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.)