Thursday, February 18, 2010

Gwennie in Pictures











She's Here!

Our baby girl was born five weeks early on Tuesday, February 16th, at 3:47 pm. I started in labor at about 10:00, Monday night and by 2:00 in the morning I was pretty uncomfortable. We decided to go into labor and delivery to see what was going on. They tried really hard to stop my labor for the next several hours. Meanwhile the contractions were growing in intensity! By 9:30 am it was clear our little one was coming whether we liked it or not. They decided to admit me and get things going. Because I was full of "stop your labor" drugs it was a much slower process than usual. We had a little scare with the epidural, but came through it okay.

Our fifth baby was born at 3:57 pm weighing in at a surprising 6 lbs 1 oz and 18.5 inches long. She came into the world screaming. We were totally amazed by her size and more especially by how healthy she was. She passed all her tests with flying colors and is as healthy as can be. We are so grateful she is here and healthy. Heavenly Father continues to watch over and bless our family with tender mercies we see every day. As I looked into my new baby's eyes I realized that this is my purpose on the earth. To be a mom and to guide these little ones. What a privilege is is to have five human beings that call me mom.

We are naming our little girl Gwen Mathews Richards. She is named after my grandma, Gwen Mathews Richards, who will be turning 100 this year. My grandma is one of the reasons I am who I am and she is a very important part of my life. This is the best way I could think of to honor her. I got to call and talk to her on the phone after Gwen was born and we had a sweet visit. She is amazing, 100 years old and asking me for delivery details and asking about each of my children. She is bright and witty and an example of faith and optimism. I just adore her. So welcome to the world baby Gwen, boy do you have some wonderful shoes to fill.

I will post pictures soon!

Monday, February 15, 2010

Pregnancy Update

35 weeks today. 3 cm dilated. Loads of contractions. Hernia. Tired of shopping, crafting and nesting. Four things fit. Kids getting very antsy. Lots of things to do-don't want to do any of them. Upside? 63 degrees and beautiful today.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

The Nursery is Done!



Now all we need is a baby!











Friday, February 12, 2010

Showered With Love

I am usually okay with living away from home, but being pregnant this time around has often found me longing for the company of my mom and my sisters. Good thing I see them often. One of the benefits of living away from family is that I have developed deep friendships with my neighbors and ward members. They are our family here in St. George.

On Wednesday night some of those friends threw me a beautiful baby shower. I felt like I shouldn't have a shower this being baby number five and all, but these lovely ladies insisted and I felt so loved. It was a wonderful event full of friends, more gourmet food than you can imagine, laughter and wonderful gifts, too many wonderful gifts. The most wonderful part of the shower? My mom showing up on my doorstep that morning as a surprise guest at the shower. Can you believe it? A four hour drive just to be with me on such a special occasion. I don't deserve her, I really don't. I am still drifting on cloud nine. It reminded me that I should try harder to make the people around me feel special too.



"Never suppress a generous thought" -Camilla Kimball

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Look What the Mailman Brought

I just got THE cutest little package in the mail. Can I just tell you how much I love getting mail? Ever since I was small I have waited with anticipation for the mailman to come. Until I got old and married that is. You know what comes in the mail when your old and married? Bad news in the form of bills. So I don't love getting the mail so much anymore, so when I picked up this package with my name on it out of our mailbox my heart started beating quicker and I could barely contain myself as I opened it (pathetic, I know). I was justified in my excitement though. Look what my darling sister-in-law sent for our little one!



Ummmmm could it be any cuter. I had to find Courtney as fast as I could to show her. A darling knitted headband with a flower. It is so tiny I cannot wait to try it on the baby. A cute little kimono shirt all jazzed up with a homemade flower and buttons, and an amazing matching burp cloth, which I don't know if I even dare use it's so cute. This little package was all handmade by the talented Michelle. Go here to see what else she is making.....AMAZING! I have always wanted to live close to Michelle so I could glean some of here crafty knowledge. I guess I will have to be satisfied to watch in awe....for now anyway. Thanks Michelle and Kimball for brightening up my day and making me run home from the mailbox!