"Vice" Coach

Carter made us all laugh last night: After his first basketball practice, he was telling Michael about it and said, the "Vice Coach" is really nice. Michael started to laugh when he realized what he meant and asked, "you mean the assistant coach?" We all cracked up! More to come about basketball as soon as the season gets under way. . .Mallory too.

Fun with Jamie

The first two weeks of Jamie's life were so wonderful. I was pretty relaxed because all I did was focus on him and how cute and sweet he is and took lots of pictures. Once he was two weeks old, I started to do more and had to get back to real life and responsibilities. So, even though it is still wonderful, it's a little more stressful. But, we are figuring out how to blend our old life with this beautiful, wonderful little new person. Here are some photos of some "firsts" and just cute pictures of him.


First day of church in his cute church clothes (thanks Pam!)

He hated his bath at first until he realized that it actually feels good! But, once out of the water, he starts to cry and cries until he is warm in his clothes.

Snuggling with Daddy

He loves to hang out in our bed

"Bundle of Joy"

Getting into his snowman outfit for a stroller ride (We've had this outfit since Nick was born)

First stroller ride--we made sure he was plenty warm!

Michael loves the way he sleeps with his arms up

Jamie in his first pair of shoes (Thanks Carrie!)

Carter, the Grocery Store Assistant

Today, as we were shopping, we passed the bakery and Carter saw a princess cake and said, "That is SO well designed! I bet Emma and Mila would LOVE that!" It made me giggle and reminded me that I need to write a little thought about Carter's help when he goes to the store with me. The last 3 months of my pregnancy, bending over was miserable. He would push the cart, load the items from the shelf, including and especially the milk and potatoes on the bottom, load the conveyor belt, put the bags in the cart, in the van, bring them in the house, and unload them! He was awesome. It brings tears to my eyes to think of his cheerful help and how insistant he was that I do nothing. Just pay. Ok and maybe a little treat or something. . .Thanks bud.

Jamie's Birth

What a great experience! The captions under the photos explain a lot, but here is a little more detail: 7:30am: My doctor started a "soft" induction with breaking the water while already in the hospital. I was pretty miserable with not being able to walk without pain and not being able to sleep. I was dilated enough for this procedure and it worked very fast! Contractions started right away; epidural was immediately requested. I am a wimp. But became a very happy wimp. An extremely comfortable and relaxed wimp! But, the drugs did stop the contractions so we did have to have pitosin (however the heck you spell that!), which is something I didn't want but it worked. By 3pm, it was time to get serious--about a 6. By 4, lets get the doctor and the kids here RIGHT NOW!!!!! Everyone made it on time--I was literally having to lay in a position to keep from pushing. The kids were over to my side and Dr. Grifiths was extremely accomodating to allow them to be there--he blocked the "scene" with a sheet, so they could see nothing, but could be in the room to experience the awesome joy and miracle of seeing their baby brother right when he was born. I was overcome with emotion and fear as I knew it was time to push. I felt bad that the kids, especially Carter, got scared when they saw me cry. I told them I was not in pain--just feeling a lot of joy. After 3 contractions, Jamie was here! There is nothing more exciting and than seeing your husband's face as he sees the baby's head then body and he is so happy and proud. Michael then cut the cord, the doctor held up the baby with a big smile, then gave him to me for a minute. I knew he was big but didn't know how big. I couldn't figure out who he looked like at first, just kind of in a daze about what to think other that how cute and sweet he was! The kids got to see all of that and were so amazed and excited. I was so hoping they would react that way and not be grossed out. As the doctor finished helping me with the "after effects" of birth, the kids were over watching the nurses clean and test the baby. They weighed Jamie--8 lbs. 5 oz. Carter came over to me and reached his arms out, trying to hug me and just sobbed with joy. He said, "Mom, I'm just so happy!" Mallory came over and laid her head on the side rail of my bed with tears and just said, "I love you, Mom." Nick didn't say anything but he had tears in his eyes. I then got to hold him and just kept saying, "He just has his own look. He's just cute." I can't remember everthing at this point--just holding him--Michael holding him--then getting the epidural taken out--feeding the baby for the first time. Lots of great stuff that I know happened but not sure when and for how long. I called a few people, talked to the kids, talked to Jen, (who was the one that brought the kids and took all the photos), ate some dinner that made me kind of sick and then everybody left while I got up and to my new room. It was a great two days, falling in love with this beautiful new baby, getting visitors and recovering. We came home Saturday afternoon, a couple of hours after my parents got here. Michael and Nick got everything packed up and we left the hospital with a quick trip to Walmart. The boys stayed in the car while I ran in to grab one of those, one of those and so on. . .stuff I forgot or knew I would need. I can't tell you how thrilling and wonderful this little baby is. What great happiness that he has brought. Sorry this is so long and sort of scattered, but I'm just purging thoughts so I don't forget details--I'm not being graded on this, right? I LOVE THIS BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sweet Baby James

More to come as soon as I can sit down and go through the photos and think clearly about the life-changing event that just happened Thursday, September 25! James (Jamie) Donl Peterson: 8 lbs. 5 oz. 22" long. Healthy, beautiful and loved! We are all so happy! Here are a couple of photos taken today:

Ok. . .We are ready. . .

1 week from today is the due date! I finally packed my bag today--I think that is a good signal to the baby that it's time to be born. Come on already! I went on a long, painful jog/walk this morning and finished up some loose ends at home, so it's time. . .

1/2 hour later: Still waiting. . .

Tomorrow I have a dr. appt--he said there are several things we can try to get this going. If nothing works, I guess I'm waiting until the bitter end! Greenday's "Wake Me Up When September Ends" will be my theme song after all.

A Classic Teenager's Comment

A couple of nights ago, Nick said, "I hope so bad you go into labor tomorrow so I don't have to go to school." Thanks, Nick.