Meeting Santa

We started the Santa festivities on Friday at the kid's school. Olivia's kindergarten class had a winter concert for their parents and Santa visited at the end. Olivia's teacher is great about letting each child had his or her moment with Santa. She doesn't rush them and she invited Ben to sit with Olivia and Santa.

We spent Christmas eve at Granny's house with Santa of course. They kids love seeing him. Olivia was worried that Santa had really found out that she had been naughty this year. She was the last one to be called to sit on his lap. She was sweating it big time, even to the point of trying to hide a few tears. Never fear Olivia, he knows all (including the fact that you are a true sweet and wonderful girl, who has her moments of being a regular kid who can find her way into trouble). Thank you Granny for always loving us and being our Granny.

Ben's first christmas and he slept through most of it with the expection of a break to eat and eat and eat.

Merry Christmas Grams and Pops!

Christmas 2008

We started our morning with stockings filled by Santa, cinnamon rolls for breakfast, and a ton of presents. I love Christmas morning. It was always such a fun time for me growing up. I love watching the kids. This year, Ben and I were up early to eat, we woke up Dad so we could get breakfast cooking, and just a few minutes later, we heard the pounding of footstep flying down the stairs followed by "Merry Christmas, Mommy and Daddy!"

We enjoyed Christmas lunch with Nana and Papa. The kids got so many presents and they were so happy. They love being with their Nana and Papa.

Jacob the Disney pirate. We had a great time with Grams, Pops, Al, and Cheri at my parents house in the evening. Dinner was delicious and as always, so was dessert.

Here we are at the end of a very busy day. I think I was lucky to have Josh with me to guide me back into the car and finally home. Merry Christmas everyone.

Who Does Ben Look Like?

We have Olivia at 2 weeks, Jacob at 3 weeks, and Ben at 2-1/2 weeks. I think he looks like Jacob.

Cute Pictures

Here are some cute pictures from the week. Ben is growing so fast.

First Bath

Benny took is first tub bath on Tuesday evening. He loved it until it was time to get out. I think we have another fish on our hands. Sorry for the shot of your man parts, Ben. It was Dad, not me.

First Christmas Tree

We went on Saturday to get our family Christmas tree. Usually, we bundle up at night and get the tree, but this year we made an afternoon trip. The kids had a great time looking for just the perfect tree. We ended up with one that is too big for our livingroom, but Josh had that starry eyed look about him and I knew I wasn't going to be able to talk him out of it. So, now we have a tree that is scrapping the ceiling, is sticking out too far into the room, and you can't see all of the couch, but everyone is happy.

Thanksgiving

I got discharged from the hospital on Thanksgiving afternoon just in time to feed Ben, get the kids ready for dinner, and off to my parent's house. It was difficult waiting in the hospital for my walking orders but it all paid off. Dinner was specatular, especially after hospital food and it was wonderful to think that Ben's first minutes at home were with family giving thanks for all we have. This year I feel especially thankful that we were given the gift of Benjamin. He is wonderful in all ways possible.

Meeting the Family

Playing with Uncle Steve and cousin Mason. Mason was jealous that Steve was holding him. Too cute. Don't worry Mason, you are still my favorite nephew. I love you! (Adrienne, did you get a picture of Ben and yourself?)

Hanging out with his Pops.

A snuggle with Grams. (Sorry, Mom, I didn't get any pictures of you and Dad with him at the hospital.)

Meeting Olivia.

Meeting Papa Joe.

Meeting Nana.

Meeting Jacob .

6 Days Old Already!

Welcome Benjamin Porter!

Here he is! 6lbs. 12 oz (or, two newborn Jakes). 20 inches long.

Jake's first snuggle with Benny

Better get used to lots of attention from your big sister!

Ballet

This is an old video of one of Olivia's dance recitals. She loves getting in her pink leotard and skirt and she dances up a storm. We are on a little break now for the holidays but will start up again in January. Olivia thinks she would like to play t-ball in the early spring so dance may disappear for awhile. I always wanted to take dance lessons, but they were so expensive. Maybe she will follow after me and become a tomboy. It may be hard not to with so many men in our family now.

BK Update

I am almost completely thinned now but we didn't check dialation today. Tomorrow will be my last day of work. The doctor said it is just a waiting game now. We will keep you all updated.

Ditto Last Week

I saw the doctor yesterday afternoon and nothing has changed. We are still on for Dec. 4 (9:30 am). I'm not dialated at all, but my cervix is starting to thin. I guess it is a start. The baby has changed to a heads down position not that it makes any difference. I am horribly uncomfortable and getting crankier by the minute. I swear people I don't even know are out to annoy me. If I get a say in any of this (which I know I don't) I would like the baby to arrive this Sunday. It would be cool for the baby to share a birthday with his uncle. Jacob's birthday is on my Grandma Peters' birthday and Olivia is just one day away from Aunt Adrienne. It would be very special if each of my kids got to share their special day with another very special person.

Status Quo

I saw the doctor yesterday and my blood pressure is back up but she said she wasn't too concerned. My doctor also told me to try to keep my feet up even at work. She obviously has never taught 10th graders. I see her again next week.

The Wonder Duo

Here they are, the Wonder Duo soon to be the Wonder Trio. We trick-or-treated back in the old neighborhood on Via Marlin between rain showers and by the time we were done going around the block both kids were yawning and ready for bed. For those of you who know old Herb from Via Marlin, his house looks so different now with the new owners who by the way gave out multiple handfuls of candy as they were trying to close up for the night. The kids really scored. Olivia thought Halloween in kindergarten was pretty cool and Jacob was Jacob. He didn't eat anything at his class party because he ate too much at lunch and didn't want to ruin trick-or-treating. Sometimes I think he is a little old man trapped in a 7 year olds body. Did I mention that Jacob is very upset that he has to be 18 years old to vote? He thinks this is totally unfair. I told him to write to his senator, but instead he has settled for going to the polls with Josh to help him fill out his ballot. Perhaps another history teacher in the making?

Small Moments

I love these small moments in life. Ones where it hasn't cost a bunch of money or time to make each other happy. First, we picked our pumpkins with extra care. Then, we waited and waited for it to be close enough to Halloween to carve them. Finally, it is the day before Halloween and we can carve them. The kids made designs, Mom and Dad cut open the top, and the squishiness began. What a sweet time in life; just enjoying each other. I feel so blessed during these small moments in life.

God is Good!

Thank goodness for the wonderful world of blood pressure medicine. My pressure is back down to a very healthy level and I have the green light to live a normal life again. BK is in a breech position, but it doesn't really matter since we are having a C-section. It does explain why my belly moves so drastically all the time. Boy, pizza sure sounds good, but I think I will try to be good and not risk anything.

BK (Baby Kearns Update)

I had a doctors appointment yesterday and we scheduled the C-section for 12/4 but of course my blood pressure is now even higher than it was 3 weeks ago. She put me on Labetalol to try and reduce my blood pressure. I tried it today and it made me tingly all over but predominantly on the top of my head. It went away by the afternoon so I'm hopeful it won't be as bad tomorrow as my body adjusts to it. She will see me again in 2 weeks and I have my fingers crossed that the medicine will do its job and I will be back in action. She has told me no more bending, stretching, or lifting so that means poor Josh is now pulling most of the load around the house. I am frantically creating lesson plans just in case I get put on bed rest. My students have been really sweet, volunteering to do my walking for me. We will see how long that lasts.
My big fear now isn't that my water will break in class, (however, that would still be unfortunate for all involved) but that BK will be born too early or his growth will stop. We were so lucky with Jacob that although he was very small, he was also very healthy. I hope BK will follow in his brother's footsteps and will be strong too.
I have discovered a new treat to enjoy while on my low sodium diet. SKITTLES! Thank you Jill Perkins for reminding me of all of the wonderful qualities Skittles have. Low sodium, high amounts of vit. C and the ever important health benefit of the smile they put on my face as I enjoy a handful.

Life Before BK (Baby Kearns)

We are in countdown mode waiting for BK to join our family. I'm only in my 30th week, but knowing my history with preterm labor, I feel like we only have a few more weeks left as our family of four. My blood pressure is back up like it was with Jacob, and I'm carrying BK in a similar way to Jacob as well. The reduced sodium diet is making all of us sad. You know how much I love to eat and it is just amazing how much salt is hidden in everything. One huge blessing however is that ice cream is very low in sodium, relativly high in calcium, and continues to make me happy. I also feel very fortunate to be in California where we have great produce and I can eat veggies that taste good to me, and Liv and I have been really enjoying fruit salad together. The kids are desperatly trying to guess the baby's name. Don't spoil Olivia's amazing victory; she feels like little-miss-smarty-pants because she correctly guessed the baby's last name. I guess we all need our small victories. The crazy hormonal tears have finally stopped visiting everyday and have been replaced by complaints about being uncomfortable and the difficulties of trying to put on socks. Thank you to all of you who have sent well wishes our way and for all of your continued love and support.