Charlotte's Baby

My sister Charlotte had baby Shelby this morning at 4:30 am. She is 6 weeks early, but she seems to be doing well considering. She weighted 4 lbs 13 oz and is approximately 17 inches long.

It all started over a week ago when Charlotte slipped on some ice in front of Ace Hardware. She said she felt like she pulled her groin muscle and she started spotting. Cramps began and she decided to stay at my mom's because she would be close to Ogden Regional Hospital which has a NICU. She stayed there for 3 days and put up her feet, but finally decided to go home.

When she got home, she did a little laundry and decided to take a bath because she had pain running down her legs. Her water broke while getting into the tub. Her husband took her to the local hospital, but they do not have the capabilities to deliver a premature baby. They transported her by ambulance last night to Ogden Regional Hospital in Ogden which is where she is now. I am sure Charlotte will be released tomorrow morning, but the baby will need to stay for a few weeks.

Charlotte has friends and family helping her, but she could always use a call to keep her in high spirits. I love you sis and baby Shelby!

Christmas '09

Uncle Brian and Aunt Danielle gave Guy and Sloan advent calendars at Thanksgiving. Guy really enjoyed counting down the days and eating a little chocolate every night until Christmas. He was the first to wake up on Christmas day and had to wait an agonizing 15 minutes until Sloan woke up. Here is there first look at the Christmas tree and presents.

Cousins Cody and Ella drew Guy and Sloan's names for Christmas. Sloan got a baby doll and a stroller to put her in. She hugged the baby at first. Then she threw her on the ground and crawled into the stroller herself. The stroller turned out to be her favorite gift. Guy got an awesome robot with three wheels on the bottom.

Guy asked Santa for a mixing truck and a piggy bank. He got a big and a little mixing truck and a robot shaped bank. We should have stocked up on batteries so he could use his walkie talkies right away. The batman action figures turned out to be his favorite present.

Grandma Peggy sent a giant box of presents! Guy got a Lego set and a bug catcher. Sloan got a cute picnic set.

Sloan got fancy dresses from Grandpa and Grandma Hinman. Guy got a t-ball set.

Jack and Guy both got skateboards for Christmas. We walked over to the elementary school to practice after lunch.

Jack had 4 days off and it was so nice! We drove up Cedar canyon to go sledding on Sunday. Sloan did not think it was that fun. I think she was cold because she can't warm herself up by running around like we can.

We had to talk Guy into going down on the sled the first time and then he realized how fun it was. He loved the snow and asks to go back all the time.

He wanted to make a snowman, but the snow was too dry. He made a snow angel instead and then got into a snowball fight with dad.

First Birthday!

I can't believe my little baby is a year old! Her birthday was December 15th. She celebrated with my family over Thanksgiving, so just the four of us had cake and opened presents together.

You can see in the next picture that Guy is really excited about presents. He was sad that they weren't for him.

She got a baby doll from Grandma Barbara. She hugs it and hugs it. We have been pretending to feed it will little spoons and a bowl. Guy really wanted the baby.

Grandma Peggy sent some cute clothes.

Grandpa John and Grandma Pam sent beautiful dresses. I think Sloan cherished all the cards she got more than any of the toys or clothes.

Her first cake and frosting. Guy blew out the candle for her.

You know Sloan is done eating when she starts to wear her food. This is the day after her birthday.
It rarely snows in the St. George area, but it happened to snow the day we planned to go the Nature Center to see Santa Clause. I bundled the kids up and we went anyway. I don't have a picture of Santa Clause because it was the worst Santa Clause I have ever seen. His costume was dirty and I think he may have been a disabled man. If you have ever seen the movie Trading Spaces, you will know what this Santa Clause looked like.

Guy took a cold train ride around the grounds first and then Sloan and I squished ourselves into the cart with him for the second trip. Sloan enjoyed the cookies.

Quick Sloan facts:

Average height and head circumference, but underweight. The average weight for a 12 month girl is 21 lbs and she only weighs 16.6 lbs. She just cut her 5th tooth and her 6th is close behind. She stands all the time and is taking a few steps. She enjoys playing with Guy's toys, to Guy's chagrin. She likes all food and eats more than Guy. Maybe she inherited her father's metabolism. We call her Dracula because she likes to chew on things and she doesn't want to sleep through the night.

Holidays Begin

I am glad we are all moved into our new house. We only moved around the corner from Hidden Springs Drive to Expedition Lane, but it was a long process.

I took the kids to my mom's house for Thanksgiving. Jack had work. He sadly ate a bacon sandwich by himself for Thanksgiving. Sloan took her first 3 unassisted steps at Mom's house. Guy was so excited to see snow! He said he wants to try snowboarding, but I think he will get on a board and chicken out.

Uncle Hazen better watch out! Guy is avenging his cousin Cody.
When we got back, we went to the Washington City tree lighting event. I put battery operated Christmas lights on Guy's bike, and he participated in a bike parade around the tree in the park.
Then we went over to see Santa. It was cold, but Guy was so happy to see him and ask him for a mixing truck (he rolled his arms to demonstrate the mixing part).

Santa is the only Jolly one is this photo.