3 weeks

I can't believe it has already been three weeks since I had my precious baby girl. The time leading up to the deliver seems to slow down a bit, but once you have that baby it flies by. I feel like where has the time gone I was just pregnant with this little one like yesterday. Makayla has changed so much already. She lost her cord when she was one week old and that is always a sad time, because that was the last thing that reminded me of the birth. She has had a couple of baths, thrown up several times, pooped through several outfits, and loves loves loves to nurse. Makayla doesn't really like to sleep in her own bed yet but that will come, hopefully. Analyce has been such a big helper to her little brother and sister. Once I had Makayla it was like Analyce grew so much and became a big girl. She used to think that she had to lay in mommys room either on the floor or on our couch, but now she goes to bed in her own bed. Once it hits 9 o'clock I tell Analyce and Jaren that it is bed time and I go put them in bed, tuck them in and give them kisses and hugs, and they actually go to bed. Last night I heard Analyce telling Jaren "it's ok your big sister is right here so you don't need to cry." I thought WOW my little girl is no longer little she is the BIG sister, and she loves both of her siblings. Jaren has showed a little bit of jealousy towards Makayla, but he loves to hold her and give her hugs. Whenever I am holding Makayla, Jaren will come over with his hands out and in the softest most sweetest voice will say "Baby". Jaren is already the overprotective BIG brother, and I love it. As Jeremy and I layed in bed last night we both agreed that we have three of the most amazing kids. We can't believe that we actually get some time alone (from 9-10pm) just to ourselves, while our precious babies try to fall asleep. We know that this time wont last long since Makayla still has some work ahead of her to be able to go in her own bed all by herself. I feel so blessed to be able to spend everyday with the three most beautiful babies, and I never want them to grow up. I wish I could just freeze time so I would'nt ever have to let them go.

Makayla Brinkerhoff

Makayla Carol Brinkerhoff made her way into the world on September 18, 2009 at 10:24 am. I was woken up in the middle of the night at around 3 am to what I thought might be contractions. I wasn't totally sure if they were the real thing. So I layed awake in bed for about an hour timing them and they were about 7 minutes apart. Then I decided to get up and walk around to see if the contractions continued or stopped. While I was up I decided to do a couple of things like clean the toilets and pick up some toys and after about an hour I thought this could be the real thing. At that time Jeremy had woken up and was wondering why I was cleaning the bathrooms so I told him that I have been having some contractions and I just wanted to see if they went any where. Jeremy immediatly told me to call my midwife which I didn't think I really needed to yet, but he didn't want to end up without her like last time. So while Jeremy started to fill the tub up I decided to wait for a few more contractions before I gave her a call. After a few more Jeremy really insisted that I call Pam right now since she had an hour drive. So I finally called Pam at about 4:30 in the morning and she wasn't that shocked to hear from me since it was my due date. After talking to her for a little bit she then insisted on talking to Jeremy because I try to make the contractions not seem that bad even if they are. We had already decided that she would be talking to Jeremy this time because of what happened with my last labor and her not makeing it because I didn't think I was that far along. So Pam told me and Jeremy to time the contractions and watch to see if they got any worse to give her a call imedietly. At this point we had the tub filled and ready and we both tried to go back to sleep. Jeremy fell asleep easily but I don't think I did at all, because I was anxious and wondering if it was going to happen by the end of the day. So at about 6:30 Jeremy woke up and noticed that they were closer together and a little more intense and he told me to call Pam now. I said "I don't know if it is going to happen today but I will call her to see if she still wants me to come down for my appointment at 9 o'clock." Jeremy then looked at me and said "Are you serious you are gonna have this kid before 11 am," and I kinda laughed and said "I wish." I then gave Pam a call and told her that the contractions were like 5 minutes apart and a little more intense, but they weren't that bad. Pam immediatly said "Ok I am on my way." At this point I still wasn't even sure if this was gonna be the real thing. I think I let my mind play games with me and I convince myself that I am not going to do it. So as we waited for her to arrive I just walked around like nothing was going on except for every couple of minutes I would have a little pain. I even decided to do my hair and put some masscara on, because I didn't want to look like a total dork when everyone showed up. We then made phone calls to our parents and told them if thay wanted to be here for the birth then thay better head up to Prescott. By the time my midwife showed up I was still hopeing that I was far along so they didn't have to sit around and wait for too long. My contractions had gotten a little more painful but I was still able to talk through them so I thought I still had a ways to go. Pam then decided to check how far I was dialated and I was nervous to hear what the verdict was. I not only had to wait for Pam to check me but she had brought her student with her and asked if she could check me too, which I was fine with. After getting checked Pam said that my baby was really low with a bulging bag of water and that I was 7 cm. dialated. I immediatly thought yea I guess I am really gonna do this today, sometime. We then thought that neither of our moms were gonna make the birth because I was getting so close and was ready to get into the birthing tub. With my last deliver once I got into the tub my baby was out within 30 minutes. I had to wait a little longer to get into the tub then I wanted to because of my sweet little Jaren boy decided to turn the heat all the way up to max, so we had to add some cold water to it. When the temperature was just right I got in and right after that my mom showed up. It was about 10 am when I got into the tub and I think I only had maybe two intense contractions before I was ready to push. Jeremy's mom finally walked through the door around 10:20 and said "Oh good I made it." Right after that I definetly had the urge to push that baby out, and that is always my least favorite part of the whole labor. I pushed the head out at 10:23 and the rest of the body came out at 10:24 am. I sat and held my little baby for a few seconds and then someone said what is it a boy or a girl. I hadn't even cared to know because I thought for sure it was a boy, but I then felt to see what this kid was and was completly shocked when I realized it was a GIRL!! My sweet Analyce was so excited when I said it was a girl, she had the biggest smile on her face. I had a really short cord so we had to cut it immediatly because I was barely able to hold her above the water. I then made my way out of the tub and into my very own bed where I then got to hold and just look at my beautiful baby girl. Makayla was perfect with lots of dark hair (even some on her ears) and big blue eyes. She was a little thing weighing in at only 7lbs 14 oz and 19.5 in. long. I was so blessed to have everything turn out so wonderful. My labor went exactly how I wanted it too and Makayla was healthy. The Lord has truly blessed me with three beautiful children that are so healthy. I would not have wanted this labor and delivery to have happened any other way, because it was perfect. I am also really thankful for my wonderful husband who has been so supportive throughout my entire pregnancy. He is such a wonderful dad and loves each and every one of his kids. He really does so much for me after I have a baby, and just lets me sit and cuddle with my new little one. We are so happy that Makayla joined our little family, and we hope to add at least one more (in a couple of years)

My Sweet Baby

My sweet baby GIRL arrived on September 18, 2009. We were a little surprised that it was a GIRL!! I was so convinced that we were going to have another sweet boy, but we got a sweet precious girl. She was born on my due date at 10:24 am and weighing in at 7 lbs 14 oz. I was so surprised at how small she was, she has been my smallest baby yet. She has lots of dark hair and big blue eyes. Her birth went beautifully and we had NO complications and she has been wonderful ever since. We named her Makayla Carol Brinkerhoff, and when I get more time I will post some pictures and my birth story.

Just waiting!

As I wait for the big arrival of our new little one, I just cherish the last few days of just me and the two little munchkins. I can't believe that we are going from a family of four to a family of five. It still seems unreal to me, and I still have to remind myself that Yes I am pregnant and going to have a new bundle of joy soon! As me and Jeremy set up the water tub in our bedroom I kept asking myself why exactly are we doing this again. It seems just like yesterday we were setting up the water tub for Jaren's birth. Jeremy does keep reminding me that I will be having another baby any day now and I am not dreaming. I still feel that this new baby will be a boy, but Analyce is convinced that she is having a sister. Every day Analyce asks me is the baby gonna come today, and I just keep trying to explain to her that the baby will come when it wants too. She is so excited but I don't think Jaren has any idea that a new little one is gonna come and take mommy's attention away from him. I hope he wont get to jealous and I hope I can make sure I still show him and Analyce all the love and attention that they deserve. Those two kids are my whole world and I love them to death. I have been trying to do extra fun things with them lately so that they know I love them, and because my time will soon be tied up into the new little one. We have been having some fun times playing super heroes, and cooking together, and going to the park, and we even went to Out of Africa. So here is just a few of my favorite pictures of my precious babies.

Dear Sweet Baby

It has been awhile since mommy has written to you, but I have been really busy with your two older siblings. Your big sister Analyce is so excited for you to get here. She originally thought you would be a little girl, but she has changed her mind. She is now convinced that you will be another little baby boy, because she wants another Jaren baby. She doesn't understand that you will be a brand new baby for her to play with. She loves to talk to you and give you hugs and kisses through mommy's tummy. She was talking to you the other day and said "Mom the baby can't hear me, because it's still in your tummy." I know you can hear her talk to you and you recognize her voice. She loves you so much and will be one of your best friends. Mommy is just as anxious for you to arrive. You are getting so big in my tummy that it is getting a little uncomfortable for mommy. I love to feel the kicks and punches from inside, but I really love to hold you in my arms. You have been really active lately and I love it. I also am really anxious to find out if you are a boy or girl. I really don't care either way as long as you are a healthy baby. Mommy is getting a little nervous for your arrival. I am hoping you will make it a little easy for me to deliver you. I am planning on having a water birth which I think will be more comfortable for you. My favorite part of the whole process is after it's all over you get put on my chest and I get to just sit there and look at you. I can just hold you and look at you for as long as I want before I have to move. I can't wait until I can look into your eyes and know that you are mine. The most amazing thing to happen to me is to realize that I made you, and you are a part of me. When you arrive you will be coming straight from Heaven and your loving Heavenly Father. You will be one of the GREATEST GIFTS of my life. I love you baby, and can't wait until that precious moment of when I get to hold you and look into your eyes and know that you are mine, FOREVER.


Love,
Mommy

My baby turns 1!

I still can't believe that 1 year ago today I was woken up at 2 in the morning to my water breaking. July 10 2008 was my due date, but I wasn't expecting to have my baby on that day. I immediately called Jeremy who was 4 hours away at work to come home asap if he wanted to be there for the birth. I then layed awake wondering and waiting about the labor that I was going to have. I decided to get up and fill the birthing tub (I delivered my baby boy at home in a tub) and then I went and hoped on the Internet. I wanted to know how long it would be before I would go into labor so I did some research. I then found out that just cause my water broke doesn't mean I will start having contractions right away. I then decided to go back to bed since I wasn't feeling anything. I didn't sleep very well because I was too excited. Jeremy finally showed up at the house around 8 am and I still hadn't had any contractions. I had talked to my midwife and she said it was just a waiting game and I should expect it to happen by that evening. Well within the next hour I started to have contractions but they were very mild to begin with. I then talked to my midwife again around 9 am and told her I was in the process but didn't think I was very far along and that she didn't need to come yet. I wasn't aware at the time that I was sort of hiding the fact that I was in a lot of pain. I knew I was in pain but Jeremy noticed that I was in a lot of pain and trying to hide it while I was on the phone. Right after I got off the phone I decided to get in the tub to see if it would slow my contractions down a little bit so that my midwife would arrive in time. From what I remember it was like once I got in the tub I realized that I was in horrible pain and all of a sudden I wanted to push. I told Jeremy to hurry and call the midwife because I was ready to push this kid out and she was still an hour away. My midwife said she would call a friend of hers (who was also a midwife) that lived by us, so she could come see what was going on. Well at that time I was freaking out and so was my husband because he was not prepared to deliver our baby. Thankfully, my mother in law happened to be in the neighborhood and was at our house within the next couple of minutes. She has had 9 of her 10 kids at home so she some what new what she was doing. Right when she walked through the door she could tell that I was in transition stage and that I was wanting to push. She then informed me that my baby was crowning and told Jeremy to get back on the phone to find out where the midwife was. All I remember is I wanted that kid out so bad that I was just gonna keep pushing until it came. I am not sure exactly when the other midwife walked through the door, but it seemed like it had only been a few minutes. As she walked in the door my babies head was coming out so she hurried and put gloves on. She got there just in time because Jaren had the cord wrapped around his neck twice and when he came out he wasn't breathing very good. The midwife took care of everything and I just sat back and tried to relax. I then got to hold my new baby boy while I just sat in the water and took a deep breath. Everything happened so fast it was incredible! My little baby boy was born at 10:45 am and he was the cutest little thing. He just layed on me and starred at me with his big blue eyes. I then got in my own bed to get comfortable and to enjoy my new baby. About 10 minutes later my midwife finally showed up and was a little disappointed she had missed the whole thing. Overall the whole experience was beautiful and I got a beautiful baby boy out of all that pain. Analyce was a little shocked and amazed at what she had just witnessed, but super excited at the fact that this little baby was hers to keep. As I look back on that day I am so grateful that everything turned out so well, because our lives would not be the same without my little Jaren boy. He is such a joy and happy baby he just makes my life more entertaining, and fun. I want to just make a list of the funny and cute things that he does, so I can always remember this time in his life.
*Since he was little he will only sleep on his tummy
*He will only sleep in his own bed with a blanket over his face
*He loves his pacifiers
*He loves to eat (he is a bottomless pit)
*He will throw a fit and crawl out of the room crying if he doesn't get what he wants
*He has actually put himself into timeout when he gets mad
*He could walk if he wanted too but he chooses to just crawl
*He loves to get into anything and everything
*He will put anything that he can find in his mouth
*He thinks he is so cool when he gets to eat big people food
*He loves to take baths
*He loves to yell when he is mad
*He loves to follow mommy around and climb up her leg so that he can walk with me
*He loves to play with his tongue and chew his own cud
*He loves to watch cartoons with his sister
*He hates it when you try to feed him his last bit of food (he will throw a fit)
*He hates it when daddy tries to throw him in the air
*He hates it when whoever he is begging food from their food is gone
*He hates getting ear infections (I don't blame him)
*He hates it when his sister tries to make him do something he doesn't want to
*He loves to dance to any music he hears
*He likes to grind his teeth (totally nasty)
*He has 8 teeth
*He weighs 25 lbs and is 27 inches tall
*He loves to rub his eyes when he is tired
*He will let mommy or daddy put him in his bed when we think he is ready and he falls asleep

The 4th of July!

This 4th of July was a little different for us, because we didn't have any family to spend it with. Jeremy had to work during the day so me and the kids just hung out doing our usual stuff, just being goofy at home. That day we did get some unusual weather, it poured for about an hour and hailed for half of it. It was fun for me, because my little girl who thinks she is so big was really scared and just wanted to cuddle with me. The loud rain and hail put my sweet baby boy to sleep and he slept through the whole thing. After all that excitement we got ready to go to a friends house to watch the fireworks. Analyce absolutely loved the fireworks and couldn't get enough of them. Jaren also loved them and would clap whenever anyone else would. Jaren did loose interest, because he was more interested in the watermelon mommy was feeding him. This was Jaren's first firework show because last year he was still in mommys tummy. I still can't believe that my little baby boy is turning 1 is just a couple of days. We really enjoyed the firework show this year and couldn't believe how awesome it is to sit outside and not sweat the entire time. The weather in Prescott was beautiful and even a little chilly, the weather made the night even better.