She has arrived!!!

I cannot believe that it has already been 2 weeks since our sweet little Melanie LeeAnna joined our family. This has been the best delivery and maybe the worst recovery. We have had good days and our bad days. This will be a long one so beware I hope you have a few moments. Plus all the pictures J

This little girl is very special in so many ways. I am so lucky that she picked me to be her mother. I cannot wait to see what she brings to the family. She is already loved by everyone that has seen her. He brothers just ADORE her and I mean adore they do not leave her alone. Oren always has to be near her touching her or holding her if she is in his eye sight J She is very lucky to have 2 amazing big brothers who will take care of her and be there for her. Daddy is just in love with his little girl and is so excited to finally have a little girl. I am just beyond thrilled to finally have a little girl to dress up and later down the road have girl nights with her. I already love dressing her up and she always has to have a bow on her head except of course when she is going to bed. All that will have to be saved for another post.

First off I want to tell you about her name then I will tell you about my birth experience because it was the best one. We have a hard time agreeing on names. As it got closer to figuring out the gender we were trying to figure out names and we came up a boy name but we could not agree on a girl name. Well in December we found out Travis sister was not going to be with us for much longer and we wanted to honor her in some way if it was a girl. So we went through many names trying to figure out what we could call her if she was a girl. Well in the middle of the night in December (and our ultrasound was not till January) I woke up and I had this voice say Melanie LeeAnna is coming and then I went right back to sleep. I woke up that morning and remembered the name and I still get the goose bumps when I think about that night. So I went to my mother in law the very next day and asked her if she would be ok if I were to use her daughter name as my daughter name if Travis agreed to my name. To my surprise she was thrilled as could be. So I told Travis the name and he loved it. So then I had to decided how I was going to spell her middle name. Well my father in law first name is Lee and I have a sister named JoAnna. So I put the two names together and came up with LeeAnna. Her name is a very special name and she will have a lot of people watching over her.

So we arrived at the hospital 6 am and waited which felt like forever. We got into the room got ready and the lady said a different name and I was like no that’s not me and she was like what wait. She had the wrong chart. Came back with the right chart and then a couple minutes later another nurse came in and had the wrong chart again. At this point I was getting a little nervous but glad that they always checked information before doing anything. Then the odd question the nurse asked me was what my birthing plan was? I was like I am having a c-section what else is there. She then asked me if I would like to do skin to skin contact with my baby.  I was like you will allow that and she said they are now allowing c-section mothers to do that as well because it is just as important to those mother/ baby as it is to natural birthing mother/baby. With my boys I only got to see them for just a moment before they took them and Travis away while they fixed me up and put me in recovery. I always hated that because it would be like 2 hours before I heard anything about my baby or got to see them. So I jumped at the opportunity to hold her right away. So she came our screaming and everyone told me she was a girl I was just thrilled and relived she was in fact a girl (to many scaring stories about wrong gender) So they cleaned her up a little and then they came and laid her right on my chest. It was the most amazing feeling in the world. She was and is so beautiful. It was amazing to finally be able to hold her and create more of a bond with her. After a little bit they took her and did everything else that they needed to do.

She weighted 7 lbs 10 ounces 19.5 inches long born at 7:57 am. As I came into recovery room there she and Travis were. I was shocked because that has never happened. And the moment I was parked in my bed and awake a little they had her on my chest to try breastfeed. I was just so impressed with St. Luke and how they treated my family and I. They even allowed my extended family to come into the recovery room to come see us. They did not allow Travis to have her alone or to go show her off because Melanie had to be my side the entire time unless it was a nurse taking her to the nursery. We stayed in the hospital for about 4 days. The last day and a half she had a hard time nursing and I started to get my milk in so yeah it was been rough on both of us. She passed all of her test and everyone just loved her and wanted to hold her (made me feel good). The only problem that we came across was that she lost 10.8% of her weight which is not good. So she left the hospital weighing 6 lb 13 ounces. They do not like a baby to lose more than 10% so lucky for us my doctor likes me and knows I will listen to her instructions and come and see her and she let us go home when everyone else told her no. So we had to make an appointment to go see her the very next day. I also had to feed every 2 hours and then supplement with formula right after to try and get her weight back up. It was a very long day/night. So we went the next day and she gained 2 ounces. So I had to continue to feed every 2-3 hours but did not have to supplement formula anymore. It was still really hard because she refused to breastfeed she just wanted to the bottle. So we went in on Monday and she only gained 1 ounce this time. We were all shocked because when she would eat a bottle she would eat a lot. Doctor still wasn't very happy but happy enough that she is getting there. She is going on vacation so she said she would see us in two weeks but if we had concerns to come in and see one of the other doctors. Since then she has done a ton better with breastfeeding but she has to be mad to latch on correctly and get the flow that she would like. J Overall she is doing well and we are all in love with her.

As for my recovery this is probably the hardest. I have had a lot pain physically and emotionally. It has not been easy not being able to help around my house hold my boys when they want mommy and move the way I think I should move. C-sections have a recovery time of 4-6 weeks and man they are the longest. Thank goodness for family and all their help we could not do it without them. I have all of my family right here in the valley that have come over and my in-laws have come from Pocatello. They have been so sweet and have come down to help us out. For the first week we had Heather here to help with the boys and keep things in order while I was at the hospital then on Friday my mother/father in law came with Kim for the weekend to meet this sweet little angle then they left and left my mother in-law here with us. She is staying with us for two weeks (bless her heart) I am so grateful for her help and willingness to leave her responsibility and come here and help my family and I.  My ward has also been amazing with all the meals and willingness to help us out (thanks for not letting us starve J) 

Here are just a few a my favorite pictures that my amazing sister was able to capture for me. Thank you so much JoLyn Glascock. Memories were made and know I will be able to remember them forever. 

This was the first time that the boys were meeting their little sister. This moment was so precious and glad that she captured this moment for us.

This is the start of her many new born pictures. 

  I saw this picture on Pinterest and had                                                                      to have it for the boys.

 

 This is for her Aunt Nono (we miss you and wish                                                                         you where here with us)

 

My Handsome boys. They couldn't let sister have all the fun with pictures.

The boys just adore her. They are going to be amazing big brothers.

3 1/2 weeks left :)

So life has been busy yet super exciting. Well as you all now we are expecting our little girl June 2 which is like 27 days away. Which is crazy to think, that in just a little over 3 weeks we will have a new little angle in our lives. We cannot wait to meet her and see all the adventures life bring us. As well as bringing a new addition into the family I am FINALLY GRADUATING!!!! YAY I am so excited and cannot wait for this to be done. I have worked so hard and I never thought this day was going to happen for me. Once we started our family I dropped to part time school because I did not feel like I could handle of the pressure and I wanted to enjoy my kids why they were young. Then Oren came and threw  us for a loop and I didn’t go to school for a little bit so I have been off and on which has been fine but rough. I am just so glad the day has finally come and so excited to share it with my family. I have taken my last final and got 100% which has never happen always been close but never a perfect 100% on an exam (very excited about that) I have written my first and last 12-15 page research paper and its turn in with a presentation and power point. I am working on my last paper which is only like 3-5 pages and doesn't seem that difficult compared to my 12-15 page paper. J My graduation is May 17 and then I will have a two week vacation then our sweet Melanie LeeAnna comes.

                I am so excited for her to get here yet scared all at the same time. I know things will be difference and may be harder at times but excited. She has been difficult yet nice to me during this pregnancy. I was only sick for about 5-6 months instead of the entire 9 months which was a huge plus. Then my blood pressure has been normal and nothing to really worry about. Since my boys gave me high blood pressure I have been on my doctor radar and watched very carefully.  The only thing that she did give to me is a lot of pain. I have had sciatic nerve pain in my left leg and there is nothing that you can really do about it but move slowly. So that has been  fun to deal with not but hey I will take that over bed rest any day, and now I am just get pain at random times in the day that are a killer along with Braxton hicks (we think).  She is a huge mover. She does not sit still. She moves in the morning, afternoon and night which is a lot of fun to feel but sometime she can hurt me because she is just a little stinker. She also only allows me to either sleep on my back or my right side. She loves to listen to music no matter what kind. Travis and I went to Wicked a couple weeks ago and she moved the entire time and when the boys and I dance and sing she is doing the same thing.

I tired to rotate it but I couldn't so good luck lol. 

                I have worked on her room for a while because I never knew what I really wanted but I loved how it turned out and so glad my idea came together. It still is not the most organized room but you can get the picture. I think we are pretty much ready for her to get her. I just had my baby shower which was amazing thanks to my wonderful sisters (JoAnna, JoLyn, Heather, Kim, Val) they did a wonderful job and to all those that came a spoiled Melanie and I rotten. I never thought I would have that much pink in her wardrobe LOL. So grateful for my friends and family that came. Having my shower done with just makes this so much more real because it means we are so close. I am starting my weekly visits to my doctor and everything is looking good so far. I even have my c-section schedule for JUNE 2, 2014 at 7:30am.  

I love the saying I found (and a lady in my ward who made it for me) Then I made those curtains by her crib and the sister missionaries painted my letters and I printed her name in vinyl and placed it on the letters. My sister Val re-pained the dresser for me and I found new knobs and put the final touches on it.  Then I have multi-colored lights up around the room.

About Donaven

So I thought I would tell you a little story. Donaven has always been my sensitive boy. He and I have a connection that I hope will last forever. He knows when I am sad, worried, sick, and happy or whatever and he feels it as well. When I got pregnant with Oren I was really sick and he would be there for me when Travis was at work. He would hold my hair back for me as I threw up and then he would just hold me and let us relax. Or when I was upset about something he would always come and ask what he could do to help me. With this pregnancy he has done everything plus more than last time. One time when Oren was down for a nap he has told me to lay in his lap and he would hold me and he rubbed my back and told me to take a nap and he would take care of me. He just melts my heart. He is such a mommy boy and I wouldn't change it for the world.

When he first found out that that I was pregnant he told me it was going to be girl and I just laughed and said we would see. As time went by he changed his mind and told me he wanted a brother. So when we found out for sure the gender we went and bought outfits and wrapped it up and let him figure it out by himself. Well he just threw the outfits and said I don’t want a sister and he doesn't like pink. We all just laughed and said that was ok and we can get her different colors. As time has gone by he has changed him mind and is very excited that he is getting a little sister. Every night he gives my tummy a hug and kisses it and says goodnight sister and he will even pray that she will grow. Random times during the day he will say something about what he will do with his sister when she gets her.

One moment that just touched me was today. It was just him and I in the car and he was talking about how when his little sister gets here he will change her diaper and then have to put it in the trash. Then he told me that he was worried about her. The other day grandma grandma game him and Oren some money to put in their piggy bank. Well today he realized that his sister doesn't have one and that bothered him really bad. So he found a little piggy bank we had and as he was placing his money in his piggy bank he split it with his sister placing a coin in his and then one in hers.

I just cannot believe how much he loves and adores and worries about his little sister and she is not even here yet. He is an amazing big brother to Oren and I know he will be a huge helper and will protect his little sister as the years go on. I am very lucky to have such a sensitive child. I hope that he does not lose this quality. I love his so much and am so proud of the boy/man he is becoming. I love you Donaven Jeffery!

 This picture just cracked me up because he insisted on wearing my sunglasses, and every time he would talk he would push them down his nose and then once he was done push them back up. I just adore everything that this kid does. So lucky to call him mine. 

A little update...

So I know it’s been a while so I will just let you know a  few things.

First Donaven is in Preschool and loves every moment of it. He has learned a lot and continues to do so. He has made a new friend at school which turns out that we know his parents but didn't realize until we had him over on day.  He is starting to dress himself and that’s been fun to watch except when he come out with something weird and I try to get him to change and he looks and says “mom I don’t want to match today so it’s ok!” He is doing really well at writing his name and recognizing the letters. He loves to have his mommy time when Oren goes down for his naps. He loves to play the Wii and Infinity. He has an amazing imagination that just blows my mind. I love to watch him play with his toys and see what he comes up with.

Oren he is just a bundle of joy. He was really upset the first time we took Donaven to school he just cried and didn't know what to do without his best buddy home to play with. It took him a little bit but he finally likes his mommy time. He can play with his brother toys without getting in trouble lol. We have moved Oren into a big bed months ago and now we have placed him in Donaven room. That has been a challenge because he only wants to play. So we are working on it. Then we hope to start potty training him in the next couple of months. We have gotten a little interest but not enough to go full force yet. He loves to play and rough house with everyone and anybody. He is starting to get imagination just like his brother and he had sound effects which just makes it a ton better. 


Travis is still working hard as an Assistant Home Relief at Fred Meyer and going to school as well. So he keeps busy as well as trying to take care of me and the boys.  I am lucky to have such an amazing husband that allows me to stay home and take care of the boys and our house.

Our exciting news which most people know but we are expecting our 3rd baby and it’s a GIRL. We are so excited cannot even stand it.  Donaven wasn't excited the first time we told him and told me to take it back because he wanted an older brother.  Well with time he has come to love the idea of a little sister. He loves to talk to her and give her hugs and kisses everyday which just melts my heart. He will even pray that she grows strong in mommy tummy. It is seriously the cutest thing. Oren still doesn't understand completely like Donaven but he knows mommy has a baby in her tummy. We are in the process of setting up her room. I am due June 9th but since I have c-sections I will most likely have her June 2. So we are looking at 12 weeks away. Crazy! She has a very special name and which is Melanie LeeAnna Baker. Funny story about her name we have had a hard time with coming up with a a girl name that we both like but we have boys names ready to go. One night I was sleeping and I woke up from my sleep and I heard that Melanie LeeAnna will be her name. At this point we did not know she was a girl so I told Travis that was going to be her name if this baby was a girl. She is named after Travis sister who passed away this January from cancer. We love her and miss her every day. We wanted to have her with us and what better way to honor her than to use her name. He middle name is after Travis dad because his first name is Lee and Anna is after my sister JoAnna. She is very special little girl. We are all excited to meet her and spoil her.

As for me the pregnancy has gone just like my other ones. I have been sick since day one and needed medication to help me get through my days. It’s getting better now as I do not have to take it every day just as long as I keep it low key until like 9am. Doctor says everything is looking good and so far my blood pressure is fine so we are crossing our fingers. I am going to school but the exciting thing is that it is my last semester. I graduate in May YAY!!!!! So it has been a little stressful on me as I am taking three classes on top of everything else that goes on in my life. So we are a little busy.

Picture time!!!!

So we just went on two vacations and I wanted to share some photos from them. So I will talk for a little about each trip but mostly I am going to use pictures to tell about our wonderful adventures. Going to warn you there will be A LOT of pictures so have fun sorry it will be long but promise you will enjoy these pictures.

So first one we left right after my last final and headed on our long journey to St. George just the boys and I. I know 12 hour drive just by myself I just may go insane so I broke it up and it took us three day to get there. Our first stop was at Chubbuck to see the Baker family. Which was a blast then we stole Kim and Mel and took them to Salt Lake with us. We meet up with Heather and went to lunch and then we surprised to boys and took them to the ZOO. Which was awesome and the boys loved every minute of it.  Oren just watched out for anything that resembled a bird and then ran over to it growling lol. Then we went back and got settle in for bed. But my night did not go as plan. I was up all hours of the night with Oren and then when we went to go leave he tripped and feel and cut his lip. So it was a long trip for everyone. But the boys did awesome. We finally got there and the boys were so excited to Grandma Great and have fun. We also were able to spend quality time with my brother and his family as well. Then towards the end of the week the rest of the gang showed up, Grandma Grandma, Papa, Jo, Neilsen, Traci, Nat, Jami got there so Grandma Great had a house full. The special occasion was that my cousin Kason was getting married. So happy for them. The started the drive home again alone. But this time I just went straight to Chubbuck to the Bakers and then the next day went home. Very event full and very exhausted.

 Playing Duck Duck goose

 Oren outfit ruined so we found a shirt and it fit perfect because it said faith, trust, Pixie Dust and if you know my boys we are all about Peter Pan and Hook so it was perfect. :)

 Our good lunch and huge Ice Cream

 Super excited for the Zoo but it was a little cold.

 Super excited that we were able to go with his aunts.

 Doing the Carousel. We rode this about 5 times and the boys loved it. What was funny was we were at the bird show and when we came out Donaven saw this and asked his aunt Heboo if he could ride and it and she said well you need money and he dug into his pocket and pulled out all the change that Kimmy had give him and said I have money and well could help but buy him some tickets. He is just too cute for words.

 Need I say anything.

 Donaven and his NoNo.

 Looking at birds. Very happy

 He ran from me and sat on the steps and said mommy take my picture and look how it turned out. AMAZING. So adorable. But then he started going to every step and trying to do it again because he got everyone's attention and liked that.

 At the St. George Splash pad. They loved this.

 Trying to get them to go in the middle. Was a little hard but we got him to do it twice once we just threw him in and then other time be said we would get him ice cream if he did. Of course I didn't have my camera ready lol.

 Right next to the Splash pad was another Carousel :)

 Then we got to go to Aunt Loni and see all of her animals. We even say a new born calf. Which was born while we were around the corner.

 Yumm Ice Cream

 These three did so well together for a full week. They laughed, screamed, and loved each other.

  Uncle Jon trying to stay cool :)

Then we came home for 2 weeks and then we headed back to St. George to drop Grandma Great and Grandma off. Stayed there for a day and then left for next vacation to Prescott Arizona to go see the Jefferies. Super excited its been a while since we have seen them. So thankful for them and letting us stay with them and feeding us and showing us a fun time. We were there for a week and it was a blast.

 movie time but more importantly quite time for us.

                       

 Then Savannah wanted to give Donaven a hair cut. So adorable. She went got the towels wet and did everything she thought she needed to do lol. he was a good sport and just sat there and let her do what she wanted.

 Playing on the Computer

 Getting ready to go out side and use the squirter's  and they were very excited.

 They are so cute together. I hope they will stay close friends as they grow up.

 Savannah didn't realize how fast Donaven could get water and squirt at her. lol it was funny to watch and Jillian tried to tell her to hurry and get water and get him

 Love these kids.

 This was their favorite thing to do. Get everything they could carry and put in the play pin and then get in and just chill. All I can say is Good luck Jililan with your new baby girl and I hope and pray they wont try this :)

 Snack time. Towards the end of the week the blue chair because the hot spot. They fought over it all the time and could cry when they didn't get it. One time Donaven didn't eat lunch with them because he couldn't sit in the blue chair. So funny. (he also had issues with girl items and he would remind everyone remember I'm not a girl. Savanna made him a picture of a butterfly and cut it out and Donaven about potted a cork. He couldn't believe that she could tear the paper and then give it to him. So she started getting upset because Donaven wouldn't take it and said fine I will make you a new butterfly and heart.So funny then she came back and she had drew a picture of him angry and she was sad. So cute I had to keep it.

 We made some father day plate and they loved every minute of it and the father LOVED them.

Then after our week was over we were all sad to leave we headed back to St. George to pick up Grandma and head home. Thank you so much Jillian for hosting us and putting up with the screaming, crying, and making memories that will last a life time. I sure hope its not long time we can do this again. Super excited to meet your new member of your family coming in August and hope it all goes well.

These last pictures are just from the one day in St.George and the way home. Big thanks to my mom and he support and willingness to help me and my children.

 Grandma Great has a bird feeder and well my boys were at that window all the time.

 He had so much fun at the Splash pad even though he hardly got wet.

 Then we also got the chance to visit with Great Grandma Lang.

 Then I took the boys to the temple since I didn't get around to it last time we were down. It went wonderfully. They boy sat and listen to the recording and asked me a lot of questions. I was so proud of them and how well they did. As we sat down look at Christ the lady asked if we wanted the message and I was going to say no because didn't think they would sit but Donaven said yes and he was like mommy its Jesus talking to me. It was such an amazing moment for us both. So proud of the man he is becoming and couldn't ask for a better son's. Then we went and watched a video and he was like mommy we do that and wondering why we were watching and I explained.

 Stud muffin at the splash pad.

 He wanted to go inside the temple so bad. Ever since we went to the open of the Boise Temple he thinks he can go into every temple :). I told him one day he would and he said yes I will.

 My ham.

 Grandma was so sweet and she bought present for the boys to open during the trip when they started to get restless and they loved every single one of them. This was one stop and we played on the play ground and then we had poppers. Oren realized that it was easier for him to pop them by stepping on them and Donaven just threw them. So cute.

The kings of the road!!!


Sorry for it being to long but hopefully you enjoyed! Time next time!!

Love the Baker Family