Hyrum James

Hyrum- Hebrew- form of Hiram. Meaning: noblest; exalted.

Hyrum James: Born 12 September 2008 @ 3:06 pm

7lbs 7oz

20 1/4 in

This past week has been filled with much joy for our family. It started on 10 September with the arrival of Nana (Mom W). We were all so excited about her arrival, but I think the kids were more excited than anyone else. We spent most of the evening catching up on events. We all hoped that Hyrum would make his appearance, but alas no baby that night. On Thursday, 11 September Nana got to put Faith on the school bus. Faith loved it. She loved showing Nana what a big girl she was.

The night before delivery.


Finally Friday 12 September arrived, today was the day they were going to break my water. I was really nervous. We woke up very early (4:45 am) to get ready to go to the hospital. We got the kids where they needed to go and off we went. We were supposed to arrive at the hospital at 6 am to check in and all that stuff. They didn't actually get around to breaking my water till 9 am. I was hoping that my labor would be as fast as Emma's (they broke my water that time too), but it wasn't. My labor (from the time they broke my water till delivery) was 6 hours. My contractions weren't that bad for most of my labor. The nurse said I had a high pain tollerance, but I still think they just weren't that strong. For the most part we just sat around and talked while my labor progressed (Jason, Nana and Laurie were all there), and no I didn't have an epidural. This time I had no problem asking for something to take the edge off the pain (it's amazing how your prospective changes by your fourth baby). They gave me something that wasn't supposed to be as strong as morphine (which is what they gave me with Charlie), but it sure felt stronger. I have to include the picture of me all drugged up. Everyone got a good laugh out of me. I guess I was pretty funny. I don't really remember much except that I knew my mouth wasn't quite working in conjuction with my brain.



No, I'm not smiling for the camera. I had no idea they were even taking my picture. I must have been feeling pretty good at this point. Unfortunately, the drugs had to wear off sometime. This is when the real pain began. On the bright side I was at 9 cm by this point. Right before it was time to push I began begging for more pain meds. I they kept telling me I couldn't have anymore, so I turned to my wonderful husband and said, "Please, please Jason make them give me some more medicine". I thought he could get them to do it. It broke his heart to not be able to help me and it broke mine to see him in pain as well. Luckily by this point it was time to push. Once again my doctor almost didn't make it (this happened with all the kids except Faith). The nurse was holding Hyrum's head back and telling the doctor he'd better hurry. Hyrum was out in two pushes.

It was an amazing experience. It was so wonderful to be surrounded by people who I loved and who loved me. The birth of Hyrum brought all of us closer, especially Jason and I. It is so amazing what our love for each other has helped to create. We are very blessed to have fourth healthy and beautiful children. It has been pretty easy so far to intergrate Hyrum into the family. He already a great baby. I think he might be the mellowest of all our children. We can't wait to see how he will change as he grows. The kids all love him. The girls are especially attentive. Charlie just likes to pet him every now and then. He is very gentle with Hyrum (which is great, because he's not gentle with anyone else). I am including some pictures from the past week and I hope you all enjoy. I want to thank Mom W. for being such a blessing to us. She helped us so much and of course she spoiled us rotten, especially the grandbabies. I'm so happy she was there to witness our little miracle. We love you Nana. I also want to thank Laurie. You have become another mother to us. Thank you for being there. You will always be a part of our family. We love you and Rick very much. Last, but most certainly not least, my husband. I couldn't imagine how different my life would be without you in it. Together we have overcome much and become closer and stronger because of it. I thank you for being there for me. I know you felt like you couldn't help me, but just being there was all I needed. Thank you for giving me four beautiful children. I love you with all my heart.

We thank all of you for your well wishes and support. We love each and every one of you. May God bless you all as He has blessed us.

Daddy and Hyrum

Nana and Hyrum

Grandma McDonald and Hyrum

Hyrum

Charlie looking like a big boy.

My two funny girls.

Faith and Hyrum.

The boys.


Emma and Hyrum.

A Light At The End Of The Tunnel

Today I went to the doctor for my regular check-up. He has decided that if my body doesn't go into labor on it's own by Friday then he will break my water that morning at around 6 am. YEAH!!!! I am so excited that there is an end in sight. We can't wait to meet our little man. We will keep you posted.

A Day Full of Firsts

So Monday was Faith's very first day of school. I can't believe that time has already come. She was so excited about going. She was a little upset that I wouldn't let her ride the bus her first day, but hey I was going to play my "I'm the Mommy, that's why" card as much as possible. We had Jason meet us up at the school so the whole family could walk her to class. We beat Jason there by a couple of minutes and Faith was not happy about waiting for Daddy. She couldn't wait to get to class (we'll see how much this changes over the next several years). Once Jason got there we got some pictures and were on our way to her classroom. She loved putting all of her stuff in her cubby and she found her seat with no problem. She wasn't the least bit scared. She didn't even ask me to stay with her. I must admit that her not being scared helped me hold it together, well at least till we were outside. She had a wonderful first day of school.

Daddy and his girls in front of the school.

Walking the halls.

Faith saying hi to her teacher, Ms. Gamlin

Mommy and her big girl (no body's crying)

After school we took her to her first dentist appointment. She LOVED it. She got to check out all of the tools they use to clean our teeth, she got to wear cool sunglasses so the overhead light didn't blind her and she got to watch TV. Her favorite thing was the suctions tube (called Mr. Thirsty). She loved that it almost always sucked on part of her cheek. Every time it did it she would laugh. She also got a new toothbrush (which of course she tormented her sister with later) and she got a prize from the prize closet after her check up. She also has great looking teeth they said. Next time she goes she will get her first set of x-rays done. All in all she had a very big day.



We miss having Faith at home during the day, but nap time sure is a lot nicer and longer. (Emma and Charlie actually take good naps). Emma loves helping me get Faith on the bus in the morning as well as getting her off in the afternoon. She misses her sister sooooo much. Every morning she asks if she can go with Faith. Next school year will come all too soon and she and Faith will both be in school riding the bus together. Great, here come the water works, I better go find some Kleenex.

Waiting to be cleaned.

Counting teeth (she has 20).

Making them shine.

Check out my pearly whites.

How blessed I am.

I just wanted to post about how blessed I am to have a wonderful husband. Jason is a wonderful and amazing man. He puts his own wants and desires on the back burner to spend more time with our family. I know he wishes he could play golf more or even get a few hours of reading in a day, but he goes without and doesn't complain (at least not too much). He is always willing to help with the kids and give me a break. He goes to work all day and still has the energy to play with the kids, help me move furniture (I'm going through some serious nesting) and do his school work. He is strong in the gospel and his faith. He is a wonderful example for our son (soon to be sons). I am so thankful that he came into my life. I love you more than words can say. Thank you for putting up with me, for loving me, for being sealed to me and for 10 wonderful years together. I look forward to spending eternity together. I love you.

Sweat, Good Times and Tears

As usual I have fallen behind in my blogging. We have had a very full summer so far. In July we had a wonderful visit with Sean and Liz. The girls just loved having them here. The girls took no time in welcoming their soon to be Aunt Liz. On the ride home from the airport I think the girls managed to ask her about a million questions. Liz was a champ about it though. Faith was totally in love with her Uncle Sean. All through dinner the first night she was practically in his lap. So much for personal space. We had a great time laughing and sharing funny stories about each other. The only down side to the whole visit was that our A/C went out. Umm, seriously our house is only two years old. I was not very happy. It got up to 84 degrees in our house. It was like that for two days. So basically that meant I was not a very nice pregnant lady. Poor Jason. We tried to stay out of the house and go places that had A/C for those two days. We also went to the Coca-Cola factory. It was fun, but it was so hot waiting outside to get in. The kids did pretty good standing in the heat and with all the walking. We got to taste some really good Coke products from around the world (and some that made you want to vomit as well). Thanks Sean and Liz for a wonderful time. We can't wait till the wedding.

My little alien.

I love his little eyes.

I think the heat was starting to get to her. She's crazy!!!

Sean and Liz

Me and my little man.


Emma's Birthday was on the first of August. I can't believe she is 3 already. She had a wonderful birthday. She wanted a Tinker Bell party, which was quite fitting since we call her our little pixie. Mommy made her birthday cake (it took 2 1/2 hours to frost it). Probably not a good idea to have the pregnant OCD person frosting it. I got so frustrated at one point I almost threw it out the front door. Luckily Jason was here to calm me down and save Tinker Bell. Emma loved the cake which made all the hard work worth it. We had a great time with all of her little friends. The best part for me was that this time I didn't have nightmares. After Faith's last party (Dora theme) I had nightmares about Dora. I love my little Emma. She has been such a ray of light in our lives. Her smile can melt anyone's heart. She is also one of the most affectionate children I know. I am blessed to be her mother. I love you Emma Claire Bear.

Emma just after birth. 8/01/2003. I love her spikey hair.

Not so little any more.

The Cake.

Happy Birthday!!!!!


Charlie had his first haircut on Saturday. I was sad to see the baby soft hair go, but I love the fact that he no longer looks like Hulk Hogan. Jason tried to talk me into letting his little mullet grow out. Umm, this is why I'm in charge of the children. He did really well till the very end. He looks so cute with his haircut. He is really turning into a little boy. I love him so much.

The Before pictures

The During pictures

The After pictures

Our next big event is on 11 August. This is Faith's first day of school. I can't believe she is big enough for that already. I am going to miss having her home during the day. The only person who will miss her more than me will be Emma, but I'm sure that will wear off for her shortly. Emma will be the top dog in the house. I'm sure she will torture Charlie plenty. We will be taking Faith to school the first day, but she'll be riding the bus home. She is so excited about riding the bus. I already know I will be a mess that morning. I cried like a baby when I recieved her bus schedule in the mail the other day. At least she is too young to be embarassed by my crying. We'll post pictures when we take them.
Lastly we are just waiting for our next little boy to arrive. I can't wait to meet him. I am so curious as to who he is going to look like. Either way I know he will be beautiful. Only 5 weeks to go. I have to admit that besides my vein problems this has been a GREAT pregnancy. I feel like our family will soon be complete. We will keep you posted on our progress.

Here are some more pictures of the kids. They are so cute.

I was making lunch for the kids and when I went to give it to them this is how I found Charlie.

The girls doing their best impression of Mommy.




I couldn't resist posting this video of Charlie just being his normal funny self. I was taking his picture and he just started cracking up.

This is what we do for fun in our house. I love my husband.

A Day with My Animals

During Memorial Day weekend we finally got a chance to do something as a family. We decided to go up to Columbia, SC and go to the Riverbanks Zoo. What a great time we had. It was a little warm, but not unbearable. The kids had a great time. The girls got to feed the Giraffs, the Lorakeets (its a bird)and the livestock. They loved all the animals, but I think the giant tortiuse was their favorite. It came right up to the fence in front of them. They just stared at each other. They also got to ride the carosel. It was a great day as a family. We enjoyed a wonderful picinic lunch together as well. Charlie even had a good time. He enjoyed the sites from his shaded stroller (wish someone would have pushed me around all day). With all the walking and pushing of the stroller I didn't feel so guilty when we got ice cream. It was a perfect day as a family. I only wish we could have more days like it.

Memorial Day weekend also marked the end of Jason's active duty service. We are thankful for the time we had in the Army, but are glad to be starting a new adventure. Jason is loving his civilian job and I am loving his hours and his pay. It wonderful to have him home more and he is such a happier person. Things are going great for us. We are now getting ready for his Sean's (Jason's Brother)wedding. The girls can't wait to be flower girls. We are looking forward to seeing everyone and showing off our new baby (when he finally arrives). Now eveyone is up to speed. Sorry I have been so bad about keeping everyone updated. I will try to do better.

Dance Recital

On May 21 the girls had their dance recital. They did a great job. Faith was a little shy when it came to doing her tap routine, but she did a great job on her ballet routine. She was so excited to be dancing with her sister. Emma was sooooo cute. She looked like a pink fluffy piece of cotton candy. She was not shy about doing her routine. They had a great time. They got a medal from their teacher for doing a good job. They also recieved flowers from Grandma and Grandpa McDonald. In case that wasn't enough fun for them, they also got to wear make-up. You would have thought they had died and gone to heaven. Now they ask to wear make-up all the time. I don't even want to know what it is going to be like when they become teenagers. We'll be bringing the DVD of their recital home with us in October for your viewing pleasure.

Mom and Dad W. Visit

So I have been the laziest blogger on the face of the earth. There is a lot to catch everyone up on. First, Mom and Dad W. came to visit back in April. What a WONDERFUL visit it was. The boys got to go to The Master's. They had a great time. Jason and his Dad also got to play a round of golf during their visit. I know they enjoyed the peace and quiet. Mom and I had fun with the kids and shopping. I also became the latest addict to Jewel Quest (thanks Mom). Mom and I would play on our computers while the guys watched the Master's on TV. I also got to take Mom with me to an ultra-sound. That's right you guessed it, I broke down and couldn't wait to find out the sex of the baby. Mom got to be there for it. Just in case you are wondering, we are having another boy. It was a perfect week. The kids had such a great time with their Nana and Papa. They were not happy when it was time for them to leave. We only wish the trip could have been longer. We can't wait to see them in October.

Spring Time

Playing at the park.

I can't believe how much time has passed since I last updated our blog. Well, where to begin, but at the beginning. Not long after Christmas (around the end of January) we got a late Christmas surprise. Jason and I are expecting our fourth child. Holy Cow we are going to have for kids. That means we will be out numbered 2 to 1. Ummmm....are we crazy? My due date is September 11. For those of you wondering, we don't know what the baby's sex is yet and we don't plan on finding out this time. I told Jason that this time I wanted there to be some kind of surprise at the end of my labor. We are very excited.
Rubba dubb dubb, all clean in the tub.

Jason has gotten a job. It is so nice to not have to worry anymore about Jason getting a job. He will start work on April 24. We will get to stay here in Augusta. We are so happy to be putting down roots here in Georgia. We are also selling our home. We are about to out grow out of this little house. We have found the house we want to buy and God willing it will all come through.

WHOA!!! What is that? Are they really going to give it to me?

I'm gonna getch ya!!!

Yum, Yum, giant cupcake!!!!

Charlie's birthday has come and gone already and I can't believe he is already one year old. He is such a beautiful little boy and I am so honored to be his mother. He looks just like his daddy and I can tell he's going to be just as much trouble as his daddy. Those beautiful blue eyes won't save him forever. We celebrated with a little family party at home. He and daddy both got a jumbo cupcake and blew out their candles together. Charlie was not shy about his cupcake(what a difference from the girls) . The minute I put it in front of him he shoved his face in it. He devoured his whole cupcake. I was surprised he wasn't on a sugar high the whole night. Happy Birthday Bubba!!

Happy Easter!!!

Easter was really nice. The girls got to do two egg hunts. We did one at home on Saturday morning and one Sunday evening with some friends. The girls had so much fun. It was wonderful to see them running and screaming. They thought it was so much fun. Charlie joined in as well. He was very proud of himself. Sunday we went to church (which was wonderful) and had dinner with our friends, the Halseys. We tried to get a picture of all of us together, but the kids weren't going to cooperate. Oh, well, we got some good ones of us in pairs. The girls looked so beautiful in their Easter dress (thank you Grandma). And of course Charlie was handsome, as usual. All in all it was a wonderful Easter.

Daddy and his little ladies. They are a cute group.

Jason signed out on terminal leave today. It is really weird knowing that Jason will not be going to work in ACU's (his uniform) anymore. It is kind of sad to be leaving the Army life. We have spent all of our marriage in the Army. It has given us many great opportunities and we have meet a lot of amazing people, some of who I am proud to call friends. It is also very exciting. Jason will be making better money with better hours. There will also never again be a 4 am call telling Jason he has to come in for dumb reason. We'll get more time together as a family. Now all we have to wait for is our house to sell. Hopefully we will be in our new home in time for summer.

Next week Mom and Dad W. are coming out to see us for 10 days. We are so excited. But I don't think anyone is more excited than Dad and Jason. They will be attending one of the practice rounds at the Master's Tournament. It is a birthday present from Mom and Dad W. and myself to Jason. I know they will have a really good time. And while the boys are away the girls will play. We can't wait to see Mom and Dad.

Well that has everyone up to speed. Sorry we have been absent for so long. We love each and everyone of you. Here are some more pictures from Charlie's B-day, Easter and some video.

All my kids on Easter. Charlie is so proud of his loot.

The girls made out very well.

What are these pretty things? I wonder if I can
put these both in my mouth?

I love cake and frosting!!!! It tastes so good I
have to put my whole face in it.
I love my lion. BIG HUGS!!! Mommy and her girls. They are so beautiful.
Mommy and her little man.