Oh, Oh, Oh Babies!

Oh Babies!  (The kids tease me that when I'm excited about something I frequently yell "Oh babies!")  I've been so excited to submit this post!  It's been a long time in the making.  Every pregnancy is long, and by the end the anticipation is palpable.  However, when infertility makes the whole process that much longer, by the time the miracle baby(ies) arrive, it has seemed like FOREVER! 

Meet Clara and Max!

On October 15, 2013, Camille and Russell welcomed Maxwell John and Clara Evelyn into their family.  Camille has written so beautifully about their arrival, so I will just direct you to her blog (russandcamille.com) for all the details in case you don't know (although I'm pretty sure that all 6.3 of my readers are all fully aware!!)   

Clara at just a few hours old--6 lbs. 7 oz.  She was so pretty right away. 
She actually looks a lot like Camille did as a newborn.

Max was born first (by about 25 mins) and paved the way for his sister--6 lbs. 5 oz. 
Poor little guy had bumps and bruises from delivery.

Max looking like he is thinking deeply about things.
 He looks so much like Russ.

A proud Dad with his kiddos!

Momma Camille and her babes.

 Since this is my blog, let me just back up a bit and start where I last left off.  I packed a big suitcase this time and headed to Utah on October 2nd to await the twins arrival.  Camille was so done with being pregnant, and the last week or two were miserable for her.  We just took it easy that first week since technically she was still on bed rest.  The second week in October she hit the 36 week mark (yea!) so she began moving around more since the babies would be OK if they came.  I also went to Richfield for a couple of days to check in on Mom and Dad, and watched Grayson a few times, which I enjoy so much.  That little guy is growing and changing so much--he's quite the little boy--so curious, smart and an occasional stinker too!!  His new nickname is "The Tornado." 

The first week or so after bringing the babies home was an adjustment for everyone.  Two newborns definitely kept 3-4 adults hopping most of the time.  Camille had so many wonderful friends and neighbors who stopped by that first week, and we were spoiled with meals and gifts.  We fell into a routine of feeding, burping, changing, etc. pretty quick--I often took the first shift at night just to give them a few extra hours of uninterrupted sleep.  Poor little Max had jaundice and a gassy stomach.  We chuckle how the most exciting moments were when Max would poop (which wasn't much. . . he's doing a bit better now though.)  Clara is pretty sweet and calm, but she can go from "0 to 100" in a flash!  We can already see their little personalities coming out and it's so fun.

Max and Uncle Jace

Looking like a natural!

This is the day they were born.  I hadn't slept all night, and Brittney didn't get much sleep either. 
She's meeting the babies for the first time.  Grayson wasn't quite sure what to think of these two!

Grandpa Brent

Best picture ever! (sort of)  But hey, we've waited a long time to be able to hold 3 grandbabies!  I love it!

Beautiful Camille and her precious daughter.

Another sweet picture of Clara

One day we went to Richfield to introduce the babies to my parents.  Mom was so excited to meet them.  Being a twin herself I think she felt a special connection.  Luckily the weather in Utah through most of the month was beautiful, so we were able to go outside a few times with the babies as well.  Brent was back and forth a few times (work stuff. . . a good thing I guess) and finally got back down for a week the first week in November.  So, all in all, I was able to be there almost 6 weeks total!  There was lots of time with Brittney, Stuart and Grayson too, as well as Jace and Bella.

Clara meeting my Mom.  Mom was so happy and excited.

Max and Mom

OK, so Grayson is obsessed with guitars!  He really does know how to play them.  Not every kid has a rock star
for a Dad and gets to hang around with a cool band.  He's pretty good at the drums too! 
The best part is he knows how to nod his head and he "sings" when he "plays."

Just jamming!

This is the Maxfield's on Halloween.  Brittney had a party at her work and we took Grayson to trick-or-treat there.
 He was a puppy dog, but he wouldn't wear his ears! 
Oh well, he quickly figured out how cool the pumpkin candy bucket was!

Oh Bella!  That's the second of our "Oh Babies!"   Such exciting news. . . Jace finally found a wonderful girl to marry (just kidding bud!)  Bella Torgerson is from the Seattle area.  They met in their ward over the spring/summer and have had an awesome time falling in love the last 4 or 5 months.  She is cool, calm, cute and a perfect girl for him.  She is studying advertising and graphic design, and is a talented photographer.  They will be married on January 2, 2014 in Manti, Utah.  We are thrilled to have her in the family. 

Bella and Jace.  They were at the hospital the whole time we were awaiting the babies arrival.
 Bella is just plain awesome!

It was Bella's birthday on November 4th.
 Don't they look like they are twitterpated!

Now for our third "Oh Babies!" miracle. . . Grayson is getting a little brother!!!!!  Yes, Brittney is pregnant and due on April 1st.  This little baby was a welcome surprise (meaning no IVF, which in our family is a shock) and has thrived even though Brittney has had a few miscarriage scares.  We all are just so incredibly grateful and amazed at this news.  Just several years ago we all were just pleading and praying for one baby for B and Stu, and now we are overwhelmed with the bounteous blessing of Grayson, Max, Clara and baby-boy-to-come!

This little handsome boy will be a big brother soon!  Oh wow!!!

Clara just chillin in her boppy.  This was just before I came home. . . she's almost 4 weeks and changing already.

Max napping in his boppy.  He's a sweetheart as well.

Best thing ever. . . rocking a baby.  Love it.

Life is good. . . very, very good.

Catchin' Up and Wrappin' Up

Well, Summer 2013 is history and we have officially entered Fall.  I'm always sad to see Summer end--it is my favorite season.  However, Fall is a close second.  It's just crazy how one day it is 85 degrees and I'm in shorts, and literally within a day or two it's 65 degrees and I wake up looking for a sweatshirt.  That seriously is how it happens around here in the Northwest. 

A lot of things have been happening--we've been busy, but then who isn't?  So, here we go!

* TRINITY LAKE:  Our 3rd annual trip to Shasta National Forest and Trinity Lake was once again a success.  We've gotten pretty good at planning, preparing, and packing for our family's favorite week of the year.  As in past years, the weather was perfect, the lake was almost barren, the water was like glass, and the lovely days together on a houseboat were awesome.  Technically this was Grayson's 2nd trip, but hey, last year he was all of 6 weeks old.  He was a wonderful little traveler!  He did just fine roaming around the houseboat, and he seemed to enjoy being on the ski boat with us all.  He didn't mind his life jacket, and would just sit and watch whatever was going on.  He loved the water and whenever Stu and Brittney took him in the lake, he had a ball.  He kept us all entertained and we loved watching him enjoy himself.  Camille, at 28 weeks pregnant, was a trooper.  She was determined to come (her doctor wasn't thrilled) and did just fine.  This was her year to just float and relax!  Next year she will tear it up again on the skis.  Jace brought Bella, a darling girl he is dating, and we all benefited from her awesome photographer skills.  She's also a fast learner!  That girl has some props--she did everything the guys did.  It was kind of cute watching Jace "turn it up" a bit, no doubt wanting to impress.  Can't say I blame him!  Anyway, it was a wonderful time! 

* UTAH (Again :)):  Like last year, I caught a ride to Utah with the kids and sent Brent home by himself with the boat and gear.  I kept busy down there with projects, visiting Mom and Dad again, and just hanging out with my kiddos.  Brittney hosted a wonderful baby shower for Camille, and it was fun to celebrate the twins impending arrival with her friends and family.  Brittney and Stu have bought an awesome home in Springville.  It is a mid-century ranch that is in superb shape--straight out of the early '70's.  It is so totally them!  There are some projects they want/need to do, but it is very livable right now.  Brittney is thrilled to have 4000 sq. ft. of living space, storage, a studio space for Stuart, and even a garage.  The yard is in great shape too, and Springville is just a quiet and quaint community.  It is only 10 mins south of Provo, but they grew tired of all the traffic and hustle and bustle of being so close to campus.  They sold the duplex pretty quickly, made a decent profit, and are glad to be settling in.

* SPOKANE:  Brent came down to Utah over Labor Day, and we finally drove home a few days later.  All total, I was gone once again almost a month.  I'm sure if I kept track, I've been in Utah about 3 months of this year already!  Before we went on vacation, we had a new roof put on our house, and had just started painting it.  I came home to a 'new' house!  It was 98% done, and looks really good.  The house was green before, and I choose a bluish tone this time--called Juniper Ash.  I like it.  Amazing how a fresh coat of paint makes such a difference.  This has spurred the desire to "de-junk" and organize.  I've been busy doing that, and trying to be patient while Brent finds some time so we can have a major garage de-junking day.  He's just so busy with DataDot, Action Drain, and a myriad of other things.  I'm blessed to have a husband who is talented, driven, and ambitious. I've been furiously sewing burp rags and baby blankets. . . I mean c'mon, we have twins on the way!

* DENTAL WORK:  I have a love/hate relationship with Dentistry.  I am grateful that there are talented dentists who can fix my family's crazy teeth, but really, who likes going to the dentist?  I had implant surgery a few weeks ago (my 3rd).  One of my incisors literally just broke off last Fall, and  I had to have a bone graft and wait 6 months before I could have implant surgery and wait another 5 months to get a 'real' tooth!  (That was probably a run-on sentence)  Anyway, glad that's done.  In February this whole ordeal will finally be over and I'll have permanent pearly whites!

* BABY WATCH:  Well, over the weekend it was determined that Camille was in pre-term labor!!  She has been put on strict bed rest.  She is 34 weeks, and although the babies are big enough--about 5 1/2 lbs. they predict--they would like her to go another week or two for lung development. So, this Grandma is heading down to Utah on October 1st.  Stay put little babies. . . wait for Grandma to come!  We are all so excited.  My next blog post is going to be all about babies, that is for sure!!

Doesn't he look like a baby 'surf bum' model or something! 
Beautiful boy

Gray and his Dad going for a swim

Helping G-pa drive the boat.  He thought that was fun!

Jace trying out the air chair, our latest water toy.
That's Bella with her fancy camera!  We really appreciated her talents.

The Maxfield's going for a spin in the tube.  Grayson was so chill!

Captain Jace side-by-side with the houseboat as we cruised into the marina.
We are always sad to end the week.

At Camille's baby shower.  These little ones are going to be so decked out!  Baby clothes these days are
 really just miniature adult outfits.  I mean really, Camille would totally wear that!

Little Boy Lewis wasn't left out.  He will look pretty spiffy himself!

It's August Already?? Crazy!!

Wow, July is history and we're already into August.  What a busy and eventful summer it has been so far.  June sailed along pretty smoothly--nothing out of the ordinary--just waiting for the sun to shine and the summer fun to start.  The last week of the month I tagged along with Brent on a quick business trip to Baltimore.  We stopped over in Utah on our way home to attend the wedding of Mitch and Ali in the Salt Lake Temple.  Mitch is Brent's nephew (sister Tanya's son).  It was great to see all the Figgat/McLaws' family and to celebrate this marriage.  Mitch is one lucky guy and Ali is one brave soul!  Their wedding was gorgeous.

After that quick trip, we returned to Spokane for a few days.  I packed up the car on July 3rd and headed south to Utah.  We had  more weddings and special events to attend.  I knew I would be gone for a few weeks.  It was a whirlwind of activities.  Here is a quick chronological list of the month:

* Fourth of July:  Us girls stayed up in Provo and lounged at the pool, shopped and relaxed.  The guys went motorcycle riding down in Richfield and up Spanish Fork Canyon.  Everyone had a great time.  Sometimes it just works to let the guys go do their thing without having to worry about us.  We crashed a party in Orem that was over-the-top lavish that afternoon because Fictionist was hired to provide the entertainment for this event.  Kind of felt like we were in Hollywood or something!  We watched the fireworks that evening from B and Stu's front lawn.  Grayson was mesmerized.

*July 9th:  Wedding shower for Kara Forsey (my niece).  So fun to see all the Forsey girls and to celebrate Kara and Taylor's wedding.  She was a darling bride--so excited and so in love!

*July 10th:  Stuart's 30th birthday.  Brittney planned a fun joint birthday dinner for Stuart and his friend Jacob.  Can't believe that my kiddos are leaving their 20's behind. 

*July 13th:  The sealing of Kara Forsey and Taylor Jeffrey in the Draper Temple.  They had their reception at the Alpine Art Center.  It was a beautiful day.  This couple just radiate young love!!  It's the best to see.

*July 15th:  Grayson's 1st birthday!  Wow, can't believe that my baby is already a whole year old.  Brittney planned another great birthday celebration, and Grayson totally enjoyed his party.  He was charming and entertaining the whole evening.  This little guy is turning into such a fun kid.  He walks/runs all over the place now and babbles away.  He is busy, on the go, and yet still so sweet.  His parents have nicknamed him "The Tornado!"

*July 16-19th:  Went to Richfield to spend a few days with my parents.  Mom is still home and Dad is doing a great job taking care of her.  She still struggles with diarrhea and eating.  Some days are better than others.  Getting old is no fun, that's for sure.

*July 20th:  The wedding of Jerry Forsey and Marleigh Savage in the Mt. Timpanogas Temple.  This was another beautiful wedding day--different in many ways from the first two, but tender and full of so much love.   Jerry (my brother) and Marleigh were married for time.  You see, they both have wonderful eternal companions who have recently passed (cancer :( ) but have found one another to be their "earth buddy."  The new Forsey-Savage family has 8 great children, almost 2 grandchildren, and a lifetime of memories to create.  I loved how this was a union of two families, and how they each honored the journey and people that brought them together.  The gospel, the plan of salvation, and the doctrine of covenants and ordinances was the theme of this memorable day. 

*July 24th:  My birthday. . . 53rd if I must say!  Can't believe the number, it used to sound old, but honestly I feel good and am so blessed.  Brent was back in Spokane already, and I was spoiled by the kids with a nice dinner, dessert and gifts. 

I arrived back in Spokane on the 25th.  Came home to much to do and catch up on.  This past week we have been just as busy.  Jace blew through town for a few days with 3 friends and we took them out water skiing on Long Lake.  It was a beautiful day. . . one of the best "daddy water" days ever on the lake.  It was fun to get on the boat, finally!  Also, Lindsay and France came up for a few days as well. 

So, without further rambling, here are the photos!



Mitch and Ali Figgat.  Beautiful, elegant wedding.



The girls and Gray at the pool on July 4th

The Forsey Girls at Kara's Bridal Shower.  All beautiful ladies.

 

Grayson was so excited to sing "Happy Birthday" to his Dad!

The new Mr. and Mrs. Taylor Jeffrey

The Forsey Family at the Draper Temple.  Handsome bunch.

Grayson giving us one of his cheesy little grins.  He's turned into a little goofball!

Me and my handsome son Jace.

Brittney, Grayson and Stuart at his 1st birthday party.  Photogenic family, huh?

The birthday boy was so excited when we sang "Happy Birthday" to him!

Grayson and Grandpa. . . who's cuter??

The new Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Forsey

The Forsey-Savage Family and friends.  A wonderful day.

I call this the "table of love."  Cheesy, I know, but the pictures really do tell the story.

Beautiful Camille. . . Our new mom-of-twins-to-be who is enduring a hot summer pregnancy. 

Grayson on his 1st birthday.  This picture reminds me of a back to school photo!!  Oh no, not yet!!

Playing pick a boo with bowls!  Pretty fun game.

He's always on the move these days.  We all love him to pieces.



Me and my kiddos on my birthday.  I'm so blessed!!