She's Our Happy Anniversary Baby

It was early in the morning on our 13th anniversary. I woke up, unable to sleep and made my way to the kitchen with good intentions of starting a batch of blueberry muffins. Instead, I was distracted by the computer. At exactly 6:08 AM, I began having contractions that were uncomfortable and different from the ones I had been experiencing the days before. I began timing them and they were consistently 8 minutes apart and getting stronger. I woke Ken up, showered, got the children dressed and loaded in the van, and we were off to the hospital where Ken's dad met us to take charge of the children for the day.

I was happy to be greeted by my doctor at the check-in desk at 7:15 AM. I was checked and admitted to my room. This turned out to be my longest and most painful delivery. It wasn't until 10:20 that I was ready to push. And at 10:29, she was born. Perfect. Pink. Healthy. Beautiful.

We were surprised by her head of dark brown hair. I think we were both expecting another blond girl. She really is her own little person and doesn't look too much like any of her siblings.

Ken and I celebrated our anniversary that night with McKinley in the hospital room. He went and picked up take-out from a local mexican restaurant. Candles were not permitted in our room, and it wasn't exactly romantic, but it was a perfect way to celebrate our 13th anniversary with the best gift that we could ever have imagined.

McKinley Rose ~ Five days old

"Thanks be to God

for His indescribable gift!"

2 Corinthians 9:15

Our Little Rose Bud

Announcing:

McKinley Rose

July 20, 2009

10:29 A.M.

8 lb 14.7 oz

18.5 in.

Still Pregnant

Yes, we are past our due date and still pregnant. Friday we went to the YMCA and I walked laps around the gym, Saturday we took the children to the lake, and today after church, we had several people over for lunch. I feel good. I should be thankful. I am, but....come on Baby, we want to meet you!

Still Waiting

Today is our daughter's due date. We went for a long walk at the beach. I ate grilled jalapenos for two days in a row. I tried the English wives's tale today and ate a fresh pineapple. Still no contractions. No discomfort. I am feeling good. My husband has already begun his FMLA time off and no baby yet. Any words of wisdom or advice? Aside from drinking caster oil, I am open.

Ken walked along with the two older children while they rode their bikes and I pushed the two younger boys in the double stroller.

Will this be our last prego photo at the beach?

Waiting...

We decided that we are going to cancel the induction for tomorrow since there is no medical need for it. Our other children came naturally, so we will try to wait patiently for God's perfect timing for this child as well.

Counting Down...Continued

We started this countdown chart 95 days ago. Kennedy and Jackson have been taking turns marking the days until little sister's due date. As you can see, we are getting closer. I am scheduled to be induced on Tuesday, July 14 if our daughter doesn't come on her own before that. We will keep you updated...

Babymoon!

Ken's fantastic brother and sister-in-law watched our four children for us for a couple of days so that we could enjoy a babymoon/anniversary get-away. It was so refreshing to be alone with my hubby as we prepare for our fifth child's arrival. We stayed at the Roosevelt Hotel in the heart of downtown Seattle.

It was so nice walking around the Market without a stroller. We enjoyed coffee with a chocolate crissant, fresh raspberries, and admired the works of local artists.

The flowers at Pike Place are incredibly inexpensive and beautiful.

Meanwhile...

Our children were at home having a blast with Cousins Ava and Anders. Aunt Heidi kept them busy painting rocks for tick-tack-toe, planting corn, making bird feeders, putting on puppet shows, and tackling Uncle Dan, just to name a few of the events.

We truly appreciate the extremely generous gift that Heidi and Dan gave us. It was beyond wonderful to have time alone with my husband for a couple days, knowing that our children were in loving and capable hands. We returned refreshed and ready to be parents of five children. Now, if our daughter would just make her debut, we can find out just how much fun it is going to be!

Celebrating Michael

Micheal's adoption open house was last weekend. It was wonderful to celebrate the newest member of our family with friends and relatives.

We rented this bouncy castle for the day. It was a huge hit with the children...and some of the adults.
Ken set up the zip line for all of the children who wanted a ride.

I'm very thankful to my sister who helped set up for the celebration and clean up afterward. I can hardly put on a party with out her, especially at 38 weeks prego.

Adoption Day!

Celebrating the 4th of July

In the past I have taken the children to a local lake on the 4th. It is cram packed with food, bouncy toys, booths, games, fun and people. This year, being so close to my due date, I decided to take them the day before and avoid the crowds and chaos. Unfortunately, I left my camera at home. So imagine a beautiful photo of the children swimming in the lake....here.

We started out our morning on the 4th with Independence Day toaster waffles.

When Ken returned home from work, he put one a front yard fireworks show. Thankfully, it doesn't take too much to impress our children.

After dinner, we had red, white, and blue ice cream treats. The children were tucked snugly in bed when the sounds of the big fireworks displays began to go off. Jack and Kennedy came into my room and asked if we could go outside to watch. I'm glad they did. I was feeling like a fuddy-duddy this year. We sat on the front porch and watched the sky for about thirty minutes. We could see three different displays from where we were positioned. I enjoyed the time with my two oldest children. When we returned to the house, I had at least seven new mosquito bites but they were worth it.

Fifth Annual Extended Family Vacation

We recently returned from Hood Canal where we vacationed with Ken's family. It was so nice to spend time with his parents, brothers & sisters, and their children. All of the children especially enjoyed the time with their cousins. Kayaking with the aunties

Look what I found!

Cousins!

One more time!

Grammy and Papa with their 11 grandchildren

Aunt Heidi and Aunt Becky took some of the children to a local water park on one hot afternoon.

Fishing with Daddy is one of their favorite things to do. This year Jackson caught two fish, Harrison one, Kennedy zero, and Mikey caught a slimy clam.

Ahhhhhhh. A relaxing moment to myself.

Aunt Becky took Kennedy out in the Kayak to show her the ropes.

Smoke bombs!

Cute little corn rows for Ava

Smores by the fire

Totally zonked after several days of fun

Favorite quote of the week:

"All of the houses are in the hood. That's why it's called Hood Canal."

~ Harrison