He's Here!

Benson John Heywood

February 22, 2011

9:27 p.m.

9 lbs. 8 oz.

20 in. long

Labor story: I went in at 7:30 a.m. to be induced. At about 8:15 they broke my water, but wanted me to develop into full-blown labor on my own. So, no pitossin (sp?) All day long, we walked up and down the hallways, just waiting for those huge contractions to start so I could get the long awaited epidural. Finally, at 6 p.m. I was dilated to a 6-7 and was able to get the epidural. It took the lady 7 tries to get it in, which I am definitely feeling in my back today. At around 7 p.m., I was positive that the epidural had not taken effect on my right side, so they were going to call her back to do it again. However, I was dilated to a 9+, and it was too late! So, at 7:30 I started pushing (feeling pretty much everything). After pushing for 2 hours, this sweet little guy emerged into the world. All along, the doctors were worried that he may be too big for me, so a c-section was always a possibility. Thank goodness everything turned out great- he is perfect from head to toe. Due to his size, he is a little difficult to satisfy, but I am sure I'll work up to his appetite! We are grateful to have this sweet little child of God in our family!

Suggestions welcome...

So... my baby was due yesterday. Do I have a new little one in my arms? NO! What is going on here? With my first, (as probably most of you know) I had a scheduled c-section a week early. We are going the v-bac route this time. Inducing is out, unless I go 1 week and 6 days after my due date. I guess that's to make me feel better- but what I really heard them say was 2 WEEKS! 2 weeks seems like a really long time from now. They are already telling me the little squirt is in the 8-9 pound range. If I do go for another 12 days from now, how big does that make him? Yikes! Anyway, this will likely be the last you hear from me until my body is baby free, and my arms are baby full. Trying to stay positive here. Let's see... as long as he's still inside he is still free from any yucky germs that are flying around. What a happy thought!

Random Cuteness

This is taken with Richard's phone, so thus the lack of clarity. We were visiting my brother in Preston, Idaho, and Brady found this pink hat. He LOVES hats. It started out forward, then turned backwards, and ended up sideways. All of his own doing, by the way. We just thought it was too hilarious to pass up. This sweet boy has been having a rough few days with fever, possible ear infection, and very goopy eyes. (conjunctivitis...again) Today he said, "bed?" Bite?- I said. Bike? To both of these he cried, so I knew they weren't what he was after. Oh, bed? He pointed down the hall, and off we went. He's been asleep ever since. That has never happened before. Poor little guy.

Yeah. He's pretty great.

http://www.rexburgstandardjournal.com/news/returned-money-makes-student-s-day/article_c90970de-206d-11e0-85ee-001cc4c03286.html?mode=story
Check out the article- you'll see what I mean! It's not very long... go ahead and read it!

Now for Christmas

Working on gingerbread houses

We went to this house that house an amazing train set-up in the back yard. Make that many trains... here's Brady with his cute aunts Kristalyn and Morgan

Peek-a-boo!

For a week or so, this became Brady's "cheese" smile whenever he was asked to pose for a camera. Don't know why, but we sure thought it was funny!

Brady and Mommy

PUSH! Brady loves trying to push Daddy down, and then falling on him when he succeeds

And a few pics from Christmas morning...

We had a wonderful Christmas in Arizona. We're so glad that our families live close by each other, so it was easy to visit with both. Most of the time we slept at my parents (Amber's), but on Christmas eve we slept at Richard's. It was fun to wake up there on Christmas morning. Sadly, we forgot our camera, so all pictures here are courtesy of Kristalyn. (thank you!) If I can get others from my family, I may post more from our trip.

Oh Brady

Dear Brady,

Is is possible for me to tell you how much I love you? Each night as I lay in bed, I just think about all the silly, fun, cute, aggravating, hilarious things you do, and I just smile thinking, "He's just so darn cute!" What a blessing to have in our home. Last night when you WOULD NOT STOP shoving noodles up your nose, I'll admit dad and I got more than a little annoyed. But, I also have to admit that we laughed about it later. Especially when we thought about how they all started appearing while we were at Walmart. I didn't know noses had such capacity. Seriously though, you're going to have to stop doing that. (soon would be GREAT) And your new love of Curious George is adorable. I'm not sure I should be letting you watch it almost nonstop while you are awake, but I'm glad you're entertained, I guess. At least today we played with legos while we watched.

You are learning so much, so fast! I love hearing you talk and try new words, even though it can be a frustrating experience for all of us while dad and I try to figure out what it is that you're saying. Keep at it, we'll catch up. I also love seeing you around babies. I hope you smile and are as careful around your new little brother as you are around other babies! He's going to love you and look up to you! If you could avoid showing him the food-up-the-nose trick, I would greatly appreciate it! There are so many more things that I love about you, and I'm so glad that you're mine!

Love, Mom

Things that Brady loves/does/has done:

*The Hinges song (thanks to Grandma Allen)

*books

*wrestling with daddy

*saying, "No!", which means SNOW

*when he's done with something or doesn't want to do it, he says, "bye-bye" and waves

*What does daddy say? Honk! (he came up with this on his own after daddy was snoring in the car)
*Sweets (thanks to me...sorry, dude)

*Finding a good seat (like in the picture)

Put Your Hands Together

I just need to take a moment to brag shamelessly about my amazing husband. Not only did he achieve fantastic grades this semester (all A's), but because of his amazing-ness he found out that he has earned a full tuition scholarship for next semester. Yay!!!!! Go Richard!

This is a wonderful blessing for our family, as we have essentially zero income (Idaho Falls Symphony doesn't count for much...)