Just A Picture

The Meaning of Shari

Clint greatly favored passing along a family name for our new baby.  When he proposed the name Shari, he said it evoked "warm feelings."  I could not disagree.

We have a Shari on each side of our family, and it is amazing how many qualities they have in common.  Of both, it could be said that they are sweet, kind-hearted, and generous. They would do anything to help someone out.  They take extra care of their nieces and nephews.  They enjoy a good family gathering, and frequently the setting is in their own homes.  They love the Lord.  Each Shari is deserving of the term beloved.

By carrying on the name, the standard is set high for Baby Shari.  She is blessed to have two role models to show her the way.

Our New Baby Shari

I have a history of early deliveries.  And like my sister, each baby comes earlier than the one before.  My doctor was keeping an eye on me, but Baby Shari still sneaked up on us.

Our little family was at church Sunday afternoon when the contractions that I've been having for months started to occur with the typical dull, low back pain associated with labor.  I mentioned it to Clint after Sunday School, and he said we needed to go to the hospital immediately to check things out.  I was really hesitant to go in because I sincerely thought they would send us home.  I begged Clint for a little more time to see if the contractions continued.

We separated for classes, and Clint took sleeping Scotty to Priesthood Meeting while I went to Relief Society.  I started to feel better, but about a half hour later, Clint came to get me.  I walked into the hall to see what was wrong, and he said that Scotty had been fussing for me (with tears and all, which is so strange), so Clint thought that would be a good time to check on me.  I told him I was feeling better and that after church I would lie down at home and see how the evening went.  Clint absolutely insisted we go straight to the hospital.  He was so set on it that I agreed just to give him peace of mind.  He took Scotty and me to the car and then pulled Grant and Nicole from their classes.  We stopped at home only so Clint and Nicole could run inside to get Clint's phone and my purse.

At the hospital, the triage nurses and I were *shocked* to find that I was already dilated to 6 cm.  They called my doctor right away, alerted anesthesia to meet us in labor and delivery, and about three hours and three pushes later, Dr. Daddy delivered Baby Shari.  She was OK for a little while after birth, so we took some pictures of our party, which included almost every member of our family living in Arizona.  I think the nurses would not have let another soul into the room!  Everyone got to witness the birth, and the audible gasp from the children as Shari's head emerged was so special.  The room went silent for a moment while everyone was in awe and waiting for the baby to announce her arrival with a cry.

As suspected, Scotty was perhaps the most surprised of everyone.  He will not quit talking about "Baby Shari coming -- whoosh! -- out of mommy's bum."  He was even talking about it in the NICU today when he saw Shari again, and the nurses and doctor who overheard him couldn't suppress a chuckle.  He asked if Baby Shari needed toys, and then he told everyone that Baby Shari is going to his house.  I guess he likes her.

After five or ten minutes, the NICU team took Shari in for observation since she was having retractions.  About an hour later, the team agreed that she needed to be admitted for transient tachypnea -- newborn (TTN), and possibly slightly immature lungs.  She has been on a CPAP and feeding tube ever since.

It has been a humbling experience to spend my recovery hours hovering over a baby in the NICU.  I haven't been able to hold her since she was admitted, and sometimes touching or stroking her causes her to oxygen levels to desaturate.  I got brave today, though, and kissed her tiny head every chance I got.  It's very sad to welcome a new baby to the world with an IV, monitors, and devices taped to her face.  It's even more sad to leave her side and come home to an empty crib.

However, I feel very grateful to live in a time and place where NICU services are available to our family.  I have also learned from observation that Baby Shari's problems are very minor and will go away, unlike some of the other babies who share a room with her.

The doctors are hopeful that Shari will get to come home this weekend, and we can't wait!  In the meantime, we are so appreciative of all of the prayers in our behalf.

Delicious

The kids and I were watching Nanny McFee, and a scene with the poor widowed father (Mr. Brown) and his seven children was so tender.  He was telling the kids about how their mother got sick after the last baby was born, and he jokingly said to her, "I think we're going to have to quit [having kids] now."  He then went on to explain that he was never able to afford all of the expenses of their large family, so they had been living off the charity of an aunt for many years.  He told the children something to the effect of, "There were so many of you ... but you were all so delicious (and perhaps that's why there are so many of you)."

I agree with Mr. Brown ... my children are so delicious!  I can't believe we're near to having another one in our family.  I talked with my three "babies" individually about themselves and their thoughts on our new arrival.  It was informative and funny. Take a look ...

Nicole: Sweeter than Honey
Nicole is practically a second mama around here.  Sometimes she plays with the boys like they're best friends, and other times she takes charge of getting them dressed or helping Grant finish his school work.  She has looked forward to having a sister for a long time, but because of their age difference, I think Nicole will be toting this baby girl around like she's her newest daughter.

What are your hobbies? Swim, draw and color, build with Legos, and sew.  I know I have more; I just can't think of them.
What do you like to do with your daddy?  Sort pennies and go on dates to the movies.  I like to do family night.  I like to play Monopoly Deal with him.  He spoils me.
What is the best book you've ever read?  I almost want to say Holes (by Louis Sachar).  Oh, The Doll People, I love that book!
You have traveled to a lot of places.  Which one has been the coolest, and why?  Pennsylvania because I'm going to live there.  Plus I have four cousins and one aunt and uncle there.
Your birthday is next in our family.  What do you want for your birthday?  Um, let me think ...  Webkinz.  Just a cute one.  Or a magnetic doll set.  A four wheeler (ha, ha).  Oh, I know, more Legos!!!
Recent quote: If I could only look at one thing for the rest of my life, it would be sunsets.

A Conversation on Babies
What are you most excited about for the new baby?  Hmm, there's actually about three or so.  Number one, washing her in the sink.  Number two, feeding her.  Number three, putting her to sleep.  Oh, and dressing her!  That's the most important one!  Actually, changing the diaper is.
Are you excited to change her diaper?  No! I won't do that!
What do you think her name should be?  Jenna!
Do you think your parents should let you choose the name?  Yes!!!
What day do you predict the baby will arrive? Either the 26th or the 27th of August.


Grant: Geography Whiz
Grant is a funny kid.  When he was a baby, my mom used to say that he looked like an old man. It's ironic to me because I think acts (most of the time) way older than his age.  He easily engages in conversations with adults, he can beat them at adult games (like Chess), and he thinks he should have adult privileges (like drinking soda whenever he feels like it).  Yet, at the same time, Grant loves imaginary play (animals or Legos with Nicole).  Grant has been blessed with a quick mind; our challenge is to encourage him to use it to its fullest potential.  One of Grant's best features is his contagious laugh.  It is so sincere!



Favorite game: War
Second favorite game: The Scrambled States of America Game
How many states have you been to?  Too much.  I can't even count.  In the thirties, for sure; you know that. 
About 35?  I have no idea.  We've been to South Carolina and Georgia and Texas, Arizona (of course, we're in Arizona right now).  California, Nevada, TOO MUCH!  Washington, Oregon, Montana.  Not New Hampshire.  I want to look at the Statue of Liberty in New York.  Is there only one Statue of Liberty?

What's your favorite country? Well, I have a few.  Norway, Russia, Canada, The United States of America.  I like the big ones most.  China, Australia.  Australia's big.  Uncle Tom has been to a lot of countries!
How do you know?  He told me.
What kind of job do you want when you grow up?  Hmm, tricky to know.

Thoughts on Babies
"Sometimes babies can be a pain.  Like they cry, and that can be annoying.  And they could act naughty, which could be embarrassing.  And sometimes they break things.  So you see, babies can be a lot of work!"

"Mom, why do you keep forgetting to tell me when the baby is coming?  Did you forget that we're having a new baby?!"

Scotty: Still A Big, Fat Baby!
Scotty, since he currently holds the caboose title, stands to lose the most when the new baby arrives.  He's holding on for dear life now, clinging to me every chance he gets.  If you ask him where the baby is, he'll point to himself.  If I'm around, he'll try to climb on my lap and make baby squeaky noises.

What's your name?  Scotty
How old are you?  Three!  Three!  Three!
Are you a big boy or a baby?  (Points to self) A baby.
Are we going to have a new baby?  (Shakes head "no.")
What color are your eyes? Ba-lue!

A Conversation on Babies
Pointing to Scotty, I ask, "Who is this?" Scotty.
Pointing to my belly, "Who is this?" A tummy.
What's in the tummy? A baby.  Baby rats.

* * * * *

Whenever we talk about the baby coming, Scotty asks me to open my mouth, then he pushes hard on my belly, and he fakes vomiting sound effects.  Isn't he going to be surprised in the delivery room?

The Baby Who Would Not Be Named

We are five weeks away from the official due date, and nearly everything is ready for baby ... except a name. 

For years I've thought that if we had another girl, her name would be Jenna.  Now that we're having that baby girl, Clint and I -- for the first time ever -- cannot agree on a name.  We're getting so close now, though, that I think we should just wait to meet her first, then decide.

It's the craziest thing for planners like us, and I know it's driving certain family members crazy (Grant even asked, "Why do you have to keep changing her name?" and Nicole politely requested a few days ago, "Do you think you and Dad can talk tonight and decide on a name?"), but I think we'll have it firmed up by the time we leave the hospital.  Since Clint is expressing so much interest this go around, I have thought to just let him pick!  Stay posted.

That's What Dads Do ... By Scotty

We have a couple of geckos that come to our sliding glass door each night.  One evening, Scotty was still awake when one approached.  I called his attention to the door and said, "Look!  What's that?"

Scotty replied, "A daddy gecko."

"Oh, it's a daddy?" I asked.

Scotty corrected himself, "No, a mommy gecko.  A daddy gecko at the hospital."

Not Back to School 2011

The first day of school should be special.  We started our new year with a bunch of "nevers."  

For breakfast, we ate Mickey Mouse pancakes, and the kids thought it was so cool.  We tried other shapes, too, but they didn't work as well.  They didn't care, though. 

Nicole suggested eating treats while doing math.  Nicole's idea was a big hit, to say the least. See, even Scotty wanted to do math this morning.

We finished our special "never" day with a trip to McDonald's for lunch.  McDonald's is one of those places that I avoid at nearly all costs.  Fate and cute smiles took me there today, and the kids had a fun ending to their first day.

To commemorate "not back to school" day, we took "not back to school" pictures.  

Here's my little troop (doesn't it look like someone's missing?):

Individual portraits
Nicole (nearly 9 -- Fourth grader, holy smokes!)

Grant (5 1/2 -- We can't decide if he should be in kindergarten or first grade.)

Scotty (3 1/2 -- We're hoping he'll participate more and interrupt less than last year.)

I was observing the kids today and thought that maybe I could see some career possibilities in their futures.  For example,  Nicole might be a concert pianist:

Or an Olympic swimmer:

Or a mama:

Grant, apart from his obvious gift for math and technology, might actually go into the sciences, like botany or zoology:

It's a little harder to predict Scotty's profession since his favorite thing to do is tag along and imitate the "big kids."  Of course, he might end up being a train engineer.  But he could be a veterinarian or circus performer:

Or, as a backup, a superhero or underwear model:

New to our schedule this year is Nicole's swim team.  I think a love for swimming runs in our blood because my mom loves it, I love it, and Nicole loves it, as well.  Her coaches work her hard, and she is very accepting of all of their critique.  Grant wants to join the team, too, but will have to wait until September to start.

 

My mom helped Nicole with her technique last time she was visiting and discovered that Nicole seemed naturally inclined to favor the back and breast strokes.  Coincidentally, those were the two strokes they worked on during this session.

I can't wait to watch Nicole in a swim meet!  It's going to be a great year in Arizona!

Help Wanted

It's no secret that Grant whines and moans a lot, especially when it comes to work.  He can work hard, and sometimes he does, but usually I have to really beg and prod and *force* before we see even minimal results.  Tonight he carried one bag of groceries into the house before starting this conversation.

Grant: Mom, am I good helper?
Mom: You are tonight.
Grant: Well, sometimes when you ask me to do a big job, and I don't do it, and then you do it, you say, "Thanks for nothing."