Our Growing Boy!

Last week Luke turned two months old. It is going by too fast. His eyes follow you around now and he is smiling and laughing a lot more. He knows when Dallin or Jillian are talking to him, so he smiles at them. He likes that. And they think that's pretty awesome. He loves his bath especially when I take him out of the bath seat and lay him in the water to float!

At his two month check up the doctor said he looks good and healthy! They actually wanted to give him 7 different vaccines. One by mouth and 3 in the legs. But one of them was a combination shot of 3 different viruses. You would have to be crazy to think that I'm going to allow you to inject 7 different live viruses into my 8 week old baby!!! Why do they want so many done at once. They have five years to get these vaccines done before school but they want to force them into two years! It's crazy. So Luke got one vaccine in each leg. He will go back next month to get the other big combination. I only do that one by itself. Anyways here's how he has grown:

Birth day: Weight 9 lbs 2 oz, Length 20 in., Head 14 1/4 10 Days: Weight 10 lbs, Length 22 1/4 in., Head 14 1/2 2 Months: Weight 14 lbs 12 oz, Length 25 1/4 Head 15 3/4

He is in the 95% for weight and height!

FYI for future mom's: If your baby has cradle cap, I have found the best solution to moisturize it! I remember I did this for Dallin when he was a baby and it worked and it has worked on Luke as well. Luke had it so bad I wish I would have taken a before picture. All you have to do is rub olive oil into the scalp and rinse!

12 Days of Christmas

I recieved the following in an email, thought it was interesting!

There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled me. What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas? This week, I found out. From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.

-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.

-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.-

-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.

-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.

-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.

-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.

-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now I know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol...so pass it on if you wish.' Merry Christmas Everyone

Luke's Pictures at Six Weeks Old

This picture of Luke is my favorite. He looks like he is the King or a Sumo wrestler! He was so relaxed during the session. And we did get a couple of smiles out of him!

Luke smiling in his blessing outfit that he will hopefully still fit in when we bless him soon.

Luke blowing bubbles! Which he does a lot but it better than a drool!

Luke just lounging out in his fancy suit!

2009 Santa Pictures

This is a first for all my children. Dallin and Jillian have never wanted to have their picture taken with Santa, but this year Dallin's school was having a fundraiser. It was only $2 to have a picture taken...a lot cheaper than the mall! They were not that happy about it but they did it. I didn't even have to force them. Dallin did get to tell Santa that he wants a scooter for Chirstmas, so he was happy about that.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Firsts for Luke

Luke's first bath in the tub was fun. He seemed to like until I started washing his hair. But I think he loves having the water around him and when I pour it on his body. He's gained a lot of weight in four weeks(he is up to 15 lbs) as this picture shows off his husky physique.

This is Luke's first Sunday at church. When I got him dressed he was so smiley and happy!!! And when we were in Sacrament meeting he again was so smiley. Like he was so happy to be in a House of the Lord. But everyone at church agrees that he is so serious looking.

Our Babies!

I thought they all looked alike until I looked at these pictures. I still think Dallin looks like Dean, but as far as Jillian and Luke...I'm not sure!?!

Pictures with Nana

While my mom was here we had some pictures made of her and the kids! I think they turned out great!

Trunk or Treat 2009

The Trunk or Treat theme this year was "Charlie Brown" so Luke's costume was perfect even though you couldn't really see him covered up in his car seat (since it's still early to have him out and about). The kids got way to much candy but had a great time. I got bitten up by mosquitoes and was sweating to death...only in Florida!

Halloween 2009

Cleaning out our pumpkin!

Leanne the Angel

Ben 10

Tinkerbell

Charlie Brown

Dallin's Class Halloween Party

On Thursday Dallin's class had a party and dressed up in their Halloween costumes. They got to parade around to the other classes and trick or treat! Since I'm the room parent, I got to go!!! Kindergartens are so funny and cute. And they get so excited about everything and then they don't listen! Dallin thought it was the best day ever! Dallin was the only one with a homemade costume!

Luke's 1st Trip to Beach

Well, you can't come to Florida and not go to the beach, so the day before Nana left we went to the beach. Luke and I stayed under the umbrella the whole time while Nana soaked up the sun and we laughed at how funny Dallin and Jillian are playing in the water and sand. We look forward to many more trips to the beach with Luke! Luke sleeping through his 1st beach experience. Nana and the kids! Thank you, Thank you Nana for all you did!

Luke's 1st Doctors Appt.

When Luke was 10 days old, he went to the doctor for the 1st time. He weighed 10 lb and grew 2 inches. The pediatrician said that he looked like a c-section baby since he looked so perfect. Just what a mom wants to hear! He did poo all over the nurses hand when she was taking his temperature. And she wasn't wearing gloves! But I don't blame him!

10 days old

sleeping sucking his lip

being serious

being more serious

Luke's First Days at Home

The day we brought Luke home, Nana got here also. We really enjoyed having her here. I don't think Jillian even noticed Luke until after Nana left. She helped with dishes, laundry, cooking, grocery shopping and anything else we needed. It was nice to have her here when I needed to nap or shower. Now I'm scared to something will happen to him while I'm in the shower. We noticed that everyday, Luke is changing. He has started to be more alert and he is trying to use his neck to look around. He also found he can make lots of grunting noises. He definitely does not like to have a sponge bath. It wears him out from screaming the whole time. Luke seems to be very serious. He does smile, but most of the time he looks very serious. So far, he has been a great baby.

Nana and Luke!

Big Sister Jillian!

Big Brother Dallin!

Luke ready for a nap after his first sponge bath!

Luke in Hospital

This is Luke right before we left the hospital. I couldn't post any pictures that was taken right after birth because either he was naked or I wasn't covered well enough when holding and nursing him.

Rich had to work the next two days while I stayed in the hospital alone, but I really liked it. When we got home it seemed so loud in my house after being in the quiet hospital with just Luke and I.

Luke coming home!

Daddy and Luke!

Daddy and kids!

He is Here!

Luke D Stoddard was born October 12th at 9:04 p.m. in Stuart Florida. He weighed in at 9 lbs 2 oz and has brownish red hair. He is very health and has all 10 fingers and toes. He did have the cord wrapped around him several times and managed to tie a knot in the cord also. He is truly a miracle baby. I did get induced due to timing and I didn't want him to get any bigger. The midwife broke my water at 8:00 p.m. and he was born 1 hour and 4 minutes later after 3 big pushes. I am so thankful that he came fast since I didn't have any pain medication. His shoulders did get stuck so after that they had to get him out fast so I did get a 3rd degree tear but a real surgeon came a fixed me. I just can't do anything for 2 weeks, which I don't mind... no cooking, cleaning, or driving!! I love being home with my family and our new baby Luke!

Nana is here so that I don't go insane. She has been so helpful and I'm so thankful she is here for 10 days.

Dallin is being the best big brother. He said he loves Luke more than anyone! He wants to hold him all the time and he is really good at it. He has to hold him before school and as soon as he gets home. He wants me to print out a picture of the two of them so he can put it in his frame.

Jillian loves him also but she is trying to soak up all of Nana's attention while she can.

I don't have everything unpacked yet and my cord to my camera for my computer is one of the things still packed. I will post pictures as soon as I find it.

Change in Halloween Plans!

Dallin has changed his mind on what he wants to be for Halloween, which is fine by me because I haven't made his costume yet and this one will be easier!

He will be Ben 10! I think this is way more cool than a power ranger. I never liked watching that show but I do like watching Ben 10, probably because it's about aliens and I have always liked scifi. I do have Jillian and Leanne's costumes almost done. I just have to do some finishing touches, like shoes. But I still need to do baby Luke's Charlie Brown outfit.

37 weeks and 3 days!

Only 19 days to go!!

Well, my other children came late, so Luke probably will also.

I had an ultrasound done yesterday and I saw his cute little face. He already has the chubbiest cheeks!! He has hair on the back of his head and little on top! He was drinking, so I could see his little mouth moving. It was neat!

The reason I had an ultrasound done this late is because my midwives and I are trying to decide whether or not I should have a c-section or natural birth. So they wanted to see how big his is right now. He is approximately 7 lbs 1 oz. And if he gains 1/2 to 1 pound a week for the next 2 1/2 weeks he could be a 9 lb baby or more if I go late. Jillian was 8 lbs 12 oz and she did a lot of damage and we don't want that to happen again. I am terrified to have a c-section and I don't want to miss the experience of giving birth. I have an appointment on Thursday and we will talk about it more to find out what will be best for us. But I think I'm going with natural!

I'm feeling really good right now. I just can't sleep as good as I use to and my back hurts sometimes but that's not too bad. The things I hate to do right now is grocery shopping, laundry, cooking, and shaving my legs!

We are moving into Carol's house after she leaves on Friday to go on her mission. So I'm not looking forward to moving. I just want to get settled and have all the baby stuff ready. I can't believe I don't have the crib set up when I only have 19 days to go. And a creature in the attic ate my infant car seat, so I still have to get one of those. But I know everything will work out!

Also, I can't wait for my mom to get here. We are sure yet when she should come but hopefully she will be here for the birth and to cook me some good food!! :)

Carol's Mission Call!

Carol got her mission call on Saturday, September 5th! She will be serving in Los Angeles California at the Family History Support Center as a Family History Support Specialist. She is to report to the Missionary Training Center on October 5th, but she is going earlier to visit friends and family in the Salt Lake City area. We are so excited for her but I don't know what I'm going to do with out her. She will be missed so much. Here is what she will be doing on her mission!

Family History Support Family history support missionaries train and support members, family history workers, and leaders in their family history responsibilities. Family history support missionaries use the Internet to provide support to family history consultants and others with family history callings. Family history support missionaries may teach leaders the principles of administering family history programs in stakes and wards, and may help members and family history workers learn to use computer resources to do family history and provide ordinances for ancestors. These assignments require basic computer and family history skills. Experience using Church family history computer programs such as Personal Ancestral File, FamilySearch, and TempleReady is important.

Duties 1. Teach family history to priesthood leaders and assist members in preparing names for temple work. 2. Teach principles and doctrines of family history. 3. Work with the Area Presidency and local priesthood leaders. 4. Assist in finding and friendshipping investigators. 5. Help keep the Church operating properly through shadow leadership with assigned ward or branch (to the extent the main mission assignment allows). 6. Participate in district and zone conferences (to the extent the main mission assignment allows).

I couldn't find a picture of the Support Center, so I put a picture of the beautiful Los Angeles Temple!

Dallin's First Day of School!!

Dallin went to his first day of kindergarten today. He was amazing! He wasn't nervous or scared, he walked right in and sat down at his table and started coloring a picture. A much better improvement than the open house when he had a major meltdown. Last Friday was open house. We went to meet his teacher and see his new classroom and before we left he was crying so hard he could barely breathe, but he finally pulled it together and went. He loved it. So he was so excited this morning to go. Last night he asked me to wake him up extra early so he would not be late. : )

When we went got to Mema's house (she lives right by the school) to tell her about his day, he was so hyper and full of energy. I thought school was suppose to wear him out. He had two recesses and 30 minutes of P.E. and still had energy to bounce of the walls. But it has finally hit this evening and someone is a little grouchy.

After he told me everything about his first day, I asked him what his favorite part was and he said all of it!!!

Now I might not have to worry so much!

Leanne On Diving Board!

Summer Fun!

We had a great summer! We got to go to the county pool, beach, boating, library, free movies and free Chick Fila food. And Meme took us to a kids play, but I forgot my camera. The kids hardly watched any TV and spent most of their time doing creative or imaginary games! They built a few train tracks and tents and made lots of fun art projects. It was a lot easier on me keeping them busy and I am so thankful for how well they played together.

Leanne had to pass the swimming test to go off the diving boards! After a couple times of going, she got brave and started doing twists and kicks into the water.

Dallin and Jillie in the shallow end, but still having fun!

One of the many tents. I loved that they spend their time under the tent reading books!

Spider web art project. I helped them with the wires but they put on all the beads.

Web and spider.

All three of them were concentrating very hard.

Even Jillie put on her own beads!

One of the many train tracks.

The kids dress up like cows to get free Chick Fila food!!

Out on Aunt Stacey's boat! It was a perfect day on the water. We seen dolphin again but they are too fast for me to get a picture.

Jillie relaxing on the boat. She fell asleep on the way out and way in.

Here is a couple of houses on the water that I wouldn't mind having!

We had a great summer. I'm sad that it has to end and Dallin has to go to school. I'm thinking now that I want to keep him home. This is going to be harder for me than Pre-K because he was only gone for 3 hours, now he will be at school for 6 hours. I hoping to get caught up on scrap booking and of course taking care of new baby boy.

I'm so thankful that we got to go to Michigan to visit my mom and that Papa and Meme were able to come visit us this summer. Rich had a couple of weeks off also, so we got to spend time together as a family!