Junie!

Last week my girl turned one.

This girl is so sweet, and we are so lucky to have her. A few things about June:

She is fun. I know she's barely walking and just starting to say a few words, but you can just tell that this girl is fun. She loves to laugh and play and does a good job playing with Everett when he's not tackling her in some way.

She is a thinker. She takes things in and is leaning so fast. Right now she says hi and waves (she especially loves to say hi to her daddy when he gets home), she says mama, dada, uh oh, book (sounds like bow/boo), boot (also sounds like bow). She loves doggies and pants when she sees them. . . and cats, and other animals too. All animals pant. . . At the mention of teeth she will stick the middle part of her tongue out and open her mouth. That's her self designated sign for "it's time to brush teeth." 

She walks.

She has tried to jump, but didn't make it off the ground.

She CLIMBS!

This girl will climb on anything. She flies up the stairs, and scoots down.

She plays hard and gets dirty.

She LOVES to be outside! Any time I go out the back door she squeals and grunts and whines because she wants to go out. She's like a little dog who wants to be let outside.

She recently developed a love of books and likes to read them on her potty chair. She is so fascinated by each turn of the page. . . it is pretty adorable when I have her in my lap and she stares wide eyed at every picture and point and grunts. She wants to say so much and I know she is going to explode with words here soon!

We just couldn't be more in love with our little June Bug! She has been such a happy baby and shares that happiness with everyone around her. 

Splish Splash

This morning while I was cleaning up the kitchen or something, I heard Everett say, "Mom, I'm goin poops!" It had been quiet for a bit so I automatically assumed the worst. I yelled back to stop and to go to the potty chair and went out to look for him. He wasn't anywhere in sight. Turns out he went in the bathroom on his own, pushed down his undies and slid up on that seat like he'd been doing it by himself for months. 

I think that was a first.

Foot photo by Everett

After lunch we played outside. I helped Everett dump water from one bucket to the next. Of course the water didn't stay in the buckets and June was tickled about that. I think she was just glad to be outside and free to roam, even if we weren't paying much attention to her. That onsie got pretty dirty :)

June

She is three weeks old today.

She's going to be walking and talking before I know it. Everett is, but I'll leave that for another post.

For now lets just soak in this newborn-ness, which for me is a lot of work, but a lot of joy as well. Getting up every two hours during the night is not my most favorite thing in the world, but cuddling that sleeping baby might be. And then there is that smile of hers. It just lights up her face and shoots rays of happiness to my very soul!

Shannon took these pictures about a week and a half ago when she was 11 days old.

And she came!

June Delatore made her debut into this world on Tuesday, December 10.
She weighed 6 lb 6 oz and was 19.5 in long.

The short version of the story is that I started having contractions when I woke up around 8:00. We checked into the hospital at 10:43, got into a delivery room at 11:05 and she was born at 11:30. It was a beautiful miracle and we are in love with this little girl.

The LONG version of the story is this (sorry, there is no middle ground):

I had a doctor appointment on Monday the 9th. I was 39 weeks and three days along. I was dilated to three cm, but other than that there were no signs that this baby was coming. My doctor gave the water bag "a good massage" saying that sometimes that helps to get things started. I was open to that knowing that if I was still pregnant in a week we would have to schedule an induction. I really didn't want to be induced if I could help it. I just wanted to go into labor on my own and let things take their natural course. So I left hopeful that something would happen during the week.

Something did happen.

I started having contractions that very night around 11:00 or so. They were coming in light steady waves. It was quite exciting to think that this could be it, but it was late and I was tired so I went to sleep. I assume they went away because I was able to fall asleep and stay asleep.

The next morning, however they were back in slightly stronger steady waves. They were coming consistently every three minutes and only getting stronger as the morning went on. I woke up hungry and knew that if I was going to deliver a baby that day that I needed some nourishment before I got to the hospital where they wouldn't let me eat or drink. I got up and ate some pancakes while Justin took care of Everett getting him breakfast and to the potty and ready for the day (probably not an ideal time to potty train but it's the best we've got, more on that later). Justin was so great and stayed so calm and patient even though he knew we had quite a few things to do before we could get out the door. He took care of everything and just let me take care of myself. I really wanted a shower too before we left so after I ate I hopped in the shower. The warm water felt so nice and relaxing (I've always been a sucker for a nice long warm shower). I think it even helped with the contractions and I didn't want to get out. But I knew we needed to get going before things started to progress too fast, if they were going to progress at all. (I was still in denial a little bit and was second guessing weather or not I was really in labor.)

By the time we were ready to leave the house I think the contractions were strong enough that I had to stop moving and concentrate to relax through them.

Before we left I asked Justin do give me a blessing. I was feeling nervous, doubting myself an my ability to make it through this and wanted so badly for things to go smoothly.

When we got in the car I had a total melt down. Not for me this time but for Everett. I knew that we were leaving him and that when we came back things would never be the same. We would never be a family of 3 again. I didn't want him to feel like we were abandoning him and I didn't want him to think I loved him any less.

After a good cry about that (bless my dear husband for dealing with all of my emotions during this pregnancy) we got a phone call from Jamie. We had previously arranged for someone to come look at our car that we were trying to sell which was at Jamie's apartment in Salt Lake. He was there now and had some questions for us. I talked for a minute but had to give the phone to Justin who was driving and trying to find the hospital which he had never been to before. We weren't very helpful on the phone with this guy and kind of left him hanging with his offer, but can you blame us?

So we finally made it to the hospital, found a parking spot and headed in. By this time I really had to stop every few minutes and lean on Justin. I told him, "So this is what it feels like to show up at the hospital in labor." We walked to the front entrance and one of the men at the front information desk said, "I know where you're going," and pointed us in the right direction. I don't think I really had any contractions in the elevator and the people around us might not have had any idea about the miracle that was taking place. Part of me wanted to shout it out. "I'm about to have a baby here people, don't you understand how important this is!"

We signed in with the nurses at 10:43. (I remember because one of the nurses told us the time. Twice.) I got into a triage room where a nurse checked my progress. I was dilated 5-6 cm. I got into a delivery room by 11:05. (I know this because the nurse looked it up later as we looked back on the delivery.) The nurse got me hooked up to the baby monitor and got the IV set up, and that's about all there was time to do. From the time I got into the delivery room the contractions were very strong. I had to concentrate so hard to just breathe through them. One time I might have been squeezing Justin's arm a little too hard and almost drew blood. He was a trooper though and was right there with me through every one, doing his best to help me stay calm. At one point the nurse said to let her know if they started feeling like I needed to push and I said it was very close. Then I think the next contraction I was pushing.

The process just took over my body and I really had no control. I remember yelling for help and that I needed my legs up (to make way for baby) because I couldn't seem to move them very well on my own. I couldn't see what was going on but when they looked down (Justin and the nurse) the baby's head was coming. I heard someone yell for the doctor who was out in the hall (my doctor wasn't going to be able to make it in time) and meanwhile I was pushing this baby out. I don't know if it was one continuous contraction but no more than a couple of pushes and she was out. It was the greatest relief. I looked down at her and couldn't believe it. She was here! It all happened so fast and there she was! I remember saying right when I saw her miniature, purplish body, "Is she okay? Can I hold her? She is so tiny!" I don't know what I was expecting, but she just seemed extra teeny, like a baby doll. Someone placed her on my chest while they rubbed her with a towel and she was instantly pink and just so perfect. Someone checked the time: 11:30 on the dot. I was still trying to process what had just happened and I was so happy and relieved and just in awe over it all.

We snuggled for a while and then she went with daddy and the nurses to be weighed etc. When they lifted her off of me we learned that she had pooped all over me but I couldn't have cared less. I was a mess but it seriously did not phase me at all. As much as I don't love being in the hospital, there is something to be said for having people there to help clean you up.

I think the doctor got there right as she was being born and was there for the placenta and to check and see if I needed any repairs, which I didn't. Things really couldn't have gone any smoother and I was so happy with the whole delivery and of course mostly thrilled to have our little June here with us healthy and happy.

This first week has gone equally as smooth (except for some bug that Justin and I caught that had him throwing up one night and laid me up for 24 hours or so--I'll spare you the details because it is really too gross to talk about). June is eating and sleeping well, rarely cries and is just a content sweet little baby. We are all in love. It is especially cute to watch Everett with her. Whenever he sees her he starts talking in his sweetest, most loving voice. "Oh, baby June!" he'll say over and over as he reaches for her and stokes her and rubs his face on her soft fuzzy head. The boy loves to snuggle, but we've had to keep him away because he's been sick. He'll also reach for her as if to pick her up and say "Come here," in a very grown up, big brother sort of way.

Countdown

Together for a day (and a half)!
-photo by Shannon, of course-

02 days until my next doctor appointment (they are every week after that)
04 days until we get to see Justin again.
17 days until Thanksgiving
25 days until Justin takes a four week break from rotations
32 days until Baby June's estimated delivery day
44 days until Christmas
56 days until Everett's 2nd birthday

Exciting times ahead. . .

Coloring

Everett is such a sweet boy.

I am pretty lucky to be his mother.

I tried to soak it all in tonight as he smiled and talked and gave kisses randomly while we listened to lullabies before bed.

I love how he feels the need to kiss "Baby June" (sounds kind of like "Baby Dune") every now and then, and figures out a way to get his mouth to my belly. It's pretty cute.

He seems to be growing more and more aware and mindful of Baby June as my belly grows. "Baby June growin," he'll say.

After dinner tonight I took him straight to the bath before wiping up his hands. As I put him down, one of his messy hands met my belly. He immediately noticed the mess on my shirt and said "I color Baby June!"

If those greasy quesadilla and avocado hands stain my shirt, so be it.

Update from Michigan

Everett and I have been visiting Justin for the past 2 weeks in Michigan. We will stay another two weeks when Justin has to head to a different rotation site and we have to head home to Henderson. It has been so nice to be with him. We miss him so much when he is away!

We only have one car out here so Everett and Baby June and I have been doing a lot of walking. We walk to the park, to the grocery store, or to the Hospital to visit Daddy for lunch. Luckily these places are all pretty close. We did venture to target one day which might have been a bit ambitious for us, but we still made it home safe and sound and in time for Everett's nap.

Everett is just growing up before my eyes and I can't believe it. He is talking a LOT and surprises me every day with the new things he can say. Today, for example, Justin was cooking our traditional Sunday pasta on the stove and Everett was down below wanting to get in on the action so he said "I'n tee goin on."(Translation: I want to see what's going on.) It was the cutest thing. He just picked that up from Justin I think who will often say something like that when he picks Everett up for a better view. Then he said it again when I was looking at my phone and he wanted to see too. I was dying. My little boy is speaking in sentences. How can this be?! It was just the other day that I was laughing at how I talk to my self all day (because he was just a baby) and now I can almost have a legitimate conversation with this little person!

Some other popular Everett phrases include:
"Watch Cars peez." or "Watch Cars minute."
"Pay a game peez." (referring to a game on my phone)
"Cover up."
"Daddy hold you."
"Where _______?" Insert any word like cat or plane
"Bu-bye ______!" (while waving bye-bye)
"Where ______ go?" (while making a very inquisitive face and stretching his arms way out to the side)
"Wha dat?"
"Wha doin?"
"Stoater wide" (stroller ride)
"One, two, twee, seven, nine, ten. . ."
"Baby cwyin"
"Gween one!" That's usually his response when we ask him what color something is.
"Baby June wight here" (while pointing to my belly)
"Baby growin"
"Wuv you."
"Honey Pooh Bear"
"Kisses"
"Aww better."
"Tso nice."(then he has to hug the thing he is talking about or rub it to his face)

He also knows most of the words to Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Head Shoulders Knees and Toes, and the clean up song. Sometimes he'll just start singing out of the blue to himself. I have yet to catch that on camera.

Bottom line, life is good, Everett is cute and we are a happy family!

A Buzz

Before

After

So 18 months into his bald little life, we decided it was finally time for a little buzz action. Isn't it just the cutest little haircut you've ever seen? I feel like it's already gotten a lot thicker since we did this a few weeks ago. My little boy is growing up and growing hair!

No Surprise

I told Marlee that I would bring home balloons. 

She wanted pink and purple if it was a girl, and blue and brown and green if it was a boy. Do they make brown balloons? Well, It doesn't matter, because we didn't need them. 

This baby is clearly a girl. 

I knew it from the start. . . although these last few weeks I was beginning to second guess my gut instinct. I'm so glad to know for sure. 

Were about 20 weeks away from meeting our little June!

July

Grandpa's plane

We took a trip up to Idaho Falls with Justin's Parents for some Fourth of July festivities. Justin couldn't make it, but we had fun visiting with the family for a few days. 

Grandpa making a new best friend before the fireworks

The trip was not without injury however. . . 

Everett was jumping and falling and bumping his head like crazy and managed to hit his head on the breakfast table at the hotel one day and ended up needing a couple of stitches. I guess it was bound to happen sooner or later. I love my jumping boy!

Before and after the scary stitches

In other news, our little wee one is growing and I am starting to feel his/her little kicks. We are hoping tomorrow's ultrasound will tell us if said wee one is a baby sister or a baby brother. I am dying to know.  Stay tuned.

June

Justin has been away for 9 weeks including the whole month of June. We miss him like crazy when he is gone, but we got to visit a couple of times. Other than looking forward to our time with Daddy, Everett and I stay busy swimming, playing, reading, eating, you know, regular kid things. . . just maybe a little extra swimming and water park going to beat the heat. And some days, we can't beat it, we just have to stay inside and hope we have enough food to live on. No joke.

Loving our first visit to see Dad

Quick, take a picture while we are all together

Fun boy

If we're lucky, he won't take after me in the cooking department

Bath time with Dad, love it when he's home!

Jump for Joy

Nora's two year old birthday party

1. We moved in with Shannon and Darin and the cousins.
2. We love it.
3. We're expecting a BABY in December.
4. It's gonna be a crazy year.
5. Justin is away doing rotations and we miss him like crazy.
6. These two are buds:

Eggs in a pail

We made it to the local egg hunt this year, but by the time we got there (a couple of minutes late) it was over and done. As I made my way though the crowds with Everett I heard the voices of little girls who spoke of their eggs and candy being stolen by mean boys. Really? That happens? Well, good thing we missed it,  I say. 

So instead we rounded up a few empty eggs and had Everett collect them in his little pail. Although the pictures depict his more serious moments, he really was quite giddy to be out roaming around. 

Then of course he had to dump them all out and pick them up again.

He's a fun kid. 

Boppa's House

Everett and I went to visit my parents last week while Justin was away testing. Some highlights included but were not limited to:

Pull ups and wheat

The park with cousins

More cousin fun

Fishing for goldfish

The wheat station was a hit and kept evolving until my mom built a full on wooden stand for an even bigger tub. Everett loved loved loved the pond and would have walked right on in for a swim with the fish if we didn't stop him. He also loved playing with his cousins who came down from Vegas for a couple of days. It was sad to leave after a fun week but Everett sure is glad to see his daddy again. And the good news is, we will be moving in with those great cousins at the end of next month!