimes. And at first May 1st sounded so perfect. But the Dr. isn't on call that weekend :( But he is NEXT weekend, April 24th. So, with Wade being able to get 5 days off of work for the baby, we're thinking, what if we do it on the Saturday that way he has the sat/sun off, takes off the whole next week, and then still has 2 more days. That's 9 WHOLE days together as a family!!! Plus it seems kind of fun to be induced ON your due date. But then I wanted to go as long as I could until they tell me I need to be induced. They don't let you go a week overdue up in Logan so the latest I would have this baby is May 1st (I know, THE perfect sounding day...). But since Doc isn't going to be here I was thinking IF I can't be scheduled on April 24th, I might just do it on that following Friday, April 30th. That way we can still have 2 days on the weekend with Wade plus he only has to go into work for one day the following week and then the weekend rolls around...Decision decisions!

I know, we'll figure out the best time/day. But I'm just SO excited for this baby to get here. I'm SO excited for Charlotte to baby this baby. She did so well with Jack but now she's older and she's just really understanding things. Jack on the other hand...he probably thinks I'm a crazy horse telling me that the tummy is NOT a baby. They don't look the same.

Oh well. I'll make sure to keep you all updated since what else is there to do?? I'm almost ready. We need to buy Newborn diapers, I need a cute new diaper bag (don't feel like making one this time although I can't find one I like), I want to make a cozy blanket and everything else is just ready. I think. Sigh. But the time is getting closer! Yippee :)

I'll leave you with some pics of the kids : )

So, Charlotte lets you take pictures of her now and it's funny though. When you tell her to smile she does this fake, scrunch up your nose smile. I love it!!! Makes me smile! ha ha. You can see it in both pics!!

This kid LOVES broccoli and cheese sauce. Literally. He pounded this stuff back. He turns his nose up at yummy desserts etc but LOVES to eat veggies!!! Crazy kid!

P.S. Crystal, I think it's pure torture to let a woman go 16 days overdue...I sure felt it at 12 days!! poor girl...

11 days

Yep, 11 days. I think that means it's still FOREVER. I'm just holding on and waiting and waiting and waiting. I think one day I'll have a baby ;) jk. it's been really hard but I'm still trying to be positive. MOST likely I'll be induced. Just because I was induced with Charlotte and Jack. And I don't mind. I'm an epidural lover so that makes me happy!! I can get one as soon as things become hard. (I do tip my hat at all you women who do childbirth naturally. you are so strong. I'm a wimp) I'm going to go as far as I can. So it probably means I'll be going past my due date unless the Dr. thinks I need the baby sooner (which is not going to happen otherwise, lucky me!!) so yeah. Still a ways away. I'm still a 2. I get checked again Thursday but I'm thinking i'll be a 2 still!!! ha ha ha ha. Anyway. There you have it. Maybe the next time I update the blog, I'll have baby pictures!!!

Happy oldness Birthday to me!!

I just turned 32 yesterday. 32. That's 8 years closer to 40. What the heck? he he. Wade made me feel so special. It was a great day and I loved it. Wade had to run off to work but for breakfast we had croissants with tomato, ham and cheese. Jack ate his and Charlotte had two bites (go figure!) Our friends, the Tippets, were here so I got to enjoy the whole day with them too!

I met up with Wade for lunch and had Quiznos. YUMMY. But I didn't get big sandwiches because we headed to Olive Garden for dinner. I was selfish and Wade got a babysitter for us and the Tippets. I can't tell you what a peaceful thing it is to eat dinner without kids crying or tugging at you!!! Eh, Jen?!! We came home and had some cake and ice cream and watched an episode of Poirot on KBYU. he he.

I had two friends stop by...Nicki brought over the bomb diggity cinnamon rolls and jam and fresh bread and Lacy brought over some gorgeous orange Gerbera Daisies. I received a book, chocolates and a NZ bag from my in-laws, money from my mom and dad, some bath scrub and brush from Jen and Gary (naughty....we aren't supposed to give each other gifts!! ahem!!) and a bouquet of tulips from each of the kids, salad spinner, new backing to my phone (it's hot pink!!) and a crepe maker. Oh yeah, baby. I've got some batter ready to go right now too!! Mmmmmm...

I loved my birthday. Simple but perfect.

I think I have issues with me getting "older". Seriously. Well, I have to admit it's not as bad as turning 30 and I didn't think much of it. But I'm older and I don't like it. I hope I just don't look old....But I love this picture of Jack. I also find it more exciting to have the kids help open my gifts. They love it so much. I just love seeing their happy faces even though what they open is MINE. he he. jk. I share...really I do...:)

Charlotte opening a present to me from Ma!

Yeah, this is the only pregnant body shot you'll get of me. Ugh. I hate having my picture taken when I feel like poo.

mmmmmmm......

I know...She tried SO hard to smile for me. I just love it!! I don't care if her eyes are closed :)

The Tippets visited their brother in Logan and stayed the night before my birthday at our house so they could spend the day with me. Awww. Awesome friends! not trying to be rude, but I wasn't planning on anyone to come and share the day cause I just thought that an hour and half from our friends the Tippets and the Wyatts is a bit far just to have cake and ice cream. (I should have given the Wyatts an invite but I was retarded and didn't. It wasn't on purpose. It's just too far to come...) but the spur of the moment opportunity was exciting! So thanks for coming Tippets!! They watched Jack for me so I could have a mini lunch date with Wade. Jen even got Jack to take a nap! I swear he loves her more than me....awww...But Charlotte and Jack had THE best time with Brennon and Kya. They really really did. They still talk about Kya and Brennon!! Thank you for coming!!!! You guys are awesome!!

Surprise!!!

Ma and Grandpa Ardern from New Zealand randomly called Wade 2 weeks go. Wade was a bit confused. It was his Dad's voice but kept looking at the phone which had an 801 area code number. Turns out, they just flew into Salt Lake City! Ian was being called to be an Area Seventy during this April General Conference so they flew him and Paula up for meetings, etc. Wow. Everyone has always "known" about this. It was only a matter of time. He is a GREAT man and he's part of our family!

Anyway, the Monday after general conference both of them headed up to our house for a week of shopping, fun and cuddles with Jack and Charlotte. Crazy they missed seeing the baby by a couple of weeks but we aren't complaining. It was a great visit and Charlotte and Jack just loved being around Ma and Grandpa. And I had a great time because my hip didn't hurt ONCE while they were here! Miracle!! I think it's because they took a lot of the attention and lifting, etc. off of me. What a wonderful relief. And the other neat thing was that Wade was on Spring Break too!! What are the chances?! It was a great surprise and I'm really glad they were able to come visit us. We know they'll be able to visit for the next 4 or 5 years for April Conference so that's going to be a wonderful thing to look forward to :)

Charlotte is cooking with Ma!

There was a crazy snow storm the night Ma and Grandpa got here. Ma was SO excited!!! So were the kids and had to have pictures in it!!

The night it snowed.....ha ha ha. Ma holding a big scoop of snow!!

There are more pics of when Ma and Grandpa were here but they are not on my camera. I'll post them once I get them ;)