Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Klayton is Three

Friday was Klayton's birthday and we tried to make it a special day for him. Based on the fact that he stayed up almost 2 hours past him bed time and was still crying that he wanted to play with his new toys I'd say it was a success. Friday morning we had pancakes (his favorite) and went to day care and sent some cupcakes that Klayton had helped make. Then we made spaghetti for supper (again his favorite) and opened presents with Aunt Marla. Unfortunately my camera wasn't working so no pictures.


But 2 weeks ago we had his birthday party while his cousin Austin was in town. This was only a few days after Kenzie was born but luckily I have a wonderful husband and a great sister who did most of the work the day of. It was kind of a quiet birthday party due to the fact that some of our friends were out of town and the hurricane kept away a few cousins. Anneliese was able to join us so 3 kids for a 3 year old birthday party. Sounds perfect to me. Here are the highlights.


all geared up and ready to work

hammering nails

measuring the skyscraper

painting the skyscraper

Backhoe birthday cakes (Austin pointed out that it was missing stabilizer legs so we had to have a last minute addition)

enjoying birthday cake

the truck book from the Noskas

(that is Klayton's new grin)

It was a great party and the kiddos had a blast.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Kenzie DeAnn Chance

She's here and we are all smiles. So far she is sleeping great, eating good, and big brother is a great helper. For those who want to see pictures feel free to scroll down now. This is where the story begins to get lengthy.
I will back up and start on Tues., Sept 9. I went for my normal MD appointment and she said, "I think it is time to jump ship." I have been dealing with dropping platelets for about a month and steroids had kept them at bay for a while. I was a little suprised by this statement and even questioned her saying are you sure everything will go OK. Her statement was "your cervix is an old pro. I think you will do great." I was a little scared but scheduled induction for the following evening. The next morning they called with my platelet count and it was 91 (go time was 100 because below 80 no epidural and that was too scary). Luckily everything was already scheduled so I just finished my work for the day, picked Carrie up from the airport, enjoyed a nice dinner and headed to the hospital. It was an uneventful night with a few contractions but we slept OK. Contractions got a little stronger around 5 and then they told me my platelet count had dropped to 80 and they were unsure about the epidural. They started the pytosin (sp? med for induction) around 7:30 and Wow! Then contractions got strong and in a hurry. Luckily before they got too bad my MD arrived and said the anesthesiologist had agreed to the epidural but I should wait until 4 cm. After an hour I was ready to throw in the towel and they said I could have my epidural. That's right I said one hour of hard labor and I had enough (luckily I was already 7 cm at the end of that). So to all of you women with no epidural, WOW!!!! I was much happier after. Actually 2 hours after having the epidural the nurse checked and say hold on, I'm getting your doctor, don't do anything. Two pushes later Kenzie arrived. I was much more relaxed with this one and the whole process was amazing. I tried to remember everything because I barely remember anything from Klayton. Carrie was able to be by my side for most of it and of course Kevin was wonderful and very excited. So here are the pics.

Kevin holding Kenzie


Kenzie all sprawled out and sleeping



our new family. We are so happy!!



Grandma with baby and Klayton



1st kiss from big brother



in pink and a bow already



coming home.

We tried to come early blaming the hurricane evacuees and I was feeling great but the MD basically said no way.


Uncle Richard entertaining all of the boys (Klayton, Nathan, and Austin)



Klayton and Austin checking on Kenzie


Grandpa and Grandma meeting Kenzie.

Here is my whole family napping. Yes Klayton is pretending but Kenzie and Kevin definitely are out. This baby thing is hard work.

This is Klayton being mommy's helper and "watching Kenzie"

Just chilling!
1st bath. Klayton wanted to wash her feet.

all cozy after bath.

We are all adjusting and enjoying the time with our new addition. Kevin was able to take off from work all week (minus several phone calls). Kenzie is sleeping remarkable. I am almost scared to talk about it because I know it will change but we got 8 hours of sleep last night with only one 30 minute interruption. I'm sure we are in for a change shortly but right now we are just really grateful. Klayton is a great helper and will always get me diapers and wipes and take the dirty diapers out. Every time Kenzie cries he walks up and says, "I know what to do. Shhhh" and puts his finger to his mouth. She seems to like it.

I also have a few pictures of the boy's birthday party we had this weekend but I will save that for another post. Until then I will just enjoy holding my new baby and smiling at my 3 year old and thanking God that we are so blessed.