Birth story

It was 2 days before my due date, and it was an understatement to say that I didn't want to be pregnant anymore.

Not to mention Papa's birthday and the baby's due date were the same day.

I really wanted them to have there own birthday.

So my mom, grandma Sassy took Jack and Lucy for the night Friday. 

Matt and I took it easy. And then the morning came. 

I was going to do whatever I could to get this baby out.

So we walked, and walked, and walked. We walked a little over 4 miles that morning.

I even did a couple lunges and ran about 20 steps.

Around noon I started to have small contractions. They lasted about 30 seconds and came pretty much every 20 minutes for a long time. Around 5:00 it seemed they had stopped. I was so bummed. Thinking for sure I was having false labor. 

So I went for another walk.

The contractions started up again but were still very consistent. One every 20 minutes.

As I have mentioned before the Ririe men are dedicated sports fans. Of course the big rival football game was on that night. Utah vs. BYU. And since I didn't know if I was in real labor Matt's parents, brother and his wife, as well as our nieces came over to watch the game.

Not long after they got there we need snacks. My husband offered to go but as I didn't want to have contractions in front of people without my husband there I said I would go.

No one ever said I was smart.

I walked in the store and had a pretty strong contraction. Okay I thought to myself. Grab the chips and go. By the time I made it to the chips I had another. Yea, its time to go home.

I got home and plopped my whale of a self on the couch and started timing. I had a contraction, took a breath, waited, 5 min later another contraction, breath, waited, 8 min later another. 12 min later another. 5 min later another. For 3 hours it went on like this.

I was getting pretty frustrated. My contractions weren't consistent. You were suppose to go to the hospital when they are 5 minutes apart. Ugg

On the bright side the Utes won. On the downside my contraction were still not regular, it was midnight, and I was exhausted.

Everyone said there goodbyes and left. Matt and I debated on calling my mom to come over and watch the kids just in case I need to go to the hospital in the middle of the night. We decided to have her come over. Better safe than sorry. While she was on her way I went to lay down and rest. My mom arrived by 12:30 and I'm sure that was just what I needed. 

The contractions started to come and they came fast. By 12:50 I was having them every 3 to 4 minutes and yea, they were consistent. 

I told Matt it was time to go since we had a longer drive to the hospital. 

We made it by about 1:10. I don't think we knew what we were in for. 

I walk in the front door to the security desk, and had a contraction. He led us to the nurses station. And I had a contraction. 

We got to our room quickly, I got undressed and checked in record time and had many contractions. I was at a 7 and shaking so bad from being in so much pain. 

I swear not even 5 minutes later I was telling them I had the push.

Those nurses on the other hand were in slow motion. 

But boy did I make them move.

The nurse checked me again and I was at a 10. The Dr. (not my Dr. of course) rushed into catch. Our new baby was born. In the water sack of course. Yep my water never broke. 

And he was a boy.

A beautiful 6 lb 15 oz 20 inch long baby boy.

He was so small.

And so alert.

And so cute.

Maxwell John Ririe

We are so in love.

You are the best baby, ever. I'm positive. 
Our family thanks the Lord everyday for what a wonderful addition you are to it.

6 year old Jack

My bug a rug is a 6 year old.

as I dropped him off at school Monday this reality hit me pretty hard.

He is so big. 

He is so smart.

He is so sweet.

He is so sensitive.

He is so special, man oh man is he special. 

It seems it was just the other day when I found out he was making Matt and I and Mommy and Papa.

After 32 hours of labor and a never to do again epidural the sweetest little boy joined our family. 

He was so alert and barely cried. 

We had no idea what we were in for.

Jack has changed my life more than any other person. 

I am so thankful everyday for him and the blessing he is to our little family.

Jack, I pray as you get bigger (taller hopefully, your a little on the short side at the moment and your little sister is catching up to you quickly.) that you stay you. Bud I can't express how amazingly special you are. You have a wonderful personality full of compassion, and love. 

You are a so smart. Right now you love to learn and are a very impressive reader. 

You love music (i know this isn't a new fact). But for your birthday you got a karaoke machine and you haven't left your stage since. 

You are a born entertainer. I'm pretty sure you will grow up to be a Christian rock star or worship leader. Although you swear your going to be a pilot or a cop. (When Papa told you, you could be a cop that flies planes and helicopters your mind was completely blown.)

You are such a good big brother. Lucy and Max are very lucky to have you looking out for them.

More than anything Jack you love the Lord. Please continue to grow in Him. Seek after Him. Lean on Him. Love Him.

He loves you.

So do your Papa and I.

We love you so very very much.

Happy Birthday Bug.

3 Amigos

Ready to have your mind blown?

I am the mother of 3. 

I know being that Max was born in September (story to follow) this has been news for awhile. 

But I swear every morning it blows my mind as I scramble to feed and dress Max who is now 8 weeks old, and get a 3 year old, and a kindergartner who just turned 6 ready for another day.

I gasp at how crazy my life is.  

If only the crazy antics we encounter daily were at the hilarity level that Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, and Martin Short experience while wearing over sized sombreros and singing catchy musical numbers and end in 95 minutes.

Mine on the other hand are things like being spit up on just before walking out the door to work smelling of a 1 month old's regurgitation for the remainder of the day. 

Having my 3 year old locking her door in defiance because she must where her pj's to church and she doesn't want me to get another outfit out of her room and Dad being out of town and not having anyone to get the door open. 

and having Max cry all the way home only to be joined in the "crying" by his brother and sister because its hilarious to them to drive Mommy bonkers.

Life has sure changed in the last 8 weeks. I am pretty sure I am only barely surviving. But with much prayer, very little to no sleep, and constant change I am hanging on to the fact that when I lay my head on my pillow at the end of the day the word exhaustion doesn't begin to describe how I feel. 
But I am also grateful every minute of everyday the good Lord gave me 3 beautiful children to love and mother.