Tiny dancer...

Amelia's ballet class had their class presentation last week, and oh my goodness was it the cutest thing ever! We were honestly so proud of her. She is such a social creature that often whatever activity she is involved in is lost in the shadow of friends, friends, friends! Her ballet performance warmed our hearts because she was so serious (well, with a big smile on her face:) about her posture, her steps, etc. the entire time. Way to go sweet girl! 

I uploaded a bunch of video clips to our picasa albums. Just click "See our pictures here" on the sidebar of the blog. Here's to doing our best in all that we do- thanks for the reminder Amelia!:) Jen

Four little ones!

Our little friend Emma (age 8) asked me the other day, " So, how's life with FOUR children?!" Hehe
I told her it was great since I still have so much help, and that in a week or so it will be the real deal and she could check in again! :) So thankful for a gentle transition into life with 2 six year olds, a 20 month old, and a babe. It's going to be an adventure, I know that for sure!! All for now,
Jen

Day five.

It's amazing how different babies look from picture to picture in the early days! Anyway, this is my favorite from today- shows the little bit of chub he's getting on his face. My milk has come in and he's nursing more often, so the chub should continue:)

Babymoon.

Oliver is now 4 days old, and we've spent the last three at home pretty much camping out in bed together. This is only possible because of Joel and his parents and sweet friends willing to care for the big kids- including one sick toddler! I am soooo very thankful for this time with him. Time to just drink him in, watch his every little facial expression, get back in the swing of nursing, and heal from the delivery. Together. It's what I've hoped for for so long, and it's actually happening.

Was my labor and my delivery perfect? Of course not. I'll say this, there had to be some "reconstruction" done in the OR after it was all said and done. Ahem. Ouch. And it's taking longer for me to feel up and at em' than my impatience would like, though I know that very soon I'll be transitioning into life with FOUR little ones and need to enjoy this rest as much as possible!!

And this, this is worth it all. Not in the hospital. In my bed. With my baby. Bonding and healing. I'll take that any day, and be thankful for every moment. I have, oh, lots of pictures since I've been staring at him so much. I'll share some now and try to put the majority in a Picasa album soon. Love to you! Jenny

Oliver James Hunt is here!

He was born early Mother's Day morning and weighed in at 7.5 lbs. He is just beautiful and we are so very, very thankful for him! Birth story to follow!!

Quite a week!

It's been a long week of pregnancy ups and downs: " I think this might be it! Nope, but my body is getting ready for sure!"Midwives worried about my BP, another trip to OB emergency, all is well. " I think this might be it! Nope. Just another night of contractions. Im going to be pregnant forever." More tests to rule out preeclampsia. No preeclampsia, baby looks great, but yes on hypertension and an induction at 39 weeks, which is a week from today. Whew! Still feel like I'll go into active labor on my own before then, and certainly hope so, but am still feeling ok overall, even if we do go in for the induction.

In the midst of this, the house was overcome with illness. First Sam, then Amelia, then Jubilee, then Sam again, then Shari!! Sam and Shari diagnosed with strep and Jubilee with bronchiolitis. So yeah, it was a doosy of a week.

Good things happened too. All of the labor indicators were good things- pointing towards my body getting ready, which had not happened last time when my water broke. Jim and Joel cleaned out the garage- woo hoo for that!! I can't tell you how long I have been wanting a tidy garage! Jim also made a run for the chickens so that they aren't always " free ranging", aka pooping all over the back yard! Anyway, lots of productivity amidst the sickness and laboring household:)

So, today I just feel wiped out and thankfully got a lot of rest. It will be a big week this week- more tests, midwife appts, hopefully some acupuncture and other things happening to naturally get babe to kick things into gear....hopefully everyone feeling better in the house so baby can come home to a healthy, happy home!

But for now, I am just looking at this picture and feeling so thankful for this amazing family I have, including Jim and Shari and all those in Texas. I can't believe in such a short time another little life will be here with us!!

Love to you guys as we wait,
Jen