Bear World

Today, we surprised the boys with a trip to bear world. Tayden has been wanting to go since we got back to Idaho, so he was thrilled when he saw where we were. It was wonderful getting out with everyone and spending the day as a family. 

The boys loved driving through the park. Cache sat on my lap and could not get enough of the bears. He pointed out every moving thing and screamed with excitement when the bears got close to the car. It was hilarious.

The petting zoo was fun. They liked petting the goats and deer and got a kick out of the funny roosters. But the most fun was had on the rides. Tayden is in an awkward in between ages stage. He wants to have fun like the little boys, but tries not to show it. He wants to be a big kid and is trying to act as such. I expected this to happen, but not so young. He is only six and I am desperate to keep him little as long as I can.  Even though he acted cool during the rides, I could tell he was enjoying himself. 

All in all it was a great day! Its always a treat to get out of the house and enjoy some good clean fun with the ones you love the most. 

We saw the Anderson's there and got to hang out with them for a bit. I love this picture of the Packard cousins. 

We tried a family selfie. We failed. 

Whirlwind

Whirlwind. That's the best way I can describe my life right now. It's great, but so busy. I can hardly believe another week has past. My days are spent feeding a baby and making sure the others are fed, changing diapers, running kids to school, reading books, doing homework, practicing speech, keeping the boys safe from each other, insuring they all feel loved and important, keeping screen time down and play up, laundry, cleaning house, planning dinner and trying my best to cook it, etc. The same things every other stay at home mom does. But with four, it feels a bit crazier. Its good and we're adjusting, but it's a whirlwind. In between everything, some mentionables about the week...

It snowed! The boys were thrilled to wake up to the white stuff and immediately wanted to play in it. It was freezing, but they insisted on going out anyway. So I bundled them up and set them loose. It only lasted about 30 minutes, because it was so cold. Cache only lasted about 30 seconds because he slipped down the stairs on the way out. It was over after that. But the big boys had a blast and the little boys and I enjoyed watched from the warmth of the home.

See the little boy running home from the bus stop? That's my kindergartener. Ugh, he's growing up and he won't stop. He has been wanting to ride it home for some time and this week, I finally bit the bullet and let him do it. The first day I walked him to the bus and followed it to make sure he got off at the right stop. The next day, I watched from a distance and let him find his way to the bus. I beat the bus home and watched him get off from my porch. The third day I stayed home and prayed my guts out he'd make it. And he did. I admit, it makes my afternoons easier. But I still don't like how fast he is growing up. 

After the snow melted, Scott had the opportunity to spend some one on one time with Beckett on his day off. B has had a rough week and it lashing out looking for attention. He's been extra rough with his brothers and super emotional. I knew he needed some special time and Scott came to the rescue making that happen. They worked for a few hours in the backyard while Tayden was at school and the little brothers were napping. It might have been a small act, but to Beckett, it meant the world.

Then I had the chance to spend some good quality time with cache reading his favorite books. We cuddled up on the couch and I let him tell me the stories. It was as good for me as it was for him. 

This might be completely inappropriate, but it was too funny not to share. It's no secret after you have a baby you bleed for awhile after delivery. Well, Cache now has "a cool new beard". 

Baby Ky was circumsized this week. It was awful. He is so laid back and easy going and hardly ever cries. But after the doctor he cried for a solid 20 minutes. Even when he slept he whined and was grumpy the rest of the evening. Luckily, it only lasted a day and the next day he was back to normal. The doc said he looked great. He weights 7 lbs 9 ounces. He has gained over 1/2 pound in two weeks and grew 1/2 inch. He is strong and healthy. And we are grateful. 

I'm welcoming the whirlwind that is my life. I wonder if it will ever calm down or if this is the new normal. Either way, I embrace it and love it. 

Day 10

It's been 10 days since baby Ky came to our family. Impossible. I can't believe how fast it has gone. He is a great baby. But still super sleepy, though he is becoming more and more alert. Most alert at night, right before bed. Which is no surprise, because that's how he was in the belly. In the last 10 days we have....

Taught....well, are teaching, Cache to be soft. 

Survived the flu and managed not to share it with anyone else. 

Enjoyed lots and lots of snuggles. 

And more cuddles. 

Finish up the boys bathroom with the most awesome shower curtain. 

Get the most adorable one week picture of this babe. 

And....

Realized that having four boys was my ultimate dream come true. 

It's been a great week and we are settling into a family of six. We are surviving and I'd dare say thriving...life is good! 

Kyle Adam

Wednesday afternoon I received the best news from Dr. Larson. Our sweet baby boy was on his way and he'd induce me when I was ready. Considering all the contracting, loss of appetite, belly aches, exhaustion, ect...I was ready. So we set the appointment for Thursday morning. 

We woke up about 4:30 and got ready to head to the hospital. I took my last pregnancy picture EVER and we were off. The induction started at 6:15 when I took a pill to soften my cervix. I was dilated to a two at that point. Water broke at 10:30 and I dilated to a four. We decided to start pitocin to increase my contractions. They really started coming hard so the epidural was ordered. That was the worst part. The spinal went in nice and easy, but the actual epidural was a disaster. The doc couldn't place it in my back and had to push and dig the needle around for what felt like an eternity, but was probably 10 minutes. I was extrememly sore. He finally got it put in, but I didn't feel much relief. I was checked again and dilated to an eight. After about 10-20 minutes of waiting for relief from the epi, I told my nurse I was still having pain. She checked and sure enough, I was complete and ready to deliver baby boy. I was shocked. Dr. Larson rushed over and got set up. I had a contraction, pushed and was told to stop. Half a push later, new baby was here. It was incredible. I literally pushed for less than a minute. Kyle weighed 7 pounds 2 ounces and was 20 inches long.  

The minute they put him on my chest and I heard him cry, my whole world felt complete. I loved him with an intense passion. He is the absolute perfect ending to our family. Scott named him Kyle Adam, after our close friend Adam Turney, and it fits him perfectly. 

We enjoyed the rest of the day holding and loving on baby ky. My mom brought the boys up and it was love at first sight. Tayden is the most loving brother. No surprise there. He always wants to hold him. Beckett is equally as loving and is mostly worried about keeping him safe. Cache loves him, really hard. 

We are not the cute picture family type. And I have accepted that. Embraced it even. So this family picture, with all 6 of us, is perfect. 

I forgot to mention, my nurse Hillary was amazing. She graduated just a year after me I'm high school. She was so kind, pleasent and professional. I loved having a friend for a nurse. It was wonderful. 

We're home now and it seems as though four kids is going to be a challenge for the first few days...probably weeks. But we'll get there. Kyle is as sweet as they come. He rarely cries and when he does, it's for good reason. He is content and calm and a laid back baby. At least for now. We are so grateful to have him here and healthy and part of our family!