Jay Nolen is Here!

Our handsome little guy is finally here. Labor and delivery went well, and we are so happy to report that we have been blessed with a healthy baby boy. Jay weighed 7lbs 13oz at birth and measured 19.5 in long. He is so perfect! He has his daddy's dimples and looks a lot like Kiley did at birth! We are so excited to bring him home. Kiley and Ryan are ecstatic to have a new brother and eager to help Mommy any way they can. Bryson is not quite so sure about sharing his mommy, but he does seem to really love his new brother. We are so grateful for our children, and we are so happy to have another sweet spirit in our home to love.

End of Pregnancy Update

As you can tell from our countdown, I only have a little over two weeks left, so I thought I should update on my progress.

• I have had 3 other kids and NEVER been this miserable in pregnancy. I am so uncomfortable I could cry (and sometimes I do just that).
• I am fatter and more swollen than I have been since Kiley. How depressing!
• All I ever want is a happy healthy baby, and I am so grateful to be having just that, so please don't take this in any other way, but I want my body back!
• I am 1-2 centimeters dilated, barely effaced, and the baby is so high they can't come anywhere near him. (Not great progress.)
• When we built this house, we didn't put a shelf in the shower. Man! I'm regretting that decision. I CANNOT shave my legs without almost killing myself!
• The older two kids are ecstatic to have a new brother. The littlest one I'm not too sure about. If we talk about the baby to him, he now ignores me and acts like nothing is going on. We got out the swing bouncer etc., and Bryson thinks all these things are great new toys for him. I worry about how he will feel.
• I am so overly worried about everything at this point. It's not just the baby, it's Chris's job, me not finding a job, etc. I need this baby to get here so I can hold him and know he is alright. I also need a name for this baby. My hubby is being a little difficult in this department! Ugh!
• It's Spring Break and I feel so bad for my poor little bored children. We can't really go anywhere because of pregnancy and money, so they are starting to go crazy, but I'm so glad we have a nice backyard.
• I know it will all be over soon, and while part of me is so relieved, the other part of me is a little sad knowing this is our last one. I feel like some huge chapter in my life is coming to a close. Obviously, we have to stop sometime, but I didn't know how old that would make me feel.

Okay, it's been awhile since I've blogged, so here's a quick update. I had a great birthday and Valentines Day last month. I posted a picture of me and the kids eating delicious chocolate covered strawberries on Valentines Day. Chris got some for me and his little princess. I think she'll really like being the only girl!

I also posted a picture of my wonderful husband teaching Ryan how to treat a lady. My feet are killing me in this pregnancy, so he offered to rub them for me, and the kids wanted in on the fun. Hey, any time I can get a foot rub is a good day!

Also, Ryan is growing up way too fast. He learned to ride his bike and now goes everywhere. I am so impressed at how well he does! Girls and boys are so different. When Ki learned to ride she fell hard for the first time and took awhile to try it again. Ryan is the total opposite. He falls and gets right back on. He is such a tough guy!

I also had a wonderful diaper party thanks to Ashlee and my mom! I got so much great stuff, we ate great food, and played fun games. The funnest one involved running across the lawn with a water balloon between the legs without dropping it. Thus, not "breaking your water." It was hilarious, but my camera died just before a got a picture.

One last picture is of Kiley in her adorable acorn costume her Grandma came and made for her. We tied some jean quilts for the boys and made this for her upcoming play! I think she looks so cute!