Fall 2010

I haven't blogged for the past 7 months and I'm having a hard time deciding how far back to go. Huge milestones have happened. We moved to New Hampshire and went to two weddings over the summer, not to mention the growth in the kids. Once summer settled down, our lives continued to be eventful. I'm starting with October when we were blissfully enjoying our picturesque New England fall. Grandma Bon Bon came to visit before our anniversary. We had hoped to take advantage of her care and get away for our anniversary, but plans fell through and we stuck around town. We found plenty to do that week including the fire station open house, a harvest festival, the pumpkin patch and a gorgeous foliage drive to Conway, NH. All the while knowing that my grandpa could pass away any day, which he did on October 19. He was 85 and had lung cancer that spread to his brain. With a couple days of planning and Bonnie still at our house, we orchestrated a way for me to go to the funeral in Utah. Tickets were sky high and I didn't want to travel with an infant and toddler alone. Since Adam was the only cook at work because of the other one on leave, he couldn't come along or keep Atticus behind. So, we sent Atticus on a plane to Virginia with Bonnie. Then, I jumped on another plane with Harper to Utah. I was a wreck being so far from Atticus, but ate up every one on one moment with the baby. She soaked in the spotlight shining on her by me and all of her other Utah relatives. The happy ending to this chaotic plan was me flying to Virginia from Utah to get my boy the day before Halloween. The very next day on Halloween, the three of us hopped on another plan to Boston. After we arrived, we were still able to resume our big Halloween plans to go trick or treating in downtown Portsmouth. If it sounds like chaos, it really was. Out of these stressful situations we grow...

I thought this was a prime picture opportunity... a momma and baby goat cuddling.

Atticus enjoyed the petting zoo.

One big happy family

This is our favorite fireman Ryan. He was at our house a couple nights before over a carbon monoxide scare. Atticus was thrilled to see the big firetruck and its bright lights pull up to his house.

Atticus is hands down the biggest train fan I've ever met. We went on our fall foliage drive and spontaneously ran into this train station in Conway. There was no way of getting out of taking this guy on a train ride.

Harper and grandma Diane

Harper makes cheesy grins now.

This is my favorite great Uncle John. I have picture of him holding me at Harper's age!

Harper got ahold of her Auntie Sara's Macbook. She knew exactly what to do with it!

A ladies day out at Chilli's with our 50% off discount, thanks Sar Bear!

"Bee" Harper makes me smile :)

Exhausted, but relieved to be with both of my babies and Adam.

There isn't a bigger train fan than Atticus so it only seemed right that he be a train conductor this year.

This is how we were all feeling by the end of this day.

What I miss most...

The last week of moving was very hectic, busy and unemotional. Now as we await our final destination in Virginia, I've had plenty of time to ponder the life we've lived over the last three years. Here are my top memories I will cherish most about Seattle.

Delivering my two precious babies, Atticus & Harper in Burien at Highline Hospital and watching them grow.

The gobs of time we were given with Sara. She lived with us for two extended periods of time and shared in our joy of watching Atticus grow. She has become a member of our immediate family and I will miss her closeness. I'm so grateful for the relationship she has with Atticus. It's priceless to see the happiness in Atticus' eyes when he has his "Say Say" and vice versa.

My friend Brandi. Our friendship began in an ironic connection on Myspace. Little did we know we would be working for the same agency, school, and be mistaken for one another! I was so blessed to have her as a professional ro-model, especially during my first year teaching. She taught me so much and has continued to be such an amazing, supportive friend to me even though we had to part ways professionally! We now have an even more permanent bond Since she and Henri adopted our beloved Andre.

Losing our sweet, precious Ida. She died right in our kitchen last summer as a result of kidney failure. This was a very sad memory that I will never forget. Brandi and Adam came to my rescue that day and then we went to lunch after dropping her body off at the vet.

The Hage's and Crosby. This family has given us many blessings and they opened several windows for us. After Atticus was born, we accepted their offer to rent their basement for a much cheaper price than we were paying for rent & heat. We became respite care providers for Crosby. He became the most unique person I've ever known. I not only gained more experience in my field, but learned a valuable lesson that you should never underestimate those with disabilities. They are almost always more capable than how they are initially perceived.


The Normandy Park Ward. We were blessed again with an amazing circle of people who have played a major role in our spiritual growth. I'll never forget the love we received when both our children were born, especially Atticus with his complication after birth. Also, the opportunity to go to FPU was made possible through being a member of this ward and Seattle stake. I am proud to have had so many great examples and friendships in all aspects.

Living so close to my long time friend Addy. Having her so close has brought back a sense of home from the past. She has been so supportive and understanding with all of our new family changes.

The beautiful parks in Seattle. I wish we would have taken advantage of them more- just getting out and walking the paths and trails. The Brooks were a great example during our first year here of seizing the moment and getting outside in the parks.

Fred Meyer. This was my home away from home in a very weird way. This is where I got my best deals and could do my one stop shopping. Going here was where I could have "me" time and feel refreshed.

South Center. This mall was under construction when we first moved here and was completed just one year later. It is an amazing mall and I will miss the atmosphere. It is the most kid-friendly mall ever- even having family lounges with TV's and private nursing rooms! This was a real perk and way to get you to stay and spend your money.

Bon Bon's trip

It's official, Atticus has chosen to call his grandma Bonnie "Bon Bon" and we had to say goodbye to her today. :( Atticus proclaimed missing his grandma today by taking his nap in her bed. We will miss her so much, but will see each other again in a few short weeks. Here are some pictures of the trip.

Two Weeks Old

I never thought I could be this fortunate. Harper has exceeded all of my expectations for a pregnancy and baby. After witnessing close friends having issues with infertility, I realize how true a miracle for a baby to be conceived and born. I can hardly believe this miracle happened to us and I feel so blessed, grateful and even undeserving.

From conception, we were so surprised and excited to find out we were expecting. I knew almost instantly just a day or two after missing a period that I was prego.

On Adam's birthday, we were again surprised to find out we were having a girl. I was 100% certain and content with having another baby boy and brother for Atticus. I don't think I've ever shed tears of joy until this day after finding out the good news. Adam had been right all along about this one being a girl!

As her birth date came closer, I was shocked to find out I was already dilated to 2 cm on March 31st. We had speculated having an early delivery, but this seemed to solidify it. It was a little discouraging when nothing happened before my next appointment on April 6, which I had by then progressed to 3 cm. The doctor believed I was minutes, hours, or days at most away from labor. She was going on vacation on 4/12 and said she would be happy to induce the next day so she could deliver and because I was already progressed so far along. Adam and I talked and opted out of this wanting Harper to come on her own and not wanting to risk ANY complications with this baby. This very night I began feeling uncomfortable contractions in my back and abdomen. I was sure Tuesday was the night. I laid down to go to sleep believing I would be woken up sometime in the night to go to the hospital. When I woke up in the morning, the contractions were gone and I got up to go to work instead. :( I determined Wednesday 4/7 to be my last day. I experienced the same painful contractions again on Wednesday and Thursday night until they ceased in my sleep. By Friday morning, I was getting really impatient and called Friday morning to have my doctor check me once more before she went on leave. I was able to get in and she determined I was now 4 cm dilated. The contractions I had been feeling for the past 3 nights had been working in my favor. By Friday afternoon I was really contracting and decided by the evening that I wasn't going to lay down in case this would make them go away again. I called my wise friend Monica who is an expert on making and having babies and she gave me some excellent tips to keep my contractions going. After doing some Karate kicks, squats and a few other things I called the hospital at 10:00 PM and was admitted after 11:00 PM to a birthing room. I had dilated to 6 cm and was 75% effaced! I got an epidural just after 1:00 AM and my water was broken at 5:00 AM. After my water broke, I had continued dilating to 10 cm with the help of a small dose of pitocin. By 6:30, I felt the pressure to push and sure enough after 4 or 5 tries, Harper was delivered at 6:57 AM (just in time for the nurses to transfer shifts at 7:00 AM). She weighed 7 lbs 9.1 oz and was 19 inches long. Needless to say, this was one of the best mornings of my life and was a picture perfect TLC baby story. The nurse herself even commented on this being one of her best labor and deliveries.






I came home from the hospital on Sunday 4/11 and have had the best two weeks getting to know Harper and witnessing the change and unity in our new family dynamic. Adam has been the best having around day in and out. Atticus has taken well to Harper, but demands his mommy (and Thomas) now more than before. I have been able to divide my attention well between both with time. Adam went back to work today, so I juggled both and it had a great day. As long as I front load my love and attention to Atticus, he more easily allows me to take care of the baby. His Thomas and Friends video sure does help too. :)







At Harper's last appointment at 11 days old, she weighed 8 lbs 6 oz... which is a 12 oz. gain! She also grew an inch and a half.

Name Change

This past week we discovered a different name that we really like for our little lady. This is groundbreaking considering we've stuck with the same name since the day of our wedding. We were married on October 22, which made us fall in love with the name Autumn if we ever had a girl. Then, we decided on Autumn Marie in recent months. It has been sort of a coincidental tradition in my family for girls to take their mom's name as their middle. My full name is Marie Patricia after my biological mom, Patricia.

So, I was looking through a baby name book that we have called A is for Atticus and found the name Harper. This sounds kind of perfect, coupled with Harper Marie. And then you consider Harper Lee was the author of To Kill a Mockingbird, which is the source of Atticus's name. Even better, is one of our favorite artists Ben Harper. To seal the deal, we asked Atticus to say Harper. As sweetly, clearly, and in as much as he can pronounce "rrr"... he said Harper!! It melts our heart. And this is why I think we found a new name.