1 Week Old

Despite keeping us up past our bedtime, Ava is the perfect baby. We don't get to see those eyes much, so of course I had to snap a picture to prove that they exist!

Ava's Visitors

Ava had some very special visitors, and I was not very good at taking pictures with everyone, but we appreciate everyone coming and visiting her. We really appreciate it. The first night home from the hospital we were waiting for Chad's brother Trevor and his wife Shanna to come so we were sitting in the front room with Jeanna talking. Chad looked out the window and said, "your dad is here." What??? I ran around back and sure enough my parents had made the drive here. It was a great surprise and meant a lot to me. They were in Boise at my sister's State Tennis Meet, and when she was finished, they hopped in the car and came to visit their newest granddaughter. They only stayed until Saturday afternoon, but it was sure nice having them here.

Last Day of School

Claire was very excited for her last day of school. Mostly because they were having a Teddy Bear Picnic and she could hardly wait to eat lunch at school. She is also very excited to be a first grader, and to be able to spend more time at school. I have to confess that I am excited about that part too! She loved walking or riding with her friend Cassidy and her mom to school each day - Jodi was my lifesaver because I could have never done that every day. She is looking forward to her summer vacation, and hopefully it will be a fun one.

Claire with her Kindergarten friends Cassidy, Cossette and Elise

Labor and Delivery

Well, it has been a week since Ava made her surprise appearance into the world, so I think now I can talk about her delivery. I figured since it was my fourth child, she would just, "slide right out," as Chad said the morning I went into labor. I did not think however that she would come a day early (or 5 for that matter). I was seriously unprepared. Luckily the day before she came I was very productive, and I finished Claire's room, moved the boys into their freshly painted room, and was ready to work on the baby room over the weekend. I did not however have any blankets out or washed, have any clothes ready, or have a bag packed at all. I guess that is all part of this crazy story, so here goes.

So the morning of May 20th, I woke up at about 5:30, and couldn't go back to sleep. I was having contractions like normal, but didn't think anything of them. I was just getting ready to get up and finish sewing blankets for the baby when I felt this weird pop, that kinda shuddered my whole body. Nothing happened, so I laid there for a few more minutes, and figured that it was nothing. Well, I was wrong. When I stood up I'm sure the gasp out of my mouth woke Chad up and I just stood there and said, "ummmm." Chad looked up and asked me what was going on. I told him I thought that my water had just broke. In his surprised voice he said, "really!" I ran to the bathroom, and was pretty sure that is what happened. Well, I couldn't just sit around anymore, plus I had preschool that day, so I ran downstairs and made all my copies for preschool, and got everything ready. I wasn't having contractions that bad yet, so I got everything ready for my sister to take over, and then came back upstairs. That is when the real gush of water came, and Chad was in full swing. I was taking my time, so I packed a bag, took a shower, and got ready. I figured since I was finally going to have a baby during the day, I would at least look good. Chad called his mom, and she was here in no time. By 7:00 they were pushing me out the door. I figured I could stay home longer, but I really didn't need my kids to see me in labor, so we were off. We had called our neighbor to come and help Chad give me a blessing, but apparently Chad and Darik got their messages crossed because we were waiting at home, and he was headed to the hospital - thanks for you help Darik.

Once we got to the hospital, I waited for the midwife, and she told me I was only a 3, but I was moving quickly, so she decided to let us stay. I progressed quickly and by 9:30ish I was ready to push. They were sure this baby was coming quickly. However the baby had other plans. I was stuck at a 9 1/2 for forever, and with the way the baby was positioned, I wouldn't progress any more. It was lovely!! I just continued to push, and seriously tried every labor position possible, but nothing was happening. They finally figured that she was turned transverse (which means sideways), and there wasn't much they could do. They started an IV and gave me some pit to possibly help the labor go faster. I was sooooo ready for drugs by hour 3 of pushing, and I signed the forms. Of course it always takes a few minutes, so by the time the lady got in there to give me something, I was able to finally get the baby out. I told Chad he cursed me that morning by telling me the baby would "slide out." However, we were very relieved to have a healthy baby. She had a serious cone head for the first few days, but the caps always cover that up. She has been such a good baby. She has a very nice temperament, and seems to be very mellow. After she was born she hardly cried, and just laid in Chad's arms for an hour wide awake. She is such a blessing, and we are so grateful to have her in our family.
So much for getting ready and looking good! I don't know how women go through labor and then look fantastic. I need to learn their secret!

Baby Ava

We are happy to welcome our newest addition to our family. Ava Jean Clayson was born 5 days early!! Which basically means that I had nothing ready because I was sure that I had 2 more weeks!
May 20, 2010
12:18 p.m.
7 pounds, 10 ounces
21 inches long

Happy 4th Birthday Owen!

Owen was so excited for his birthday this year. He had the opportunity this year to start going to his friend's birthday parties, so he was sure that he was also having a party. I had not planned the same way he did. He kept asking me all day who was coming to his party, and I told him it was just going to be Claire, Grant and mommy and daddy. He did not think that was the greatest plan. So, at the last minute we invited his cousin Lilly and her family over for pizza - his choice, and then his friend Issac and his family, Ellie and her dad, and Anjie and Makinlee over for cake and ice cream. He was in heaven! Everyone that came through the door he would hug and say, "thank you for coming to my party." It was so cute. Thank you everyone for coming, you made his day. He was happy with all his presents, and was very excited to get a new bike from mom and dad. He loves riding it, and is very good about always wearing his helmet. He had a great day, and has now informed me that since his birthday is over, the baby can now come. He is very serious about that, so we will see what happens.

Spring Dance Recital

Claire loves dance so much. I was so sad to hear that her dance teacher was retiring. She taught her so much, and finally gave her the confidence to finish something to the end. I am now on the search for another small dance company, so hopefully I will find one for next fall. Claire was so excited for her dance recital. She performed two dances this time, one tap, and one ballet. She could hardly wait to wear her new white dress. She has been begging me for weeks, so when it was finally time she was so happy. I was a little paranoid at dress rehearsal because I really didn't need a dirty white dress. She did a great job, and really came a long way from the beginning of the year. Her class knew their dances quite well, and had so much fun. Thank you for coming Grandma and Grandpa, you made her day! I am so proud of you Claire!