Just for Grandma...

You asked and I delivered.  

Love you mom!!

6 weeks old

Side note:  I do love her brothers too... they just don't hold still for the camera as long as she does :)

Capri: Month 1

It has been 4 short weeks since she was born but it feels like she has always been with us.

Amazing how things you love fit perfectly into your life.

A few of my favorite things about you...

-dad and I could watch you for hours... and we often do.

-you love to be swaddled...tight.

-you just barely grew out of newborn clothes and can almost fit 0-3 month sizes.

-you get hiccups all.the.time.

-you eat almost 4oz every 4 hours.

-you are a patient little soul.

-you will go from dead asleep to an ear piercing scream... when a girl wants to eat she wants to eat.

-beckam calls you Pree and smothers you with kisses and hugs constantly.

-cade always wants to hold you and thinks he is way cool when he can stand up with you in his arms.

-i cannot pick you up without kissing you.

-purple is the color you look best in.

-you always burp twice in a row.

-you love your avent binki.

-you love to sleep. 

We all love our sweet little Capri and are so thankful to have her here.

Love you baby girl!

8 lbs 13 oz

21.5 inches

37 cm head circumference

Life

  There is nothing like fall trees.  I love them.

The color.

The crunch.

The memories they stir within my heart.

Not very often, in Las Vegas, do you actually get a glimpse of real fall trees.  As enchanting as palm trees can be at first sight they don't exactly lend much to the fall season.  So when I saw these trees my heart practically skipped a beat.

I was rather impressed with myself.  I had all three kids up, bathed, dressed, fed, and on location by 8 a.m. I wont tell you what I looked like or how Beckam really acted but lets just say neither were very pretty.

Life is finally starting to get into somewhat of a routine.  I still feel a little out of sorts that I have had to replace my normal, leisurely, 10 a.m. workout for a 5 a.m. sleepy eyed run, my enjoyable, quiet shower time with a speedy, chaotic rinse (if I am lucky), and laundry... well... hmmm... lets just say there is a lot of it.

However, how lucky I feel to have these 3 little monkeys.  They have all grown, evolved, stepped up, given a little and loved a lot.

Being a mom is good.  It is amazing.  It is tricky.  It is hard.  It is everything.

I have recently gained a new perspective.  A view from the other other side, if you will.

I had the incredible opportunity of photographing my dear friend Camille as she brought a beautiful baby into this world.  

 

The mom feeling never changes... it just deepens...always

According to the Calendar...

I should just be meeting her today...

...how lucky I am to have had almost 3 weeks to snuggle, kiss, and breathe her in instead.

And the pictures begin...

This little Miss has been such a joy in our lives. She is the best little baby and makes life so easy. She has been sleeping and eating well and loves, loves, loves to be cuddled.

It was so much fun to photograph her. I have been thinking about what I wanted to do with her pictures for a long time so my mom and I wasted no time "dressing her up" with bow, tutus and blankets for her first photo shoot.

The rocking chair she is in in the above picture was actually the rocking chair my mom and dad bought to rock me in as a baby. It made my heart happy to see my little baby girl in it and to have already spent hours rocking her in the same chair.

This little girl thing is just too too much fun. She is such a joy and I feel so blessed to have started this new journey.

Her Big Debut

As I sit here and write this post I still, a week later, cannot believe that I am holding my little baby girl... MY little baby girl! I have spent many hours in this very spot and felt her move and wiggle, wondered about who she was, what she would look like. And now here we are, as if it has always been, but now she is in my arms... and she is perfect.

I had a gut feeling, mothers intuition or maybe just a hope, that she would make her debut a little earlier than her brothers so I wasn't too surprised when I woke up in the wee hours of Monday morning with contractions and knew the time had come... 20 days early.

I noticed my first contraction at 2:30 am but tried to go back to sleep knowing that it would be a big day, however, once 3:30 am came I decided to get up and shower. I quickly noticed that my contractions were now rather regular, about 3-4 minutes apart, and knew it was time to spread the news. I woke Jared who in turn wanted to call anyone and everyone to let them know but settled for waking my mom, who luckily had made it to Las Vegas the night before, and calling his mom.

We headed to the hospital and checked in at 5:30 am. As I waited for the nurse to come check me I was worried they would send me back home because my contractions had slowed way down. However, the nurse was just as shocked as I was to find that I was dilated to a 5 and immediately admitted us with the caution to grab the anesthesiologist at the earliest opening because it was a busy day and as soon as my water broke the baby would be here.

I was so excited and so amazed that I had progressed as far as I had already. They got me all signed in, hooked up, and sent the epidural my way despite the fact my contractions seemed to have stopped. As soon as the anesthesiologist left the room they broke my water and I was quickly dilated to a 7. We were ready to get the show on the road. They called the doctor to update him and he asked if they could hold me off until noon, 4 hours away. The nurse just laughed and said there was no way we were going to make it that long.

I was so excited and couldn't believe how easily things had moved along. Not much pain, everyone I loved was there, I was having a baby... it just couldn't get better. The nurse continued to check me and was slightly concerned that the baby's hand was on top of her head but felt that she would move it back before delivery. However, the hours started to stretch on, dilation drastically slowed down, and baby's heart beat was varying, things were not looking so good. My sweet nurse continued to assure me that she would do all she could to get the baby to move her hand and that the doctor had confidence that it shouldn't be a problem. I was exhausted and a little frustrated with myself but hopeful.

After being in the hospital and dilated to an 8 for about 7 hours my nurse took her lunch break and left me in the hands of another nurse for 30 minutes. The other nurse quickly came to check in on me and very abruptly asked me if my original nurse had "informed me of the likelihood of a c-section." I told her that she had mentioned it but that we were working to get the baby to move her hand. The nurse told me I didn't have a chance, that I was going to harm the baby and possibly myself. She gave me the rundown of how the procedure would go and told me that I had an 80% chance of a c-section so I needed to prepare myself. I was so taken back, so crushed, so scared, I didn't know what to do with myself other than to try not to cry. The nurse turned to leave the room and Jared rushed over to hug me, which is when the tears started to flow. The nurse quickly turned around and told me to "stop crying or your nurse will be upset with me for making you cry."

My heart was broken. I did not want to have a c-section. I love delivering babies. I didn't want to miss out on that bonding time as soon as the baby was delivered. I didn't want to have to repeat the process the next time I delivered. I was scared and crushed.

My sweet nurse, Krystal, soon came back from lunch and told me she had heard what had happened and not to worry. We still had time left and the baby at least had turned her hand down and not facing up. I had been promised in a blessing before we left for the hospital that there "would be no accidents" and that was all I could hold onto. I spent the next several hours pleading with my Father in Heaven but promising to do whatever it took to keep my little one safe.

The time finally came and I knew I needed to push even though her little hand was still on top of her head. While we waited for the doctor to arrive I was able to go through a few rounds of practice pushes but was quickly stopped and told to wait for the doctor. Doctor Foster arrived soon thereafter and after one round of pushing he was visibly concerned. He could see the baby's hand and it was extremely swollen. He told me he would give me one more round and I pushed with all my might... but nothing.

You could feel the anxiety in the room, the c-section was looming, and it looked like despite all of our work over the past 13 hours it was going to be inevitable, but I wasn't ready to give up. I immediately felt the immense need to push again and kept saying, "I need to push, can I please push!" The doctor and nurse didn't hear me but my mom, who was right by my side, heard my desperation, and with hopeful but concerned eyes told me to push. I bore down and pushed with all my might and immediately the baby's little arm popped right out. I heard the doctor say, "well we are totally committed now." I was so excited but nervous because I knew if they couldn't get her through the birth canal there would be some major problems.

Doctor Foster told me to push again and with that one push our little miracle arrived. She had her umbilical cord wrapped around her neck and chest several times and that is what had held her hand on top of her head. It was the most amazing experience to finally hold her in my arms, to see her, to feel her, to have her... safe.

I know her slow entrance into this world was "no accident." I know that the Lord was watching over both of us that day. Loving us, teaching us, caring for us.

Our sweet little Capri has been such a joy and a blessing. She brings so much peace and innocence to our home. Her brothers completely adore her. Beckam smothers her with constant kisses and Cade always has to know where she is so he can "protect" her. Her daddy is so in love with her. And me... well... she melts my heart.

How thankful I am for her safe arrival. For the lessons my Heavenly Father taught me in those 13 hours. For her sweet spirit. For the knowledge that I get to have her with me forever.

So the journey begins... I cannot wait!

Capri Susanne Nielson

November 1, 2010

7lbs 3oz

19 inches

* thank you to my dear friend Camille for spending the whole day with us and capturing these precious moments.

::Gasp::

I know... can you believe it! A post. Major accomplishment, I tell ya!

So much has happened that I figured I should quickly put at least some of it down before the little bambina gets here.

These two cute munckins started preschool. I went back and forth with the decision of sending Cade to kindergarten or another year of preschool and I am SO glad we opted for one last year of preschool. He has grown and progressed so well and I am so proud of him!

Cade and his cousin Amelia are almost exactly one year apart and are either the best of friends or the worst of enemies. I was a little nervous to see how it would play out with them being in the same class but I must say I couldn't be any more happy. They love having each other and I love that they will for the rest of their school careers.

This little man also celebrated his 5th birthday (2 months ago, ::blush::). He was so excited for his birthday and still asks when it is his birthday again. He was once again so excited for candles so we started the morning off with panCAKES and candles. He felt special and was sweet about his overflowing excitement.

We also went to the firehouse to have a "party" for him. We see the firemen at the gym every morning and Cade thinks they are so cool so I figured the firehouse would be the perfect place to celebrate his special day. The firefighters were so good to the kids and the kids hung on every word they said. {Thank you firemen for making seat belts no longer a battle every time we get in the car}

The guys even let Jared put on all of their gear. He felt like hot stuff. Becks on the other hand wasn't too sure what to think about it all so he stood back and just watched and listened to his daddy sound like Darth Vader.

And yes... I was there too :)

I know that I have been MIA lately and honestly cannot promise I will do much better in the coming weeks... I will try though.

Although the posts have been sparse, I have not been MIA from my busy life.

I had the amazing opportunity to venture out out to Ohio to spend some time with some amazing families. I am so blessed to have "family" all over the place.

It was strangely difficult to go back to Ohio, alone.

To have my parents gone.

Nobody at the airport to pick me up.

My bedroom no longer my bedroom.

My house no longer my house.

It was all strange and incredibly emotional. However, a necessary experience.

How thankful, though, I am for those sweet angels in my life that extended their love, homes, and family and allowed me to pull it together again.

It was such a joy to see everyone again and look forward to heading back east again. Love you all!

I also decided, as if I don't already have my hands full, to tap into my crafty side. My sister and I got together and decided that we needed to "make something." After multiple trips to the fabric store we came up with lots of fun flowers/bows. We started off with multiple sizes and I have recently ventured into making teeny tiny ones for the little bub (not pictured)... they are so cute and I cannot wait to get them on her!

Alli and I will soon be opening an etsy shop and I will also be hosting a Christmas Boutique in a few weeks with lots of fun venders and items just in time to get rocking on Christmas shopping. So if you would like to participate or if you are dying over the flowers (not going to lie, love wearing them in my hair, on my shirt, and also my shoes. Can you tell I am so getting into the girl vibe!) let me know. We would love to have you all!

So, there you have it.

No wise advice.

No motherly insights.

No jokes.

No tears.

Just busy.

Busy but good.

Cant wait for this little girl to make her way here. She is getting bigger and bigger and I keep praying she will finish cooking a little early. We are ready to snuggle her!

So until next time (keeping my fingers crossed next time is less than a month away), Happy Harvest!

One Lazy Saturday Morning

One of my very favorite things as a mom is snuggling in bed with all my boys. Very rarely do we all actually end up there at the same time, especially since Jared started coaching football at the high school. However, this one lazy Saturday morning was just what my soul needed.

Lots of jumping and acting silly...

... lots of laughing...

... and lots of my family.

It is amazing how the small simple pleasures in life are the things that embed themselves so deeply in our soul that it gives us that extra umph to keep trudging through the not so simple things in life.

There is lots to share. More birthdays, an ever expanding belly, lots of traveling in different directions, new school, new routines, more work, more, more, more. But for now my little guys in their skivvies will have to suffice.... And lets be honest, that is a lot more fun than stories about "mom duties."

Jingle Bells ::mini style::

It's that time of the year again... can you believe it!?

Time for carols, hot cocoa, lights, and the Christmas spirit is just around the corner. ::laaaaahh::

Enter dreaded Christmas cards...

So much fun to open the mailbox and see piled inside.

So much fun to open.

So much fun to display.

Not always so fun to complete.... until now.

Now you can have a cute card. A cute picture. And all your addressing and stamping out of the way just in time to start your "fa la la la laaaing" at the beginning of the season rather than on New Years.

All sessions are on a first come first serve basis so contact me ASAP to schedule your session. Your husband will thank you that he only has to be subjected to the camera for 30 minutes.

Your kids will sing your praises that the great outfit debate is over.

And you will be so happy that all you have left to do is sit back and sip your hot cocoa while watching Its a Beautiful Life.

So excited to see you!

Down... set... hike.

A few months ago the boys pulled out Jareds old football jerseys.

They loved them.

They ran, they threw, they caught, they tackled, they thought they were hot stuff.

Jared was loving every minute of having his boys wear his gear... and think that their dad played for the "orange BYU cougars."

I decided that it was as good as time as any to head out with my camera and capture them walking running in their daddys footsteps.

I love that they both have such different personalities. Such different ways of approaching life.

Beckam is cool, calm, collected. If something bothers him he can brush it off until it really gets to him, he will have a major blow up for a minute, and then is done and moves on.

He loves to observe life. Take it all in. Soak it all up and then act.

Cade on the other hand runs into life head first, doesn't think, just goes.

Sometimes it works.

Sometimes it doesn't.

But there is never any shortage of entertainment and excitement in his life.

He is all competition. Working hard to do better than the last time. Taking life by the horns and living every single moment to its fullest.

Needless to say we are VERY excited to meet this little girl and learn more about who she is.

She is already a wiggler... especially at night... all night.

She loves to sit as low as she can possibly get. I am hoping it will maybe make getting her here a little faster :)

And she is already loved, adored, and cherished by her crazy older brothers.

26 weeks and counting. Can't wait!

Two

Although this little guys birthday was over a month ago doesn't mean we didn't celebrate his amazing 2 years on this earth.

We happened to be in California on a family vacation so we got to spend his special day on the beach with all of our family!

He woke up as happy as could be and beamed as Jared and I sang him happy birthday in bed.

I decided to start the day off right... with candles! We pulled out a banana muffin and he did not even think twice about what he needed to do. Unlike his big brother, he basked in the spotlight as the whole family sang to him.

What better for a little boy... beach toys and balls. He was thrilled.

That night we had a big bon fire on the beach complete with hotdogs, smores and birthday cake. He was so excited to roast his own hotdog, even though he ate most of it before it even made it onto his bun.

We played and played and enjoyed every minute in the sand.

We are so thankful for our little Beckam. He has changed our family forever with his sweet, lovey personality. He is all boy and loves to be with his big brother and cousins but is never opposed to stopping to give us hugs and kisses.

We love you big guy! Happy Birthday!