Look who is 6!!

Ian's birthday was back in September, but I thought everyone should know that he is indead a year older. His birthday was just a few days after I came home from the hospital (the 2nd time) and so I asked Mary and Carole to help out with a little party. Well, if you need a party done right call Aunt Carole! She showed up with a really cool Spiderman cake, a Spiderman pinata and a whole bunch of presents. Ian was in heaven and kept saying, "This is the best birthday ever!" Carole--you had better start planning for the big 7 year party next year! :)

I can't believe it has been six years since we lived in the Avenues and I was itchy itchy allergic to the cute little baby in my belly. Ian was a colicky one, but now he is the best kid. He is such a good helper--the other day he put Miles on time out! He helps me out so much and is definatly my sanity in a world of diapers and two year old tantrums.

This pinata was as tall as Ian! Thanks Uncle Jeff.

Witch Hunt

This is my favorite--the witch airport.

This witch really liked Ian!!

Makin' some brew.

Cute kiddos looking at the witch on a bike--you can just barely see the wheels at the top of the photo.

A few weeks ago we ventured over to Gardner Village to find all of the witches. The kids remembered doing this last year and were so excited. We met Nora and the kids there and had a great time trying to find every witch on the list. Miles thought they were real and was very fascinated with each display. He didn't want anything to do with the witch on the bench. Ian's favorite was the witch riding her bike over the stream--her legs moved and everything! Nora and I both realized that she didn't have any youngins' in the stroller!! She was stroller free--which was probably a good thing because that left two arms to control three toddlers. The weather was great and I've decided Gardner Village is a little bit like having a piece of Star's Hollow (fictional Connecticut town in the TV show Gilmore Girls) in Utah. Ian has already put in a request to go back at Christmas time.

Cute Cousins

Mindy brought the girls down for a quick visit about a month ago. 3 girls + 3 boys = lots of noise and excitment. Dave keeps trying to talk Mindy into trading one boy for one girl. After watching Mindy use two curling irons, lots of hair product and some motherly force to get the hair cute on her three I think I'll stick with the buzz cut boys I have. :)

That Hair is Red I Say!!

09.09.09

Maybe because it was Wesley's due date, maybe because it was just a strange date to begin with, but this day would not be normal for me. Here is the story I'm hoping to tell and leave behind so I can stop running worst case scenarios through my head.

After reading a book to Miles I stood up and realized something was wrong. They say you bleed after having a baby, but this was making me nervous. I called the doctor left a message for the nurse and laid down hoping the bleeding would stop. About 1/2 an hour later I felt I needed to figure out what was going on. After standing up I knew I needed to get some help. I called my 1st counselor in a panic and she dropped everything and ran over. After a few more phone calls to neighbors we had the kids taken care of and me in diaper made of 4-5 bath towels and some of Miles' diapers on my way to the hospital.

We met Dave at the ER got checked in and hooked up to two IV's. Finally the ER doctor prescribed some potocin. I knew this is what would happen and was not looking forward to the drugs, but hoped the cramping would stop the bleeding. They admitted me back to the maternity ward and started me on two more cramping medications. The doctor came in and said the blood was pooling and he would have to clean out all the clots (ewww...) He then explained what might happen if the bleeding didn't quit...emergency surgery, DNC, blood transfusions, etc. We were in for a long night.

The bleeding slowed and they loaded me up with percocet, antibiotics, more cramping drugs, and IV fluids. I spent the night feeling like I was having baby #4. The bleeding slowed down and I didn't have to have a transfusion fortunately. The next day was spent trying to get severely anemic me up and out of bed without passing out. I did not pass out, but that was with the help of multiple nurses, a wheel chair, and some time spent with my head between my knees. After a day of practicing up and down I was finally able to make the short journey to the bathroom so they let me go home the next day.

I spent the next week in an anemic daze I think. My mom, my MIL Mary, my sister, my brother Mike, and of course Dave took care of the kids while I either slept or sat around on the couch. I don't think I ventured downstairs for a week.

After a bottle of iron pills and lots of shredded wheat (90% of your daily iron) my blood levels are back up and I'm feeling great. Now I'm just hoping to get Wes sleeping through the night so I can start hitting the gym in the morning.

I could not believe the out pouring of help we received--from meals, to phone calls, babysitting, etc. It was so nice to know we were so well taken care of--thanks to those of you who helped so much. And talk about an opportunity to learn to appreciate the everyday. I'm so glad things turned out the way they did and so grateful for my cute little family of boys.

Now go give blood! Some woman who just had a cute little baby might need it to save her life.

Prince Wesley

He is the cutest little dude ever! Of course his mother would think so and with those big blue eyes of his she is only slightly bias. We have learned one thing about Noel babies--they have lots of hair and big, big eyes!

Miles in the Middle

Ian already had the big brother role down, but now Miles would find himself in the middle. He is such a easy going guy but not being the baby anymore has rocked his world a little bit. He has started having night terrors, he has learned he can boycott his nap and just play with toys in his room instead, and he has finally decided the TV is a good thing. The TV thing was a result of seeing Toy Story for the first time--now we are watching it for the a 100th time, and he has decided to be Buzz Lightyear for Halloween. He is such a cute, good kid and with that smile of his he usually gets his way.

Picking peaches with Grandma. Grandma came to help with the baby and took all of our peaches home to make jam for us!!

First Days Home

Wesley's first few days home are kind of a blur now. Ian instantly fell in love with this little guy wanting to hold him and play with him all the time. Little did he know that babies sleep--a lot. We soon discovered Wes to be our first "typical baby" some what fussy, but mostly content. Ian was our colicky one and Miles was the easiest happiest baby that ever was.

Back to August 29th

Here is Wesley the night he was born. We were watching the kids run around the front yard after a milkshake trip to Arctic Circle when my water broke. We rushed the kids to the neighbors and were off the the hospital. They got us checked in and since there were no contractions to speak of I decided not to get the epidural yet. We waited and the nurse came in and after a quick check I decided it was time for the epidural even though the contractions were not that bad. She said okay--then came back and said after the emergency c-section the anesthesiologist will be right in. As soon as she said this everything started moving real fast. This baby was coming now! I couldn't push because there was no doctor! After what seemed like a long wait the anesthesiologist shows up and informs me I can either have the baby or get a spinal block, well there is still no doctor so we opted for the block (plus I had never planned on doing this without the drugs). Right after the block kicked in the on call doctor and my doctor show up--so we had a room full of people for Wesley's arrival.

He was our biggest baby at 7 lbs 3 oz and he had/has so much hair he might be getting a haircut soon. Come to find out there were 3 emergency c-sections that night and when we left labor and delivery there were women in the waiting room hoping to get a room soon. After a crazy night we were happy to have our little boy here healthy and safe.

Presenting. . .

Wesley Taggart Noel

Born August 29, 2009
at 1:44 AM
Weight: 7 lbs. 3 oz.
Height: 20 inches
Cuteness Rating: 10 ++

Baby Wesley is here! Robyn and baby are both doing great and hopefully sleeping right at this moment. Robyn gave me (her sister Mindy) permission to do a baby post for her. Robyn, that could have been a dangerous choice! Who knows what I will say!
A quick birth synopsis (I'm sure Robyn will give you details later): Robyn's water broke around 9PM on Friday. Her and Dave got to the hospital around 10 PM. Things moved along a a quick pace, and unfortunately when Robyn was ready for the epidural, the anesthesiologist was in emergency surgery. But luckily Robyn was still able to get a spinal block in time for pushing. I have to hand it to her, for getting through most of labor, and transition with no pain killers.
Now for pictures!


Here is sweet Wesley. So, so cute and looking lots like his older brother, Miles.


Proud Daddy Dave. I think Wesley has his Daddy's nose, which is a good thing!


Grandma Leslie made the drive from Logan with me and Shawn. She rode 60 miles on her bike earlier in the day and was still as fresh as a daisy. Grandpa Dave is coming to meet Wesley tomorrow because he was out biking 133 miles. Wesley, you have good genes, little buddy.


Tiny little baby. Notice that Wesley has his mommy's toes (yes those are Robyn's toes in the corner). So, so long and very Cheeto-like. I can only say that because mine are the same way. What was I saying about good genes?

Robyn didn't want us taking pictures of her. I can't say that I blame her. She looks great by the way. So you all get the next best thing: a picture of me! Wesley didn't make a peep while we were there. He just settled down for a cuddle with me. I think I might be in love!

Dave and Robyn, congrats on your new, sweet baby. He is well on his way to being as wonderful as Ian and Miles. Love to all of you!

"I Love to See the Temple"

A few weeks ago we went to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house. It was a neat experience to be able to take the boys through the temple. They both were really excited about going. Ian has been learning and hearing about it in Primary and Miles just likes temples. During the video every time they showed a picture of a temple Miles would yell "temple, temple."

Ian liked it so much he didn't want to leave--he has decided he wants to live at the temple.

It was a gorgeous night. Dave and I have both spent some time volunteering at the open house. I am excited that we are in this new temple district and feel so blessed to have so many temples close by.

Quick Trip to See the Fam (Syd's Big Day/Nothing Like a Root Beer Freeze/Barf Buddies)

The boys and I ran up to Logan on Friday for a quick trip to see cousin Sydney baptized. Friday afternoon was spent playing with Jackson and Cooper, talking a walk in the field with Grandpa, digging in the dirt, and gulping down Grandma's yummy Root Beer Freezes. My mom just got these cute glasses from my Grandma Lee's house and one tradition that Grandma Lee always had with the grand kids was to make root beer floats. Well, Grandma Leslie decided to carry on the tradition glasses and all--my kids were big fans and she even made me one (in a much bigger glass I might add). What would we do without Grandma's!

Miles calls root beer "Daddy Juice" because his daddy likes it so much. He was especially excited to slurp down this special stuff.

This is my niece Claire. Or course she is the cutest little thing I have seen--big blue eyes, gorgeous dark hair, cute chubby cheeks. Well, she doesn't like me at all the little stinker-whenever I hold her or try to touch her she screams and you can tell from this expression she's not all too pleased to see me.

Here is Syd with mom and dad on her big day. I can't believe she is eight already. Syd is such a cool kid, always happy, polite, helpful, kind of crazy, a total tomboy she always does her own thing and we all love her for it! Congratulations on your baptism Syd.

This picture deserves it's own post, but I'll try to sum it up. Miles gets sick every time we go visit my parents! Why--who knows, any ideas? He acts very tired, says his legs hurt, gets a fever of 103, pukes, takes a nap and wakes up pale faced and all talkative. It has happened the last three times we have visited. He gets so hot and sick and then he talks his head off about the tractors in the field, the little piggies on his feet, and all the new colors he learned while sleeping off his fever. We are going up next weekend for a reunion--I'm taking a thermometer, IB, Tylenol, and a puke bucket with Miles name on it just to keep at Grandma's.

Oh, and this time he puked all over Mindy! She was a great sport and declared him her barf buddy.

Our 4th of July in Pictures

Here is a quick photo journal of our 4th of July activities.

Bright and early we went to the Murray Parade. Here is Ian with his candy sack--we have enough taffy to last us until Christmas.

Miles--happy to be waving that flag, so patriotic. (oh, and check out the cute scrunched up nose--it's his signature "I'm so cute take a picture of me" face.

Waiting for the parade to start with the Mair clan.

After a much needed afternoon nap we all headed up to Grandma and Grandpa Noel's for a BBQ and to see the fireworks. Here is Miles showing me the only thing he ate--a dill pickle.

After the BBQ we headed over to the park for a concert and fireworks. Of course we had to hit the playground first. Here is Ian showing his skinny belly and his strong muscles.

Here is Miles on the digger--once again scrunching up that nose!

Here is Ian jammin' out to some of the tunes before the fireworks.

Miles happy as ever--that is until the fireworks started. He cried and was so scared he just fell asleep! Poor little guy he sure hates loud noises.

Thanks to Grandma we had bubbles to keep the kids busy before it got dark.

What a great day, and a great way to celebrate the fabulous country we live in. Happy Independence Day!

C is for Cookie!

So, it finally warms up and do we go to the pool--no; to the park--no; play outside--no! I decided to bake (what was I thinking). We made a cake for strawberry shortcake and then the boys helped me crank out a huge batch of sugar cookies. Now maybe it's because I've got a handle on the heartburn, maybe it's because the number on the scale just passed the point I was at when I gave birth to Ian, but I felt the need to pig out.

The boys had a great time. A few years ago for Christmas Ian gave me 100 cookie cutters. We pulled them out and I told them to pick whatever they wanted. Ian picked about 10 different cutters, Miles found the train (choo-choo) and that was all he wanted. They turned out yummy and now I feel sick (isn't eating too much part of pregnancy?--the baby wanted it)

yum, yum

Two Cool Cuts

I said I loved those buzz cuts--well here they are recently shaved and ready for summer.

Of course the sunglasses make them look extra "cool" as Miles said. Although I don't think he knows the sunglasses from the eye doctor are not all to cool.

BUZZZZZZZ!!

All week long while we were at my mom's Ian kept asking to see the bees. My dad has been a beekeeper for awhile, but for the last few years he has not had any hives. Recently he bought back two of his old hives and is back in the business. Now this has the grand kids excited because they can wear the bee suit out with Grandpa to look and the bees, it has me excited because it means lots of honey!! Honey candy, honey rolls, and lots of pb& honey sandwiches--mmmm...



So, the whole time we were visiting my mom Ian kept asking if he could put on the bee suit and go look at the bees. We kept telling him he would have to wait until Grandpa came home. Everyday he would go look at the bee suits and venture out as close as he dared towards the hives. Finally on Saturday when Grandpa was back they put on the suits and headed out to take a look. (Here are a few pics--I finally had a camera!)

Look at all the bees!

My dad tried to find the queen for Ian to see, but she was hiding.

Ian with some honeycomb.

Getting ready.

Me with my little beekeeper.

The little beekeeper with Miles.

Big alien, Little alien. (The bee suits do look like space suits of some sort)