Lyla Jade's Birth Story

Introducing our family's newest addition...

Lyla Jade Olsen!

It sure has been a while since I have posted regularly on this blog but here is where I have shared all my previous birth stories of my babies & I wanted to get this one down in writing while it was still fresh in my mind as well so without further ado here is Lyla Jade's birth story...

It all started to pick up Wednesday afternoon, two days after her due date. I remember waking up feeling a bit different than normal and just a sense of calm that her arrival would soon be near. It was a stark difference from the previous day when I had felt more anxious and impatient, so this was a good sign.

Contractions wrapping around my back and giving me a tighter squeeze started coming closer together throughout the day. I even started to lose some bloody show and just felt overall crampy and like my body was preparing to do some work ahead!

I called Scott out of a business meeting that afternoon and said, "I think you better come home early today. I'm just feeling a little more uncomfortable and think something more might be on the horizon." He came home just in time to pick Emery up from preschool and swing by to pick up Camden up from school too. I'm so glad he got there when he did. They were both surprised to see Dad home early! Excitement and anticipation filled the air.

I walked around the house and bounced on my birth ball while breathing through the contractions. I had been having Braxton Hicks contractions all week but these felt different, a good different like they were really getting me somewhere.

We didn't really know how to gauge when would be a good time to go to the hospital. Contractions were now coming about every 4 minutes, lasting a minute for an hour at this point... which is when they say you should come in but the contractions weren't crazy intense yet so we just suspected I was still in early labor and could continue a little longer at home.

In the meantime, we had an early dinner, my last meal at home and finished packing our bags and getting everything ready in the car. We notified my parents who were on call to take the kids whenever we were ready. We decided to head there around 7pm.

We hung out with my parents and two of my sisters, Brinley and then Brooke who was in town visiting. We took some last minute pregnant belly pictures then said a prayer all together and hugged our babies goodbye for the night. It was around 9pm when we made our way over to the hospital to see where things were at...and the Monsoon storms were a raging. We felt strong winds and rain as we got into the car. So many babies were born within the next few days because of the storms.

I had never gone into spontaneous labor like this at home before. I was always in the hospital first before real labor contractions came...being induced with Camden or having gone straight there after my water broke with Emery so it was hard to say how far dilated I was and how soon she would really be making her entrance. We crossed our fingers they wouldn't have to send us home, but come on 40+ weeks pregnant and in labor, her time was for sure here right?!

We got all checked into triage and the nurse said I was still at 2cm (like I had been a week ago) but could walk around the halls for an hour and she could then check me again to see if I progressed any. So great, no big...We would just see where things would go.

We began to walk the halls and contractions were definitely coming one after another. Scott was so good at coaching me through each one, to ride the wave and just focus on my breathing. We made a pretty good team & this was starting to become my favorite glorified date night with him supporting me, right by my side.

After an hour we had the nurse check me again hoping I would be able to be finally admitted but no centimeter progress had been made. I was still at a 2. I just knew this was it though and was getting upset they couldn't see that. I thought to put up a fight but I started to get discouraged and my contractions actually began to slow down so it wasn't worth it to push any further. Plus, it was awful laboring in the triage environment anyways so I just said, let's go home even though that was the last thing I wanted to have to choose. We signed some discharge papers and I wobbled out of there mid contraction.

I endured the car ride home, breathing through each rollercoaster surge that came. Scott reminded me how each contraction was a positive thing bringing us closer to our sweet baby, not something to fight but to let happen. As soon as we got home it was around midnight and it was really nice to be back in my own comfy environment. Scott warmed me up some broth and herbal tea.

My body immediately relaxed and my contractions started kicking in big time. I was so tired by this point though and just wanted to rest or sleep somehow if I could. I put on my relaxing hypnobirthing tracks I had been preparing with but they were anything but relaxing and I was having a harder time focusing through the powerful surges coming faster. My legs were starting to tire and burn with each contraction at this point so I went upstairs and tried to lay down in bed but that was most the uncomfortable position to be in.

Scott was soon in charge of pushing counter pressure on my lower back through each contraction but when I started sounding like an animalistic cavewoman at each coming surge and had a bit of a sobfest breakdown we both started thinking how nice an epidural sounded at this point and that we better head back to the hospital before things got any more intense.

So just 2 hours later we were headed back to the hospital. Before we left I told Scott I was so scared to be riding in a car through these contractions without him applying counter pressure to my back for relief but he reassured me I could do it and that I had to do it. So as Scott was getting some of our things put back into the car I said a prayer out loud petitioning Heavenly Father to get me through this next bit. I mustered all my strength and figured if this was any time to have faith in God this was it & I truly felt surrounded by angels, I wasn't alone and I could do this!

There was no way I could sit down regular forward facing in the car though so I instinctively put the passenger seat flat and got on my hands and knees facing the back of the car, gripping onto the headrest bars feeling like a rockstar. I said another prayer and off we went.

Good thing at 2am in Gilbert there's hardly any traffic so we were able to get to the hospital in half the time. 20 minutes is still a good amount of time to travel in a bumpy car while you are in such pain as labor though...I remember thinking it didn't matter what I did to get through the contractions I just had to get through them until we got there. So I yelled out strange loud low noises in weird rhythmic tones that helped distract me from the pain and reminded myself I could do anything for a minute, which each contraction was lasting. It all felt like a scene from a movie as we rushed on to the hospital. With each contraction I gave it my all. I pushed my elbows down into the seat and my forehead onto an ice pack I had placed on the headrest. Really wish we had some video footage of that car ride. Haha!

We only hit one red light the whole way and in a miraculous flash we were there. I remember feeling so empowered to be a woman having this warrior-like experience. That I had made it through every rough contraction so far and that each one was bringing me closer to meeting our baby girl.

We parked right up front and Scott rushed over to help me so we could walk straight into the hospital. They recognized us from earlier, obviously, and when they heard what I sounded like getting through the next contraction the admittance lady grabbed her phone and said, "Brittany is back with pretty strong contractions and needs a triage room ASAP!" It was kind of funny to me and exciting we were really at this point!

They asked me a bunch of questions again as I labored on all fours leaning over the back of the triage bed and once they checked me the nurse exclaimed, "Wow, you are now at a 7!" So NOW they really believed it was happening. I had gone from 2cm to 7cm in just a few hours and the nurses felt a bit bad for sending me home. This time was go time!

I was in pretty intense pain every few minutes being in active labor and told my nurse I'd like some epidural relief so I could rest some before having to push this sweet baby out. They had to take my blood and hook me up to monitors and an IV first so that was fun while having active labor contractions rock my whole body. This was a new experience for me as I had never progressed this far on my own without any pain intervention. I was so glad I had that experience to labor on my own but was ready to enjoy some modern day medicine and we both felt like this was a good call even though I had been hoping to go all the way without drugs. I just didn't know how much farther we had to go either and it was good peace of mind that the pain would soon be subsiding and Scott and I would both get a break and be able to more fully enjoy this next part.

I didn't have to be hooked up to antibiotics this time around as I had tested negative for Group Strep B. I had been positive with my other births and had prayed to not have to labor with antibiotics this time so I could labor at home in my own time, so I definitely got that wish. It was also such a tender mercy knowing my baby would be protected from the get go too.

So much of getting through labor starts in your mind. It is a mentally rigorous marathon to endure and I'm so grateful I had better prepared this time to get this far and still be feeling so positive and excited to be in it.

The next part was intense as I tried to stay still through contractions so the anesthesiologist could administer the epidural. My sweet nurse put her hands on my shoulders and looked me straight in the eye with extra encouragement to get me through the next few contractions that I surprisingly handled like a champ.

Scott's hands were cramping up from pushing on my back so often that he was relieved I got through these next ones okay without that counter pressure. Almost immediately after the epidural was in I felt some relief and we joked we would name our child "Lee" after the anesthesiologist.

It was about 4am at this point and I'm so glad I was able to rest before her arrival. Hallelujah, I was finally able to sleep! I would say that extra sleep really helped boost my physical recovery after birth and strengthened my mental clarity going in to caring for a demanding newborn.

Later that morning around 7am my new nurse came to check me and said I was still at a 7cm with my waters bulging so that was probably the thing still holding her in. She tried pinching it open but said it was so thick the doctor would have to come in to officially break my waters. So we waited another 2 hours for him to arrive while I just labored there in bed peacefully.

I did start to feel a lot of pressure in my back so I asked if I could go on all fours to help her hammock hang in my belly and get her in a good position for delivery. To my surprise, the nurse said, "Yes, of course!" So even though I couldn't feel my legs at all I was able to get in a different position with the help of Scott and my nurse to hold me up. That felt really good and the pressure was relieved.  I requested my epidural be turned down a little so I could feel when a contraction would come so there wasn't any pain, just pressure like a Braxton Hicks contractions almost. I knew this would help with the pushing stage and feel like I had a little more control.

I couldn't believe we were doing this for the third time and we would soon meet our sweet baby. I got a little emotional and weepy at this point and knew we were close because that always happens to me right before delivery.

Well sure enough my doctor arrived and broke my water around 9:30 am. I was at 9cm and within a few contractions I was ready to push. This next part to get her here only took about 15 minutes. The nurse helped remind me how to breathe to help guide baby out and that was very helpful. It took a few tries and then I got the rhythm of it. I was able to reach down and feel her head between a contraction and was so encouraged by her soft little head. I could feel she had some hair and couldn't wait to meet her. I also felt her feet all the way up at my chest and the doctor said she was going to use me as a springboard. Well sure enough on the next contraction she burst through and it was the best sensation and feeling of joy and relief.

Her left fist came out charging first and we laughed because that is the hand she always had up in her face during ultrasounds and it was that side she always punched straight down when inside of me that sent tingling nerves down my leg. Because of her wonder woman arm pushing out first I tore a tiny bit but we made it out with one tiny stitch.

The moment she arrived the lighting was so perfect and the moment I heard her first cry was just like angels were singing. It was a dream come true kind of moment finally getting to meet this sweet baby inside of me all this time. Immediate love surrounded us and tears started flowing. She was so clean and beautiful and I could see her fuzzy shoulders and perfect coloring. She was so safely kept in my comfy waters the whole labor and for that, I was so grateful. Her delivery was swift and smooth with no complications. It was the most perfect story and entrance into this world we could ask for. Scott and I looked at each other and said, "We did it!"

She weighed 7 lbs 14 oz (same as Emery) and was 19.5 inches long, born at 10:05 am 3 days after her due date on August 9th, 2018. Her name, Lyla Jade, means precious stone of light because she is just that and I hope she will forever know of her great worth and the light she brings with her into this darkened world.

So grateful for the positive birth we had. For the wonderful nurses and my great doctor that I felt so comfortable with. Even though labor was painful it was a hundred times over worth it to have this slice of heaven join our family.

It's kind of surreal we made it through. I had been envisioning and preparing for her arrival for months and it was finally here and went so well. Maybe nothing like we had planned but even better than we had planned.

So thankful for my Scott, for being such a wonderful advocate for me and helping me feel so calm throughout even when I felt myself spiraling a few times in pain, he was right there to reassure me and give me the confidence I needed.

Birth any way that it happens is just a miracle. I have so much respect and reverence for our amazing bodies and the transformative nature in which birth moves you to experience is just unlike any other. Recovery this time has been my best yet and I have this renewed confidence in being the best mother I can be. Having a newborn reminds me how much I love each one of my babies and how that love just multiplies. Being part of creation and bringing new life into this world is just the closet to heaven you can be.

Introducing Lyla to her siblings, Camden and Emery, has been the best thing ever. They love her so much and can't wait to hold her every second they can. So thankful they have each other. Our hearts just might burst from all the love.

Lyla came with such a happy and chill demeanor. She even let out a yawn as they placed her on my chest. She has become a champ at breastfeeding and is our sleepiest newborn. She hardly cries except when she's hungry or tired which is saying something with two previous colicky babies. The Lord knew we needed a little peacemaker for our third and I'm grateful she is just that. She even slept through a huge tantrum Emery was throwing and I just felt such a peace that she is going to be our calm through the storms. Haha! Love each one of my babies and their unique personalities they bring with them.

We are just so thankful for the many blessings we have seen all along the way, for our wonderful family and friends who have helped so much the last few weeks in supporting us through this transition. Thanks for all the love. We couldn't do it without our village!

So excited to see what unfolds in the life of Lyla and what adventures lie ahead together as a family of 5! Welcome earthside Lyla Jade, you are so loved!

[Click the "Birth Story" label below this post to read Camden & Emery's birth stories too!]

If You Keep On Believing

Wow, where to begin. I have wrestled so many times in how exactly to share my journey and story of my postpartum Emery self. For so long I would sit down to write and things would just not come out because it would just seem so sad and dark and depressing and not to mention my mind was just swirling around with so much and with the fog of confusion over me, it was hard to even compile anything that sounded very coherent. So I stopped writing and blogging. I stopped all creative outlets...trying to dabble in some here and there when I could, but often I felt numb and incapable. I lost so much confidence in myself and part of me died a little and went into hiding. I went into survival mode. It hurt and I never thought I would be the same person and in one sense I was right, I am not the same person but now I would say I am stronger for it & an even wiser version of my best self. 

See wiser woman example pic below. Duck face selfie and all ;) Making me feel very vulnerable because selfies are scary, just ask Brene Brown. Anyways...

Now I can claim to be a fighter, a warrior of postpartum anxiety/depression, a truth and light seeker, who pushed through so much sludge to be here today. Now, that's not to say I had a terrible life but physically, spiritually, emotionally and mentally it was the hardest time in my life and I've never had to rely so much on God to pull me through.

The least I could do was hold on to faith and the promises I knew to be true. To put the gospel I had learned all my life into practice and experiment on the word. Even if it was just holding onto ONE thread of hope that day, I kept holding on and fought so hard to push to the light that I knew was right around the corner if I just kept hanging in there.

Newborn Photos by Art By Ashley, Greensboro, NC.


At times, I felt because I was trying so hard to do good worthwhile things, like fighting to be the best mom for my kids and best wife and support for my husband, the adversary was trying to break me into believing it wasn't worth it for me to fight for those things BUT because those things were SO hard to do, it made me think that I actually was doing something right because why then would Satan push so hard? Why then would he send in his storms and whirlwinds to rain against me if I was fighting for the harder right than the easier wrong? If I was following him he would simply back down and not at all impede my upward journey. Satan delights in nothing but tragedies for families while God wants nothing for our families but to be happy, have joy and love! God, in the midst of this storm was there the whole time watching over me even when it felt that my prayers were only hitting the ceiling, He was there with outstretched arms continually beckoning me to grow and step closer to the light.

Now that I'm on this side of the tunnel and more fully in the light again like I never imagined would happen but knew was possible...I've gained so much. I lost so much too and mourned for the happiness I could have felt and should have felt postpartum with a sweet adorable baby but now I see so much more and my bond with Emery is stronger than ever before because of how hard I have had to push through that wall. I've become better at (and still very much working on daily) replacing my negative, limiting, self doubting thoughts that so consumed me, with truth and light because, frankly, I was just so dang tired and exhausted by living in this deep low place of a muddled state of mind that I never imagine I'd be in.

The Hand of God. Oil painting by Yongsung Kim.

I knew how to get happiness I just had to put it into action and start acting like I owned it already, because in truth I really already did and it was all right there in front of me, I just had to pull myself higher and live a different way. Changing my habits and daily rituals, aligning my behaviors with what I truly valued. I would say my very nature has changed because of all this self reflection and coming unto the Savior who helps make the most of our true self in no other way that we could do on our own. It has been my price to truly know God.

I also relied on the strength of so many sweet friends who stepped into my life at the very moment I needed them. To hear their stories and feel their strength, I knew those friendships were placed in my life by no coincidence. God's hand was in that and He continues to do that for me as I come across living angels, meeting new friends and expanding my tribe, finding support in those seeking for truth.

Through this time, as I have mentioned before on here, I also sought professional counseling & took medication for a time to pull me out of the thick of it. I used natural remedies and exercise and music and mindfulness, pretty much any help I could get...but I can boldly declare that through Christ ALONE I am healed because really HE makes ALL these things possible.

She Will Find What is Lost. Art by Brian Kershisnik.

Mental health is no joke. I still struggle every day with anxiety and some depression at times but through my journey and better awareness of what is happening in the hard moments, it turns me to Christ and I view my anxiety as a strength because without it, would I depend more on myself? Would I still have gained this amazing new perspective? Would I have grown as much as I have? Or come in contact with the people I have? Would my marriage have grown as much? Would my ability to love & parent have grown as much?

I am now more sensitive to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit than ever before. When my chest or throat feels heavy with worry I stop and ask, what is my body telling me? Why are alarms going off? What am I missing? What do I need to tune into? What do you want me to know dear Lord? 

I have felt by embracing my brokenness, I no longer come to Christ's feet occasionally but stay at His feet continuously.

Sometimes it's a prayer I am reminded I need to say on someone's behalf. Other times it's a lesson I need to learn or share from a certain experience, or gospel parallel that sticks out from a Disney movie ;) Other times it's a call to rest more that day and to just relax and breathe, go watch a show on the couch with your kids and snuggle them to soak in their sweetness. 

My anxiety has helped slow me down to notice the small beautiful things around me and to carpe diem, seize the day! Because if I push myself and run more than I have strength I completely falter and miss the whole point of life! The small things really are the big things.

I have come to realize and accept the fact that I. am. an. anxious. person. So no matter if I'm hiding and withdrawing from the world or out proclaiming things loudly and boldly I'm going to feel the fear and anxiety regardless...so I'm going to keep feeling the fear and doing it all anyways, shooting for my goals and dreaming big!

When I'm doing hard things like pushing out of my comfort zone it feels new and uncomfortable but we are not here on earth to feel comfortable. We are here to change (not unlike the Beast from Disney's Beauty and the Beast who needed to learn how not to be deceived by appearances but to love unconditionally) and be moldable, to learn and grow from all that God leads us to and through!

So, "If you keep on believing the things that you wish will come true!!!" (You know, from Disney's Cinderella, A Dream is A Wish Your Heart Makes song) That's called FAITH my friends and it's a good place to start on the journey to health and healing!

If you have made it to the bottom of this post & find yourself identifying with some of these same inner struggles, please know you are NOT alone. Some of the very best people around are on this hard upward path & there really is hope and happiness right around the corner.

I once felt that fairy tales were lies and full of false realities and hope, just fluff and not at all what I was experiencing but as I sang that Cinderella song over and over again, "If you keep on believing the things that you wish will come true!!!" while rocking baby Emery to sleep in the wee hours of the morn, often bawling my eyes out while squeezing the words out, I would miraculously feel the spirit flood the room and surround me with warmth and the promise that everything would work out, it will all be okay. We just have to keep on believing & "keep trying, keep trusting, keep growing. REMEMBERing that Heaven is cheering you on today, tomorrow and forever!" (Quoting Jeffery R. Holland)

I know now that in reality we can have our happily ever after as we put our trust in God and follow the path He has for us, no matter what that path entails! Because of Him we can declare, "Come what may and love it!"

Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month

October is pregnancy and infant loss awareness month. It has made me reflect on the last couple of years in dealing with the grief and loss of miscarriage and then the challenges in welcoming a new baby into our family. Today I feel like I have finally reached a place where I could openly share this part of my struggle.

The last few months have been especially tough for our family...you would think having a baby after a loss would be just the most beautiful thing, and it is, but for me it has also brought with it a lot of unanticipated pain and stress with the fear of losing yet another baby. Then there's also the added stress of transitioning to two kids while living so far away from any family!!

I was not expecting to feel this way after having our sweet baby and at times the anxiety and depression have been all consuming....I wish someone would have told me what baby blues actually were and what they could turn into, that what I was feeling was real and I wasn't an incompetent mother that was going crazy, that I wasn't a lazy mom with no energy or motivation and that all my hopes and dreams of what this time would look like would actually be this...but surprises like this are why we are here. To be stretched and tested, to learn to depend on Christ like never before.

I remember saying to Scott through my tears..."I just can't do this alone!" He replied, "Well good thing you don't have to." Duh the Atonement! It's hard because asking for help makes me feel like a failure and like I can't handle what I should be able to handle but I'm learning to let go and be who He wants me to be. I'm learning we need to be more of a support to those around us, that we really do need each other, to lift and support and love...and that it's okay to ask for help! It's even okay to seek professional help and take medication if you need it.

I know that as we actively come unto Christ we can endure every temptation, heartache and challenge. I know He can heal me. I know I will feel myself again and that I will get better. I know I am not alone in how I feel even though many days I feel so isolated and like no one else quite understands.

Each day is a new experiment in how I will face my fears and challenges. Some days I give in and give up and ask, "Why me? This isn't fair! This isn't fair to my kids or my husband! This stinks!" Falling flat on my face. Other days I am buoyed up by the hand of loving friends and family that have made all the difference in the world, being direct answers to my prayers.

I wouldn't wish this postpartum experience on anyone but I'm glad I have this new perspective and have been able to be vulnerable in reaching out to others, asking for help and making connections that I never thought I would. It has given me so much more empathy and compassion for those struggling with similar battles and an understanding that we all go through silent struggles.

So be gentle, be kind for everyone you meet is going through something really really hard! Facebook and Instagram and Pinterest and blogs are a hard place for people to be sometimes in comparing how we all face life's joys and struggles. I've learned there is no one perfect way to be a mother but a million ways to be a great one!


For some great resources & support visit : http://www.postpartumprogress.com/

Dear Baby Girl, Please Come Soon

Today I am 39 Weeks and 2 days pregnant. This pregnancy has been a very blessed one from the beginning. I have felt so much hope and peace within me the whole way through and many tender mercies along the way. I felt it hard to complain much because I have felt so overwhelmed with God's love as he has blessed us with the opportunity to carry this baby. This year has definitely been a different journey from all the rest & I am so thankful for the growth and stretching that have come from the things the Lord has placed in my path. It has given me a greater perspective about what this life is about and how we need to stop and recognize how blessed we truly are. So so thankful both the baby and I have been so healthy and that I am able to carry her till full term...even if this last week of pregnancy has felt like the longest week of my life, I know there is a light at the end of the tunnel and the joy that I will feel when she is finally here will be so all worth it.

Since I haven't given too many pregnancy blog updates this time around....In short, here are some hi/low-lights from baby girls's pregnancy: The first trimester was a stretching one as we moved into our new home and I was still feeling nauseous and so exhausted all the time. The second trimester, I had regained my energy and we were able to take a trip to the beach and to Williamsburg, VA as a family, found out we were having a girl & excitedly started getting her nursery all together. The second trimester flew by. Then as the third trimester came my belly was so so itchy all the time and heartburn was the worst....not to mention all the pelvic pain and pressure I felt. Thank goodness for Vitamin E oil, lavender essential oil, my snoogle pregnancy pillow, belly band for support and Zantac for my heartburn. So amazing though to feel baby move and watch the belly show every night :) I felt her move a few weeks earlier at 12 weeks, than I did with Camden at 18 weeks. That was pretty neat. Anytime I have worried about how she was doing the Lord has let me feel her move within me and that has been a tender mercy to calm this mama's worries.

Then this last month has been one of strength and clarity as I have felt my Heavenly Father preparing me for something bigger than myself. I also felt like my body has just gotten used to being pregnant and adapted to all the strains and pressures or something...so I have felt lots better this last little while than I did a month or so ago! Ha! Just extremely tired by the end of the day & having to get up to go to the bathroom alllll theeeee time! :) The perks!

It really is such a privilege to carry this baby & I am so thankful to the Lord for entrusting her to us. It seems still surreal that we will have another little babe in our home but I just can't wait. Being a mother is the most wonderful thing and there is nothing more amazing than holding a brand new baby in your arms, knowing they just came from Heaven. It is a little crazy to feel and experience all that takes for a baby to get here but so amazing.

We love this little baby girl so much already and are so grateful she will soon be in our family....the anticipation is just about doing me in but I keep praying for patience and endurance. It has been so much fun making baby girl things. Whenever I start feeling anxious I make another bow or flower hair clip! :) Scott just loves it! HA!

My last appointment is Thursday of this week and we will see if I am dilated more than a finger tip from last week's appointment. Hoping I am dilated some more so that if I do go over, being induced would be a possibility. I didn't want to think about being induced this time around but because my Mom already bought her plane ticket and baby is taking her sweet time, I think we might just have to take that route....but we still have time so we shall see!

So yes...we are still just sitting, waiting, praying & wishing for this baby to get here, yet trying to soak in these last moments with Camden as our only child and the "calm" before a busy newborn gets here. I've been having Braxton Hicks contractions like crazy on and off for the last 2-3 weeks but nothing really lasting or sticking yet! Some days I just wish my water would break so that I know it is time!

Our friends out here have been the biggest support, throwing darling baby showers and offering so much help. My hubs has really been the most amazing guy ever, helping get everything around our house ready for this baby girl and helping with our busy Camden when I couldn't wrestle or tackle him any more haha...He would always ask, "Tackle me Mom!" & I would just laugh with my huge belly and say, "When your Dad gets home!"

Camden has grown up so much the last few weeks, speaking in these long sentences and soaking up whatever we say. The other day he said, "Sorry Mom. It's my fault." I was like...how do you know what that means?! :) He is doing so well wearing his glasses, loves playing with friends, playing basketball & baseball around the house, going places like the zoo or the park, and rough housing with his Daddy. He is going to be the best big brother. He always loves on babies and wants to hold them. I know he will have his moments but I hope he is mostly going to be the sweetest. Can't wait for my babies to be together. I got a little teary eyed the other day thinking about how they will always have each other. Siblings are the bestest friends anyone can have!

I have such a special bond with my only brother and am so thankful for him in my life. He is currently serving a mission for our church in Mexico and in his last letter to me he sent me these sweet verses form John 16:20-22, 32-33 to read that really came at a perfect time. They comforted my heart to know I am never alone and that I will find joy in deliverance after all this "turmoil and sorrow"! I encourage anyone expecting soon to read it!

My Mom said my bro Blake also sent baby Emery a little Mexican dress in his last package home and I can't wait to see it & have her wear it! We got to Skype with Blake over Christmas and that was the best! Love him and so proud of his example!

Soo...my mom and baby sister Brinley get in Friday. I have been on the countdown to their arrival since I knew for sure I could count on them coming on the day they were "due." Baby Emery, not so much :) Can't wait for my mama's help. I miss & love her so much. Well....I feel like there is so much left to say about how wonderfully exciting and awesome this time in our lives is...oh the anticipation, but alas that is all for today's thoughts! Next post should hopefully be: Baby is here!!!

In the Blink of an Eye

So I have kind of put blogging on the back burner lately but I was looking though some old posts and realized it is fun to remember details and things I am already beginning to forget. I reminded myself I don't need to make things complicated, just need to post something, whatever really, to keep track of where are lives are at and what is important to us now SO here goes a rather lengthly post one of blog recovery...

In the blink of an eye our Camden has become this sweet thoughtful lil person with such a big heart. While tucking him into bed the other night we started saying our nightly family prayers. We included the people of the Philippines in our prayer and all of a sudden Camden opened his eyes to looked up at us and he said,"People scared. Jesus help them." 

He had remembered the news footage from earlier that night & remembered what we had told him about how we can pray for others and how Jesus will help them. He had been so concerned while watching the typhoon footage and kept saying, "People scared. People scared." He truly is such a thoughtful little guy who is very in-tune with others emotions. I love how we were able to turn this into a teaching moment to help instill trust and faith in Christ's love and infinite power. Amazing how he is already beginning to learn these things at such a young age. It is so important that we teach our children to what source they may look to for help. 

Then last night I had another little sweet moment with my boy. I was telling him how awesome he is & he looked up at me and said, "Mama, pitty eyes, bown." As my heart melted over I said thanks to my little sweetheart and he replied, "I adoable!" Haha. Adorable and he knows it! Just love my tiny lil man & everything that he is teaching me....

Like lately...patience. When he bursts out into crying or whining I have started signing Primary songs & Christmas songs {like when I'm trying to make dinner and all he wants is me to hold him with my big huge belly in the way} and it seems to diffuse the situation and save my sanity! Instead of getting mad at him or escalating his crying by punishing him or something I just start singing and ignore his crying haha. It might not work right away but it always seems to invite a different spirit into the room that calms us both down.....So other than not wanting to ever take naps anymore {unless he falls asleep in the car or daddy is holding him} Camden has been an angel potty trainer....maybe I'll do a whole post on that later but we are amazed at how well he has done and so thankful he is all potty trained, even through the night. He has been potty trained for a little over 6 months now. Such a tender mercy given that he hardly slept a wink the first year of his life ;) Also, he wants to do everything himself these days and is always telling me, "I doo dit mom!" & "No, my turn mom!" He is becoming such an independent little guy & so imaginative. He loves to play kitchen, doctor, spaceship, trains & cars. 

Some other fun things he has been saying lately {that I keep track of on the notes in my phone}...

Baby in there?! Open! Emery stuck!

Racing to the potty...
Mom: You won!
Cam: No I two!

Me: You are my greatest little treasure!
Cam: Monies?
Me: Haha no you are much more precious than money baby!

Mom I'm Manny! (Fixing things with his tools)

I'm Justin Time! (Ninja moves with headband on)

I'm laying on the couch resting this morning after Cam had woken up super early, and he comes right up to my face and puts his sweet little hand on my forehead (like he's checking for a fever) and so very genuinely asks, "Mom feel good? You okay?" Haha yep for as busy as this boy keeps us, he sure knows how to warm our hearts.

Camden: My elephant!
Me: No, this is for baby Emery...
Camden: Baby Emery Share?

Me: (Putting in eye drops)
Camden: Good job Mom!

C: Bite mom?
Mom: Oh thanks bud (as I take a bite out of his toast)
C: Good bite mom!

Reminding mama to chew her food :)

My amalls (animals)

What you dooning (doing) mom/dad?

What's dis? {Over and over again}

Says, "Careful Camden!" Or "Good job Camden!" to himself! :)

Name Camden {as he points to himself}

Superman fast! {as he runs all through the house}

I do caff mommy! (Craft)

Dropped spaghetti box out of cart & exclaims..."aw cap!" (Crap, whoops :)

Mom: I love you Camden.
C: I love you too mama. Pretty hair.

Let's go Meema's house mama. Come on! Car!

{listening to our gps say the street we are on} "Camden Ridge Drive!...Mommy Ridge Drive?"

Tucking his stuffed animals in and kissing them all good night. "Body rest" then 2 seconds later..."Okay wake up monkey!"

Mom: Camden careful you don't want to fall.
Camden: More stitches?

Happy ween! {Halloween}

Cams belly growled and he said..."see mom, my belly toots!" Hahaha

Cam woke up with socks on that he put on all by himself! One on backwards & the other inside out. "Yeah, did myself mom!"

On the way home from taking dad to the airport cam said..."awwwww I miss dad! no Go home! I want to go on a trip too! Go airport! See Meema!"

Cam: Daddy home?
Mom: No daddy's on a work trip but he will be home soon!
Cam: Wed-day?
Mom: Yep! Daddy will be home Wednesday! (He is such a old listener/rememberer)

While eating our breakfast...
Cam: where's my tractor?
Mom: it's in the front room. We can go play with it!
Cam: No, we need to eat our cereal!

Bought Camden a little doctor set & as we broke it out to play he said, "mommy I check your temper?"

Walked into our office area and saw paper plates thrown everywhere...."frisbees mama!"

So funny when he tells me, hold on mom or just a minute mom.

I bought 4 little nutcracker ornaments for our tree this yer and cam keeps calling them "graham crackers."

Mom: Wow Cam, my belly is getting big isn't it?!
Cam: Mine too mom! {as he lifts up his shirt to show me} Belly bump!

Just love our little 2 1/2 year old and can't wait for him to be a big bro. He is so excited already and loves to play doctor on my belly to check baby's heart beat. The other day I asked him if he was excited to be a big brother and he said, "I excited. Hold her and kiss her!" He is going to be the sweetest! So thankful to be a mama to my sweet babies!