Before the big holiday...

I'm doing this. Why? Because if not now, it will never happen.

Events of the last little while...

1. My sisters and Paul's parents came to visit the week after Thanksgiving, and once again, I am not deserving of the help they all brought with them. It was truly fun to get to spend some time with Nat and Shell and have a three kid to three mom ratio around here. I don't think I held Julia for 5 days. Only sisters would come to Washington D.C. and spend almost the entire weekend in my living room without complaint! Well, almost the entire weekend...we did venture out to see the National Christmas Tree which is slightly less impressive than the tree at the Orem City Center. At the National Tree was Santa's workshop where Sabrina delivered her letters in person to the man himself. (Funny story: We read online that they took letters to Santa at the workshop, so we had Sabrina write letters for her and Lucy and brought them with us only to find out that they actually don't take letters for Santa, but before I could break the news to Sub, she had already given them to him. He was probably a bit confused.)

We also decided to bless Julia since we had family in town. It was a great day for our family. Julesy screamed through her entire blessing, due in part to the fact that her mother made her wear the bonnet, and she hates ANYTHING on her head (See how unhappy she is with the bonnet on, and how pleasant she is with it off?) This probably isn't the last fight about clothing we'll have. Nonetheless, Paul held it together and gave her a promising blessing. I love to listen to blessings and ponder all that our Heavenly Father has in store for these little ones, and I know there are great things in store for our number three.

(Just in case she is the sensitive-type and is offended by the above... Julia, we love having you in our family, screaming and all, and wouldn't have you any other way than how you are. Your sisters adore you and your parents can't get enough of your smiles and round little face.)
















































2. Just for kicks I tried to reverse the camera on my phone to teach Lucy how to smile and hold still the whole time until I press the button since it is nearly impossible to get her to smile, look at the camera, and hold still for longer than .5 seconds. In my mind I thought that if she could see me actually press the button she would get it. We started out okay, but as you can see the session took a very wrong turn, goof ball style.





3. We were bored on Saturday afternoon and had heard a bit about Mount Vernon (George Washington's home) at Christmas time, so we thought, why not? We bundled up the girls and headed out the door. Of course, things weren't so easy though as Lucy kept losing her mittens, (but refused to take them off altogether), Julia needed to be fed, and Sabrina needed to go to the bathroom. We're a bit of a circus act anywhere we go. We decided that before going to the actual mansion we'd stop off at the gift shop to feed baby and re-group. When who do you think we saw? None other than Newt Gingrich and his wife doing a book signing (his wife wrote a children's book). So Paul snapped a few shots with the girls while I fed the baby. I'm a little surprised that they let us get so close without actually buying the book.

We then headed over to buy tickets to the mansion when they told us that they were closing in 20 minutes (and I am not about to pay $30 to see a mansion that I've seen 10 times for only 20 minutes...and who closes at 4:00 pm on a Saturday?). So we got a picture at the entrance and saw Newt. We're going to try again the week after Christmas. Who do you think is more famous...Jerry Springer or Newt Gingrich (see last post)?







































4. We made Gingerbread Houses with Kyle and Noelle and family on Sunday. The girls had a blast doing this so I guess it must become a tradition. The rudolph replica is Paul's. We think he shouldn't quit his day job. Do you like how Lucy is feeding Chloe candy?




5. And finally, pictures of Julia. Just because.

A Million and One Things To Tell

I just knew that I couldn't be that good about updating this blog!!! I really have had the best of intentions for a while now. But alas, life got in the way. So, here goes. And enjoy all the random pictures scattered throughout. Post organization is just about the last thing in the world I care about at the moment.

After being here for two months and seeing NO sights whatsoever, we decided to head out to see the new MLK Jr. Memorial. That's the thing about your 5th time moving back to a touristy place...you've seen it all. Nonetheless, we did enjoy ourselves. And check out that stroller piled with kids!! It still blows my mind that we are a family of 5. (Note: I take a break from doing the girls' hair every Saturday. I figure we're "east coast" now, so I can do that. Don't mind their ragamuffin appearance.)

Paul and I went to Sabrina's school showcase and our first parent teacher conference this month. So far she's rocking Kindergarten (I'm very pleased with her teacher too). She's seeming really old to me lately, and is a pretty eager little helper most of the time.


Lucy Mae is the most lovable goofball on the planet. She's constantly in Baby Julia's face. And if it weren't kind of naughty, the fact that she yells "HIT" or "KICK" every time she hits or kicks Sabrina (thereby incriminating herself before Sabrina even tattles on her) would just make me love her more.

And look at Baby Julia's cute face! She's a smiler so far and just so cuddly. As of this last week, she'll give me a good 7 hour stretch at night. I feel alive again!! I used to see more of Sabrina in her, but now I think Lucy. It's a win win either way.

I love Thanksgiving as much as I hate Halloween, and this year did not disappoint. We had Paul's sister Jac and her roommate, Lori, here for the holiday, and we thoroughly enjoyed staying up late and chatting with them.




The day after Thanksgiving we went with the Kyle and Noelle Sampsons and Aunt Jac to Snickers Gap Tree Farm to pick out and cut down our own Christmas tree. We've never done this before but are thinking it needs to become a tradition. They had hot apple cider there which was delicious and would have been more delightful if it wasn't nearly 70 degrees outside (I'm not complaining, it was perfectly lovely). After, we went to lunch at a restaurant called Magnolia's in Purcellville, Virginia and who do you think was at the table next to us eating??? You'll never guess...none other than Jerry Springer! We weren't bold enough to go get a picture or anything, but he's now the most famous person I've ever eaten next to (sorry, Dick Norse and Ruth Todd [not together mind you], you've been dethroned).

Did I mention the unusual weather? High of 71 today. Yeah, we spent the afternoon riding bikes and playing outside...eat your heart out Utahns!!

Halloween, etc.

It's no secret that Halloween isn't my favorite holiday at normal times; you add a new baby into the mix and well, let's just say it was "low key" (That's my new euphemism for doing a sub par job!). It was only a few years ago that the girls had "theme" costumes that I made myself, now they get the boxed princess suits (Lucy's is even Sabrina's from last year)and Julesy wore a pumpkin onesie that I didn't even take a picture of.

Basically we did all our trick or treating at the ward party on Friday night. On the actual Halloween, Sabrina was sick with a smoker's cough, so we just ate a bunch of candy and carved our pumpkins at home. We were going to hit the neighborhood, but then I looked at how much candy they already had, said a little "Bah Humbug" about Halloween, and put them in their jammies.

Look who started to smile this week!! And no, I didn't give her steroids; she's growing at an alarming rate all on her own!

I Literally Don't Know Where My Day Goes

I don't have much to say about having 3 kids mainly because I am SO much more busy than I have ever been! And I've only been on my own for 3 days. Paul's mom came out for a week, and again, I cried when she left. It's been so nice to have 24 hour help and to get to feel a bit of Utah love. That's been the hardest part about having this newborn! No one gets to see her!! And that's got this hormonal girl a bit emotional! But you lucky ducks benefit because I'll most likely be updating my blog more frequently (or at least I'm going to try).

Here's some pics of the last two weeks. Paul's mom is ultra tricky and knit the girls some slippers while she was here. And check out baby Julesy (as we affectionately call her...it doesn't take us long to come up with nicknames for our kids...we're gifted that way!). She's getting so big! We call her our hulk (affectionately again, of course) as our other girls weren't nearly this size. (Shelley is laughing at me as her smallest baby was Julesy's size).

Notice the frilly dress? That was on our way to church to watch the Primary Program. I wanted to see Sabrina in it so we ventured out to watch. Julesy let me know it was too soon as she had a blowout in the middle of the program, and we quickly made our way home again. Luckily Sub had already done her part.

Until I find another minute, this is me signing out.

A Birth Story

I didn't write out the birth stories for the other girls until like last year and then I post-dated them. Baby Julia is lucky because her mom has decided that because she lives so far away from our family she'll write it now for any who care to know.

Basically, I don't go into labor. I don't. Without the pit drop, I'd still be pregnant with Sabrina, I'm pretty sure. So, after a long month of moving, unpacking, furnishing, and adjusting, we decided that we'd induce on October 5, which was my due date.

My mom arrived the night before the induction; we woke up early, dropped the girls off at Kyle and Noelle's, and arrived at the hospital around 7 AM. They got us all situated and by about 8, I had the IV in and we were ready. Shortly after they put the IV in, I got lightheaded and began to hear ringing in my ears. Needles and blood have that effect on me. So my nurse, Barb (who was fantastic, by the way) got me oxygen. About a half hour later, I felt like myself again.

Things progressed rather slowly in the beginning, but since I'd gone so quickly with Lucy, I decided after about one pain that I'd better get the epidural as soon as I could. So I announced to Barb that, "I'm allergic to pain" (Sorry Den Den, I had to steal your line) and we got the epidural lady there almost right away. I've learned through two epidurals that you always should ask for a pretty low dose to start with because they can always give you more, but you want to be able to feel what's happening. And let me tell you, this was the best epidural I've ever had. I could move my legs, feel what was going on, but had no pain.

By about 4 pm, I was dilated to a 5 and 100% effaced. Dr. Allen came in and said that they could up the pit drop amount significantly since it had been at a level 1 (due to a drop in my blood pressure). So they turned it up to a level 5 and what do you know? I was at a 10 about 20 minutes later. Although they never really announced that I was at a 10. That was the weirdest thing about this birth. They kind of just said, "Let's have you try pushing a little bit" in a calm manner. The whole thing was very calm and relaxed. At no point did I ever feel like something was going wrong. I pushed for about 40 minutes, and then finally (after giving in and telling her to do the episiotomy TMI...sorry) baby Julia was here.

They put her on me before they cleaned her up (that was different, and a little dirty). It was bizarre to look at her for the first time because it was like we'd seen that face before. She just looked so much like my other girls! We sort of went through a deja-vu right there. She weighed 7 lbs. 6 oz. and was 22 1/2 inches long (Note: When I took her to the Dr. at 4 days old, she was 19 3/4 inches long...she had quite the cone head at birth! I'm going to let her keep the birth height though because it may be the last time in her life she's called "tall").

She has a natural mullet, a Captain Spock ear, the cutest little face, and is all around perfect.

The hospital stay was good, but I just hate sitting there all day long. I got a private room (not nearly as nice as the rooms in Utah, but at least I was by myself!). I nursed at the hospital (like 24/7...even the lactation lady was impressed with my nursing log); I only spent one day nursing at home and after getting only 30 minutes of sleep for two nights in a row, I decided to call it quits. I gave it a good effort, but in the end it wasn't even about all the sleep deprivation or my lack of production (TMI...sorry ) it was about the fact that I HATE NURSING! I have to be brutally honest about this in case on the next child I start thinking I like it. Most people like it, but I don't. So that's that.

The girls didn't get to come see her until the next day. They came and immediately took to her. Many have asked how Lucy is doing. Well...let's just say we have good moments and we have bad moments. She loves the baby, but doesn't love all the attention the baby is getting.


My mom stayed for a week and if you've ever wondered what it's like to have a live in nanny, house keeper, laundry service, and personal assistant, let me tell you, it's great! I cried when she left (darned hormones). She even did a night with baby Julia, bless her soul!

So that's that. This baby is now one week old, and we are loving having her in our family.

Julia Carolyn Sampson

Julia Carolyn Sampson
October 5, 2011
7 lbs. 6 oz.
22 1/2 in
5:22 pm

We are pleased to welcome baby Julia to the world! We are in baby heaven over here. Here's a little tip; if you're ever thinking, "I wish my kids were babies again" just have another one that looks just like them, a combo of both. More details to come.

Pictures:

Where the devil is my camera cord?!!!

I have so so so much to update on. In fact, the life I lived the last time I updated this blog seems like it was years ago instead of just a few months. I have pictures of a lot that's gone down, but I just can't seem to find my camera cord!! It's among many things that I can't seem to find around here right now. Here's the haps of the last two months if ANY of you are still checking this blog.

1. Our summer was good. No schedule, pj's 'til noon, swimming in the wading pool, hot and pregnant, etc.

2. We had the Sampson Family Reunion in Bear Lake the week before we moved. We (the Paul and Lindsay Sampsons) were in charge this year, and despite nearly having a coronary over the planning process of this event, it all turned out really fun and relaxing. A HUGE shout out to the in-laws who really always seem to make everything work out for the best in the end. I really could not have married into a better family. (Although I am sorry that everyone got hit with the stomach flu...or as I call it "The Bear Lake Monster." I hope you all recovered!)

3. We packed up our apartment in Orem and headed out on our drive across the country. It brought me to tears to see all the family, friends, and ward members who came to help us pack, clean, watch the kids, or drop off travel packs for the road. Thank you, thank you, thank you! We felt loved and were sad to leave all of you!

4. I was a little nervous about how the trip across the country was going to go when we had exhausted all our travel games by the time we hit Lehi and upon entering Parley's Canyon Sabrina asked, "Is this Virginia?" We took it kind of slow and stopped in Nauvoo for a planned 2 days, but ended up staying an extra day because of Hurricane Irene. This little road trip was a totally fun diversion to the madness of moving. I have great pics of us in Nauvoo that I will get on here someday. The girls had so much fun swimming every day, and I always love going to Nauvoo. I've said it once and I'll say it again, "That there is sacred ground!" I don't know how anyone can go there and not be moved.

5. We finally made it to our new place. When we got here, there was no A/C, no power, it smelled of gas, and the water wasn't turned on. Not to mention no cable and internet. I felt like I was a pioneer!! J/K. We got it all worked out fairly quickly, however, and now this place feels like home (after about 20 to 30 trips to different stores trying to furnish it).

6. Sabrina started all-day Kindergarten at Campbell Elementary School and loves it so far. Her teacher is named Mrs. Ammons and is just about the most friendly person I have ever met.

She's learning a lot about diversity. For example, she came home and told me that the kids at school have been feeling her hair. She also learned and insisted on (for about 2 days) praying with her hands together instead of her arms folded. She told me that not everyone believes in Jesus and then asked if they were going to be arrested. She learned how to do the "robot" dance from a girl named Bellamy who apparently busts a move every day during their morning meeting (seriously, the funniest thing I've ever seen). She saw two girls wearing Muslim head scarves walking into school just ahead of us and asked me if they were going trick or treating after school. She loves Spanish time (they do it once a week) with Curious "Jorge" and thinks it's really cool that her Grandpa is named "Jorge."

All in all, I could not be more thrilled with how she's adjusted. She loves it, which makes sending her away all day so much easier.

7. It's easier on me anyway. Lucy walked around for a week like a deer in the head-lights when Sabrina started school. She didn't know what to do with herself all day without her social director! She is still trying to work it out, but is progressively getting better at being alone. It is a VERY sweet reunion everyday at 2:40 when they once again get to hang out together. I am enjoying having some time with Lucy alone again. She's such a cute little thing.

She just turned 3 and I really can't believe she is that old. Time certainly does fly! Her birthday was fairly low key, but you wouldn't think that if you talked to her about it. She loves getting her own toys that aren't Sabrina's. (Numero uno sort of dominates on the toy front.) She still loves to cuddle, be tickled, and joke around. She made a super easy transition to the big girl bed here and loves that she and Sabrina share a room. It brings a smile to my heart when I hear them playing together, and I hope they will be this good of friends forever.

8. The day after we arrived I headed out for an appointment with my new doctor and have been going weekly ever since. No offense to baby Julia, but this has not been my easiest pregnancy. I feel so much more uncomfortable than I have ever felt pregnant. I am growing out of maternity clothing, and people constantly stare at me (they also like to tell me what the gender of my baby is based on how I'm carrying...most say boy). Two weeks ago I was dilated to a 2 and last week I was at a 1 again. I don't know how that happens, but I am happy to report that we have scheduled the induction for my due date (October 5th). That's in 4 days! There is an end in sight! Although, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about the whole 3 kids thing!!! I'll be sure to post pics and details when everything happens.

PRETTY WILD, right?

(Oh, and I turned 30. Paul got me an IPhone and at first I was like, "What am I going to do with an IPhone?" But it's pretty much the best gift I've ever received.)

I Know I Need To Update So...

Here you go!

As it goes every summer, I have yet to pull out my camera! Boring, yes. But I'm feeling the need to update this blog so that there's proof we had a summer.

Paul: Still working hard at the court and starting to miss this job already. (I can't say that I won't miss this job too! It's been very nice to see him on Tuesday and Thursdays even if it is only for lunch.) Has started to run a little bit here and there. Is listening to a book by Donald Rumsfeld so his voice (Rumsfeld's ) is a constant around here. Is putting up nicely with his wife's mood swings.

Lindsay: Still pregnant. Has three more months being pregnant. Is rather moody and hot most of the time. Sits by the pool (wading pool) sipping water almost every day. (Not as glamorous as it sounds!) Tried to power walk today as exercise and ended up in quite a bit of pain as a result (huge contraction). Seriously, I can't even walk?!! What's next to go? She comforted herself by making cookies and eating 7 of them!! Shame spiral, I tell you!

Sabrina: Gets to wear a swim suit as her outfit most days and always smells like sunblock. Is getting a little sentimental about leaving her friends and family and moving to Virginia. Loves to draw pictures for people. Has some sass as of late, but is still sweet as can be (mainly towards my growing stomach). Is busy creating a life with her pretend husband, Michael, and their 7 children. Michael works in California, cooks, cleans, babysits and is in a constant battle with his mother-in-law (me) about what Sabrina's daily chores should include.

Lucy: Is excited to move to "Maginia" where Chloe lives. Thinks that Mt. Timpanogos is Virginia and always tells me when it's raining in "Maginia."Has started pulling some antics of her own, her favorite being hiding whenever I want her to do something. Reacts like she's broken a leg whenever she sees a bug, ants included. Gets sick in the car (figured that one out the hard way last weekend). From an outside view is the classic tag-along sister, but in her mind, she's running the show. Has a darling voice, no really, very cute. Hates being interrupted. Wants to be heard!

Baby: We believe her name is Julia, which the girls are coming around on. Such a sweet sounding name for this active little one. She moves all night long. No really. ALL NIGHT. She's woken me up on a number of occasions. I think she'll be my biggest baby; you never can tell, but man, I feel huge.

The End of Preschool

We are finally done with preschool. I have heard from other parents that by the end of the school year, you are so ready for your kids to have a break and be home, but by the end of summer, you are so ready for them to be back in school! Right now, I concur with the first part of that statement.

To end the school year, Sabrina had her end of the year program. Songs, instruments, hats, a graduation walk, you know the drill. She was a bit more hesitant singing than she usually has been in performances of the past due, we think, to a severe need to go to the bathroom which was discovered on the drive home.

A few days later we had Field Day with potato sack races, train rides, and park fun. On a side note, notice Lucy at the park? She is going through a bit of a fear at the park and will NOT participate in any of the apparati (sp?) that are there to play on. She always declares, "I am way too scared!" or "It's just so scary!" She also whines if any wood chips, which she calls "chipmunks" get in her shoes. This is the first summer she has done this, so looks like we'll be frequenting the park often. Being the mean mom that I am, I will use force to get her to have fun, darn it!