Ian Turns 1 Month

Even though we have experienced these monthly birthdays three other times now, I am still overwhelmed with how fast time goes.  I can not believe our baby boy turns one month old today.  

Ian, we love you so much and are thankful that God has orchestrated you to be apart of our family.   Happy 1st Month Birthday, Ian!

Typical Tuesday

If we are not hanging out with people, running errands or at the library, our typical Tuesday mornings consists of:

Elyse doing craft projects

Caleb and Kallen riding their rider toys around the house

Ian starring at his stimulating star and hanging objects

Ian's 2 Weeks

Thanks to the holidays and the kids' pediatrician only working Wednesdays and Fridays, Ian's two week doctor appointment turned into almost a four week appointment.  Anyway, I don't know what I was more happy about, that his appointment went well or that I took all four kids there on time and they behaved.  Needless to say, the appointment was a success and Ian is growing very nicely, but still our littlest peanut by far.  In fact, he is still smaller than both Elyse and Kallen were at birth :)

2 WEEK STATS:
Weight: 8 lbs, 1 oz (15%)
Length: 21.5 inches (69%)

Why "Ian"?

Remember this post? It was what I wrote three years ago when Caleb was born regarding why we choose the names we do for our children:
For the most part, people pick a name for their child for one of couple reasons, they like the name, its meaning and/or a family significance. So it was no surprise that many people have asked us, "How did you guys come up with the name, Caleb?" In fact, I can remember them asking us the same thing with Elyse, and I had the exact same response. We chose the name because of the reasons above. We love the name, they can not be shortened, for instance, Samuel to Sam, but more importantly, we love the meaning.

Elyse Irene: (Elyse) God is my oath, (Irene) peaceful
Caleb William: (Caleb) faithful & devoted to the Lord, (William) will to protect
Kallen Samuel: (Kallen) Blessed, Holy and Pure, (Samuel) God heard or Requested of God

Now onto the amazing story of how we decided on the name, Ian:
I can remember this as if it took place yesterday.  Nate and I were cleaning out the garage while the kiddos were riding their bikes.  All of a sudden Elyse rides her bike into the garage and tells us she wants to name her brother.  Instantly it made me nervous, what was she going to say?!?  She then said she wanted to name her brother, Ian.  Nate and I looked at each other with the same face, not bad, we could do Ian, it has potential.  I then tell Elyse I have to know the meaning.  I looked it up to discover Ian means, "God is gracious," perfect!  Now to top off the story, I asked Elyse how she came up with Ian since no one at church, her school or gym childcare has that name.  She responded with, "It was in my head, God just told me that is his name."  Nate and I agreed at that moment, Ian it was.  A perfect story and perfect name for our perfect fourth blessing.

Ian Matthew: (Ian) God is Gracious, (Matthew) Gift of God

-22 Without Wind-chill

Today hit -22 without wind-chill.  Therefore as you can predict we spent the entire day inside.  Nate's boss even told him he could work from home.  We have had many days of this blistery cold weather and I am so ready for spring.  Plus I believe we need to get out of our house soon or I think we may all go crazy ;) 

(Weather forecast is predicting temps in the 30's by this weekend, I would not be surprised to see people in shorts.)

 

Ian's Birth Story and Pictures

Now that the holidays as well as Nate and Caleb's birthdays are all over, life is finally getting back to normality.  Therefore, I can finally sit down and post Ian's birth story that I have been asked by many to write and honored to do so. 

Even though I had NO control of when Ian was going to make his appearance, I was asked by Nate to wait until his work training was finished, preferred to have him come over the weekend by my mom and most importantly, not to arrive on Caleb's 3rd birthday.  On top of all that pressure ;)  the week before I went into labor I was already dilated to a four, 90% effaced and a +2 (+4 is crowning), so I was going to come fast!  My mom was up by noon on that Friday and Nate's training was now complete so both of them stated I could go into labor right then.  Well the rest of Friday and Saturday came and went.  That night, Nate and I went to bed at 10:45 PM knowing the next day was our only hope or I would have to wait two more days to avoid Caleb's birthday.  At 11:46 PM I got up to go to the bathroom, as I began walking back into bed, I informed Nate my water had just broke.  We then proceeded to call the hospital, wake my mom up who was already here (thank goodness) and headed out the door around midnight.  Contractions started in the car at about 12:10 AM.  We arrived at the hospital around 12:20 AM.  I was dilated to a six at that time without a midwife.  I asked to sit in the bathtub to sooth the contractions.  Was in there for about 20 minutes, felt Ian and was then at a ten.  Nurse said midwife was close but called the on call doctor.  I felt the need to push, instead screamed out loud, "Natalie, do not push!" (I really wanted my midwife). At that time, my midwife walks in, takes her coat off and tells me I can now push.  I pushed through one contraction and successfully had Nate catch Ian and heard the cries of our fourth beautiful blessing.  Born at 1:38 AM.  Overall, I was very blessed with having a successful and quick labor.

Below are a few pictures from Ian's birth, enjoy!

New Years Day

We spent the first day of the new year hanging out with two wonderful women, my mom and Aunt Jan.  They came up to see the kids, eat dinner and celebrate the beginning of 2014.  Overall, I can't think of a better way to kick off the year than being with family.