Thursday, July 17, 2008

Brooklyn is here!!!

Brooklyn was born July 15 at 3:46pm. She weighed 6 lbs 2 oz, and was 18 and 1/2 inches long.
Click to play Brooklyn
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Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Happy Birthday to Mckinley!!!

Isn't she beautiful? I can't believe how fast time flies. It's hard to believe that six years ago yesterday I was holding my first born child, weighing in at 7 lbs 2 oz and now look at her (my scanner wasn't working so I couldn't put a baby picture of her on here).
Mckinley is so much fun to have around and such a big help. She dances her way through life and is always singing. She can put a smile on your face instantly. She is also our little nurturer, she is constantly loving her brother and cousins, picking them up, hugging them, and comforting them when they are sad or hurt. She has a motherly way about her. She is also our little social butterfly, she makes a friend out of everyone. We can be at the store, the park, or anywhere for that matter and before I know it she has found someone to talk to and be-friend. When I went to parent teacher conference a few months ago her teacher made the comment "I can tell you work with Mckinley on including and being nice to everyone, Mckinley never leaves anyone out". Mckinley has always been this way and I don't think that it was anything that I taught her. She hates to see someone sad and will do anything to make them feel loved or included.
We love you Mckinley and are so glad you are a part of our lives, we hope you had a Happy Birthday and as your dad would say "stop growing up so fast"!!!

Sunday, July 6, 2008

WHAT? an update!!!

I know what you are all thinking, April doesn't blog!!! Well I decided that since we have had such a busy couple of months I should update you on our lives, so here goes.
I will start with Dale, as most of you know the housing market hasn't been the best over the last year and back in March it proved itself to us when Dale was layed off from Equity Title. After many applications, interviews, and job offers he finally found the one he wanted (it didn't come quickly or without hardships but after many nights on our knees praying we know it is the right one). Dale is the Assistant Dean at the School of Computing and Technology at Utah Valley University. He was lucky enough to start there before they became a University on July 1st so he was there for all the festivities. The 2nd week there they sent him to Kansas City for Skills USA (don't ask me) where he was able to meet and interact with all the professors and students in the schools he will be raising money for. So far he is in heaven and it is so nice to have your husband come home from work happy because he loves his job.
We are so grateful for all of you out there that helped get Dale leads, and interviews with companies while he was out of work. We are so grateful for all of our friends and family that kept us in their prayers, you don't realize how many people care and are on your side until something like this happens. Looking back I can finally say I am grateful for this trial in our lives, it really helped us rely on each other and in the process brought us closer together.
Now Dale is getting ready to go to scout camp for a week (not so happy about it), which leads us to me.
I am two weeks away from having a baby, we are just glad I made it this far but now I am ready and if she comes while Dale is gone, oh well (just kidding Dale)!!! As most of you know this pregnancy has been nothing close to normal for me. I have always loved being pregnant, with Mckinley I was 4 days late and although it was hot I wasn't too upset going over. When I went into labor it was long but I had her within 24 hours. With Brayden I didn't have a single contraction and I was induced a week early so not such a hard pregnancy either. But Brooklyn on the other hand has been nothing but trouble since 32 weeks, that better mean she is getting all of her naughtiness out of her. I went into preterm labor at 32 weeks and after medications to stop my labor and shots to develop her lungs I was put on bed rest for a little over a week. I was told that I would have a 50/50 chance of delivering her within 2 weeks but then my Dr told me that since I was such a good patient I would most likely go the whole time. If I would have known that in the first place I would not have been good!!!! Here I am 6 weeks later, still pregnant and still having contractions, so needless to say I am READY. There is light at the end of the tunnel though, if I don't have her by the 15th I will be induced (my actual due date is the 21st). Thanks again to all of our friends and family who watched our kids, made us meals, and cleaned our house while I was down!!!
Mckinley finished her kindergarten year and is turning 6 on July 8th. She continues to dance her little heart out and improves with each performance. She is such a girl and has hit the "I have an opinion about everything" stage, not sure I really like it. I will post pictures and more about what she has been up to later.
Brayden just turned 3 yesterday and continues to wear me out. He has a major love for sports but none compare to baseball. He tells me all the time that Brooklyn came out of my tummy and she was a baseball. We think that is all he dreams about. I must say though he is pretty darn good. He has hit the "why" and "what" stage, not sure I like this either, our neighbor has changed his name to Brayden Why Wood. I will also post pictures and more on Brayden later since I am sure those of you who asked me to update my blog are wondering why you did.
There you have it, and update from April, maybe I can keep it going!!!

Brayden and Mckinley's Birthday Party!!!

Brayden turned 3 yrs old yesterday and Mckinley turns 6 on Tuesday. We decided to get it all done and over with in one party since Dale leaves for scout camp Monday (ya you heard me right he is leaving me in my big, pregnant condition for a whole week, hopefully she stays in). The kids invited their cousins and a few friends to go swimming at the pool where grandpa and grandma Hall live, and they had a blast. Once again they were completely spoiled!!!
After the party and when we got home Mckinley informed Dale that for her real birthday she wants to have a girls night out and go to dinner, get her nails and hair done, and maybe see a movie. No big deal, right!!! Where did I get such a high maintenance daughter?
I can't believe how fast time flies. It seems like just yesterday I was holding Brayden in my arms as a newborn and now I am getting ready to have another one (I know i'm crazy having them all in July) and my little boy is 3 years old.
Brayden is so much fun to have around the house, he is constantly pulling me in a hundred different directions, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
Here are just a few things about Brayden you may or may not know:
*he LOVES baseball
*he loves to play outside with his friends
*he LOVES baseball
*he loves to read books
*he LOVES baseball
*he looks tough on the outside but on the inside he has the most tender heart, especially when he gets told "no"
*he LOVES baseball
*he HATES fireworks, or any loud noise for that matter
*he LOVES baseball
*he is always waving at people and telling them "hi" even if he doesn't know them
*he LOVES baseball
*when he wakes up in the morning he comes into my room, gives me a hug, and asks me "how you feeling mommy"
*he LOVES baseball
*he loves his big sister and can't wait for his baby sister to get here
*did I mention that he LOVES baseball? All he ever wants to do is play or watch baseball and if you don't want to play with him he will find someone who will. His favorite team is the Boston Red Sox and he has to put his hat on first thing in the morning.
There are so many things about Brayden that make him the happy go lucky boy he is, but if I named them all I would be here all night. We are so grateful to our Heavenly Father for trusting us to raise such a sweet, fun loving boy. Brayden brings so much joy and love into our home and there is never a dull moment when he is around. Happy Birthday little guy, we love you!!!Emmye (cousin), Taylor (friend), and Mckinley having fun in the pool
Mckinley and her cousin Emmye opening presentsMy little cheeser!!! She is always posing for the camera
Ashlynn (friend), Tyler (friend), Brayden, and Brody (cousin) taking time out of the pool for a picture!!!
My tough looking little boy!!!
Waiting for more presents!!!
Alexis, Brayden (with water in his ear and not liking it), and Brody
We had baseball cupcakes for Brayden and flower ones for Mckinley, not such a flattering picture of their mom though!!!