Liam's 1 Month Photoshoot...

My sister in law Becky took these.... SHE DID GREAT!! So talented!! THANKS BECKY!!!!

Liam's 1 months old!!

It is hard to believe it has already been a month since I had my Little Liam. It just boggles my mind. It is just a day that you just can not wait to get here to finally meet them, and when it is over it just FLIES from then on. Liam is such a good baby. I am not just saying that because I am his mom. Everyone saw how good Declan was and a lot of people would say, "Oh, just wait for the next one then." So, I was nervous thinking "Oh great. The next one is going to cry their heads off all the time, because apparently everyone thinks that you can't have all good babies...

WELL WE HAVE LUCKED OUT! :D hahaa..

He only cries when he is hungry. Seriously that is it. Sure he can get fussy/gas symptoms, but it is nothing. Plus, during the last week he has changed in his sleeping patterns and last night(for instance) he fell asleep at 10:00pm and didn't wake up til' 6:00am!! I know, LUCKY!! He eats like a little piggy during the day, naps here and there for 2 to 3 hours too. I hope the sleeping at night continues. I am sure he'll wake up earlier than that every now and then, but so far he is waking up only at 5:00am or 6:00am.

Declan loves his little brother. He tries to be helpful, but sometimes a little TOO helpful...here's the story:

I was helping a customer in the office...and Kris just got home from work too. Liam started crying and I noticed that Declan went in the house. I thought nothing of it really. I thought he might just be going to go to watch TV or play with his toys. When Kris went around the corner I heard Kris just gasp and raise his voice at Declan saying, "No! No...what you doing?" I have never heard that kind of tone in Kris's voice, and it made my heart DROP!

Declan was being helpful in his own way, heard Liam crying...so he went in there to bring Liam to me since I couldn't get to him. Kris said he walked around the corner and Declan had Liam hanging upside down by a foot on one leg and was holding onto a thigh on the other leg!! I'm so glad he didn't drop him!!! I'm so glad Kris is the one that saw it and not me because I would've died seeing that and probably could never get the image out of my head!!

It scared Declan to see how scared Kris was and myself. I cried and was moving all of Liam limbs and such to see if he would cry to show any 'hurt' areas...but he's fine! We made Declan understand why that was bad and made him go on his bed(which he cried himself to sleep). He loves his brother, and lets just hope he does not do anything like this AGAIN.

Anyways, my sister in law Becky took pictures of Liam on August 6th, exactly when he turned 1 month. I had him in a few outfits, and his blessing outfit. Took a few with Declan and a few with me and Kris. I'll post those as soon as I get them.

Liam was blessed by Kris on August 8th. We did it that Sunday because it was the only Sunday that worked before my Brother and his family moved to New York. He got a job in Palmyra to run/manage the Motel by the Temple and Sacred Grove! Pretty neat opportunity, but I/we are sure going to miss them!!

Liam had many family members in the Blessing Circle. Kris, Chase, cousin Tyson, Uncle Robert, soon-to be husband to my cousin Ty, Brother Bird, Brother Marlin, Larry/Grandpa, Kalab, and Jon. I think that's it?? It was a nice turn out. More than I thought would come. Kris did a wonderful blessing! I'm so grateful for him and his testimony and priesthood which he holds! Such a amazing husband and father to us.

We then had a lunch at Kris's parents(Thanks to my mom and mother in law). Pretty much everyone that was there came to eat. It was really fun to laugh and visit with everyone.

THANK YOU ALL FOR COMING!! It meant a lot.

Here's some pictures of Liam, Declan and Asher(my brother's son) and some of the Blessing day:

Asher 6 months...Liam 1 month...

My nephew's just stinkin' CUTE!!Declan ready for Church...

My two handsome boys!!

I'm such a lucky mommy to have my Little Liam!!

Ready to head out the door...

Looks like he wants to say, "You talkin' to me...?"

Totally has his Daddy's glare...haha!!

Staring at Goober...

I love my Mr. Gurggle!!

SURPRISE!!!!!!!

Here HE is. Yes. A BOY!!!! If you have not heard yet, as you can see the Ultra Sounds were not correct. TWICE. The little stinker hid his true identity from us. Here's the story from the beginning:

I have been having mild contractions here and there ever since Kris left for Texas (very end of June); which I hit 37 weeks while he was gone. Luckily he got back early/late a.m. on June 30th. He wasn't going to be back til' the afternoon, so that was a nice surprise to have him home and me still pregnant.

I had an appointment that day/morning June 30th. My doctor was concerned and thought I was showing signs of preeclampsia. So she had me check into the hospital that afternoon and was probably going to have the little one the next morning, July 1st, my birthday. Well, they monitored me for a bit, and all was well so I got sent home.

On July 4th 'contractions/pains' were getting more constant through out the day, but no pattern really. That morning I thought for sure the little one was going to come, but it died down in the afternoon. The 5th, nothing really all day. I went to bed, couldn't really sleep, and I got up at 2:25am to go to the bathroom. When I was heading back to my bed, as I was lifting up my leg to hop on, I got a little GUSH. I jumped back quick enough to not get it on my bed and I thought, "Wait?? I just went pee. " So I went to investigate. I looked, sorry to get graphic, at my underwear. I looked at the liquid and it was not yellow, and it did not smell like pee either. So I stood there for a bit, because it really wasn't quite the 'pop' and 'gush' I got last time with Declan. But then the more I moved, the more little gushes would come.

I woke up Kris and said, "Umm... Hon?? I think my water broke." He rolled over, looked at me all squint-ee-eyed and shook his head up and down and rolled back over. I laughed and said, "Did you hear me?" He said, "Yep." I said "Okay. I'll start getting things ready." So my water broke right at 2:30am. Kris kept on saying, "2:30am?? Why did it break this early?? Couldn't it have happened like at 9:00am or something?" All while smiling. I told him, "Well, I can't really help stop my water from breaking when all I did was go to the bathroom and went to climb back in bed and there ya have it." He said I shouldn't have gone to the bathroom.
hahah!!

So we got Declan up. He cooperated really well for it being that early. We got all our luggage. I did office work really quick and let one of my girls know what was going on and for her to be in the office this morning because it was the time. We dropped off Declan at Kris's parents. Then we needed gas or we wouldn't have made it to Evanston (that would've been bad!). Then he dropped off a blockbuster movie because it would've been late if not turned in today!! hahah!! Soooo...by the time we headed out of town it was 3:30am(and that's when the contractions started constant). Kris turned on the hazard lights and off we went. He drove 100 mph for quite a bit. Did not run into any cops. It went pretty smooth. My contractions were 4 minutes apart the whole way.

Got to the hospital and I was sat in a wheel chair. My nurse that was there said, "Are ya sure your water broke?" I stood up and, sorry to get gross again, and there was a puddle were I was sitting. I pointed and I said, "Yep." So I got all gowned up, and layed down and it really started to hurt. I was checked and was a 5. She asked if I wanted an Epidural, OF COURSE.
I was finally able to have the Epidural come, which took forever, I swear she drove from Green River to get there. :) I think I finally got it at almost 6:00am.

She was really nice, and did a good job. It was working great at first, but then I just felt a lot of pressure and pain coming on, and my legs weren't really numb anymore. So they checked me and 'upped' the juice. Well, that only worked for like 10 minutes. By that time it was a different person and he supposedly gave me the 'hard' stuff. Again, that only worked for like 10 minutes, by this time I was a 9...and it just wasn't working :'(!!! They do not know why either, just one of those things...but OUCH!!!

So by that time it was maybe 9:00am-ish. Kris's mom just got there at that time, my parents have already been there since maybe 7:00am, maybe earlier. Then it was time to push. MAN ALIVE, I FELT EVERYTHING. I did not curse, but boy did I want to. I just remember me saying "Ouch, ouch, OUCH!" "Holy CRAP" and one time I even said, "I can't do it...I can't do it!" hahaha... what a dork I am. I feel silly. I had my mom on my left leg, my mother-in-law on my right leg...and as Kris said, "He was front row in the bleachers." ahha.. (My dad was also behind the curtain, but still in the room hearing me scream like a dork).

At 9:18am the little one came out. BOY was I relieved. It was the craziest feeling ever to be feeling everything. It hurt, but I am glad I did it and went through that. I looked down and saw the little one come out. I smiled and then my mother-in-law said, "(insert gasp) it's a BOY." I looked down and checked, looked at Kris he turned red and was just smiling and laughing, and I shook my head, smiled and giggled.

You might think I'm crazy, but I honestly did feel this way... I was not SHOCKED. I know everyone else was...but I really wasn't for some reason. He just looked beautiful and healthy and couldn't believe that this moment was here. My doctor just kept on saying, "Well you little stinker(over and over again). You really have a mind of your own already."

We all got to hold him for a second. It was a great feeling to have him in my arms, and not be rushed away. I could just tell he was okay, and breathing great. I just stared at him and started to get teary. I told him that, "I couldn't be more grateful for another son...even if you are a stinker." He was so alert and just knew my voice, and what a great feeling that was. What a great surprise he was!! This whole experience was just great, even if the Epidural didn't work--that pain was well worth it indeed.

So we of coarse did not have a name what so ever for a boy, since we were having such a hard time with a girl name...(maybe that's why because it was a boy, not a girl). We got to go home the very next morning. ANOTHER GREAT FEELING! It just was all falling into place and felt so right. It is definitely a different experience, for me at least, taking home a second child than the first. I was not scared at all, I was just READY. Before we went home my doctor came in and checked on me. She said she was sorry about the mix up. She's done this for 20 years and this has NEVER happened. :) I'm glad I'm one of those rare cases...ahaha...

We left for home without a name. We had it narrowed down to 4 names. Then finally 2 names. Then we finally named him on Saturday, the 10th. He was 4 days old and finally had a name. The first name LIAM. I have always liked. I of coarse heard it from the actor Liam Neeson, very talented good looking Irishman. Right after hearing we had a boy, as they were cleaning him, Liam popped in my head from no where. Pretty weird. So I told Kris that, and he liked the name too, but of coarse we had other options. Liam means: Strong-Willed Warrior, Irish. His middle name, ARCHER, Kris came up with. He got it from the movie "Blood Diamond." It has Leo DeCaprio in it. About South Africa and the diamond/slavery situation down there(great movie). Leo's character's name is Archer. Kris really has liked this name ever since he's heard it. Archer means: Bowman, English. It fits him well. We couldn't really settle on on one or the other. So we went with both and put them together. Turned out perfect.

I am just REALLY GRATEFUL to my Heavenly Father that this whole situation was just wonderful. He's here and healthy. I'm here and healthy. It all just worked out great. I AM BLESSED!!! All the nurses and my doctor were great, and I am thankful.

Here are some pictures:

Me checking out his strawberry-blonde hair

Liam Archer Mullins

July 6th, 2010-Tuesday

at 9:18am

7 lbs. 7 oz. 21 inches long

Me trying not to cry...and my mom by my side as well
Little cutie!

My two sons... I am excited to see them grow up together!

My family that I love so very much!

Heading home!!!

WELCOME HOME

LIAM ARCHER MULLINS

WE LOVE YOU!!!

Just a little update:

Hey...

Gees-Lou-Eez I haven't wrote for quite sometime. My bad. Quite a bit has happened since the last post June 1st.

I guess what I mostly wanted to post about was the last doctor visit. On June 30th, Wednesday, I had an appointment, just a check up. Well, turns out my blood pressure was a little higher than normal, first time ever. I had protein in my urine, first time ever. Then to top it off I have VERY SWOLLEN feet, ankles, and it has traveled clear up to my knees. No kidding, it is gross. Those three things are the major signs of 'Preeclampsia'. Well, to put it simple it is just dangerous for the mommy and baby. So my doctor said, "You know, I think it's just time to have a baby." I said, "UH???? Can I go home and get my stuff and husband, and get ready?" She smiled and said, "Yes, we'll check you in to the hospital tonight, monitor you and probably will get you going in the morning."

The next morning was my Birthday, July 1st :) I thought what a nice little present. Then I was starting to get all nervous and excited. Called my hubby to inform him to get ready. My parents and all my siblings...thinking it was definitely going to happen in the morning. So Kris and I head to Evanston and get to the hospital at 3:30pm and was there til' maybe 6:00pm. They took my blood, took my urine, took my blood pressure every 10 minutes...just watching to see how I was and if it was serious.

My doctor came in and said, "Well, I have looked at everything we have done and everything looks excellent. Very healthy. I do think the baby is healthy and ready, I just think to wait a little bit longer would be safer/smarter. You'll just have to live with those swollen feet, ankles, legs for a bit longer." I was bummed at first, but of coarse had no problem cooking this little one for longer. I'm not one to push things. I said, "That's fine, whatever you want me to do, I'll do whatever you want. I do turn 38 weeks on Monday so that's even better that I'm that far along." She said, "You know what since you'll hit 38 on Monday...lets just schedule a day next week. You live so far away. Your first labor was pretty fast for the first one...and I just do not want you to have a highway baby if we can avoid it. So pick a day." I smiled and thought 'How in the heck can I possibly pick a day'??? I looked at Kris too and he smiled because he knows I will try to find a pattern with numbers, OCD...hahha!!

So she said, "The nurse will come in and let you go. Then set up a date with her and I'll see ya next week." So, the nurse came in quite a bit later, we still had NO CLUE. So she told us to call in the morning with a date. Kris and I talked it over a bit. Tried to do what was better for his work, my work, etc. I procrastinated quite a bit the next day to call and pick a date...and I finally called at like 1:00pm I think. The nurse answered and all she had was Tuesday the 6th or Wednesday the 7th. Well, Kris and I talked and it was mostly narrowed down to two dates...the 7th or 8th...and since the 7th was the only one available that really help.

SOOOOOOO I'm being induced Wednesday the 7th, 1 day away!!! :D CRAZY!!! I have to check in between 7:30-8:00am. I'm nervous for just the whole process. The pain, the pushing...but mostly afterwards. I am nervous for the little one too. I just hope and pray with all my heart that she is healthy. That I can take her home. That is my NUMBER ONE concern. I could care less about everything else...

So, her birthday will probably be July 7, 2010...7/7 :) Very excited to meet her and see her face. It is an amazing thing, and I am truly blessed to be able to bring children of my own in this world. Heavenly Father has blessed me tremendously.

Can't wait to meet you little girl and finally give you a name!!!!!!

Next post will have pictures of the event...and the little one!! :D

Declan and Little one's New Bed/Bedding!!...and 4th Wedding Anniversary!

So Kris, my very talented "Tinkering" husband, decided to make Declan a bed from scratch.

It turned out pretty cool!! It's not all the way done yet, but Declan slept in it for the first time last night; which I was nervous for him to fall out but he didn't!!! All that's left is putting 'tires' on it(cut bucket lid in half and make it look like a tire w/ rims), steering wheel, windshield, grill/drawers for his clothes in the front to look like the front on the truck...I think that's it. But you get the gist of it. Declan loves the top where he can play with all his animals, blankets, read books, take a nap, etc. Kris put a ladder in the back. He doesn't climb up it or down it yet, but that doesn't bother me at all because then I know he won't attempt to (He's afraid of heights)...ahah!!

Side view: Myself, Kris and his sister Becky all painted it to look like a Zebra Safari Truck...

Do you think he's happy about his new bed???

Declan on the top of the truck, which we can eventually put another bed on top...He ate breakfast up there this morning. Pretty cute.

My Happy Goober...

Front of the Truck...

Where drawers will be put...and I'll paint it like a grill with head lights and such...

A little ladder/step-up for Declan to get on his bed easier...

The Ladder in the back to climb on top :)

The railing/rack on top of the truck...with all of Declan's animals and blanket GALOR...

Declan's big boy bed!! Rhinos, Elephants, Giraffes, Gators, Zebras...and Curios George on the pillow as well as the Dragon on the right from "How to Train A Dragon" :)

Then here's little girl's colors/theme/animals:

I went more of an Australia way since Declan has Africa
(Plus Kris went to Australia for his mission)

I couldn't decide whether to do Hippo's or Koala's...and I found both!
It has a Zebra and Elephant on it as well...
Which really don't live in the same area, but hey, it's cute.
There's also 2 little stuffed Kangaroo animals that Kris bought from his mission in the crib to include that animal.

A lot of pink, I know for me, but there's orange, purple, green...
It's so soft and cute!
I am excited to put here in it and have her here!





Thanks to my Mother for buying all this!!!
THANK YOU~ THANK YOU~ THANK YOU...
LOVE IT, and LOVE YOU!!!

A Round/Cherry wood crib...
Declan slept in this one too...
But it's not put all together since we took it apart to put Declan's bed together.
I'll take another picture when it's all done.






Then here's a picture of me 2 weeks ago at 31 weeks. I'm now 33 and 1 day!!!
Getting there...Can't believe it!!

Here's what's going on with myself:
--SWOLLEN FEET and HANDS almost EVERYDAY...
Which makes it a pain to be on my feet for very long, and I hardily ever wear my real wedding ring. I mostly wear a "fake" wedding ring what I call "Fat Finger Ring".

--Hard to breath slightly...especially when it is bed time...
Sometimes I have to sit up to be able to be 'comfy' and sleep a bit. My sides are getting worn out :)

--Craving a lot of cereal lately, sometimes it is the only thing I eat all day...

--She's still moving quite a bit every which way...
It's nothing like getting a swift kick/punch/bump to the rib or bladder, especially in church where you almost jump out of your seat while they are passing the Sacrament! haha...



My next appointment is this Friday...just a quick check up.
Then the next one is two weeks after that, so maybe the 18th,
and that's when I'll get another Ultra sound for one last look-ee to see if she's turned
and of coarse I'll have her make sure she's still a girl :D ahha!! I really do not have any doubt that it
is a girl, but sometimes you just never know...
GIRLS ARE SNEAKY!!!



Last but not least it was Kris and My 4 year Anniversary on May 19th! Crazy to think. I love Kris very much...and I just love looking back on that day and knowing I made the best decision of my life to marry him. I wish I could relive it. It just has flown, but I still remember it very vividly. AMAZING day to say the least.

He came into my life when I needed a friend the most. He was really there for me, and lifted me up and showed me what true Love was and what I deserved as a Daughter of God. I can turn to him for anything. His humor is constant. Sometimes people read him wrong, but he's hardily ever serious if you know him. Always cracking jokes or poking fun of something and I love him for that... and most importantly he is a great Father. I love watching him with Declan. Declan loves his Dad. I can only hope that Declan gets Kris's knowledge, humor, and how hard working Kris is at everything that life throws at him. He is my Eternal Companion, and I could not be more happy/blessed!!
I love you Kris!!

3rd TRIMESTER!!! YAY!!!

Some days I feel huge, and today's one of them. Since I was taking pictures of myself... But, it's just part of the deal right?? :)

What my body is doing/what's going on:

-- She moves quite a bit...LOVE IT!!

-- She's already up in my ribs a bit, but not too bad. Just get waves of 'uncomfortableness'

-- She moves to one side of my body quite a bit. My right side. So, this makes my belly look quite LOP-SIDED sometimes :)

-- She's already kicked Declan in the head (first sibling fight)...ahhaha...Declan put his head on my belly while watching some TV and she kicked him and Declan said, "What was that?" I said, "It was your sister, she kicked you." He said, "Mean-ee."

-- I'm eating pretty good...starting to watch the sweets. To tell you the truth I'm kind of nervous for the glucose test for some reason (My dad does has Type 1 Diabetes). I don't think I was nervous last time, but every thing's been going pretty good thus far. Her heartbeat is great. My blood pressure is "Excellent" as said by the nurse. I've gained 10 lbs total so far, as of my last appointment (April12th), probably more by now. I gained 4 at first, then 6 last time...haha... this time will probably be 10!!!

-- Still not big on "meals" still a snacker...a CONSTANT snacker.

-- I drink everything...probably should drink more water than I should, but I drink a lot of Power Ade

-- A week or so ago I realized my feet have started to SWELL!!! I really don't like this side affect too much. I was pregnant with Declan during the fall/winter, so I could hide my blown up feet. This time it's Spring/Summer...and yeah, flip flops of coarse don't hide that. I was at church yesterday with some nice church shoes on. I looked down while they were passing the Sacrament, and I said, "GROSS. Kris look..." hahaha... Even my ankles were swollen!! So I tried to hide me feet for the rest of Sacrament...ahhaa... My feet are short and stubby enough, I don't need the help of them being swollen!! :)

-- I have to put a pillow between my legs, or blanket and a pillow behind my back for support so I can sleep pretty decent on my left side and not wake up sore. Kris thinks the pillow in between us is a barrier for him to not touch me!!! hahaha... :)

All in all I can't complain. I really don't get sick. I do have a head ache every so often, but I don't get nauseous. I do get sore and tired, but oh well...I love every minute of it!! Next appointment is May 4th. It's my glucose test and I also get a shot because I have negative type blood. So fun appointment next time :D (sense the sarcasm??) After that I'll have appointments every two weeks. We're getting close FOLKS!!!

Here's a picture of Kris and Declan playing Play Station 3. Kris is really the only one playing, though Declan has played before. Declan decided to grab the other controller and help Dad, and he even pulled down a pillow and proped it behind him like his Daddy... I thought it was a cute moment:

...Let's Go Fly a Kite...Up to the Highest Height...

So I bought this kite for Declan for Easter. We finally got a decent day, with decent weather. The wind wasn't too strong, so that was good considering I bought the kite at the Dollar Store. Not the toughest of kites, but Declan picked it out. Here's some pictures :)

I Love this one of Kris and Declan...such handsome boys I have...

Sponge Bob Square Pants Kite... he does not even watch this TV show,

but he sure did like the look of the kite...

(by the way, it's hard to get a picture of a kite in the air, won't stop moving) ;)

Going to go get the kite after it fell...

... He really enjoyed it.

More Kite Flyin' days to come... I think (knock-on-wood)

I think Spring is finally here in Green River Wyoming...(cross your fingers).

EASTER....

Here are some pictures of Easter Morning. Sadly enough it was not warm by any means, poor Declan has not YET had a warm one where he could be outside and go egg hunting. You know...those nice spring Easter's that you would get every once in a while???Declan's Basket... Goodies/Candy, Toys, Kite, New Outfit with new Sandles... Checking out the STASH!!He woke up(thus the sleepy face and messy hair)
...and did not even hesitate and went straight to the couch :)

He likes his new 'Cap-Gun' mommy bought him...

(Yes, the mom bought him a gun)

Found the CANDY!!! :D Dad helping Goober out with opening Candy!!

He ate soooo much Candy that day, oh well :)

After Conference we went to Kris's Parents, which Conference by the way was REALLY good. I really felt the spirit and a lot of talks made me tear up. A lot about Parenting, and I know I am truly blessed for being given the opportunity to be a mom. I would not trade it for anything.

Declan did however hunt eggs at Grandma and Grandpa Mullins's house right when we pulled up for Easter dinner. He was really good at it too. Becky put eggs all over the lawn and hide a few to try and see if he would find them. Whenever he would find one he would go, "Oh...right there." :)
Easter Dinner was yummy as ALWAYS...Thanks Bonnie!! We, Kris and I, also got our own little Easter snacks from Kris's Parents :) We are spoiled...

My Parents also came in on Friday, April 2nd. It was my beautiful mother's birthday!! We went and ate at Bonsai. Then shopped a bit at Wal-Mart; which my mom bought so much for Declan and bought some things for Kris and I. I really do appreciate her and my dad!!! My parents also got Declan Easter goodies!! Spoiled-Spoiled-Spoiled, but I love it and love seeing Declan's face when he gets presents/something new...

This is me at 25 weeks! Yesterday, April 5th... only 15 more to go!!!

I'm feeling great. I Did however catch a nasty cold, that turned into a stomache flu...thought I was going to die, but I'm alive. Still need a name for this little . This one is a tricky one, but I'm sure we'll find a name, just wish we already had it...ahaha