Mr. Colton James

Sunday night I decided that I was going to be eternally pregnant.
No end in sight... or ankles for that matter.

At 1:30 am the contractions started.
Probably false labor... again.

At 4:00 am we buzzed to the hospital at light speed.
Well, light speed for Boise Avenue.

At 4:15 am I was admitted to triage.
Quickly moved.
Dilated to a six - 90% effaced.
Was told I couldn't have any pain killers.
The baby was coming out too fast.

At 4:38 am the Doctor ran in the room.

With two quick pushes Colton James popped out at 4:40 am.

He is simply adorable.

I have fallen in love again.

Just when I think I know what it means truly love someone,
I am taught what it means to love all over again.

Counting his fingers and toes,

watching his big brothers love him...

I did not know it was possible to love my little someones this much.

I am grateful to our Father in Heaven for his glorious gifts.

For the opportunities to love and grow.

I am grateful for my three sons.

The boys and I are currently enjoying some summer flings.

One of our recent favorite flings is water.

Swimming, sprinklers, water coming from the hose in the backyard...
we simply can not get enough water.

My almost 39 week pregnant ankles agree.
Retaining water is a gross understatement.

There is a fun little sprinkler park very close to our house that my boys adore.
Especially when daddy comes to play with them.

I loved that Caleb's swimming pants couldn't quite stay up, Conner's excitement for the water, and Dad's determination to catch Caleb off guard with the sprinklers.

It is always so much fun to spend time with my family.
I love that I get to be with them forever!

A Mother's Furious Love

"Here’s the beauty in it all...I have never been more challenged, changed and refined than I have these past six years. And I don’t think anything but a mother’s furious love could have molded me into who I am today."

Dear Colton,

I have enjoyed this pregnancy. Carrying you has been a pleasure, together we have grown. As we near the end of this phase in life, I want to thank you for choosing to join our family.

While I enjoy every little kick and movement, you are getting too big. It is time for you to leave the womb. The thought of entering a new world may seem daunting to you, but I promise that you are coming to a nice world. Your big brothers love you fiercely and beg for opportunities to talk to you... and hug you. Your daddy is anxious to drum with you, hold you, and feel your little movements. I simply can not wait to look into your beautiful eyes and finally meet my constant companion of the last 8.5 months. There is so much love awaiting you out here.

As your mom, I promise that:

• Caleb will not eat all of your food - I will make sure there is plenty to spare for you.
• Conner will not wrestle you to the ground - until you are ready.
• There is much more room out here.
• Food tastes amazing - wait until you try chocolate.
• You will always be loved and cared for.
• Life is beautiful and amazing.
• The fourth of July fireworks are so fun - you don't want to miss them.
  
• I might buy you the zoo if you choose to come out today - yes, that is a bribe.

With Love,

Mom

Breakfast Theatrics

Breakfast time is always entertaining with Caleb around.

Let me rephrase that. Breakfast time is a happy time for our family after Caleb has satisfied his hunger. Caleb is our little fire breathing dragon that threatens to destroy all forms of humanity every morning if his hunger requests are not fully quenched.

I bet you didn't know that the dynamic duo of "Nate and Angie" save the world from utter destruction every morning... did you? Any issues of global security are solved in less than ten minutes flat - I'd like to see you beat that, Mr. Jack Bauer!

After Caleb's stomach has had it's fill, our dragon transforms into a friendly little toddler who loves to entertain. I think the carrot juice mustache makes these pictures so much more enjoyable!

Trivia Question For The Day:

How many bowls does the Caleb Dragon need every morning to fulfill his hunger?

Answer: At least three.

I love breakfast time.
I love my boys.
I love that Nate is always around in the morning to help me feed our little dragon.

Operation Unprepared: I Can Count to Five

I can now count the weeks until my due date (July 5th) on one hand.

Five Weeks ... hopefully less.

With every baby I have been super prepared for delivery.

Scout motto: Be Prepared.

I think I take that phrase a little too literally when pregnant.

No dishes are ever left in the sink - just in case. My hair always looks perfect when I go to bed - I want to look good in those "I just had a baby picture." Hospital bag packed, nursing bras purchased, and snacks for Nate are always prepared by week 35 - can't forget those!

Baby always comes around week 39-40.

What do you think would happen if I refused to prepare? What if I left those dishes in the sink every night, never did the dishes - although it would drive me insane, and who really needs a hospital bag??


Do you think all of these actions would help baby come sooner?


I am willing to "give it a go." Goodbye preparedness... Hello Operation Unprepared.



On second thought. I have officially been released from dishes duty due to my pregnant belly. Five weeks without the chore of doing dishes sounds simply wonderful - I think I have finally found the strength to endure five more weeks... maybe six??

I might pack that hospital bag tonight!