Welcome Walter!

It's a BOY!! Our new addition arrived March 15, 2023 at 6:52pm. 

Walter Anthony Ballard

3/15/2023

7 lbs, 5 oz

20 inches 

To say we are obsessed and smitten with this sweet little boy is an understatement. He is perfect, and we love him SO much! 

Walter made us wait patiently to meet him. I officially had my longest pregnancy yet at 39 weeks, 2 days. 

Then, the morning of the 15th I woke up about 4:30am with uncomfortable contractions. Since Conrad's labor started much the same way and progressed very quickly, I was surprised when the contractions continued at the same intensity but weren't getting closer together than 15 to 20 minutes. I tried going back to sleep without any luck. Eventually, I got up and got ready for the day, told Michael he should probably work from home, and started walking around trying to get things moving more quickly. My contractions continued much the same all morning - uncomfortable enough that I knew this was real labor but not progressing. I had a doctor's appointment previously scheduled for 11am, so I went ahead with the appointment. I was dilated to 4cm and the doctor agreed I was likely in labor, so he stripped my membranes hoping to move things along. 

I arrived home to a gourmet lunch cooked by Michael. He wanted the kids to get one square meal in for the day since he assumed we wouldn't be home by dinner time. He's such a good dad! 

As the afternoon worn on, labor still refused to quit or progress. My chiropractor had given me a series of exercises called the Miles circuit to help the baby move in to the proper position for labor. I did the whole 90 minute circuit and found my contractions were finally becoming more regular! By 4pm, I felt like things were progressing enough to head to the hospital. Contractions were becoming more painful though they were still around 5-6 minutes or more appart. 

At the hospital everyone seemed to agree that I was in labor but that it would be awhile. We arrived at about 4:45 and didn't get officially admitted until about 6. By this point, I decided I wanted an epidural. The combination of contractions ALL day, the thought that I would possibly be in labor many more hours, plus transition, and worst of all crowning all had me looking forward to that epidural. The nurse had to get my IV started and give me half a bag of saline before they could proceed with the epidural. 

I had an especially strong contraction while waiting for the saline to infuse and told Michael, "I'm going to be so happy with that epidural!" The next contraction, I stood at the side of the bed and my water broke. Immediately I felt the need to push! With two quick pushes Walter was here! The nurse caught him, unwrapped him from his umbilical cord which was around his neck twice, and handed him up to me. He was perfect! 

Waiting for the delivery to find out the gender was SO hard. I hate surprises! But, it was worth the wait for that moment of excitement after he was born. 

Tender Mercies from this Delivery: 

- Labor starting early in the day so that Michael was home from work not rushing back to Payson

- Knowledge from the chiropractor on how to move labor along with the Miles circuit

- A wonderful hospital experience

- The most amazing nurse there to deliver Walter! I feel so blessed with Nurse Courtney who was so skilled and calm. I know they don't deliver babies every day, but you would have thought she did. 

- The fact that he came so quickly in the end. With the cord wrapped around his neck twice it's a blessing he hadn't descended sooner and that he spent so little time in the birth canal. 

- That I never did get my epidural. I enjoy recovery so much more with a natural birth, so I'm grateful the epidural didn't happen

- My SIXTH uneventful, vaginal delivery. It is not lost on me how blessed I've been with smooth deliveries 

As usual, Michael was the best support. I always love watching him meet our babies for the first time! He couldn't wait to hold Walter, but it was a while before I was ready to hand him over. 

We Facetimed the kids shortly after Walter was born before they headed to bed. They too were shocked that he had already arrived! The next morning they came to love on him.  And do they ever love him! He's going to be the most held baby of all time. 

I must say, I LOVED the Payson labor and delivery floor. The staff were so kind and helpful, plus the recovery room felt more like a nice hotel. They provide a fancy dinner to all new parents, so Michael and I enjoyed a short dinner date before heading home. 

Walter, you are already such a joy to our family. We're so glad you're here!!!

 

Snow, Snow, Snow, Snow!

 For the first time since moving back to Utah, we've actually had a snowy winter, and we're loving it! We've had at least some snow on the ground almost constantly since December. 

Of course the kids are in heaven, especially Lenora! 

On a walk we stumbled on a fun tree house that we'd never seen through all the leaves. 

We've sledded and played with friends...

Laid a spider to rest...

And gone on a few hikes up the canyon.

Eliza built a snow chicken, 

And Orson has been keeping us supplied with weather reports each morning. 

Eliza, Orson, and Lenora have been lucky enough to go skiing with Grandpa!!

Orson obviously loved it! 

Even Haley enjoys all the snow, though she won't say no to a warmer seat when she sees one!

One week it was cold enough for skating on the creek. 

And of course, forest school with so much snow is the best! The kids have chopped ice with hatchets, sledded endlessly, built a cool snow fort, and discovered some really neat ice formations. 

If it's going to be winter and cold, there should always be lots of snow to keep things fun. 

Grandma and Grandpa Visit!

While Michael was at a work conference in San Antonio for a few days, Grandma and Grandpa came to visit from California! We had such a fun with with them. We did puzzles, chatted, laughed, and played at the house. 

They brought the sunshine with them and we enjoyed some "warm" days (mid-40s) while they were here. It had been freezing the week before their arrival though so the creek was frozen enough for ice skating. 

Saturday afternoon we headed to BYU for some fun. They took us bowling, and the kids LOVED it!

Watching Conrad bowl was a hoot! Love his technique and how he held his arms out the whole time the ball rolled down the lane. 

Amazingly, I bowled really well despite the fact that this baby is much larger than the ball. Maybe baby is a natural bowler. 

It was such a fun day! 

Sunday afternoon we enjoyed a family dinner with TJ, Alicia, and Daddy who had just gotten home. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for coming to visit, helping with kids, cleaning, laughing, and loving on us for the weekend. We can't wait to do it again soon! 

Lenora at Nine

Our beautiful Lenora Faye is now 9 years old! That's one year older than the number of squiggly candles in a box so she had to use one straight one. It's also old enough to design, bake, and decorate her own cake with minimal help because she's becoming quite the whiz in the kitchen. In short, it's entirely too old for my baby girl. 

As her birthday fell in the middle of the week, we enjoyed a low key day opening gifts and eating cake. Remember when Lenora used to hate being the center of attention so much that she didn't even like us to sing to her on her birthday? Well, not any more. This year as we sang Happy Birthday, she sang right along loudly proclaiming "Happy Birthday to ME!" We loved it. Our celebrations continued on Saturday when we went swimming with two of her friends. 

The best way I know to describe Lenora is a bundle of light and energy. She brings smiles, giggles, and plenty of silliness wherever she goes. But she also brings peace and radiates goodness. We just love this little girl! 

Her silly shenanigans include everything from tricks like these... 

...to funny dances (which you better catch the first time because "I can't repeat a dance. You just have to pay attention"). 

But she's not all silliness and games. Lenora is genuine in all she does. She's a fierce, loyal friend. She can be found both hanging out with the older girls and leading the boys in great adventures. We appreciate her kindness, her goodness, and her willingness to help out. 

This year Lenora has really caught the reading bug. She's always liked reading, but now it's the first thing she does every morning. She likes to grab a blanket and cuddle up on the heater with her book! 

This year Lenora has also continued to come out of her shell and form more of her own opinions. In the past, she was so eager to please everyone that she would often respond with "I'm fine with whatever" or "I'll take whichever one you don't want." While she's still very considerate of the feelings of others, she's also more ready to make her way in the world. Out of the blue she decided she wanted bangs and has rocked them ever since. It's fun to get to know more of what she truly likes, dislikes, and aspires to do. One big change in opinion - after further exposure to better Mexican food, Lenora has decided Taco Bell is no longer her favorite restaurant haha. 

We've also seen Lenora grow leaps and bounds with her confidence in gymnastics this year! She is on the pre-team and loving it. Last week she attended her very first competition. She said she wasn't nervous at all, and I believe it. The whole meet she was all smiles. Her energy and attack of each skill were impressive! 

Lenora - we love you so much! We love your silly side, your funny dances, your endless energy, your desire to do good, and your confidence. Happy Birthday sweet girl.