Meeting Luke

This morning my mom flew in and took the shuttle from the airport to bremerton. My sweet friend Shama rounded up my children from the Park's house, went to the shuttle drop off to get my mom, and then brought everyone to the hospital. I couldn't wait for the children to meet their new little brother.

Lukie sleeping before everyone got there.

Brian lasts like 2 minutes with a sleeping baby in his arms before he is out!

Olivia couldn't wait to get her hands on Luke! She was in love him and it was so obvious.

The boys

Kai giving Luke his soft snuggles. Kai was very interested in Luke and why he was so small and so bundled up. He wanted to see his feet, head, and hands. The baby face in a mass of blankets wasn't going to cut it for him!

The kisses just melted my heart!

Ollie getting to hold Luke all by herself. Her only request, and she was a natural.

This is my favorite picture of the day. Olivia caught Ethan NOTE holding Luke's head! Busted!

More of those sweet kisses!

My cute mom trying to get a turn but the children were hogging him.

I love this picture of my mom and Ethan! She is his most favorite person on the planet!

After a few hours my mom took the children back home to eat, play, and go to bed. I had a little while before most visitors were coming to snuggle Lukie my self. I can't even describe it, but I just can't get enough of him. I wish he could stay small for just a little longer.



Then the Park's came to meet Luke.
We love Kaylee
and Trevor!

Swim Class, Dinner, then Hospital

This morning I had a doctors appointment and they decided to strip my membranes. It sounds as painful as it is. After the appointment Brian and I headed upstairs to labor and delivery to see Jenn who was admitted a few hours earlier to start her induction. We visited for a little while and then Brian and I headed home with no signs of any contractions.

Around 3pm I started to feel some contractions but nothing too strong. At this point I thought there was no way we would be having this baby today. The children all had swim lessons and so we decided to go ahead and take them.

This is how Kai spent most of his class, head under water!

The big pain is starting!

Swim is from 5-6 and by then I was in serious pain. However, I was worried they were just braxton hicks contractions and just tried to tough if out! HA While we were there we ran into our friend and neighbor Shari. She kept trying to convince me to go to the hospital, but I was worried they would just send me home. By the time we left swim class I was contracting every 5 minutes. Still not convinced I decided we should keep our dinner plans and head over to the Park's house.

We had dinner and I just tried to hide the pain, but by dessert I had moved from the kitchen table to the family room couch and was in SO MUCH pain. I knew it was time to go! Brian and I left the children and went home quickly to get the hospital bag, and we were off!

When we got there they hooked me up to the monitors in the "short stay" room and quickly determined they were going to admit me. Once we were settled in our room and the epidural was ordered I asked about Jenn. It was around 8pm and they said she was just getting ready to push! Shortly after 8:30pm the doctor came in to say that Jenn had Bryson, they were both doing well, and I only had 3 1/2 hours to have this baby so they could have the same birthday.

I wasn't in pain long before they came to give me the epidural. I was so grateful that part was speedy! I was dilating quickly but around 10:45pm I just figured the boys weren't going to have the same birthday. Then at about 11:30pm the nurse came in to check me, quickly called for the doctor, and they said it was time to push. Luke came after only 2 pushes, and boy was he screaming! It was a miracle, and he was beautiful.

Getting ready to push!

Luke cried louder and longer then the other children.



I am so in love!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUKE!

Lucas Keefer West

February 23, 2009
11:31pm
7lbs. 1oz
20inches

He is here and we are all in love! Everything went really well and very fast, and we couldn't be happier to have him here with us. We just got home so I will post more pictures later on! We love you sweet Baby Luke!

Great Reminder....

I just finished checking my email and my sweet grandma had sent a great list of things she feels is important. I don't know about you, but if my Grandma thinks it is important it probably is! So here it is:

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck
(written after she found out she was dying from cancer).

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, 'Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.' There would have been more 'I love you's' More 'I'm sorry's.'

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute. Look at it and really see it. Live it and never give it back. STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!

Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what.

Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.

Thanks again, Nannie! This couldn't have come at a better time for me. Life is just crazy and we are running around like crazy people trying to get everything ready for our new bundle of joy. I hope that we can get away from the hustle and bustle we have fallen trap to and just enjoy each other a little more!

Belly Update

For those who have been asking new pictures of the ever growing belly can be seen at the Amanda K Photography Blog. We had a blast shooting yesterday with you! And we can't wait to see the rest! Thanks Again!

Your Invited.....

Who: ANY AND EVERYONE! Spread the word so I don't have to make phone calls!
What: 3rd Annual Valentines Day Dance Party
When: Friday February 13, 2009 at 6:30pm
Where: Our House
RSVP: To ME!

There will be cookie decorating (and eating), valentine exchanging, dancing, and maybe a game or two! It will be tons of fun! Don't miss it!

I Stand Corrected

All of the kids are very interested to know when their birthday is in relation to EVERY other holiday and other peoples birthday. So today Olivia asked when her birthday is (knowing it is August 11) wanting to hear the run down.

So, I took a deep breath and said:

Next is Valentines Day
then the baby
Kai's Birthday
St. Patrick's Day
Daddy's Birthday
Mothers Day
Papaw's Birthday
Father's Day
Ethan Birthday
Fourth of July
And then your birthday!

"Oh mom, you forgot. It isn't my birthday next! It's Ashley's Wedding!"

Well, thank you Olivia for the reminder! And a big CONGRATS to Ashley and Todd! We can't wait, even Olivia!

We're All Alright! We're All Alright!'

I would venture to say that few television shows have to do research in order to produce quality products each week. While I love shows like The Office, 30 Rock, and Friends. I wouldn't say that too much research went into them. I am not saying none just not a ton.
On the other hand a great show like That 70's Show had to work hard and get many facts straight in order to convince its viewers that it really took place in the 70's.
A few nights ago while watching this very hilarious show Fez made a funny about pizza rolls and then ate one.

Pizza rolls in the 70's? Did they really? Did they mess that up? Could they have? Not the show I love! They couldn't have!

So, Brian and I made a bet and then off to the internet we went.

They were invented in 1968. Yes, I know big sigh of relief for all! I have a new found love for my show! I sure do love winning bets!

"Is it Valentines Day Yet?"

"Not yet, Ethan"
"Then why are there so many hearts on TV?"
"Well, it is almost Valentines Day"
"Oh Good! What day is going to be the party?"

That is how it went a few nights ago between Ethan and I. For those of you who don't know Ethan loves everything about Valentines Day, and we have had party for it the past two years. So, to keep with the tradition we will be hosting a 3rd Annual Valentines Day Party! (More info to come!)

It is really mind boggling to me how Ethan developed such a love for this Holiday. I know for sure where he didn't get it and that is his dad.
Brian hates Valentines Day and everything that goes along with it. He doesn't do gifts, cards, or even a "hey pal good going" that day. He feels justified by the fact that he shows us how much he loves us every other day of the year. And that he is not going to "tricked" by marketing companies. He works so hard to "stick it to the man" that whole day and so it usually ends up being a blah day all together.

So, where on Earth did Ethan's pure love for the holiday come from? How did he even learn it is a day of love and not a day of frustration? I don't know and I might NEVER know, but at least I have someone to spend a very special day with. Someone who doesn't mock it and doesn't roll his eyes at the thought of it.

I guess you could just say that I have found my Valentine!