|super-power|

So it’s February and no baby yet; which is exactly what I wanted — no more January birthdays in this family! As I near the end of this pregnancy (hopefully), I am reminded of how these boys are my real super heroes.  I delivered both of these boys unmedicated with the help of a doula (a birth assistant) and their births are two of the most amazing experiences of my life.

If you know me at all, you know that I am a wuss….don’t like any sort of pain, and like things to be easy breezy.  So why in the world would I choose to deliver my babies without any pain medication?  Because I can.  Preparing for and then experiencing these deliveries has allowed me to learn and grow in ways that would otherwise not be possible.  I have learned about myself, the gospel, and my relationships; and this knowledge is absolutely priceless.  I have grown so much as a person as I have come to understand how I choose to react and deal with every day life.  I also have learned that this life does not need to be hard with the Savior and our Father in Heaven who are just waiting for us to come to them and allow them to help us.  This is NOT an easy thing for me, because I like to do things my way and on my time.  When I’m in labor I literally have to let go and turn to the Lord for His help, comfort, and assurance.

Figuring all this out, has given me more power as a person.  I feel so grateful to have had these experiences and am looking forward to another opportunity to grow.  When I look back on my labors, I don’t think of how painful they were, in fact I can’t really remember the pain.  Because that is not what it is about for me; it is about listening to my body and the baby and working to get baby here (it is called labor after all and so hard work is required).  It’s not easy, but it is completely and totally worth it!!

Now, I know everyone has their own opinions on this matter and I think that is great!  This is my story and I’m sticking to it !  And I know this not the only way for me to grow and learn in this life, but it is an opportunity that has been given to me.

UpDaTe:  I am now almost 38 weeks and have made it to 1 cm.  My history proves that this means nothing because I was only 1.5 cm the day I went into labor with Logan.  My midwife says 3-7 days; I’m holding out for the 10th because I like the possibility of a 2/10/2010 birthday!!

 

|thrilled|

Conner absolutely could not wait to see his newest cousin.  Since children are not allowed in the hospital right now (don’t even get me started on that) he had to wait until the baby came home.  We went for a little visit and were impressed that Conner was so anxious to hold the baby (it took him a few months to want to hold Logan).  But we were even more shocked that Logan wanted to hold him.  It was hilarious!!  Every time the baby would move, or open his eye a little bit Logan would burst out laughing/hysterical laughing.  He kept asking to hold him and still continues to ask about holding Mey-mey’s baby!  I hope this level of enthusiasm keeps up for his own little baby.  Kade looks just his dad, so we have all come to the conclusion that the Tanner genes just are not that strong…..

 

|Conner catch-up|

It feels like, suddenly, a lot has happened around here.  We’ve all been so excited about the baby!!  But little Kade’s arrival hasn’t been the only milestone as of late.  Conner has had a few himself.  He is really growing up, some days I am just in awe of him.  It feels like I never see him because he is always at school, but I love spending time with him.  I love to listen to him read, and to watch him come up with games for he and Logan.  And I love that he is so excited about his sister’s upcoming arrival.  In order of occurrence, here are Conner’s latest and greatest moments!

{GREEN KARATE BELT}  He only has brown and black left to finish up his Junior Karate career.  He is currently the Asst. Instructor and really enjoys karate.  We are going to be taking a break for a few months while Conner performs in the school musical and the new baby arrives, but we know he’ll be glad to get going again!  He did awesome on his test.

{SUNDAY TALK}  I was not at church 2 weeks ago, so I was not made aware that Conner was to give a talk this last Sunday.  Both Dave and Conner knew but failed to pass along the message.  I happened to be talking to the Primary Secretary on Friday and learned of this news.   Growing up we had to memorize our talks and I have passed that rule onto my family.  This didn’t give Conner a lot of time to memorize, but he did it.  Dave came up with a wonderful talk about “How I know Heavenly Father & Jesus Love Me.”  Conner even memorized a scripture and told a wonderful story about my mom.  He is such an amazing kid!!  I was not able to attend the actual talk, but have heard him give it twice since; Dave said he did outstanding!

{ANOTHER TOOTH}  Conner lost his 2nd tooth on Sunday night.  We had all been at my brother’s house for dinner.  My mom and I headed up to the hospital to take the new parents some dinner.  Dave, the kids and my dad headed home and on the way Conner pulled out his very loose tooth!  He is currently showing it off at Show & Tell and loves to stick his tongue through that hole!

 

|prego|

People keep asking me how I am feeling . . . so thoughtful!  My typical response is “PREGNANT!”

It is crazy to me how every pregnancy has brought different discomforts and symptoms.  At this point I would love to not be pregnant anymore, but I also know it is much easier to take care of the baby now than it is when she comes out !  I’m very excited to meet her, as is Conner.  It is so sweet.  He tells us frequently how he can’t wait to see his baby sister!  It is definitely going to be an adjustment, but it will be so nice to have such a wonderful little family all together!

For my own record, I am currently 36 weeks.  I was checked at 34 and there was nothing to report other than the head was very far down.  My midwife decided a check last week wouldn’t be a good idea because I had been having a lot of cramps (which usually means effacement) and Dave was out of town.  She was afraid she may trigger something.  We’ll see what this week brings!  I have quite a few contractions daily, some stronger than others.  My body is definitely getting ready; as am I.  I have been having more fun getting the nursery ready and shopping for all that girly stuff!!  We’re on the countdown.

 

|hairs|

Logan’s hair has certainly taken its time to come in.  The back is definitely thicker than the top and even sports some pretty stinking cute curls.  I had considered trimming these curls up a few weeks ago, but couldn’t bring myself to do it.  At this point unless his curls are sprayed with water they just end being “mad scientist” craziness, and after a nap it is the craziest.  The time had come.  As we talked to him about it, he was very excited to go with Conner to get his haircut.  I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.

Lucky for me, it was Dave who headed up this little venture!  Logan is 2 and likes to cry about just about anything, but we all know he will survive and he did in fact survive his first haircut.

Give that kid a sucker and you’ve pretty much made his day!  Look how the curls are still there, but much more manageable.  I think he is so adorable and hope the curls don’t ever go away.

Conner is an old pro at the whole haircut business — his hair grows faster than weeds, so he gets to have a caveman look for a minute.  I like his hair longer, but not shaggy long!  This was his “preparing for the baby and Mom won’t have time later on” haircut!

 

|he’s here|

Sweet, little Kade Tyler Thueson surprised us this morning with his birth!!  Coming about 2 weeks early, he gave his mom an easy delivery and we all couldn’t be happier to have him here.  Born right around 10:30 am, weighing in at 6lb. 15 oz. and measuring 20.5″ long!!!  Due to VERY strict (stupid) hospital policy, I was unable to attend the delivery as was originally planned but was able to see him right after and hold him!  He’s a darling and we can’t wait to get to know him.  Conner can’t wait to hold him and see him for real.  Megan and Tyler still can’t believe they are parents !  YAY, it’s baby day!

 

|D day|

Friday marked a VERY big day in Conner’s life.  It was Dads and Donuts for all the 1st grade classes.  Conner learned about this event at the beginning of January and has been counting down ever since.  And I’m not exaggerating……he has talked about it, asked about it, or done both EVERY single day since hearing about this upcoming event.  He was very, very excited!

On Thursday he failed to bring home his lunchbox, so I asked him where it was.  This was his reply:

“Oh, there wasn’t time to go get the lunch basket because we were getting our room all set up for Dads and Donuts.  Did you know we’re going to have milk, chocolate milk, juice, and punch.  I’m not sure what kind of donuts, but I bet we will have that kind that has the see-through frosting or maybe the chocolate ones with sprinkles.  Guess who is making our donuts?  The cafeteria ….. or maybe not, maybe someone will just buy them.”

Can’t you feel the excitement!!  The report from Dave was that the kids sang some songs, they ate donuts (just glazed), he and Conner read some books and then he watched Conner take an AR test.  It was great!

Now, Conner can’t wait for Moms & Muffins.  And I guess they are talking about Fries & Favorite person.  This is a concern for him because his favorite person is Logan.  “But Logan is only 2, so he can’t come by himself.”

Oh boy!!!

 

|blessed|

The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.
~Oscar Wilde

A sampling of the amazingly cute, thoughtful, and fun gifts given to me at my Neighborhood Shower (which in and of itself was amazingly thoughtful)!! It really was a fun evening full of delicious food, pleasant company, and LOTS of pink…I think we’re on our way to being ready.

 

|like mother…|

… like son!  This is a favorite past time of Logan’s: lining things up.  I wish I had a picture from my childhood of the same thing.  I used to take the paper plates, bowls, and cups and line them up along the fireplace hearth, or kitchen floor.  I would line hairclips up in my hair; and I’m sure there were many more.  No, I don’t still line things up, BUT I do like for everything to go in its place and for things to be organized!  At least I’ll have ONE male McNamee on my side.

 

|comfy|

Dave sometimes refers to himself as furniture … not in a good way.  He thinks I sometimes just use him for furniture – something to lay on, or be propped up on, or snuggle up to, etc.  Guess what?  I don’t think being furniture is a bad thing.  We all have our favorite place to sit and veg – whether it be a comfy chair, the couch, or bed.  We look forward to going to this place to relax.  We know this place will always be there for us – we can rely on its comfyness!!

That is my hubby in a nutshell!  As we celebrate him and his birth today, I am so grateful that he is always there for me.  He’s ready and willing to do what is required.  He is a constant in my life.  He brings me more happiness every day I know him.  And even though he usually hates it, he is my comfy furniture that I need in my life!