I'm an Aunt Again Again!!

Want to hear a great story? Seriously, I'll wait while you go pop some popcorn and get a chair.
Ready? Hillary woke up Ryan at 3:20 in the morning on Thursday morning. She had been up for about 45 minutes in, what she thought was labor. Like so many women, she wasn't COMPLETELY sure. 6 days prior to this she had been sent home from the hospital in false labor so this time she wanted to be SURE. She had been really mad at the doctor earlier that day (Wednesday) because despite being SO uncomfortable, her body had done nothing. NOTHING!
Anyways, back to 3:20am. She woke up Ryan and told him to get Tag up and that she was in labor, to which Ryan replied, "Hill, you can either put on your make up or you can get an epidural but you can't do both. Which is it going to be?" Hillary normally has a good sense of humor... but not when in heavy labor. She kindly replied, "Ryan, don't mess with me right now. Get up."
So, off they went to Kelly's house (she was the sister "on call") to drop off Tag. While Ryan was at the door dropping off the kid, the car seat, and the diaper bag, Hillary is literally screaming at him from the front seat of the car to "hurry up! this baby is coming!!"
The hospital is normally about 20 minutes away. Those of you who know Ryan knew he was only more happy when Hillary kept yelling at him to drive faster. They ran every red light and made it in record time. Ry dropped her off up front while he went and parked the car. She made it in the doors and stood there and yelled, "Help!" because she was in too much pain to move. The nice security man came running over with a wheelchair while the woman at the front desk kindly asked Hillary, "Honey, are you pregnant? Are you having your baby?" WOW! No offense to Hills, but she fo shizzle looks pregnant!
Anyways, Ryan, the security guard. and Hillary in the wheelchair go screaming through the maternity area. Hillary slowed down enough to get a gown on, get checked and hear the wonderful news that she was a 7 and that her doctor was actually at the hospital about to go into a C-section. The nurse had her sign on a few lines and sent the doctor in. By the time he checked her she had progressed more. He told her that she could push for a few minutes and get that kid out or she could get an epidural and he'd come back after the C-section. After wieghing the options for all of 1/2 second and remembering that her insurance does NOT in fact cover epidurals, she decided to push. 3 pushes later, Carson Craig was born in all his perfect glory weighing in at 5 pounds 12 ounces and 20.5 inches long.
Did I mention that he was born at 4:20am. Exactly one hour after Hillary woke Ryan up. What an hour, huh? So, without further a due, here he is. We love him and couldn't be happier that he's here and healthy.

What Happens When...

I turn my back from Carter and Addilyn for TWO seconds while Carter is swinging Addi in her bouncer? This happens:

Good thing she landed normally and not on her head...

Rainy Days and Mondays

This Monday (and Tuesday) it POURED here in AZ. That is seriously so much fun for the Zonies because we never get rain. At least not often enough. As soon as Carter got home from preschool he wanted to get out his nifty Bob the Builder "simbrella" that Grammie got him and play in the rain. It was so darling. After a little bit, Jenna from across the street came out with her boys to play in the rain. We headed behind my house where there was a pool of water about 1 1/2 feet deep. It wasn't exactly sanitary but that's ok. :) The Brooke boys found a few frogs they were playing with while running around in the water. Carter went right along with them. (It made me really wish he had an older brother. At least he gets to BE an older brother.) We spent the next hour playing in the (muggy) 73 degree weather in the "pool" and with the frogs (who took quite a beating). Princess Addilyn even allowed me to put her on the ground. (I know, I'm shocked too!)

Pre Brooke Boys:



Post Brooke Boys:
Addilyn and Chloe playing.

Princess Addilyn checking out the frog. Could he be Prince Charming? She decided no, and then smacked him on the head. Poor thing!

Hunter Brooke and his froggy friend.


This was really the closest Carter would get to them. They scared him every time they jumped out of the Brooke boys' hands. Quick side note about the Brooke boys: they are THE CUTEST boys in the ENTIRE world. Their parents have done SUCH an amazing job with them. I hope Carter can be just like them. If you met their parents you would completely get it. Their parents are so awesome. I am already planning a way that we can end up as in-laws. I'm not kidding. Really. I'm not. Honestly. Not kidding. I L-O-V-E those 4 boys. (I also love their baby girl Chloe who Addi will someday be great friends with. Although Addi will have to drop the princess act because with 4 older brothers, Chloe is DEFINITELY not a princess!!)

Buy Me Some Peanuts and Crackerjacks

For some reason Carter has been asking and asking to go see the D-Backs. (Yes, he actually calls them that.) How can you deprive a darling 3 year old this? So, I called Runkin (my brother Ryan) and asked if we could have some afternoon ticket sometime. (He has season tickets through work.) He was SO nice and gave is 4 tickets for Saturday night. My parents are in town so Carter, Bryan, my dad, and I all went to the ball game. It was an awesome night that was even better because the D-Backs smoked the Marlins. (I think that's who they played...)
Carter was BEYOND adorable. He would LEAP out of his seat every time Bryan did and would cheer every time everyone else did. He even got to participate in the Wave and LOVED the 7th inning stretch. He loves that song and we finally have him saying "D-Backs" instead of "Padres." (Nona taught him that song, much to Bryan's dismay.) It was seriously the most fun I have had for a long time. It's unreal how much joy kids can bring into your life. The simplest things become memories.
Here the boys are getting all hyped up on our way in.


GO D-BACKS!

7th Inning Stretch

We're number one!!

We won! YEAH!

While He's Away

Now that Bryan has entered the "real" world where you actually get paid, he is gone a little more. He is also gone strange hours. Wednesday through Friday he works afternoons and evenings. That means that he's home with the kids and me ALL day until 2:30 or so and then is gone until after 9:00 at night. Usually I really like it. It's fun having him home during the day and then I get a few hours at night to work on my photography, blog, watch HGTV, or read all about Edward without worrying that I am ignoring Bryan.
The one drawback to his crazy hours is that he misses "Cranky Hour" with the kids. This is kind of like Happy Hour except no one is happy, things aren't 1/2 off, you aren't laughing with friends, and there is NO alcohol to be found (although at times you wish there was...). But don't worry, like Happy Hour, "Cranky Hour" lasts for several hours!
So I am trying to find something for the kids to do in the early evening to keep their minds off of driving me in sane. I thought the sprinklers were a great idea. It's over 100 degrees outside and the sprinkler thing sprays all over so it's really fun. Well, Addi did NOT agree with me. Seriously, she is SUCH a PRINCESS!!!! She doesn't like the feeling of grass on her feet and since she is STILL not walking she sits there and cries until I come get her. (I did manage to get one cute picture of her on the grass before she freaked out, though.) But, we have this little car that thank heavens, kept her entertained while Carter played in the sprinklers, played T-ball, and drove his wiggle car. (GREAT investment, by the way!)











Note Addi's face here... and Carter's wedgie! HA!

***CLARIFICATION***

In the post below when I say, "us pregnant girls" that mean "those who have been pregnant at one point although at this moment in time may not be." The first was just faster and easier. So, amid much disappointment from probably both Grandmas, I am NOT preggers. No plans in the super near future. I'm good right where I am and with those I am in charge of. I don't even think I can handle that 1/2 of the time. So, no immediate plans..... lo siento, my friends.

Prayers Please

My new little niece isn't doing quite as well as we were hoping. This afternoon they transferred her to Desert Sam, the high risk hospital. I don't think she is necessarily getting worse but she isn't getting better. early this morning they had to intubate her because she wasn't breathing well enough on her own. She had some skin on her foot that has died. They'll have to do a skin graft down the road. The doctors have assured Kevin and Abby that things are going to be fine... but you can't help but wonder and be sad in the mean time. You know, us pregnant women just want that baby out so bad but it makes you grateful for every day they remain in you. It was nice that the Air-vac people let Abby hold her little baby girl for the first time, all hooked up to machines, before they left with her. Abby and my mom were in tears as they wheeled Lizzy away. One of the Air-vac women stopped, hugged my mom, and promised her that she would take great care of Alizabeth. I honestly believe that little Alizabeth will be okay but my heart absolutely breaks for Kevin and Abby. Things haven't really been great for Josh either having Mommy gone so much.

Here are a few pictures that Kevin took while they were getting Lizzy ready to go.(Abby calls her Allie... most of the world will. I like them both but right now I'm going with Lizzy. So is Kev.)
The first picture with Mom, Dad, and baby. They don't have a family picture yet. Josh wasn't there when they transferred Lizzy.The first time Abby got to hold her little baby girl.
All of her tubes. At least she got a cool beanie that says AirEvac on it. (Even though she wasn't actually airvacced because of the rain... don't tell her that!)
This picture just breaks my heart. It doesn't matter what is going on around you. All you want to do is kiss your sweet little blessing from Heavenly Father.
This is a close up of what they took her away on. The entire thing was HUGE.

Bye Sweet Girl! We'll see you soon!!

I'm an AUNT (again)

On Friday evening Abby (NOT the one I did maternity shots of) went into labor at 35 weeks pregnant. They couldn't stop it and ended up having to take the baby via C-section. Alizabeth Marie Meacham weighed in at 7lbs 1oz and 19 1/4 inches long. Abby has diabetes and babies of diabetics are generally larger than the norm.
Lizzy is DARLING but her lungs are quite what they should be. Because of this she is still on oxygen and Abby STILL hasn't been able to hold her or even really look at her. She's in the nursery 24/7 and since Abby can't really stand up yet she can't see into the little bed they have the baby in. Abby gets to come home tomorrow... without the babe and without even holding her. Can you IMAGINE!?!? But, the baby is improving and will hopefully be home in a week or two. (right now they are saying at least a week.)
The nurses say she's fighter and a bit feisty. (She DOES have red hair!) That will be a change of pace considering Kevin, Abby, and Josh are the three most laid people EVER!!! Anyways, I just wanted to share the news that we have another little angel in the family. SO exciting!!!


Kevin and Lizzy.

Hill-Dawg

A lot of you know Hillary, my darling sister-in-law. (She's married to Ryan.) I'm sure you have long since stopped checking her blog for an update. Let's be honest. It ain't gunna happen. So, I am posting these pictures of her here so you can
a) see an update
b) be blown away that despite the belly, she still looks AWESOME
c) feel bad for her because aside from how the pictures LOOK, she was in an immense amount of pain while we were taking them.
Her nursery is in a few of these pictures. It is SO cute!!! It's a jungle theme and she made all the bedding and the curtains. It is seriously so cute and I hope I have a boy next so I can but it from her.
Little boy (who has a tentative name) is set to arrive in under three weeks but Hillary has planned to have him TODAY. Yes, Tuesday... She's over it, done, tired, feeling like a cow... well, us ladies know how it feels. :)

What The...?

I don't know why but this picture totally cracks me up. He's just watching Bryan mow the lawn but for some reason it was quite intriguing.

How Can This Be?!?!?

How can my little baby, Carter, be old enough to be going to PRESCHOOL??? He just turned three and was BEYOND excited about this new part of his life. Although, I don't think the disappointment of not being able to ride a school bus has passed quite yet.
Overall, he is LOVING school and his teacher is so adorable. He comes home nice and tired, too. I was a little worried because it randomly happened that most of the other kids in his class are 4 and everyone is starting their second year of preschool. But his teacher called me yesterday to tell me how great he was doing. (I know, I am just a bragging mom now. Let me have my moment please.) She said that he even wrote the "r" in Carter all by himself. I, of course, was beyond proud and smothered him in kisses.
So, three days a week I drop my little munchkin off at preschool with his Diego "packpack" and a snack. I can't believe this is only the beginning of 20 more years of school with only small summers and a mission to break it up.