I'm not the only one.....

 .......falling in love around here

                                     

But with a face like this.....

It's hard not to =)

Scarlett's Birth Story

 The morning of Scarlett's birth, began with me being completely terrified.  At around 1:15 or 1:30 am I was awoken suddenly to my water breaking.  It was such a weird sensation.  Something I never experienced until in the hospital with the other kid's births.  I would like to say I remained calm, but that would so not be the truth.  I immediatley went into panic mode.  Brandon had stayed up late with the girls watching a movie.  Levi had climbed in bed with me, and when Brandon came up to bed he was too tired to move him in his own bed so he went into Levi's room to sleep.  (I didn't know this until later)  As soon as my water broke, I jumped out of bed, noticed Brandon wasn't there, walked into the hall and started to scream call for Brandon.  I thought he must have fallen asleep on the couch and tried to call as loudly as I could, but got no response.  With my water still in the process of breaking, I walked as quickly as I could down the stairs, continuing to call Brandon's name.  He was not answering.  I thought he must just be in a deep sleep.  I made my way all the way down stairs only to find an empty couch.  In my desperation I remember saying, "Where is he??!!"  I then made my way back upstairs and noticed Levi's door was closed.  I opened the door and saw him sound asleep.  He says I scared him to death as I yelled to him that my water broke.  I just remember his eyes flying open, and him jumping out of bed and running to my side.  The next 10 minutes were total chaos as we tried to gather everything together to bring to the hospital.  You would have thought it was our first baby, how freaked out we were.  I went into labor on my own with Alexis, but things went really slowly.  I was induced with Tori and Levi.  So this was a whole new experience for us.  When my water was broken with them, soon followed a baby, so needless to say I was a little worried that Scarlett would be making her appearance very shortly.  Luckily our kids all slept soundly thorough the commotion.  Such a blessing, because they probably would have been scared.  I called my mom, told her my water broke, and she said she would be right over.  When I was talking to her later, she said that I sounded so scared.  Knowing my mom was only minutes away, we finished gathering our stuff and just left for the hospital.

The hospital is only about 10 minutes away from our house, but it felt like it took forever to get there!  I called my doctor's office after hours line and after listening to a very long message and having to push several different numbers (seriously, don't they know that a woman in labor does not have time for that??)  I finally was able to leave a message for my midwife.  Brandon parked out in front of the ER and ran in to get a wheel chair.  I was shaking uncontrollably, and my water was still pouring out with each slight movement.  Luckily I had pre-registered online the week before, so the receptionist just had to verify a little bit of information.  She then said that a nurse would be down to take me up, because they like to accompany you if your water breaks.  I was a bit impatient, but tried to remain calm as we waited for what seemed like forever for her to come down.  She finally arrived and we were off to labor and delivery.

I was relieved to be there, but still anxious to get hooked up to the monitors so I could hear the baby's heartbeat.  I hadn't felt her move since my water broke and wanted to be reassured that everything was ok.  I got changed into a lovely hospital gown and then the nurse came in to get me all situated.  Scarlett's heartbeat was beating strong, and I finally was able to relax.  When she checked me, I was a little more then a four, so I was glad to know that I would have time for an epidural.  (I don't even pretend that I want to tough it out and try labor naturally.  As soon as I am able, I want that epidural)  The nurse asked me when I would want to get then epidural, and I told her as soon as I was allowed!

She then attempted to put an IV in, which did not work the first time (ouch)  Luckily the second time she was successful.  After that was done and she got some fluids hooked up for me, the anesthesiologist came in to start the epidural.  They don't let the husbands stand by their wives any more after an incident where a husband passed out, hit his head and ended up dying!  So Brandon had to sit on the couch, and the nurse assisted me.  It actually went faster then I remember it taking in the past.  The contractions were coming pretty consistently and getting stronger, so the nurse decided to check me again.  I was now at a five.  She turned down the lights and told us to try and get some rest because we had a big day ahead of us.  Brandon was out in a matter of minutes, but my mind was racing and as hard as I tried I could not fall asleep.  I just layed there, and watched the monitors.  About an hour later the nurse came back in to check me again.  I was now at a 6-7.  Things were moving so fast!  I was starting to get really nervous but also really excited.  The nurse told me to tell her when I started to feel pressure and she would check me again.  With my other deliveries I remember the pressure being so bad that it was almost unbearable.  I started feeling pressure about a half hour later, but it wasn't too bad so I waited about an hour before I called the nurse in to check me.  When she checked me, I was at a nine!  I couldn't believe it.  I still felt great!  She told me to call her back in when the pressure got more intense and it would probably be time to push.  For some reason with each contraction I could feel pain on my right side.  I felt nothing on the left, just on the right.  They give you a button to push if you feel like you need more pain medicine, so I decided to push it to see if that would help.  I felt my left side get numb but nothing on the right.  I started to get worried that I would be able to feel everything on the right side during delivery, so I waited 15 minutes and pushed it again.  During this all, the pressure was getting stronger, but still bearable.  After about an hour a finally called the nurse in to check me.  I also told her about the pains I was having on the right side, so she called the anesthesiologist in to check in out.  He came in and made a little adjustment to see if that would help.  Then the nurse checked me and told me I was complete and ready to push!  I still couldn't believe how smoothly everything was going and how good I still felt.  I expected to push a few times and be done, but I ended up pushing for over an hour because her head was turned up, instead of down, making it harder for her to progress down.  Finally at 9:23 am, our baby girl entered this world.  As they lifted her towards me, I said,  "She looks just like Tori!"

Her poor little head was a little mishapen, which worried Brandon a little, but they reassured us that it would go back to normal in no time.

I was immediately in love.  She was so perfect!  Her eyes were wide open from the start and she was just looking all around.  In my other kid's deliveries they let me hold them for a few minutes and then took them to get weighed and cleaned.  But they left her with me for about an hour.  They said that they have discovered that is better for the baby.  I loved it!  They also left her umbilical chord attached for that whole time to.  They said they want her to get as much of the blood from that as possible before they cut it, because it is so good for them.  I just loved holding her and having her finally here.

Finally after about an hour, they had Brandon cut the umbilical chord.  The nurse was so nice to offer to take pictures.  I didn't want to miss any moment!

And then finally it was Brandon's turn to hold his baby girl.  I know it killed him to wait so long, but he was so good to just wait, take pictures and make sure I was ok.  But when it was finally his turn, they didn't have to ask him twice!

See how alert she is!  I couldn't believe that her eyes were so wide open!

This one is my favorite =) 

Now it was finally time to give her a bath and weigh her.

At this point she still had not cried at all! I thought for sure when she had her bath she would, but nope, she just layed there like a champ.  They gave her a shot and poked her heel, and she still didn't make a peep.  We couldn't beleive it!  The worry wart in me came out a little, and I asked the nurse if they thought she had the disorder where she can't feel pain.  They just laughed and said that she was just fine, and was just content =)

Finally they weighed her.  She was 7 lbs. 14 oz.  which is right around where we thought she would be.

I could not have asked for a better delivery experience.  It went so smoothly, and I am so grateful for that!  I couldn't believe that our little girl was finally here and tried to soak up every moment =)

Introducing....

Scarlett Faith Bronson

Born February 11, 2012 at 9:23 a.m.

7 pounds 14 ounces

20 and a half inches long

As I sit here and type this, my heart is so full.  Scarlett is sleeping peacefully next to me, and I am so in love. 

I will be gin writing her birth story shortly, but for now I just had to post some pictures of the angel that joined our family yesterday.  How did we possibly live this long without her!

                            

She is perfect.  We love her.

Our Saturday

We had a nice Saturday yesterday.  We were all thrilled to have daddy back home. The kids and him went outside in the morning to play in the snow a bit.  I got what pictures I could standing inside the warm house =)

 In case you are wondering, that shovel full of snow went right on top of the kids as soon as I snapped this picture. They thought it was great.  Me, not so much! lol

 Levi counted down the days until his best buddy would be home again.  These two are two peas in a pod.

 There was a ton of fluffy snow to enjoy.

 After playing in the snow, getting warmed up and just lounging around for the rest of the afternoon it was time for the girls and dad to get ready for the daddy daughter dance at their school!

They have been looking forward to this dance for weeks.  The girls had so much fun getting all dressed up and going on a special date with dad.  They started out by going out to dinner at Olive Garden. Then they headed over to the dance which was at the Hilton Garden Inn.  They had such a great time =)

 Levi was totally bummed that he wasn't invited so I promised him we would have our own little date at home.  We ordered pizza, watched "Gnomeo and Juliet", played Mouse Trap, and he talked me into playing Lego Indiana Jones on the PS3.  We had a fun night together just the two of us.  Their school actually has a Mother/Son dance next month, so that will be so fun to go to with him.  

It was a nice Saturday spent together.  We went to bed feeling great, only to be woken up a few hours later by the horrible sounds of croup coming from Levi's room. Poor little guy can't catch a break in the sick department.  We thought he was all better, but it seems to be starting all over again.  I hate seeing him so miserable and not being able to do much about it =(   This morning Brandon woke up with pink eye, and I with a sore throat and cough.  I think I will be wishing for this baby to hold off a little longer again.  Just until we can all get well!

Feeling Loved

** There is another post below this one that I posted this morning.**

Here is some evidence of the blizzard that I spoke of  this morning.  Actually, there is now probably twice this much and the snow is still falling.

 As I sat in the house today I started to feel really trapped.  Not stir crazy trapped, but literally trapped by the snow that was falling so heavily.  I heard snow blowers outside, saw neighbors shoveling their walks, and  wanted so badly to go out and shovel mine!  I really kind of like shovelling actually.  But knowing that that kind of strain was a really bad idea considering my circumstances, I stayed inside.  A few minutes after I had let this worry of being trapped and not being able to leave in an emergency consume my thoughts, I received a call from my mother in law.  "We are on our way over to shovel your walks!"  She said.  It was music to my ears!  We wouldn't be trapped after all!  I snapped a few pictures through the window as my mother and father in law shovelled my driveway and cleared off my car.  I was so touched by their kind gesture.  It meant so much to me and gave me such peace of mind.

 I have really felt loved the past few days while Brandon has been gone.  These blocks currently sitting in my window sill are really quite fitting.

 I know Heavenly Father has been watching out for us this past week as Brandon has been away. A dear friend dropped off these adorable Valentines smores' to us last night.  It was just what I needed at the end of an emotionally exhausting day.

 The kids and I enjoyed them tonight =)

Brandon was able to get on a flight to arrive home tonight.  That in itself is such a blessing considering the hundreds of flights that have been cancelled at DIA today. His flight should be landing in about a half hour.  We survived the week!  Our sweet baby held off making an early appearance and now I can rest easy knowing that she can come at any time and Brandon will be here.  In fact, after he told me he had boarded the plane, what did I do?  Cleaned my bathrooms! lol  They have been calling my name all week, but knowing I had to take it easy, I had put them off.  Now with sparkling bathrooms, and Brandon almost here, I am ready for our baby to arrive! =)

Sisterly Love---and a Baby Update

Alexis has been talking about making the baby a blanket for quite some time.  She has had some fabric that she loves in her sewing box that she has been saving for something special.  A few nights ago she decided to go for it.  She did it all by herself with only a little guidance from me. Her fabric was two long strips, so by the time she cut it down to a square it was cute and little =)

 Here's the finished product! It's the perfect little cuddle blanket!

 It's all ready to bring to the hospital for our baby girl to love =)

Now for an update.  I am 38 weeks and 1 day pregnant.  The bassinet has been set up, clothes have been washed and put away, and my bag is packed for the hospital.  There is only one thing I need before I will feel ready to have this baby....my HUSBAND!  Brandon has been on a business trip in Vermont all week long.  He was scheduled to come home tonight, but due to a winter blizzard that has come through Colorado his flight has been cancelled.  It looks like he will be able to get on a flight tomorrow morning at nine, and I am praying that that flight doesn't get canceled too, and that this baby will hold off a while longer.  One would think that with two more weeks until my due date, I would be fine.  But after my routine doctor's visit yesterday revealed I am nearly dilated to a four, and with contractions coming regularly, my anxiety level has kicked up a notch. My blood pressure was also elevated, which made me nervous that the pre-eclampsia that I had when I was pregnant with Tori was returning.  I admit I had some emotional moments yesterday.  I am so grateful for my parents who were there to calm my nerves when I had a mini meltdown upon returning to their house after my appointment..  My mom made us delicious chicken noodle soup and bread sticks for dinner. Then, when I was still feeling really stressed out late last night, they braved the snowy weather to come over so my dad could give me a priesthood blessing. They also brought along their blood pressure monitor because I was sure my  blood pressure was sky high.  I was grateful to find out that it had gone down to a normal level.  After they left I finally felt some peace and calm.  I was able to sleep well last night, and am so grateful that the kids have a snow day today so that we can just take it easy and relax.  Don't get me wrong, as soon as Brandon is here safe and sound I will be doing everything possible to get our little girl out, but for the time being I need her to stay cooking for a little while longer =)