Halloween 2015

The week of Halloween our festivities included: truck-or-treat at a ward member's acreage (complete with a hayride and constellation viewing), carving pumpkins, pumpkin shaped pizzas, introducing the girls to Hocus Pocus, costume parades for Hazel and Eliza, and of course trick-or-treating.

Orson - 3 weeks

Check out Hazel's jack-o-lantern grin! 

Pumpkin Pizza 

Hazel and Eliza designed and carved their own pumpkins.

Cheerleader

Minnie Mouse

Rapunzel and Pascal

Tiny Quarterback!

On Halloween, Michael had class for his Doctorate from 9 to 5, but he still took these sweeties out Trick-or-Treating once he got home. Best Dad ever! 

Lovey Fall

We are enjoying the most beautiful fall this year! I say "are" not "were" because even though it's the middle of November it still feels like fall and not winter yet. It's been unseasonably warm and we've loved it! We've spent mornings out playing in the sand box, raked some leaves, and prepared part of our backyard for a bigger garden for next year. One Monday evening we went to the High Bridge and took some family photos for FHE. 

Playing in the sandbox.

Orson love to be outside! 

Hazel - 6

Eliza monkey - 4

Lenora - 21 months

Orson - 2 1/2 weeks

 Yay for a wonderful fall!

Family of Six!

I called the girls out of school the day Orson was born and Kelli brought them to the hospital to meet him about noon. Hazel and Eliza were so excited to have him here. Lenora was more interested in eating Michael's lunch haha.

Eliza and Orson already have such a special bond. She would talk to him frequently in my belly so I'm not surprised they are so close. She frequently asks to hold Orson at home. Often she'll sit for 20 or even 30 minutes and just hold him. She can get him to fall asleep just by talking to him. I've loved seeing the special relationship they have.

Hazel is thrilled to have a brother! She absolutely adores Orson. She even saved up her "pride points" at school to earn show and tell just so she could show him off to her class. It was precious. Hazel has been an awesome helper! She really makes things flow more smoothly and some days I know I couldn't do it without her.

Of course Lenora wasn't so sure what to think of her brother at first. But she has quickly warmed up to him. The first few days at home any time she heard him cry she'd perk up and start saying "Mom, baby crying!" She also has the most adorable way of saying his name. 

It was great to have a visit from my girls. Kelli and Steve took such great care of them that first day and totally spoiled them!

Orson and I had to stay in the hospital for a full 48 hours so he could be monitored due to my group B strep. I would have preferred to go home sooner, but it was a nice chance to relax and sleep. Michael brought the girls back for another visit Tuesday then Wednesday morning we headed home.

Michael picked out Orson's coming home outfit. He looks like such a little man - I love it!

Orson's Arrival

Here is the story of Orson's arrival....

Very early in my pregnancy with Orson I began feeling like I should approach his delivery differently than my other births. With all three girls I received an epidural. And with all three I had wonderful experiences. But for some reason, this time around I couldn't shake the promptings of the Holy Ghost that I should not receive an epidural. Rather than fight it, I began preparing myself for an unmedicated birth. I read various books, talked with good friends who had delivered naturally, and practiced relaxation (mostly during yoga classes). As his due date approached, I felt ready. 

My labors always start slowly and this time was not exception. My contractions started on Sunday about 1pm between sessions of General Conference. By about 5pm, I was pretty sure this was the real deal and we started making arrangements for the girls. After dropping them off to their "Iowa grandparents," Kelli and Steve, we arrived at the hospital about 8pm. I only went in this soon because I had group B strep and needed IV antibiotics at least 4 hours before delivering. My contractions were regular but not very strong but I was already dilated to 5cms when we arrived.

My "slow but steady" contractions kept it up all night without progressing much so at 4am I asked my midwife to break my water. Up to this point, I'd only had mild discomfort but not really pain. Within half an hour things started picking up. At 5am I had to spend 20 minutes hooked up to the IV for another dose of antibiotics but I was able to still walk around. Most contractions I was able to simply relax and breath through. By the time my IV was done though the pain was becoming more intense and I wanted in the tub. I labored in the tub for about half an hour but found it was hard to get in a comfortable during contractions and I was getting really hot. I'm pretty sure I was in transition about this point so the next half hour is fuzzy. I remember moving around a lot trying to get comfortable. During contractions I found having Michael press firmly on my lower back helped make them bearable. I never got to the point where I felt like I was going to lose it and stayed clam the whole time. But I do remember seriously thinking, "I really hope this is transition and I'm almost done" haha. With the next contraction I felt the urge to push. Our sweet interpreter was still in the room and left to go get the nurse so Michael could stay with me.

Pushing was almost surreal. Your body's instincts really do take over. I started pushing on my side but it was really uncomfortable. Thankfully the nurse suggested I move and I ended up settling in to a semi-reclined position. In the moment, I hated pushing. It wasn't a relief like many women say. I just found it really painful (and I most definitely groaned and yelled my way through it). Thankfully with just a few pushes Orson was born! He was immediately placed on my chest and I fell so in love with him. 

I remember feeling ecstatic he was here and saying "Hi little guy!" and "You're here!" I was over the moon to have him in my arms. The endorphins from a natural delivery really do leave you feeling like you could take on the world.  Then I held, kissed, and fed Orson for two whole hours! I loved how this hospital didn't even take him to be weighed for checked for that long. It was wonderful!

To keep it real, parts of the after-birth on the other hand were less than wonderful. I ended up getting the shakes really badly after I delivered the placenta. I've never experienced this with any of my other deliveries. It was like I was shivering uncontrollably, and they lasted a good 45 minutes or so. I also had some tearing that needed to be repaired and lost more blood than they like so the nurse keep pushing down on my uterus which was almost more painful than the contractions.

Thankfully that was over quickly and we were left to enjoy our little miracle. The veil is so incredibly thin when a new precious son or daughter of God enters the world. As little Orson came trailing clouds of glory he simply filled the whole room with peace, joy, love, and calm.

Once I'd held him for a nice long time, and even took a short nap with him, the nurse weighed him. He was a whopping 8 lds 10 1/2 oz and 20 inches tall!!! For being 11 days early he was much bigger than anyone expected! I for one am so glad he made an early entrance. Then it was daddy's turn to hold him and soak in some cuddles (and sleep!)

I may never know why I felt prompted to deliver Orson without medication. Maybe it was just something I needed to experience. Moments throughout the delivery certainly helped me turn to my Savior and rely on Him. In fact, I remember during one particularly painful contraction thinking, "Why am I doing this?" Then the lines from the song "Savior, Redeemer of my Soul" (fittingly written by Orson F. Whitney) ran through my mind:

"Whose wonderous power, hath raised me up, 

And filled with sweet my bitter cup." 

I may not have had the strength to do this, but the Savior certainly does and He was helping me! Maybe I would have needed a c-section due to his size if I hadn't been able to move around during labor and help him descend. Or maybe I just needed to feel empowered knowing I can do incredibly difficult things. Regardless, I wouldn't change a thing about his delivery. 

 Welcome to the world Orson! We love you more than we can say. 

Mother's Blessing Shower

About a week before Orson was born my good friend Heather asked if she could host a mother-centered baby shower for me. She was one of the authors of a beautiful book called "The Gift of Giving Life" which focuses on the spiritual side of pregnancy, birth, and motherhood. While I wasn't quite sure what to expect, I gratefully accepted her offer.

The Friday before Orson was born, eight women from the ward gathered at Heather's house. She had told them each to write a card for me with words of encouragement and/or praise and to also bring a bead that symbolized their message. Heather had also emailed women close to me and opened the invitation to them as well.

So that evening, each woman took a turn sharing her wisdom with me and sharing things they admired about me as a woman and mother. We also took turns reading the emails from my mom, sister, aunts, and a few good friends who live out of state. It was such an incredible experience! The spirit attended our gathering as we discussed the noble and divine calling of motherhood. I was filled with strength and hope as they offered their words of advice. I also caught a glimpse of how other people see me. Like Heather said, everyone should experience something like that once in their lives because normally those are the type of things people only talk about at our funerals.

With each message, each woman presented me with a bead which Heather made in to a beautiful bracelet for me. It was to serve as a reminder of the amazing circle of women who love and support me. Little did I know, but the bracelet and that evening were exactly what I needed. With Orson being our first baby born away from family, I was nervous how everything would turn out. But that night I saw just how blessed I've been here with friends who love and serve us like family. And I was filled with peace knowing we may not have our families close by, but we are certainly not alone.

Since Orson's birth we have continued to feel so showered in love. Ward members, friends, and colleagues have dropped off gifts. The Relief Society never had to organize meals because so many people simply volunteered and brought food over. Offers to help with the older girls have been numerous. Michael and I both have felt humbled and so loved by how our friends have celebrated Orson's arrival. Once again, we've been reminded that Iowa is where we're supposed to be for now. And when you're where you are meant to be, the Lord makes it wonderful!

Orson Thomas

Orson Thomas Ballard

October 5, 2015, 6:55am

8 lbs 10 1/2 oz 

20 inches 

We love you buddy! 

Today

Today wasn't perfect. It certainly wasn't anything exceptional. But it was wonderful. It was a wonderful snipit of our life right now. It's busy. It's hecktic. It's messy. It's funny. It's filled with joy. Some days it's downright exhausting. But it IS wonderful!

Today Michael left early to attend Stake meetings. The girls begged to eat leftover waffles for breakfast, then we proceeded to get ready for church. All three of them looked so cute today! Hazel and Eliza wanted their hair to match mine. So all three of us had a bit of the front part of our hair French-braided back with the rest down. Lenora let me put on an adorable headband that matched her dress perfectly and actually kept it on for church! We were in a hurry to get to church and set up chairs for Primary so I didn't have a chance to get a picture, but boy were they cute! On the way out the door Lenora really wanted to wear her fancy sandals (which was fine with me), but she also REALLY wanted to wear the ruffle socks I'd grabbed to match her normal church shoes. Socks with the sandals were obviously not an option. She was mad! I threw both sets of shoes in my bag and figured we could sort it out in the parking lot at church. Then I loaded them all in the car then did my makeup quickly in the car before driving over to the church.

I was so relieved just to be making it to church today. Earlier this week I had 3 days in a row of cramping and lots of contractions that left me thinking I could have this baby any day. But I had so much for Primary that I NEEDED to get done today! I prayed he'd stay put, and yesterday and today I felt great! I got everything I needed to done for Primary. We also had a teacher training after church and it turned out wonderfully. All of our teachers came and the Spirit really attended our meeting. I had a great talk with one teacher after the meeting and also had a wonderful chat with one of my counselors as I drove her home. It was one of those Sundays where you work hard, but you come away feeling rested and refreshed!

During Sacrament meeting the girls and I sat in the front row even though Michael was still off at his meetings. They were really good overall. Lenora kept making cute faces at the family behind us. She is at such a cute age! She also kept trying to twirl during the closing song. It's one of those moments when you wonder if you should let her because she's just so sticking adorable, or teach her it's not okay to twirl during church. Those are tough decisions. Eliza colored yellow carrots in her notebook and "read" over the talk she had prepared to give in Primary. Hazel wanted to learn how to braid using one of our quite books where you braid the lion's tail. I showed her once or twice and she picked it up! This afternoon she insisted on practicing over and over and has already mastered a simple braid! For some reason, it makes me feel like she's growing up way too fast.

I had Michael take the girls outside for a bit while I cooked. We ate a yummy dinner. Lenora decided the sweet and sour chicken and fried rice were"bleh!" and threw a fit when I made her try a bite. So she just ate broccoli for dinner. But the rest of us enjoyed dinner. Then we were able to catch Skype with both Michael's parents and my parents. Eliza "read" the book Bad Kitty to grandma and grandpa Ballard (she's been listening to it on CD over and over all week). During Skype with my parents Hazel was cracking up about my dad sneaking the treats for their Primary class while my mom was teaching the lesson.Of course Gram spent some time reading the big girls books.

Lenora went down for bed but since the older girls had napped a bit we let them stay up and play a game. They picked "Bubble Talk." It's honestly a bit over their heads, especially for Eliza, but they love it and it's a nice change of pace from Candy Land and other kid games. Tonight a few of their picks that had us all rolling in laughter. Sometimes Michael and I were just laughing about how hard Hazel was laughing. That and how my belly shakes when I laugh. I'm smiling just thinking about it.

The big girls went to bed, then Michael and I cleaned up the kitchen and general clutter. Now we're settled for the night watching football and typing this up while checking on the lunar eclipse that's occurring.

I'm so thankful for today and for our lives right now. I look forward to reading this someday and remembering what a normal "today" looked like at this time in our lives.

First Days of School

Back to school is already here! We started our back to school preparations with a little back to school FHE. We talked about ways we can show kindness and love for those around us. Both girls gave some thoughtful responses. Michael also gave Hazel and Eliza each beautiful blessings.

Hazel was the first to head back to school. She started 1st grade this year with Mrs. Zimmerman. I cannot tell you how excited she was to get back to school. She thrives off a routine and loves learning. She picked out her outfit and insisted on wearing her hair in a high bun. She looks so grown up to me! This year I get a lot less out of her when I ask her about her day. She told me, "Mom, you know what I do at school."

Sweet Eliza started pre-school the following week. Here is Iowa 4-year-old pre-K is part of the free public education system so Eliza goes to school in the same building as Hazel. She's there in the afternoons four days a week. She was so, so, so excited to go to school like a big kid! I was a bit worried she would be shy or afraid, but she wasn't at all. Eliza has really come out of her shell. She had to dress in her signature color of course with her yellow skirt from Gram and her big yellow ribbon. I love all the pictures I caught of her because you can see just how excited she is! She came home from her first day most excited about playing a game with "Grandpa Randy" the foster grandparent that works in the class room. How neat is it that they use grandparents to help out in the classroom? She also loves her teacher Miss Stacy and the aid Mrs. Jenn.

Last to start school was this handsome guy. His first day of his Doctorate was last Saturday. A lot of his work is done online then they meet in person several days per semester. He has been very excited to get going school again. It's been intense though! Lots of reading and time invested. already. I'm amazed at his work ethic. Michael has been carefully budgeting him time at ISU to complete all of his work during then day. Then he comes home about 5:30 and enjoys dinner and playing with the girls. Once they're off to bed, he hits the books for a few hours. He is also back on the High Counsel for our Stake so he has plenty of church duties as well. But he does it with a smile. I sure do love him!

Last but not least Lenora started nursery last month! She was old enough to start while we were in Utah but it was just not happening with people she didn't know. Once we got back in town though she's done well adjusting. She is at such a cute age right now. Her language has exploded. She is literally starting to talk and sign in sentences. Today she told me "No Yaya mine puzzle" when Kiara tried to sit on her puzzle. Having Hazel gone again all day and Eliza half the day has been an adjustment for her though. She naps almost the whole time Eliza is gone but as soon as she wakes up she's asking "Zi-za?" (Eliza) and "Hazey?" (Hazel)

Now that kids are back in school it's time for me to really get ready for this baby! My goal is to get every corner of the house really well organized. Now that we've been here almost a year I feel like I can safely start getting rid of those things we really "need" but haven't touched haha. I was also called as the Primary President at the end of July so that is keeping me busy, busy.

Life is good! The school routine is still novel and exciting. We're all adjusting well. And in a few short weeks we'll be welcoming a baby to the mix. It might just get crazy, but we love crazy!