It's Picture Time!

With Hailee quickly approaching a month old and Abigail turning 2 in December; Mitzi and I decided that it was time to get pictures of the kids. Every time I thought of this upcoming appointment chills would go down my spine. I vividly remember out last attempt. Benjamin was turning 5 and Abigail was turning 18 months old. Oh the frustration! Would this time be the same? Would Abigail be a pill again? Absolutely!

I swear Abigail is so strong willed. If it’s not her idea, if it’s not what she wants, and if it’s uncomfortable it hurts and she has a tantrum. Bribes don’t work and treats don’t either. Reverse psychology sometimes works – but only for a short moment and then she figures out what is going on. It got so bad at one point that I told the photographer to take a picture of Abigail’s “brake down.” Just picture it – face in hands, full out tears, hair in complete disorder and she is screaming “No Daddy No!”

Of course, Benjamin was trying everything to help and Hailee was getting hungry and tired – but she hung in there. So enjoy!

Hailee Hanging Out!

One of the few that we got of Abby!

Hailee Just Chillin' - Being cute!

Abby only wanted pictures of Her in this chair!

Hailee with the bear!

Abby in her chair!

Hailee with her Big Brother!

Introducing Hailee Jo Thompson

Our new bundle of joy has arrived early. Mitzi’s c-section was scheduled for November 9th as her due date was November 16th. Hailee decided she wanted to be an October baby – so she came on October 29th at 8:01 PM weighing 7lbs 8oz measuring 20¼ inches long.

Our last scheduled c-section with Abby was simple, the date was set, we arrived at the hospital at our designated time and 45 minutes later we had our baby girl. Benjamin was a little different, we arrived at the hospital around 5:00 PM to be induce – the next morning he was delivered via c-section. Both fairly organized and when we plan for them.

Of course I am thinking Hailee will be the same. No worry, no need to rush, no advanced planning needed. My last business trip was scheduled from October 26th to the 29th (yes I did say the 29th…) giving me a week and a half before her scheduled c-section and 2 ½ weeks before her due date… No problems… Yea right…

On the 29th while I was in Wisconsin I spoke to Mitzi that morning; I knew she had her Dr’s appt for that afternoon and the kids would be with Grandma while Mitzi was at her visit.

I left the Milwaukee office around noon to catch my 2:00 PM flight which had a layover in Detroit (I know, don’t ask my why Detroit) and then direct to Salt Lake arriving just after 7:00 PM. My flights were uneventful and Mitzi and I even emailed back and forth during my layover. I was sooo tried on my way home that for most of the 4½ hour flight I was trying to sleep with little luck. I remember thinking to myself: I just want to get home, take a shower and sleep as I was still very sick.

As we landed, I had an impression to turn on my cell phone which I never do. I see its 7:10 and my battery is below its last bar reading red… Immediately my phone started vibrating and alerting me of voice mails, emails and text messages. The message that stood out the most as if it were bolded in RED had in the subject line: “Water busted, drive fast for c-section”

What the heck? Is this a joke? Other messages I see were from Melissa, voice mails from Mitzi’s parents, and more missed calls from my mom… So I call Ry, “Is this for real or is it a joke?” I questioned him. “It looks like your having a baby so get over to the hospital!” Was his quick reply. I then call Melissa and she is telling me the same thing… I asked her to please stay with Mitzi and I will get there as soon as possible.

I look up from my seat and realize, yes I am on the back of the plane – and there is NO way I am getting off any sooner. Inside I feel there is no way I am going to make it. As I deplane with my carryon bag I begin to run to the long term parking shuttle. I knew from earlier travel that month that the shuttles were not stopping in order due to construction and I had purposely parked at stop 9 as this was the new first stop. But was it still I questioned myself.

I quickly ask the driver if we could immediately leave and if she could take me directly to stop nine as I just received a message that my wife was in the hospital having our baby. She was a doll and began quickly diving to my stop. As we circle the airport I shook my head and began thinking to myself… “What is up with all this timing? Why am I getting a new job right as we are having a new baby? Why are we moving with a new baby in the winter? And sooo far away? Why could it not have been AZ? Why did our house sell in less than 20 days? Why is Mitzi in labor now???”

Suddenly, my aching heart, my questioning mind and my quivering hands all ceased and peace filled my soul. Tears came to my eyes as I knew the Heavenly Father was taking care of everything and that this was His time not mine, His plan not ours, and His course for us. “Please Heavenly Father; help me get there in time…” I whispered to myself.

I got off the bus and rushed to my car and I began drive to the Hospital. But now I was calm, cool and collected. I knew everything was going to be ok. I just knew it! Traffic was non existent, lights were all green and I had arrived at the IMC Hospital in less than 40 minutes from landing. WOW… I ran to the women’s pavilion and nurse had my clothing waiting for me. I quickly changed and walked into the operating room. I see Mitzi on the table, Mellissa by her head and the Dr looks up and says: “Perfect timing, we were just going to start! I didn’t think you were going to make it.”

It was now 7:55 PM and the c-section began and at 8:01 PM little Hailee Jo was born. Thank you Morgan’s for always standing next to our family always lending your helpful hand. I knew Mitzi was being taken care of and that you would be next to her side. (What are we every going to do without you guys?) Thank you Jalane for immediately watching the kids until my mom could pick them up. Thank you mom for watching Benjamin and Abigail when they were sooo sick – I know it was hard. Thank you Morgan’s, Smith’s and McKinnon’s for some yummy food! Thank you RC1st Ward RS for your visit – we will miss you. Thank you Dennis and Louise for spending a week with us after we came home from the hospital.

And thank you Heavenly Father for allowing me to be there for the birth of a healthy baby girl - Hailee Jo, for Mitzi’s speedy recovery and the perfect timing at the right place at the right time!!!

Now its time for some pictures!

Aunt Kris

The kids have a favorite… Her name is Aunt Kris! For the last 5 years Aunt Kris has spoiled Benjamin, Abigail and now Hailee.

They love their Aunt Kris! She is always cooking with them, playing with them, going to the movies with them, and of course she is always buying them way too much stuff!

Aunt Kris is fun, she loves to go shopping, and she loves to eat at Café Rio – a family favorite. She also brings her friend Aunt Jalane; which of course loves the same things!

Thank you Aunt Kris for being the BEST Aunt ever, we love you!

Benjamin Need’s Your Help – The Gingerbread Man

We have a special favor to ask all of our friends and family with! Benjamin came home with the following note in his backpack.

In Kindergarten we will be reading the story of the gingerbread man. After reading the story we will be baking a gingerbread man. As a surprise for the children, when we go to get it out of the oven it will have disappeared. I would appreciate it if you would ask friends or relatives to send us a postcard telling us they have spotted the gingerbread man where they live. We will then find their location on a map and keep track of where the gingerbread man has traveled. He will then find his way back to us the last week of December.

Please have the postcards to the school by Dec 22nd.

Please have friends in disguise mail postcards to:
Mrs. Jacksons Kindergarten AM Class
C/O Herriman Elementary School
13170 S 6000 W Herriman, Utah 84096

Sample postcard:

Dear Mrs. Jacksons Kindergarten Class:
My name is Aunt Kris and I am Benjamin’s Aunt. I just wanted to let you know that I spotted the gingerbread man here in Idaho. He was wearing a cowboy hat and was riding a potato. He got away before I could catch him.
Sincerely
Aunt Kris

Please place Benjamin’s name in the body of the post card as the kids get so excited that someone they know saw the Gingerbread Man.

Thanks for your help and support - I know Benjamin will LOVE hearing from everyone!

The White Rose

Years ago, before we had our children, Mitzi was speaking with an acquaintance regarding a recent birth in his family. He shared with her a tradition he had started with the birth of his first child and had carried on over the years. It was a very thoughtful tradition so I decided I would do it as well with my own twist. It has to do with flowers and I love Mitzi getting them so it worked out great!

With the recent and most likely last addition to our family; I thought it would be appropriate to blog about the white rose tradition. White in general often represents purity, cleanliness, and innocence. Some things that are white off the top of my head are: Temples, a bride’s wedding dress, a man’s dress shirts, angles are almost always wearing white robes, the White House, and the medical industry or professionals in the industry are often depicted in white. People are always wanting “whiter” teeth. Ok enough of that… I am rambling…

So the tradition…

With the birth of our children I have purchased a dozen red roses with an additional white rose placed in the middle representing the birth of our child – first one Benjamin. I remember Mitzi receiving the first delivery. The roses were beautiful, the white rose almost seemed like it rose above the red ones in the middle. It made me think, with our love, this new white rose will rise above us.

With Abigail, again the dozen red and this time I did two white roses. I didn’t want to only celebrate the new birth but the existing one as well. It was cute – the two white roses seem to huddle together again surround by the symbolism of our love.

With Hailee, now the three white roses seemed to create an even balance in the flower arrangement - like the three together made our family complete, holding together, balancing each other, lifting and supporting each other.

I am excited to see how our family dynamics will change with Hailee; to see how all of us will not only adjust, but celebrate and treasure her. I have a strong feeling how Benjamin will respond, protective, helpful and loving – just as he did with Abigail. Abby on the other hand could go either way. Can’t wait to see!

Our Last Sunday - In Memory

Over the next couple of months I feel like we will be having quite a few of these “our last” moments/thoughts/adventures. Don’t get me wrong! Again, I know we are doing the right thing – I am just trying to pay more attention to/being grateful for these moments, places, and people we love in Utah.

So this entry will be about our last Sunday in our Rosecrest 1st Ward. To be honest it was hard, very hard but I would not have changed a thing. This last Saturday we had a member in our Ward that passed away. He was a wonderful man and an example to many. Don will be remembered by all. It was hard to see him go. What compounded the loss of Don is that a year ago yesterday we lost a young man in our Ward.

Loosing Keltson was devastating for our Ward. As we watched, cried, and served his loving family – we all lost apart of ourselves. I have personally never been affected so greatly by someone passing away before. Our family didn’t know Keltson very well. We only had 4 very personal experiences with him. But in that short amount of time – he had an impact. I believe this was the case with many who met Keltson.

Keltson is an echo of his family – so this gives you an idea about how amazing his parents and two sisters are. Watching his family grieve about tore me apart. I don’t think I have ever worried, cried over, and prayed for another family in my Ward like this before. This is what affected me the most. I knew Keltson was being taken care of, but how could we/what could we do for his surviving family? As Keltson’s mother shared her testimony Sunday – I began crying before she even reached the podium. Her testimony brought healing to the Ward.

They say time heals. I don’t think it does; I think it just distances us. As our Sunday progressed, I could not stop thinking about another family in our Ward that I love so dearly. They lost their baby girl, Miranda about 4 years ago. I remember seeing her for the last time. She was sitting on her fathers lap at a BBQ and our family strolled by. I remember thinking how adorable that picture was – seeing her on her fathers lap. This was just days before the tragic news quickly spread through our Ward and again our Ward family was affected.

I will never forget these three beautiful people as I feel it would be a dishonor to them and their families. So to the P’s, The B’s and the Q’s – know that our thoughts, our prayers, and our tears are a demonstration of our love and support.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, this was our last Sunday in the Rosecrest 1st Ward. A Ward that we laughed with, cried with, served with, and learned with. I would not have changed this last Sunday as it was in memory of these three. I just wished we had not lost them in the first place. We Love you Don, Keltson and Miranda.

HE Double Hockey Sticks…

The last couple of days have been Hell! But we are making it! We listed our home for sale on September 22nd and 10 days later we are under contract being asked to move in two weeks… Yes you read correctly – two weeks. UGH! On top of that Mitzi is in her last weeks of pregnancy and I am starting my new job and will be out of town all next week.

How are we ever going to make it? Yesterday I sent an email to our ward letting them know of the recent changes and our call for help! When we arrived home late last night – we already had some boxes on our doorstep. I LOVE THESE PEOPLE and we are going to miss them sooo much! To the Herriman Rosecrest 1st ward – we love you and thank you and we will miss you sooo much! With them we can make this work!

Please keep us in your prayers – we need them!