Welcome to the world...

Krew Micheal VanderLinden. He arrived October 10th at 2:38pm. Tipping the scales at 8 lbs 14 ounces and 21 inches long.

I woke up Saturday morning about 3:30 am with contractions. I could tell that these contractions were not false labour again. I called my mom in AZ and gave her the heads up that today was going to be baby day. My contractions were coming every 3 minutes until about 6. They slowed down just enough to allow me a little power nap. At around 7 the kids were up and Symen was making them pancakes. We headed to hospital and checked in at 10:10.

To my surprise I was already dilated to a 6. Symen, Leah, and Tracee were all there with me. They were great coaches. They helped stay relaxed and focused. Without them I would not have been able to go naturally, which is something I really wanted to do. Things were going along great and when he was ready to come, he came. Two pushes and he was here. My sister who is in OK doing some training before she goes to Iraq was able to Skype in. She actually got see the baby before me. It was great that she was able to share my delivery with me. My mom, arrived shortly after around 4:00 pm.

He is so cute, he looks like Garrit and Zane mixed together. And man a live does this boy have hair. He has a full head of black hair. This would explain my bottle a week of Tums. Also, to no surprise he is a good eater.

The kids are excited that Krew is finally here.

So, here we are one big happy family. There is a sweet peace in knowing that my family is complete, that all my angles are here for me to love. I have a wonderful family and I am truly blessed by loving Heavenly Father.

P.S. I am doing great and I am feeling wonderful.

Things never slow down.

Here I am only 4 days away from my due date and Emilee has a cold (which she is almost over)and Zaner is throwing up. So, I am asking all of you to put out positive thoughts out and prayers that Zane is only suffering from a 24 hour stomach bug.

My doctor appointment yesterday was uneventful. Nothing has changed. Yesterday that bumbed me out, today I think it is good news. Lets keep him in until the rest of family is healthy.

Dry Run...

Yesterday while watching conference, I started have some contractions. About 5 hours later they were 5 minutes apart. So, we packed up and headed to the hospital. By the time we got there I was in a good pattern. As soon as they hooked me up to the monitors, they stopped. Not just slowed down, they completely stopped. They soon started up and again and Symen and I started walking the halls. After walking the halls and waiting for the doctor, who happen to be there doing a c-section, the contractions were 2 minutes apart and back pains were kicking in. I really thought we would be having a baby. However, my cervix did not change. It has been the same for the last two weeks. So, we decided to go home and get some sleep. I was positive we would be back. However, to my surprise I woke up this morning and no contractions. False Labour.

So to no surprise this little guy is happy right were he is at. I am feeling good today, however, I am a little tired from the lack of sleep. But other than that, all is well. I will keep you up to date.

Pregnancy Update...

Well here I am in my 38th week of pregnancy. According to the doctor this little guy is very happy were he is at. He still has not dropped and I am only about 1 or 2 cm dilated. I have a feeling that he is like his older brother, Zane. That kid never dropped until I was in full labor and dilated to a 5. But I am in no hurry to have him. My mom does not come up until the 13th.

This has been a good pregnancy for me. I don't feel as big as I look, so that is good. But now I understand why when I ask "how do I look?" the response is "You look very pregnant."

All is well and he will be here soon. His cradle, changing table, and cloths are all ready for him. Everyday, Emilee asks "are you going to the hospital today?" The kids are very excited to meet their baby brother and so am I. The count down has started and I will keep you updated on Krew's arrival.

Showered with love....

Saturday, my girlfriends from Heber came down to shower Krew and I with love and fun. We started our day getting pedicures. It was great because we were all in one room and were able to chat and laugh. Even at the age of 30 we were told we were being kind of loud for the salon. Seriously, what do expect when you get 5 women together.

After our pedicures, we did a little shopping. I found a cute little Halloween costume for Krew, I will post that later. After shopping we headed downtown Salt Lake to Bennihanna for lunch. Oh my goodness, I was in heaven. I have come to the stage in my pregnancy were I am not a fan of eating, well because there is no room. However, the food was awesome and even had some sushi. After our lunch we walked to the conference center, to attend the Relief Society Broadcast. This was my first time going to a conference. It was amazing. The Spirit that the Prophet brings in the room with him is unbelievable. The talks were great and I left feeling uplifted.

I had a great day spending time with my friends and enjoy the company of great women and getting some cute outfits for Krew. It was great to take the time for me before my little man arrives.

Backing up...

To the Heber Derby. It is sad to sad to say but I can't remember when we went to the derby. I do remember it was during our 2 week move. However, it was one of the highlights of the summer. This year once again we had the threat of rain. Luckily, it never came. Probably, because I was prepared this time.

Zane loved it. His favorite part was the tractors. "Mom, look at that big tractor." He loved watching them clean up and move cars around, which is good because this year it seem like it took forever in between rounds.

Garrit loved watching the cars crash. They would come out and he would pick his favorite and make everyone else pick too. To my surprise, he usually picked the winner.

We all had a great time at the derby this year. There were a couple of people they brought the ambulance in for, which added to the kids excitement. It was a fun time and hopefully we can go again next year.

Labor Day...Lake Powell

We rented a camper and loaded up the family and headed down to Halls Crossing. The kids were so excited about staying in the camper we could of just rented a camper and left it in the driveway for the weekend.

The kids loved sitting in the front of the boat and feeling the wind on their face. They were like dogs hanging their heads out a window. The would scream and say "go faster, Dad". Unfortunately, the result from them in the front of the boat was wind chapped faces.

We spent the days on the lake, then we would go back to the camper for dinner, movie, and bed. Symen took the kids tubing and hydro sliding. The first day I am not sure who was more tired. The kids or Dad.

Emilee, tried everything. She was able to pull herself up on the hydro slide, water ski, and she even tried to wake board. I think next year will be the year for the wake board.

Garrit, loved to swim off the back of the boat. He would just jump in and out all day. We did eventually get him on the hydro slide and the tub. He had fun, but wasn't thrilled to do it again.

Zane did everything we would let him. He went on the tub and the hydro slide with Dad. He loved every minute of it.

We had some friends that parked their boat at a beach, so everyday we would go to the beach and have some lunch and play in the sand.

Symen took the kids for a little hike.

Dad and Emilee on the hydro-slide. I laughed so hard watching these two, I thought I was going to go into labor.

Garrit and Dad on the hydro-slide. Is that a smile I see on Garrit?

Things went more smoothly with Zaner. Zane is loving it.

Hanging out at the beach.

Poor Garrit, the kid is so skinny, his pants would not stay up at all.

We had such a great time. It was good to spend some time together as a family, before things get turned upside down with the baby coming. As a kid Symen would go to Lake Powell with his family, he really enjoyed sharing this with his kids. I can't wait for next year when I will look good in a bath suit and be able to ski and play with the rest of them.