Too good to be true? Not for me...

We had to go get garments yesterday. I was nervous because it was nap time for both babies and it was just me and the babes. Before we went in I told Weston not to touch anything and to hold my hand. As soon as I opened the Dior for him, he stopped, looked up at me and said, "hand" and grabbed my hand. He held it the entire time. He was such a good boy! While we were checking out both kids were so patient and kept smiles on their faces. Lucy was more than happy to show off her infectious smile to the sweet ladies that were helping me.

I love you two...

I am amazed at the relationship you two have. There is so much love between you two. I am in awe everytime I see you interact with each other. Weston,  you are so gentle and nurturing towards your little sister. She is so blessed to have you for an older brother. Lucy, you smile when he talks to you and look at him with such admiration and love. I know he can hold your hand a little too tight sometimes or kiss you using his teeth, but I think he just loves you soooo much!

Little Bug

I love her. She is so cuddly. If she is being held really tight with her cheek touching yours or her squishy little hand somewhere on your face she is a happy girl.

Wednesdays are his favorite!

Weston LOOOOVES watching the school bus every morning. He loves to watch the kids and he especially loves the big Plellow bus. Wednesdays are EXTRA special because the trash truck comes too. This little man is obsessed! I love it! Here is him watching the trash truck.

Quick update....

So, it's been a while! Mostly, because anytime I blog, it is from my phone, which takes FOREVER! With a 21 month old and a 3 month old, I don't have a TON of time.

Anyway, Weston and Lucy are doing GREAT!!!  He absolutely LOOOOVES her and she adores him! I love it!

more pictures of Lucy

Little Miss Lucy

Our birth story for Lucy Marie Dexter
Due date: June 5th
Born: May 31st
Time: 3:55 p.m.
Weight: 7.4
Height: 19.5 inches
Head: 33 cm

Lucy's birth story is SO different than Weston's.  Even though we live in Payson we chose to go to Dixie again because she is so wonderful.  The first half of my pregnancy we went to an OB group in Provo, but then Mike and I both strongly felt we should go to Dixie.  I started going to my weekly check ups at 36 weeks.  At 36 weeks, I was dilated 2cm.  That really doesn't mean anything because you can be at a 2 for weeks so I didn't think much of it.  At my 37 week check I was a 3 and at 38 weeks I was a 5.  This slow progress was pretty cool and I got my hopes up thinking I was going to have this little girl early.  At my 37 week appt Dixie told me that it was very possible for me to dilate out to a 7 or so and not even know or feel it.  That is exactly what happened.  Mike and I were a bit concerned because the hospital is an hour and a half away from our house.  We were interested to see how it all played out.  So, we went to our 39 week appt on Wed. May 30th.  I was dilated to a 7.  Dixie stretched me and stripped my membranes and after leaving I was an 8.  She told us to go to the park and walk around for an hour or so and then go back to see her.  We did that and during that hour I had painful contractions that were 3-4 min. apart.  I went back to see her and she said to go home (home was Nancy's house which is only 17 min from the hospital)  and relax and see how the night went.  She and Mike and I all thought we would for sure be having this baby during the night.  Well, when we got home my contractions slowly became less painful and further apart.  I went to bed and they eventually stopped completely.  I woke up and they started again, but not strong or consistent.  I called Dixie that morning and she said to come to her office.  We got there around 11:00 or so.  She checked me and said I was dilated to an 8.5 and she could stretch me to a 9 easily.  She asked me if I wanted to go ahead to the hospital and have my water broken or if I wanted to wait.  We chose to go ahead and have my water broken.  We felt there was no reason to wait.  We were ready.  I was admitted to the hospital between noon and 1.  Dixie got there at 2 and broke my water.  Shortly after that the GOOD contractions started.  Dixie left, she had to go back to her clinic and see other pts.  My nurse checked me and said she needed to call Dixie because she thought I was ready to deliver.  Dixie came in checked me and said it wasn't time yet.  She said she had a couple more pts to see but to call her if anything changed.  Well, not long after she left the contractions became almost unbearable and they were less than a minute apart.  As soon as one ended the next one started.  I told Mike I wanted an epidural...after I told him that I started crying because I felt guilty for asking for one and I felt weak and like I was giving up.  Mike told Janeece (our wonderful nurse and friend) and she called Dixie and the anesthesiologist.  Dixie was there about 3 minutes after Janeece called her.  She asked me if I wanted to try to keep going without an epidural or if I still wanted one.  I told her I still wanted one and she said ok.  She told me she wanted to check me once during my next contraction.  She checked me and said, "Shay let's have this baby, you're ready to push".  They set up the bed and I got into position.  I pushed once and Lucy's head came out, the second push her body came.  As she was coming out the anesthesiologist walked in, said, "happy birthday!" and left.  I was SOOOO happy I didn't get the epidural.  I knew I would have regretted it for the rest of my life.  I know that is silly to most people.  Lucy is absolutely perfect in every way and so incredibly beautiful.  I was worried that I couldn't love another child as much as I love Weston, but turns out I can!  This birth experience was incredible and I am so thankful for it being so quick.  Mike again, was the best coach and Dixie was incredible like always.  My mom was there too and I am so happy she was.  She helped relieve my pain during contractions.  I LOVE YOU MOM!!!  If the rest of my labors and deliveries could be like that I would be TOTALLY ok with it. 

Welcome to our family sweet girl.  We feel so blessed to have you as our daughter.  Weston loves you so much too and LOVES to give you kisses all day everyday!
The day before delivery

Papa and his sidekick waiting for us at my appt

Daddy and Weston admiring you

Weston Michael Dexter

So, I was really excited to write our birth story, but then I realized I never blogged about Weston's birth.  I feel guilty for not, so I will start with his and then Miss Lucy. 

Weston Michael Dexter
Born November 29, 2010 at 3:09 a.m.
Weight: 7.7
Height: 20.5 inches
Head: 36 cm
Labor: 17 hours

My due date for Weston was November 25, 2010.  My pregnancy was pretty amazing.  I didn't get a whole lot of morning sickness and I never threw up.  I felt wonderful the entire time.   I always wondered what it would be like to go into labor and if I would know I was in labor and what it would feel like.  I knew I wanted to go drug free since I was a little girl.  My mom had all 6 of us without pain medication, Tori had all of hers the same way so I knew it was something I wanted to do.  Well, with Weston I didn't go completely medication free.  Some of my family came up for the birth. (Parents, Tori, Ivan, Mya and Zoe)  They were going to leave on Monday the 29th.  I talked to my midwife and she didn't want to induce me because it was my first and I wasn't even a week over due.  I decided to go ahead and be induced so my family could be there for the birth.  My midwife was ok with my decision and we scheduled the induction for Sunday the 28th.  I had to be at the hospital at 7 a.m. We got there Sunday morning (Mom, Tori and I).  The nurse that admitted me and started my i.v. was SUPER cute and a great nurse!  His name is Mike Dexter. hehehe....sorry, back to the birth.  They started the Pitocin between 8 and 9.  Contractions started shortly after that, but nothing painful or even strong enough to describe them as intense.  Because I was so anxious to have him and because I was kind of on a time limit because of family (they never made me feel this way, just me wanting them there to experience this wonderful time) I chose to do everything possible to make things progress as quickly as possible.  We had a manual dilator ( not sure the name of it, but it is a bulb that is inserted and then falls out when you become dilated to 6cm), which worked well.  I am not sure what time she came, but my mother in law was also there with us, which I was happy about.  OH! I forgot to mention that after Mike admitted me and started my i.v. he switched rolls.  He stopped being nurse and became my coach.  So, after hours of walking the halls, taking baths, experiencing contractions that were so close together I didn't have time to recover from one to the next, it was time to push.  I was super happy because I knew I would meet my son soon....or so I thought....I started pushing...continued pushing....and then pushed some more.  Three hours later I was holding the most perfect and beautiful baby I had ever seen.  The second I saw and held him all the pain I felt for the passed 17 hours completely went away.  It wasn't my ideal way of going into labor and it is not what I was expecting, but it was all completely worth it.  I could not have done it without Mike, Dixie, Mom, Tori and Jess.  Mike, you are the most amazing husband and birth coach ever! I could not have done this without you!  You were my strength and my rock the entire time.  Dixie, you are by far the best midwife!  You are amazing and I feel so blessed to have you as my OB provider.  Again, I could not have done it without you.  Mom, thanks for being there.  I am so happy you were able to make it.  It meant SO much to me and I am so thankful for all your encouraging words and support.  Tori, YOU ROCK!  You knew EXACTLY what to do to minimize my pain during contractions.  I SO appreciate it more than you know.  Jess, you are an amazing nurse.  You were there from the beginning and never quit.  I know how completely exhausting that must have been and I am so very grateful for you.  I love all of you so much!  Also, thank you to Dad, Nancy, Ivan, Mya and Zoe.  I am so glad you all were there to experience this with me. 

Lucy Girl

Dear Lucy,

I can't believe you are almost here!  We are so excited to meet you!  You have us waiting, but not very patiently.  There are many requests from your family members as to when you can make your arrival, but I know you will join us when you are ready (I am hoping sooner than later).  Being pregnant with you has been SO different than when I was pregnant with your big brother.  You have been a bit more challenging or maybe I am just getting old and my body doesn't work as well as it use to. Don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed being pregnant and getting to know you when no one else can.  I love that you and I know each other already and we have a special relationship.  I love you so much already! 

Your daddy has been pretty terrified about you being a girl, but yesterday he looked at me and said,
"I'm getting really excited to meet her!"  He loves you so much and I think the reason he is scared is because you will have him wrapped around your finger from the second he sees you and he knows it.  Let me tell you, you are one blessed little girl to have the daddy you do.  He is THE BEST!  There is no wonder to me why you and Weston chose him to be your Dad. 

I kind of think Weston is sensing change and knows of your coming.  Do me a favor and break it to him lightly.  He is use to getting all of mommy and daddy's attention. I hope he adjusts well.  He might try to "help" me with you.  I will try my hardest to make sure he doesn't pick you up by the legs or drag you around the house. He really is going to be the best big brother (I am sure you already know that though)  I know he is going to love you so much.  I just hope and pray that when you guys are a bit older you will be best friends. 

Well Girlie, there are so many people that already love you and all of us can't wait to meet you, especially mommy and daddy.  Love you sweet girl.

Mom

My Sweet Weston

Dear Weston,

You are amazing!  You are about to be a big brother!!!  I can already tell that you are going to be the best big brother to Miss Lucy.  You are so gentle, kind, loving and sweet.

 I can't believe you will be 18 months soon! Where has the time gone?  I can remember so vividly the day you were born.  It was absolutely incredible.  That moment I saw you I knew the meaning of unconditional love and everyday since then I have fallen in love with you more and more. 

Your world is going to change drastically very soon.  I am not sure if you know it or not.  Sometimes I think you do because of how you act.  Lately you have been throwing more tantrums and have been clingy.  That is not like you.  At one point I asked your daddy if he thought you were beginning to not like me.  There have been days when you hit, kick, pinch, yell and throw things at me all day.  I wonder if it is your way of telling me something.  When you act like that it makes me wonder if you know she is coming and you are afraid or don't want things to change.  It will be a hard adjustment for all of us, but we will be ok, I promise buddy.  I have no doubt that when you get to know Lucy you will fall in love with her and you 2 will be the best of friends.  I am so glad she has you to look up to and to learn from.  I could not have asked for a better big brother for her.  Those days of frustration are quickly overlooked when you come up to me and hug and kiss me just because or when you lift up my shirt and rub my belly and kiss Lucy.  Yesterday I was sitting on the ground because it was one of the only ways I was comfortable and you came up behind me and hugged me and then rubbed my back for quite a while and leaned your head on the back of my shoulder.  You are so sweet. 

Weston, you have changed my life.  You have made me want to be better, more loving and compassionate and Christ like.  You have made me more cautious.  I can't imagine my life without you.  I love you more than you will ever be able to comprehend.  Thank you for being you. 

Love,
Mom

Where's my baby?

It amazes me how fast kids grow. I don't really realize it until I see pictures of Weston doing big kid things. This kid is all boy for sure. It's all about dirt, sticks, bugs and balls. He played with this 2x4 for about 15 min trying to pick it up and carry it around. Surprisingly, he did pick it up.
Weston,  I love watching you! You are so curious and smart. I wish I knew what you were thinking. You play so well by yourself and with other kids. You are so kind to other kids and extra sweet and careful around those younger and smaller than you. I love you so much buddy...oh! And you look pretty dang cute in baseball hats.

Weston and Lucy

When Weston was younger he was lactose intolerant.  We worried about that because Mike is HIGHLY lactose intolerant.  When he has just the smallest amount he gets SO sick!  When Weston was only a couple months old, we discovered his intolerance.  We switched to soy formula.  He tolerated that SO much better.  At about 6 months we tried milk based formula again to see if he outgrew it and well, he didn't.  We tried again at about a year and he seemed to tolerate it better, but still not very well.  We figured we would try it again later on.  Most babies that are lactose intolerant will outgrow it eventually.  Well, about a month ago we decided to give him Cheez-Its.  He did GREAT and LOVED them!  I was so excited.  A couple days later we gave him regular cheese and then yogurt and then regular milk.  He tolerated everything SO well and now he is officially eating dairy and lots of it. HAHA His favorites are cheddar cheese, grilled cheese and mac and cheese (homemade of course).  He is not a huge yogurt fan.  Mike and I are just SO happy he can have dairy now.  All I could think about was when he is older and goes to birthday parties and friends houses, he wouldn't be able to eat anything.  Most bread (buns, bread, rolls etc) contain milk.  A lot of seasonings have milk also.  It would be so hard for him.  We are hoping Lucy tolerates dairy/lactose ok too.  Here are a couple pictures of Weston that make me smile and laugh:

He loves watching the big kids play outside.  Usually we are out with them, but it was too cold and windy that day. 

Ok, now on to Lucy girl.  I had my 30 week check up on Wednesday.  It went really well.  She is growing so fast and I am getting so anxious to meet her.  Mike and I feel so blessed to have been blessed with such an incredible son and now an amazing little girl. 

Lucy, I love you so much already.  I know you will bless our lives so much by being a part of our family.  Thank you so much for choosing us to raise you.  I love you Lucy girl and I can't wait to meet you in about 9 or 10 weeks.

A visit from the parentals

I love having some of my family closer to me.  After 6 years of being in Utah without family, it is about time they are here. With them being only 3 1/2 hours away I get to see my parents quite a bit.  I wish I could see Tori and the kids more often, but we still see them more than we did and I am VERY grateful for that.  My parents would usually stay for about 5-7 days, but since they started their mission 6 months ago their visits are short, but more frequent.  They serve in St. George at the LDS employment office.  I am so happy for them.  They are doing an 18 month part time mission, so they work M-W and have the rest of the week off.   This last week they came to visit Weston...and us...yes Weston is the main reason they come..haha jk, but not really.  I don't mind though, he is definitely worth it.  I love when they visit.  We don't usually do anything exciting but just being able to visit and talk is wonderful.  Weston LOVES his Papa.  The day after they left, he was walking around aimlessly and searching and whining...I had NO idea what his deal was!  Then I realized WHO he was looking for.  He was so confused why Papa and Grandma were here and then all of a sudden were gone.  I called my dad so Weston could talk to him and that calmed him down a bit.  I am so grateful for my parents and the amazing people they are.  I love you mom and dad.  As you can see, Weston LOVES Papa to put his hand on his face.  Seriously, everytime he does he falls asleep.  The picture of my parents and I was taken while we were visiting Wes.  Weston was tired and fussy and it was freezing so Mike stayed with him in the car. 

Crazy busy and loving it

We have been super busy the past few months.  It all started when I got my new calling in our ward.  After I was called to be the relief society secretary and was asked to make the sacrament program every week, Mike started talking about wanting to work in the temple.  We talked to our Bishop about it and we asked if we could serve in the temple.  He said if we have kids under 18 then I can't but Mike can.  So, Mike filled out his application and shortly after submitting it he was called to serve as an ordinance worker in the Provo Temple.  He was SOOO happy and so was I.  He had always dreamed about being a temple worker. (One of the MANY reasons I love him so much).  They asked him to work the evening shift every Wednesday.  He accepted, bought his temple clothes and was set apart and was supposed to start the following week.  I think it was later that week that Bishop asked us to meet with him.  They asked Mike if he would be willing to be the first counselor in the young men's presidency and a scout leader.  Of course he said yes.  Bishop said the young men meet every Wednesday night.  Mike told him about his temple calling and bishop said he really felt strongly he needed to be in young men's and to put working in the temple on hold for now.  He was so happy about his calling, but super bummed he couldn't work in the temple.  Oh, I forgot to mention after he was called to be a temple worker he was able to get every Wednesday off THEN he was called to young men's.  We went home after our meeting and discussed options.  I suggested for him to call the temple and see if he could do the morning shift on Wednesdays.  He said no because it would be taking away from family time.  After realizing we would still have the majority of the day together he decided to call the temple.  They were so happy he still was willing to serve.  Now on Wednesdays he wakes up at 5 goes to the temple, is home by noon.  On top of working full time, serving in the temple and teaching some Sundays and his Wednesday meetings he is going to school full time.  Have I mentioned how amazing this man is?  He started an online bachelors program March first.  In the first 2 weeks he finished his first class and is working on his second.  So I know I said we were busy, and I promise I am busy too, but not AS busy as Mike.  I stay busy with my calling, which I love! and with being a stay at home mom, which is the best job EVER!  I never thought I would want to or have the opportunity to be a stay at home mom, but when it came time for me to go back to work I had no desire to.  I worked part time from the time Weston was about 6 months until he was a little over a year.  I only worked one day a week, sometimes more, but it never felt right.  I don't know if that makes sense, but I knew I had to be home with Weston.  For those 6 months of working I cried almost every time I went to work.  Mike asked if I wanted to stay home.  I said yes.  He told me he felt like I should too but didn't want to deprive me of getting out of the house and working if that is what I wanted to do.  We prayed about it and both knew the second we were done praying that I needed to be home with our children.  Ever since then it has been amazing.  We have seen wonderful blessings because of this decision.  I must say, I have been working since I was 14 and I have never worked as hard as I do being at home.  It is by far THE best job I have ever had.  It is so incredible how much the Lord blesses us when we follow his council and do the things we are asked to do.  I love my life.

Here is the cape I was telling you about.  No pants, no shoes, an awesome hat and cape. 

Where to begin...

I think it has been about 2 years since I have last posted.  Ridiculous I know...kind of hard to post when you don't have internet or a computer.  We are now a hi-tech fam with a computer AND internet AND a printer...reason being is Mike started school.  Before I get into that let me start with the beginning of the last 2 years.  I think my last post was when we went backpacking in the Uintas.  That was when I was 5 months pregnant with Weston.  BOY DOES TIME FLY!!!!  He is now an incredibly fun and crazy toddler.  He is almost 16 months old.  He is absolutely amazing.  I am so happy we were blessed with such a strong and sensitive spirit.  He is SO fun to teach.  He is learning sign language which is a HUGE help with his frustration with communication.  He knows how to sign, please, thank you, milk, poop, more, eat, mom, dad, love, again, thirsty and I think there are a few others and more we are working on.  He is now starting to say the words as he signs.  I love him!  He is definitely a toddler now and no longer a baby which makes me happy and sad at the same time.  Here are some of his favorites at almost 16 months old:

Food: Avocados, fish, cream of wheat, peanut butter, broccoli and onions...seriously this kid is obsessed with onions, especially green ones.

Toy: As of last week he LOVES the box the diapers came in.  I attached a belt to it and pull him around the house.  Sometimes he will put his big bear in it (another obsession) and he will pull the bear around.

Movie:  We don't have any sort of cable or TV but we do watch movies occasionally.  Weston has never sat down and watched a movie, which I am TOTALLY fine and actually happy about.  Well, starting about 2 weeks ago ALL he wants to watch is Nacho Libre.  He will sit and watch the entire movie.  We have watch it almost everyday since the obsession began.  A few days ago he handed me a blanket turned around, grabbed my arms and had me put the blanket around his neck like a cape. The blanket was a bit big so I got a pillow case and put it on him like a cape.  He wore it ALL day and refused to let me take it off.  He went into the living room and handed me to Nacho Libre case and asked to watch it. 

Favorite book: He has a few.  He loves the book Aunt Rachel and Uncle Andrew gave him for his birthday, the 1,2,3 book his Aunt Jeanette gave him and a mouse book I had when I was little. 

Favorite Drink: Milk and water.

Weston, you amaze me.  I love you so much and I think you are going to be an incredible big brother.  You have a very strong spirit and are very stubborn.  Sometimes it is hard to handle your stubborness, but I know it will benefit you when you are older.  You are so kind and sweet.  Anytime you see another baby or toddler you ALWAYS share whatever you are eating or playing with.  When you leave a room you have to hug everyone in the room, give knuckles and blow kisses.  You LOVE to hug, kiss and cuddle with mommy and daddy.  I love watching you learn and discover new things.  Like I said, you absolutely amaze me.  I love you Mister.

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