Angela Joy: 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!