You Know You're Tired When...

Moments ago I peered from the kitchen to see sweet Ava's face resting peacefully on the arm of the couch.  She had definitely been tired so I wasn't surprised to see that she'd fallen asleep.  I was surprised when I walked in to the living room and saw that she had fallen asleep standing up!  She was so wiped out that she even stayed alseep while I picked her up and laid her on the couch.  Clearly our decision to have the girls share a room will have to be re-examined. :)

Little Lizard

This video totally captures Emmett's happy little disposition.  It also accurately depicts  how active this boy is with the sleeping being the only time I can find him still.  He also constantly sticks his tongue out like he's tasting the air.  It cracks me up.  Oh how I love my wiggly, little lizard!

Fancy Nancy

Ava is 100% Fancy and we love her for it.  She had some money to spend from Christmas and once she spotted this Fancy Nancy get-up in Target, she was in love.  Have you ever seen a cuter Fancy Nancy?

I particularly love that she had to wear her outfit even when she was riding her bike because really, every activity requires a little fanciness!  Ava never leaves the house without a little bling and a purse of some sort.  She loves to fill her bag with all sorts of treasures that have nothing in common except that they caught her eye.  Just another thing I love about her (except when I'm in a rush and waiting for her to fill her purse)!

Snow Day

As much as I wished the snow day had arrived on December 25th, we were thrilled when the snow began to fall on March 1st!  It snowed and snowed and snowed (at least by Atlanta's standards) and by then end of it all we had al least 3 inches of snow!   You can tell that we don't get much snow by the colorful outfits my kids are sporting.  We had to bust out our ski clothes (unused for the past 2 seasons) plus random winter coasts and piece together some semblance of snow clothes. It was hilarious!  The kids braved the cold for hours while the parents took shifts of 10 minutes at a time to enjoy the weather.  Here are my little bunnies (with a neighbor) making a snowbunny of their own!  

There was certainly ample snow for Kate to make a snowman of her own.  

To have a snowball fight.

To make snow angels and of course sled down our rockin' hill. 

 

It was such fun to hear the kids squeal with delight as they bounced around in the yard.  They were lucky enough to have the fun continue into Monday when school was canceled.  Yes, where we live they actually cancel school if there is a threat of bad weather so I was not surprised to wake up and find that although it had stopped snowing late Sunday evening, school was canceled on Monday.  So, we've had our snow fix for the year and in 2 days were are going to have temps in the 70's.  I love Atlanta!

Dallas Trip

When I realized that the kids had both the Friday before and Monday after President's Day off, I knew that I had to take advantage of that opportunity.  So, when I got a Travelocity update for $150 tickets to Dallas, it was a done deal. Kate, Emmett and I went to visit some of our favorite people, The Hatch Family, and Jackson stayed behind with Jason because he'd committed to a soccer tournament that weekend.  I was waffling about what I should do with Ava but in the end decided that I didn't want Jackson to feel bad about being the only one left behind, so she stayed.  Big mistake.  The day I was packing and Ava realized that she wasn't coming, she cried hard for over an hour - not a temper tantrum kind of crying but a real heartbroken one.  Through the tears she kept saying, "But I'm a good girl".  That about killed me and I had to tell her over and over again that she wasn't being punished and that she was going to have fun with Daddy.  Gratefully, she tired herself out and fell asleep on the car ride to the airport so there wasn't another tearful good-bye.

From the time we arrived in Dallas, Kate and Abby were attached at the hip.  They had the absolute best time together just hanging around and being silly together.  I just know that those two girls are going to be best friends forever. 

Sarah fell completely in love with Emmett and was the perfect helper the entire weekend.  She is going to be the BEST babysitter ever!

We were lucky to eat at Joe T. Garcia's, a famous Dallas Mexican restaurant.  The fajitas were yum, yum, yummy!

Valentine's Day was super fun thanks to Anne and her uncanny ability to think of the perfect thing for everyone.  The

 kids all got giftcards to Target and we spent a really fun afternoon with them while they shopped to their hearts content.

It is wonderful to spend time with friends that no matter what you do it is fun.  The kids all just hung out and played in yard for hours on end, creating a "Cool Kids Clubhouse" and making contraptions like this one.  What in the world?  Well, at least they had fun and so did I!  We already miss the Hatches like crazy.  Can't wait for the next trip. 

Emmett's Blessing - February 8th

I am woefully behind on my blogging.  After looking back at the 2007 blogging book I really appreciated the memories that I had recorded.  So, this year I may not always be spot on with my blogging but I am going to document those important events in our lives.  This is after all, the best journal I've ever kept.

Emmett was blessed on February 8th in the Brockett Ward.  It was a special day for many reasons not the least of which was that he shared his blessing day with my Mom's birthday.  The weekend was a total whirlwind of fun and family with both sets of grandparents making the trip out to Atlanta. My Dad arrived on Friday early morning and we were able to catch up and visit. Ava took him out to her favorite "hot lunch"  spot, The Grove.  Shortly thereafter, Mom and Dad Hansen and Mom Anderson arrived on the scene. 

Saturday morning the guys went to "Flapjacks and a Flick" at the local movie theater where they watched the Pink Panther 2 and ate pancakes to their hearts content.  The ladies headed over to the nail salon for a mani/pedi together. 

This was Ava's first experience at the nail salon 

and although she had a hard time sitting still, I think that she really loved every minute of it.

Kate, on the other hand, is a seasoned veteran and knew exactly what colors she wanted.  Purple for the fingers and pink for the toes!  Being the kill joy that I am, I suggested that she reverse the two in light of church the next day and she reluctantly agreed.

Sunday was a wonderful day - hectic and harried  but wonderful!  Jason had to leave early for a bishopric (church) meeting so I had to rally the troops alone.  I had the bright idea to get some pictures before the blessing which made us 5 minutes late for church.  Classic.  I do love this picture of the 4 kids though.

We made it though and Jason gave Emmett a wonderful blessing.  We were thrilled to find that one of Jason's childhood best friends, Garin Hess, was in town and came to our ward for church.  It was wonderful that he was able to take part in the blessing. 

Here are a couple of my favorite pictures of the little man in his raw silk blessing gown (or dress as Gramma Hansen calls it).  

This is Emmett just before church began.  Fed, content and happy.  He slept for the entire 3 hours of church.  

Of course, he woke up as we were getting into the car and decided that he was indeed hungry.  Look at that bottom lip!

PC or not?

Three times now I have had people tell me that Emmett has "chinky" eyes!  Yes...they all said "chinky".  Seriously now, who says things like that.  I am not in the least bit offended or shocked that they think his eyes are slanted but because they each used a term I have always believed to be a slur.  I am wondering if I am mistaken about this though because one of the people that made the comment was actually an Asian girl in her early 20's.  Even if it isn't a slur, I honestly can't imagine myself ever using the word.  But just for the sake of argument, does anybody know the answer?  

As a funny aside, this weekend one person gently asked in a round about way "what my heritage was".  My reply, "Scandinavian and German".  Their reply, "Hmmmm.  Nothing else?  Really?"  It made me laugh and hey, at least they were polite. 

All Smiles

As previously posted, Emmett has found his voice and is easy to smile.  He reminds us a lot of Jackson at this age in that his arms and legs are always moving.  Apparently he's got places to go. 

The smiles come toward the end of the clip so hang in there.  Enjoy the cuteness Grandma and Gramma!

Blogging Book

Grandma Hansen won the favorite Christmas gift award, when she made a book out of my blogging from 2007.  The tears flowed as I looked back over that year and all that we went through as a family.  The book is something that I'll treasure forever.

I was so happy with the book that I wanted to create a book for 2008 and one of Kate's blog too.  I was so disappointed when I went to Blurb's site and found that they no longer had access to Blogger's accounts though.  For those of you that don't know, you can literally download your entire blog to Blurb and then you simply arrange the text and pictures to your liking.  Well, good news!  Blurb again has access to blogger so you can easily create your own book.  Blurb is very user friendly and easy to navigate so check it out if you are interested.

Growing Like a Weed

Emmett had his 2 month doctor appointment yesterday and he's definitely been doing his share of growing. He is in the 50th percentile for each area of growth. These are the stats:

Weight - 11 pounds 4.5 ounces

Length - 22 3/4 inches

Head circumference - 15 5/8 inches

Emmett began smiling 2 weeks ago, cooing and trying to "talk" back when we talk to him. I am amazed at how his gummy little smile melts my heart. The whole family is gettting a kick out his increased responsiveness and the kids try so hard to get those smiles. Emmett also began sleeping in his crib and wakes twice at night for feedings (can I get a whoot-whoot?). In other news, he is in 3-6 month clothing, loves car rides and is fascinated by his crib mobile.

Two months have flown by and we continue to feel so blessed to have Emmett as a part of our family.

PS-Emmett is wearing his blessing gown in the picture in case you were wondering what I was doing to my child by dressing his "like a girl". Fret not, he is normally dressed appropriately, this was the only smiling picture that I have right now.

Sagamore Math Tournament

Can you think of a better way to spend your Saturday morning than sweating it out with math problems galore! I'm quite sure that I wouldn't have chosen that path when I was 9 years old but I'm certainly not Jackson. He has been looking forward to the annual Sagamore Hills math tournament for weeks and even passed on a Dynamo swim meet to be able to attend.

Gratefully, he was rewarded by making it into the top 25 finishers and competing in the finals round. We sure were proud of our little math whiz...He must get it from Jason!

1 Month Visit

Emmett had his big 1 month visit on Monday, the 12th and he is growing like a weed! Here are the stats:

Height - 21 3/4 in

Weight - 9 pounds 13 ounces

Head Circumference - 14

So, in the last 3 weeks he has gained 2 and 1/2 pounds and grown so much that his newborn outfits don't fit him anymore. Sigh... (At least he's still smaller than Jackson was at birth.) During these first 4 months they change so quickly and I'm really trying to slow down and enjoy it all. Even those late nights wakings aren't nearly as difficult as they were with the other kids. While Emmett hasn't proven to be my "easiest" baby, I think that I am really enjoying this stage more than ever before!

Insurance

I just got a letter from Viacord, a cord blood banking center, telling me that Emmett's cord blood harvest was successful. They need to have at least 100 million nucleated cells for a transplantation and they counted 881 million in the 121 ml collected - putting us in the clear. Now, while we are not planning on EVER having to use this, I know that like all insurance policies, just having the plan will ensure Kate's cure without relapse.
I have to put a plug in for Viacord who has put together a program called Sibling Connection. Any parent with a child on active treatment is eligible for free harvesting and storing of the new siblings cord blood for 5 years. What a wonderful thing to do for families with a child with cancer! Thanks Viacord!

Merry Christmas!!!

I hope that today everyone found a bit of joy as you celebrated Christmas. We have had a great time together with relatively few squabbles even. :) Jason's parents are visiting and we are having a great time with them. I am pretty sure that my kids are wearing them out but they don't let on and in fact, seem to keep up quite well.
Last night we had an unintentionally, hiliarious Christmas Eve. The kids and I spent a long time making sugar cookies for Santa. By the time we were finished it was late but we'd promised to reinact the Nativity story. So, we busted out the felt puppets that I'd made back in Ann Arbor and went to town (no pun intended). During the course of the next 1/2 hour, Ava stepped in Santa's plate of cookies, Jackson knocked off one of Baby Jesus' eyes, Kate and Ava were crying and by 9:45pm we were begging the kids to go to sleep! Mom Hansen said that it was so typical of family gatherings that she was having a hard time not laughing. In truth, it was very funny and definitely the stuff that memories are made of.
I hope that fond memories have been made for you and yours this holiday season! Merry Christmas!

12 YEARS!

Yesterday Jason and I celebrated our 12th anniversary. (I use the word celebrate loosely, as it was a Sunday and we have a 10 day old infant). Nevertheless, it was a great day to remember how truly, madly, in love we were and how good we have still have it!
I love you Jason!

1 Week Old

I'm not sure if it is because Emmett is my last baby but I am so loving every minute with him! I am somewhat hesitant to gush on and on about him, for fear that I'll jinx what we've got going on, but I can't help myself. Emmett has the sweetest, most calm and pleasant demeanor I could have hoped for. He is also proving to be a farily decent sleeper going 5-6 hours at a stretch. People have said, and I have found it to be true, that having a baby at this time of year is wondeful. The season is already such a happy time that it only seems natural to add more joy with a newborn!
Having a baby also teaches many important life lessons. Here are a few "lessons learned" in the last 7 days.

1) There are few things that melt a heart like a smile from a sleeping baby. If we could all be content with so little.

2) There is nothing like a Gramma to delight and bring joy to your children. (Not to mention bringing joy to Jason and I in the form of - dinner, clean laundry, entertaining the siblings and chauffering a healing Mommy.)

3) It isn't wise to try on your pre-maternity jeans 6 days after delivering. Just don't do it.

4) It is wise to stay in the hospital for as long as they allow if you have children at home. By the time I went home, I was in a much better place, mentally and physically by staying that extra day.

5) It is true that your heart does grow with each new addition to the family. There is more love to share when you thought it impossible to love any other children more than those you already have.

6) Going to sleep on your back is a wonderful way to sleep! I have missed it so.

Deliciousness

I was given the option of staying in the hospital until tomorrow or going home today. Maybe it's because I have another 3 children at home but for the first time I opted to stay in the hospital another day. So far I've watched two movies, snuggled endlessly with Emmett and updated his baby book. It has been heavenly.

Since I have a few minutes, I am posting a couple of yummy pictures for your viewing pleasure. I am determined to hold this little guy as much as I can, for as long as I can because I know that this time will be over all too soon.

The sunken-in chin cracks me up. I remember Jason and I both looking at each other when Jackson was born and each asking if the other thought the chin was normal for a newborn.

Oh I love those binky pictures! He is such sweet little snuggler, I can't stand it!

Here he is in his going home outfit, testing out the carseat. Too bad you can't see just how adorable this kimono wrap is.

EMMETT ANDERSON HANSEN

I have found that whenever I ask (or don't ask) for peoples' opinions regarding our baby name choices, there are strong feelings. Some of you preferred our other names but in the end, Jason truly loved Emmett, and I came to appreciate that he really connected with that name.

So there is no going back now, our 4th child is Emmett Anderson Hansen. I would ask a favor though. Perhaps you can reference this in the future and remind Jason that I don't always get my way!

The Story...in it's unedited, non-Reader's Digest version!

On December 10th we posed as a family of 5 for the last time. This is a tradition of ours and the pictures have been fun to look back each time we welcomed a new addition to the family. Can you tell how excited the kids were to meet their brother?

Another tradition of ours is taking the final pregnancy picture by the crib just before departing for the hospital. This shot was taken at 4:30 am on December 11th, which explains why I was having a difficult time coming up with a genuine smile!

This smile was all real though because by 5:45 am I was all hooked up and awaiting the anesthesiologist. The epidural was interesting this time for sure. Although it was a relatively easy insertion, the first epidural only numbed from my toes to the top of my thighs. Totally counter intuitive I know, but the doctor said that it happens sometimes. To try and fix the situation they first gave me a second dose of anesthetic through the epidural. This suceeded in furthering numbing my toes and climbed only a little higher to the bottom of my pelivs which was definitely not high enough for surgery! In the end, they had to take the epidural out and replace it with a new one ,in a higher position. That time it worked like a charm and we were off to the OR.

At 7:44am Chase arrived into this world with a healthy set of lungs. Jason was even able to video tape his entrance, which was very exciting as we'd been told that by friends that they no longer allowed the videotaping of deliveries. Emmett weighed in at exactly my predicted weight of 7lbs 6oz and handily winning the bet to Jason's predicted weight of 8lb 12oz and the OB's guess of 7lb 12oz.

Here we are in our first family photo, blissfully happy together! So far Drew has proven to be neither like Jason or myself but seems to take after Mary Poppins -as he's practically perfect in every way! He took to nursing like a champion, is sleeping 4 hours at a stretch and has even declared his love for the binky!

We think that he has continued with the Hansen tradition of looking exactly like his siblings too. Sometimes I see more of one child or the other but you can easily tell which family he belongs to.

Jackson and Kate did amazingly well at school toughing out the long day until they could finally meet their little brother. Chase is one super lucky boy to have so many people that already love him.

Ava did great with our friend, Angela, today. She slept tuntil 8:30 am, helped stamp Angela's Christmas cards and was spoiled with a "hot lunch" at our favorite lunch spot, The Grove. Even with all of her fun times, she was beyond excited to meet her brother, Quinn.

Here we are, now as a family of 6. Mom is looking a lot more tired/drugged but is unequivocally ecstatic!

It's Baby Time

In 11 hours we'll be at the hospital being prepped for c-section #4! On Monday, my OB's father died. We got a call from his office saying that we'd have to have a different doctor perform the surgery and that they'd had to change my c-section time from 11am to 7am to accomdate his schedule. That translated into us having to leave for the hospital at 4:30am in order to be prepped and ready for surgery. It made me pretty nervous at first because plans had been made for the kids and everything had to be revamped but I am so grateful to good friends for stepping in and even coming to the house at 4:30am! I also had a phone conference with the new doctor and feel a lot more comfortable with him too.
Everyone in our family is ecstatic and jittery as we prepare to meet our newest addition. You can almost feel the electricity in the air. In an effort to focus some of the excitement, the kids are making cards for him right now. Now I just have to pack my bag and try to get some sleep (not likely).
Next post, cute pictures of our little man!