Early Easter

Since next Sunday is General Conference and we won't be at church - the kids wore their Easter outfits today - I clearly am not a photographer, and as I am finding out, taking pictures, like most things, is harder with three kiddos - but I thought they were really cute!

The Details...

Cara's birth went really well, though not as fast as I would have liked. Natalie was born within a couple of hours of breaking my water, so I assumed the same would happen with baby number 3 - maybe even quicker. I had dilated to a four, water was broken, epidural in place, and nothing happened for hours. After being stuck at a four for what seemed like forever, the nurses started having me change positions hoping to shift Cara into a position where she could help the labor progress. The nurse suggested that I get on hands and knees to move things along - which would have been fine if my legs and abs weren't numb. I'm sure the look I gave the nurse at her suggestion was a good one. I really didn't think it was possible, but for about 10 minutes I was on hands and knees supporting myself with my arms (it really wasn't very much fun :). Within a half hour of position shifting I was complete and ready to deliver - we had to wait a little while for the doctor - since the last time she had been updated I was at a four - but once she arrived, delivery went smoothly and quickly. Cara had her cord wrapped around her neck once, and was completely purple when she arrived, but the nurses assured me she was fine and with a little time her coloring was normal. Caroline didn't cry much and is still a pretty content baby.

Week one has gone well. Kirk was off of school and work for the week (although now he is out of town on guard duty) so we managed to get enough rest and care for our 3 under 3. Cara is very content, is still sleeping a lot, and is adorable! We are so blessed to have a happy, healthy, calm baby.

Dominic and Natalie seem to be adjusting well. Dominic is excited about "Baby Caroline" and Natalie loves to get close to her saying "baby, baby, baby". They are both a little jealous I think, and always seem to need me when I'm feeding or caring for the baby.

We are grateful for our little family of five - which I still can't believe - and so grateful for all the help we've received from our family and friends!

Welcome CAROLINE!

Caroline (Cara) Marie Pavkov

3/12/10 at 6:31 pm

7 lbs. 6 oz., 20.5 in.

Patience is a Virtue...

That I don't currently have.

I was supposed to be induced this morning, but the hospital called last night and told me not to come in because the Labor and Delivery ward was going to be full with people needing to deliver for more serious medical reasons. I don't think the nurse understood that my current mental state ought to be considered a medical condition requiring delivery. As bummed as I was to find out I would have to wait another day, I'm sure in the scheme of things, its really not a big deal. And,as it turns out my daughter will be born on my great grandmother's (my name sake) birthday.

Earlier this week, since it was the first day above 60 degrees in months, I told Dominic and Natalie we'd go to the park. When I we got there I could not believe how much snow was still on the ground. There is no way a 2 year old and 1 year old would easily be able to play but I felt awful because I had gotten Dominic so excited about going. So at 40 weeks pregnant I carried my two kids across the snow and mud and we attempted to play at the park. The kids had fun for about 5 minutes, Dominic wanted to swing on the "tiger swing" but other, older kids were using it. He has more patience than me, and waited for his turn only to get scared and want down.

Natalie's shoes were soaked so she kept falling and eventually busted her lip. You can't really tell in the picture above, but she's got a nice cut and there is blood on her jacket and hands. I suppose I should have waited a couple days since we did make a successful trip to the park today - sunny, 68, and no snow. I guess its a good thing I didn't spend this beautiful day in labor :)

The last thing I can't seem to wait for is Natalie's hair. The mullet is going to have to go. She use to let me put clips in her hair so it didn't look quite so ridiculous, but now she rips the clips out, usually with a nice chunk of hair attached.

Well my patience has worn thin, but by this time tomorrow I'll have my new baby girl (she'll even have a name and a place to sleep), The weather is improving (although I'm not counting out another snow storm, I do live in Ohio), and I can't imagine Natalie will have a mullet forever - so really everything is great!