Mini Photo Shoots

Some pictures from a couple of mini photo shoots I did of Alexis and the boys:)

Trimming the Tree

The Sunday after Thanksgiving we started getting our Christmas decorations out. We managed to the tree up and at least partially decorated. It took me almost a week to finish getting everything up.

BIG Brothers/little sister

Giving Thanks

We are so very thankful for the sweet addition to our family. We are thankful for our family. Thankful that Tim's parents could be here to help and welcome home our beautiful little girl. Thankful that Tim's sister could spend Thanksgiving with us this year. Thankful for my family and all of their prayers, love and support. We couldn't be more blessed. May we remember to give thanks and praise God for all of the wonderful blessings that have been bestowed upon us.

Alexis Morgan's Birth Story

Alexis Morgan 11/19/10 2:22pm
7lbs 11oz 19in

Let's back track some. When I first found out I was pregnant, I had figured my due date was November 5th (my nephew, Tyson's birthday). But in mid-June, I had my first of 3 ultrasounds which showed baby to be measuring small and giving me a new due date of November 26th. I had 2 more ultrasounds to get all of the right measurements and to see how she was growing. My doctor and I decided that with my new date being the day after Thanksgiving, we would schedule me to be induced on the 19th (my oldest brother, Mark's and my cousin, Martha's birthdays). I went in for my weekly appointment on October29th and found out that I was already dilated to 3cm. I came home and became a cleaning machine. I wanted to be sure everything was in order in case baby decided to make an early appearance. Tim and I packed our bags and tried to get a good night sleep. By Saturday morning, I didn't feel great and couldn't sleep. I had contractions a lot that day. They continued into Sunday, HALLOWEEN. The contractions were about 5 to 7 minutes apart all afternoon. I was determined to take the boys trick-or-treating. I managed to go with Tim to take the boys trick-or-treating to at least a few houses. By the time everyone was back home my contractions had gotten closer and Tim and I made the decision to go to the hospital to get checked out. I was still at 3cm but my contractions were consistently 3 to4 minutes apart. The nurse would have guessed that I would have progressed some in the time I was there, but I didn't so I was sent home.

Went back to the doctor on November 3rd and I was now 4cm dilated. My doctor was sure I would have this baby early. But no another week passed and I was at the doctor again on November 12th. Again, I was dilated to 4cm and still uncomfortable. I called Tim's parents to see if they would come in a day early (on the 16th), so that they could stay with the boys while I went to my last doctor's appointment. I made it to my last appointment on November 17th. This time I was still 4cm but I was also about 70% effaced. All was a go for my 8am induction on the Friday, November 19th.

Tim and I got up early to get ready for the hospital. I had had contractions all night and knew for sure that once induction started baby would be here quickly. My biggest fear the last weeks of this pregnancy was that my water would break and I wouldn't have time to make it to the hospital. Both boys inductions went quickly, especially once my water broke. So Tim's parents get here and the then the hospital called. Oh no, not again. You see, when Spencer was due, my induction got cancelled for the 19th of December because there was no room. I was pushed to the 21st. I couldn't believe this was happening again. I explained to the nurse that I thought I was already in labor and she said then I should come get checked out. Tim and I decided we would wait some because we didn't want to be sent home. The nurse called back about 3o minutes later to make sure we were coming in to get checked. So we packed the car and we were on our way. I was kept in a room to be monitored until about 11:30 when they finally had a labor and delivery room available for me. My nurse, Michelle, started some fluids. After 30 minutes, I received my epidural and then Dr. Harris broke my water. Pitocin was administered and then less than an hour later I was completely dilated. With 2 contractions, Alexis was born (only an hour and 7 minutes after induction fully started).


A couple of unique things with Alexis. She is A+ and I'm O+. Also, she had a complete knot in her cord. Fortunately, neither caused any complications:) Alexis is such a blessing and we are so very happy that she is here:)

Halloween Fun

The boys had fun carving Jack this year. They both even got daring enough to stick their hands in to pull out some of the pumpkin's guts. Mason's face was priceless. Definitely not his thing. Glad that baby has held off so I could enjoy this day with them. Hopefully I'll be able to enjoy tomorrow with them too:)



I wasn't sure if I would get to take the boys trick-or-treating or not. I had had contractions all afternoon. Finally 4 o'clock came around and we got the boys ready in their costumes. Spencer went as Buzz LightYear and Mason as Superman (althuogh, I think Mason wishes he would have chosen Buzz too). Tim and I took the boys to a few houses on our street and then I headed home to pass out our candy. I was continuing to have contractions the whole time and they were getting closer together. We had A LOT of trick-or-treaters and managed to get rid of all of the candy in our bowl. The boys continued on trick-or-treating with Mason's buddy from kindergarten and Tim and then came home with A LOT of candy. I took the boys back out so they could go see Sara and Elsie. When we got home, we made the decision to go to the hospital to get checked out. Sara kept the boys. To be continued.......

Pumpkin Patch

What a beautiful fall Sunday morning! One of our traditions every year is to go to the pumpkin patch. For the past 5 years, we have gone to Keller's. It's just a few minutes from the house and we love what they have to offer. We enjoyed the whole morning there this year. We made a trip to the patch to pick out the perfect pumpkins, played on the cool playground sets, checked out the horses, feed the animals, rode the ponies, went through the corn maze, and went on the wagon ride. We had sooooooo much fun! This will continue to be a family tradition because it is something we all love to do.

MASON GOLDEN BIRTHDAY

Toy Story 3 came out this year and the boys and I went to see it. Needless to say, it was a BIG hit. They both LOVED the movie. Mason asked for everything Toy Story for his birthday. He got a lot of fun stuff. He got a big Buzz that talks, Toy Story Legos (from Nana and Grandpa, Lee and Elsie, and Mommy and Daddy), Toy Story chain reaction sets, and Toy Story movies 1 and 2 (from Grandma and Grandpa).



The Sunday after Mason's birthday, he invited his best buddies over to play/celebrate with him. Taylor and Mason are best buddies from their preschool days at Apple Tree and Jordan is Mason's best buddy from kindergarten this year. Pretty ironic, but Taylor and Jordan knew each other from baseball this past spring. It worked out perfectly and the three boys got along great. I am so very happy that Mason has found such nice boys (and I have found such nice moms) to be friends with.

Mason's 1st Day of Kindergarten

I really can't believe that our first born was put on a bus today and sent off to kindergarten. He was really excited for this day. ******Excited to ride the bus, excited to make new friends, excited that his teacher is going to have a baby girl right before us, and excited to be at the big school with a cool gymnasium and library. Mason is truly a sweet sweet boy. Both Tim and I are so very proud of him and feel so very blessed to be his parents. I didn't cry at all when he got on the bus, but when going through the pictures to post and writing this out, I'm a bit teary-eyed. The house is sooooo quiet (although, that will all change in just a few months:) Spencer was sad that Mason was gone. He is napping now but can't wait to get his big brother off the bus this afternoon. I truly feel very blessed. I can't wait to hear all about Mason's 1st Day of Kindergarten:) Enjoy the pictures of my cutie:)